Internal incident Gameplay

In late 2025, Internal Incident has established itself as a standout title in the “extraction horror” subgenre. Developed and published by Deadly Donut, the game gained significant attention following a major development update in August 2025 that introduced its highly anticipated multiplayer system.

While the full release is currently targeted for Q1 2026, the game has been playable in various pre-release and playtest formats throughout the latter half of 2025.

1. The Core Gameplay: Top-Down Terror

Internal Incident is a top-down survival horror extraction shooter. It blends the high-stakes inventory management of Escape from Tarkov with the claustrophobic atmosphere of sci-fi horror.

• The Extraction Loop: You are deployed into a vast, dark underground facility. Your goal is to scavenge for high-value resources, technology, and lore fragments, then reach an extraction point before you are overwhelmed.
• Light as a Resource: The facility is pitch black. Light is your most valuable asset, but also your greatest weakness. Using a flashlight helps you see “terrifying creatures” lurking in the dark, but it also alerts them to your exact position.
• Arsenal & Customization: You can gear up with a wide variety of weaponry, ranging from standard pistols to heavy grenade launchers. Between runs, you manage your stash and upgrade your equipment using the loot you successfully extracted.

2. Standout Features in 2025

• Co-op Synergy: The game is designed for Online Co-op. Two flashlights are better than one, and players must watch each other’s backs during “descents” where light sources are limited.
• AI Integration: The developers at Deadly Donut have been transparent about using Generative AI for some of the game’s assets (icons, models, and text) to help their small team achieve a massive scope.
• Procedural Elements: While the facility has a cohesive lore, the layout of resources and enemy spawns features procedural variety, ensuring that “don’t let greed get the best of you” remains a central theme as you decide how deep to go.

3. The Atmosphere

The game is heavily focused on Atmospheric Horror. It utilizes:

• Jumpscares: Unexpected ambushes from the dark.
• Psychological Tension: The “Unknown” is the primary enemy. The further down you descend, the less light you find and the more “disturbing” the creatures become.
• Gore & Violence: The game features mature themes, including blood and graphic violence, which helped it earn its “Violent” and “Horror” tags on Steam.

4. Summary Table