Key Highlights:
- Dead Format releases on December 10, 2025 for PCs on Steam.
- This solo indie project is led by Katanalevy.
- The game is an experimental format that borrows elements from Silent Era films and more.
Dead Format is shaping up to be a rather intriguing horror title. The indie game is a one man effort, shaped from the top to bottom by developer Katanalevy, being published by Oro Interactive.
With that in mind, here’s what you need to know ahead of the game’s December 10, 2025 launch worldwide.
When Does Dead Format Launch and What Are It’s Supported Platforms?
Dead Format is expected to launch on December 10, 2025. That is, some time within the next two weeks.
The game is currently a PC exclusive title, being released on Steam at present. It is hoped that there is Compatibility with alternative operating systems such as SteamOS and macOS (on release via compatibility tools, not a native build) on launch on in the future.
What Is Dead Format About?
Dead Format can be best described as an experimental take on storytelling in a video game format. The game basically has you navigate through as the player in a series of interactive cursed VHS tapes.
The game is set in 1990s Scotland, where the player character begins a frantic search for his brother, after his mysterious disappearance. This is also tied to the emergence of a strange VHS format, and rumors of a government mandated ban on ‘Video Ghastlies’.
Each set piece in Dead Format has been crafted specifically for the game, which includes but isn’t limited to props, costumes, and the aforementioned VHS footage.
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The game borrows elements from Silent Era films, Italian Giallo and body horror, crafting a rather unique experience of its own, which sounds like a video game adaptation of the V/H/S series.
Dead Format is also a ‘mixed media game’ which in other words means that the game crafts together gameplay and VHS footage in a seamless manner. Gameplay is also expected to be heavily reliant on the survival horror trope, although we should have access to a variety of weapons to depend ourselves with, which is expected to be unique to each ‘world’.
More on Developer Katanalevy
Katanalevy is a solo developer, who has also worked as an environment artist. Their other works include Deamonologic, which appears to be just as experimental in its nature as Dead Format. Both games share a sinister horror backdrop with an emphasis on player immersion and capturing the horrors of the unknown.
Also known as Chris Evry, this Scottish solo developer has their expertise in blending together multiple themes of gothic and visceral horror.
Katanalevy’s previous works include Cardiac and the Symphony of Seven Souls as well.
