Game Atelier has delivered a major Early Access update for Follow Us, reworking the second level and adding controller and Steam Deck support, but ongoing development is now on hold due to low sales
Game Atelier has released the first significant Early Access update for Follow Us, its asymmetrical horror title, just one month after the game's initial launch. The update brings a complete overhaul of the second level, new input options, and additional features, but also marks a pause in active development as the studio responds to lower-than-expected sales.
Major Update Details
The headline change in this update is a full rework of Level 2, A Night with DJ Susan. Player feedback since launch consistently highlighted that this stage was less engaging and less frightening than the rest of the game. In response, Game Atelier has rebuilt the level from the ground up, aiming to deliver a more intense and enjoyable experience. The revised version is now live for all Early Access players.
Alongside the level redesign, the update introduces full controller support and compatibility with Steam Deck, broadening the ways players can experience the game. Players can also now change their character skin, adding a layer of customisation that was previously unavailable. These additions are intended to address common requests and improve accessibility across different hardware setups.
Development Status and Roadmap
Despite these improvements, Game Atelier has confirmed that active development on Follow Us is being paused. The studio cites insufficient sales during the Early Access period as the reason for this decision, making it unsustainable to maintain a dedicated development team. While the game will remain available and playable in its current state, the previously published Early Access roadmap is now on hold. The studio has stated it will continue to monitor feedback and address critical bugs where possible, but no further major content updates are planned for the foreseeable future.
Follow Us was developed entirely through self-funding, covering all aspects from development and localisation to marketing and outreach. The studio's statement emphasises that, despite the setback, they are grateful to the players who supported the project and remain open to suggestions and bug reports. This approach mirrors the challenges faced by other independent developers, as seen when Sword_Guild launched Silver Blade of Gods' End with a limited-time discount to attract early players, as covered in our recent report on indie launch strategies.
Gameplay Structure and Features
Follow Us is built around asymmetrical co-op, with each round assigning players to one of two roles: the Explorer (EXY), who navigates a haunted environment, and the Operator (OPY), who remains in a van and manipulates the environment to assist their partner. The game's design focuses on communication, tension, and the interplay between isolation and connection, with each stage introducing unique mechanics that require different types of teamwork and problem-solving.
The visual style is deliberately lo-fi, drawing inspiration from PSone-era graphics to ensure clarity and immediate readability. The game supports full text and menu localisation in thirteen languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Turkish, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. This broad localisation effort reflects Game Atelier's commitment to accessibility, even as development pauses.
Platform Support and Studio Background
Follow Us is available exclusively on PC via Steam, with the latest update ensuring compatibility with both controllers and Steam Deck. The addition of these features is intended to make the game more accessible to a wider audience, particularly those who prefer handheld or living-room play. Game Atelier, founded in 2010, is known for titles such as Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom and Otherskin, and has a track record of blending creative design with technical expertise. With Follow Us, the studio returned to fully independent, self-funded development, prioritising creative freedom and in-house production.
At present, there is no indication of when or if active development on Follow Us will resume. The game remains playable, and the studio has not ruled out returning to the project should circumstances change. For now, players can experience the updated content and continue to provide feedback through official channels.
Early Access is a release model that allows players to purchase and play a game before its full launch, often while development is ongoing. This approach gives developers the opportunity to gather feedback, test features, and refine gameplay based on real-world use. However, it also means that content, features, and support can change rapidly-or, as in the case of Follow Us, be paused or halted entirely if sales do not meet expectations. Players considering Early Access titles should be aware that development plans are not guaranteed and that the final product may differ significantly from initial versions.
