Square Enix Debuts "Killer Inn" Social Deduction Game

During today's Summer Game Fest showcase, Square Enix unveiled a new social deduction game, Killer Inn.

Developed by Tactics Studio, Killer Inn is a murder mystery that splits players into two teams: Lambs and Wolves, placing them together in a vast mansion. The Wolves' objective is to eliminate all the Lambs, while the Lambs must identify the Wolves to stop their killing spree, as teammates are unknown at the start.

Players explore the mansion, gathering survival tools, gear, and weapons from chests and merchants throughout. Tokens earned from completing quests can be used to unlock special chests for better equipment. With over 20 unique characters to choose from, each with distinct abilities that level up during matches, everyone can equip various weapons—from guns and knives to grenades—to defend against the opposing team.

When a player is murdered, a clue such as hair, skin, fingerprints, blood, or clothing is left on their body, helping players deduce the killer. The game conveniently tracks these clues, using UI markers to highlight increasing suspicion about potential Wolves.

Once a Lamb identifies a Wolf, they must eliminate them before more killings occur. However, killing another Lamb results in automatic elimination, discouraging reckless actions. Safe zones are also available where Wolves cannot attack, as staff will expose their identity. Additionally, Lambs can win by unlocking and escaping on a boat from the harbor, though this is a difficult task.

Killer Inn is preparing for a closed beta on Steam soon, but a release date has not been announced yet.