Co-Op Horror Game Is Blowing Up on Steam

Escape the Backrooms, a game that's been in early access since 2022, is currently blowing up on Steam, surpassing 30,000 concurrent players shortly after its 1.0 launch. Steam has hundreds of co-op horror games, but few have achieved the same level of success as Escape the Backrooms.

PC gamers are likely aware that co-op games have been gaining popularity on Steam in recent years. And one genre that has consistently embraced the co-op format is horror, with hits like R.E.P.O. And Lethal Company leading the charge. Escape the Backrooms follows that same trend, and despite being around for a while, it's now seeing a surge in player count for good reason.

Open World Co-Op Game Is Blowing Up on Steam

An open-world co-op game passes an impressive milestone in active players shortly after release, becoming one of the most played titles on Steam.

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By Mohsen Baqery

Escape the Backrooms' 1.0 Launch Leads to Massive Player Count Surge

On October 23, the Steam page for Escape the Backrooms announced the release of its 1.0 version after nearly three years in early access. Shortly after, Steam charts showed a massive surge in concurrent players, with nearly 36,000 horror game enthusiasts playing simultaneously at one point. Interestingly, this new record is almost double the game's previous all-time peak, marking the 1.0 launch as a major success for developer Fancy Games. For those interested in trying Escape the Backrooms, the game is currently discounted to $7 USD, down from its regular price of about $8.

Escape the Backrooms Concurrent Player Count Trends

Date	Peak Concurrent Player Count
January 2023	3,301
June 2023	10,770
January 2024	16,529
October 2025	35,897

In terms of gameplay, Escape the Backrooms places teams of up to four players in maze-like puzzle rooms filled with various threats, challenging them to find a way out. The premise draws inspiration from urban legends about the backrooms, which have spawned countless internet creepypastas and indie horror games on Steam expanding on the concept. One of the things that makes Escape the Backrooms stand out as a co-op experience is its use of proximity chat, allowing both teammates and the strange creatures nearby to hear one another.

With the launch of Escape the Backrooms' 1.0 version, developer Fancy Games has introduced a wealth of new content, including four additional levels and multiple alternate endings. Many returning players are diving back in to experience these new features, which also promise to boost the game's replay value. The update brings major visual improvements as well, putting it on par with some of the most immersive horror games on Steam. Even better, the developer has hinted at more surprises to come and confirmed that the game will continue receiving new content for at least the next two years.

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