Square Enix Reveals Killer Inn, Team Social Deduction Game

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

Developed by Tactics Studio, Killer Inn is a murder mystery game that splits players into two teams: Lambs and Wolves. They are placed together in a large mansion where nobody initially knows their teammates' identities. The Wolves aim to eliminate all the Lambs, while the Lambs must uncover the Wolves' identities to end their killing spree.

Players explore the mansion and gather survival tools, gear, and weapons from chests and merchants located throughout. Completing quests earns tokens that can be used to unlock special chests for superior equipment. With over 20 character options, each possessing unique abilities that can be upgraded during a match, players can equip various weapons—from guns and knives to grenades—to defend against the opposing team.

When a player is killed, the murderer leaves a clue on the body—such as hair, skin, fingerprints, blood, or clothing—that helps identify the culprit. These clues assist in narrowing down the Wolves. Fortunately, the game automatically tracks clues and uses UI markers to show when someone becomes increasingly suspicious.

Once a Lamb identifies a Wolf, they must eliminate them before more killings occur. However, accidentally killing another Lamb results in automatic elimination, discouraging reckless violence. Safe zones are available where Wolves cannot kill Lambs, as nearby staff would expose the Wolves. An alternate win condition involves Lambs unlocking and escaping on a harbor boat, though this is a difficult task.

Killer Inn is preparing for a closed beta on Steam in the near future, though a specific release date has not been announced.