Bureau of Contacts—Everything We Know

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our daily lives, from workplaces to households, reshaping the norm as we know it. Now, developers are harnessing its immense power to redefine the gaming landscape. MiroWin Studio is set to inject a breath of fresh air into the horror genre with its upcoming title, Bureau of Contacts.

With unprecedented jump scares tailored to your decisions, Bureau of Contacts offers a truly interactive paranormal experience like no other. As we delve into every detail, we unveil exclusive insights to whet your appetite before the game's highly anticipated launch later this year. Get ready to face the unknown. Here is Bureau of Contacts—Everything We Know. 

What is Bureau of Contacts?

Bureau of Contacts is an upcoming co-op horror game in which players take on the role of a paranormal investigator. where players step into the shoes of paranormal investigators. It stands out as the pioneering title to introduce a ‘neural network' as the antagonist. This innovative AI transcends traditional AI generative models by delving deeper into context analysis and adaptive responses, offering players a uniquely immersive experience unlike any other in the genre.

According to the devs, the AI can “make decisions on their own will and reasoning, parodying human behavior and “cause and effect relationships.” As a result, you have to be careful about what you say. For horror enthusiasts weary of tired tropes, Bureau of Contacts promises an immersive experience that breaks free from clichés. Gone are the days of navigating through predictable corridors, bracing for the inevitable jump scare triggered by prolonged silence. Instead, prepare yourself for a spine-chilling journey where every action and word you utter has consequences.

Story

Bureau of Contacts doesn't have a defined storyline so far. What we know is that it will approach the paranormal head-on. As a Bureau agent, you won't be investigating crime. Instead, you'll explore haunted houses to contact and investigate paranormal entities. Beyond investigation, the game also includes exorcisms as part of its ‘clear and sequential stages.' However, completing the cycle depends on your survival and teamwork.

Here is the game's official description:

As an agent of the Bureau, contact and investigate paranormal entities. The game cycle includes clear and sequential stages of investigation and exorcism, the success of which depends on effective teamwork and… your survival. 

Gameplay

Brace yourself for the heart-pounding world of Bureau of Contacts, where you'll plunge headfirst into the abyss of paranormal investigation. Here, you'll confront otherworldly entities with the task of potentially exorcizing them from existence. But beware, fellow investigator, for this is no mere stroll in the park. 

The game will feature coop gameplay, with one to four players traversing unique environments, each with a diverse layout. However, the game also gives you the option to brave the spectral terrors alone, but with a warning,' at your own risk.'

Moreover, the game will arm you with an arsenal of cutting-edge gadgets to locate the ghosts. Players will rely on tools like the Electromagnetic Field Meter to detect the eerie presence of these entities lurking in the shadows. In a video where the devs explain how the neural network works, the character is seen holding a radio and speaking into it. 

Later, after going through a few doors, the ghastly entity appears. But locating them alone isn't enough to exorcize the ghosts. Players will also need to ‘learn the characteristics of a variety of ghosts and other supernatural phenomena to effectively confront them.' Beyond this, you will also get magic spells and exorcism rituals to take down the ghosts. The game creates a unique experience for players thanks to the diverse ghost behaviors and stories that make every experience memorable. 

Also, as you progress through the game, a robust progression system awaits, allowing you to enhance your character and their abilities. With rewards, experience, collection, and trade systems in place, every step forward brings fresh opportunities.

But the thrills don't end there. The game also promises VR support, generative room layouts, and the innovative use of astral and medium functions. Ideally, Bureau of Contacts offers a horror experience unlike any other.

Development

Bureau of Contacts is an ingenious project by MiroWin Studios. The Ukraine-based studio was founded in 2017 and has over 20 members. The team is behind the development and publication of five projects, including Federation 77, Tinshift, and Boiling Steel. 

Moreover, the studio is working on another PC title, Redemption of the Damned, which is described as a ‘future PC survival horror in the scenery of XVII century Europe.' Let's just say that the studio is aiming to redefine the horror genre, and I can't wait to see what more they have in store.

What truly sets Bureau of Contacts apart is its groundbreaking use of AI technology, employing neural networks to dictate the unpredictable behavior of the ghostly adversaries. Prepare for heart-stopping surprises as each encounter unfolds in unpredictable ways, promising an unparalleled level of immersion and suspense.

Trailer

If you're wondering what this upcoming title looks like, good news, we have a trailer. The video briefly shows the players navigating a dark house using flashlights as their only source of light. We also see one of the instruments you'll be using to locate the apparitions. And to stick to its true spirit, the game's trailer ends with an unexpected scare.  

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Bureau of Contacts is slated for release this June as early access. However, the developers have not provided a concrete launch date. We can, however, confirm that the game will exclusively launch on PC (through Steam). 

Additionally, we don't have information on the editions to expect since so many details remain scarce at the moment. However, you can always follow the developer’s official social media handle here to keep track of new updates. Meanwhile, we'll watch out for new information and let you know as soon as anything pops up.

So, what's your take? Will you pick up a copy of Bureau of Contacts when it drops? Let us know over on our socials here.