Please Insert Disc: Everything We Know

Night Signal Entertainment, a rising indie game developer known for pushing creative boundaries, recently introduced its latest project: Please Insert Disc. This game, designed with a unique and nostalgic twist, taps into retro gaming vibes that transport players back to the early days of computer games. While the developers have kept most details under wraps, the announcement alone has sparked curiosity and excitement within the gaming community, creating a buzz among fans eager for something innovative.

The game is still in development, and its release date is yet to be announced. Fortunately, we know enough to give you a good idea of what to expect. Here is everything we know about Please Insert Disc. 

What is Please Insert Disc?

Do you remember how, back in the 2000s, consoles would often show “Disc Read Error” or “Please Insert Disc” in the middle of an exciting game? It was a frustrating experience, but it is now the premise of an exciting new game. 

Please Insert Disc is a new puzzle horror game inspired by this concept. It is the latest game from indie developer Night Signal Entertainment. Essentially, players solve puzzles to troubleshoot errors that prevent them from playing various games with diverse themes, genres, and playstyle designs. Notably, while the game is still under development, it is already available for wishlist on Steam. 

Story

The story behind Please Insert Disc is simple and one that many gamers who were still around back in the 2000s can relate to. It takes you back to the year 2002, back when consoles were great but not perfect. 

You have just gotten home and booted up your console, ready to unwind with a fun game. Unfortunately, something goes wrong with the console. The startup menu disappears, the music screeches to a sow end, and a red screen appears with a damning message: Disc Read Error: Please Insert Disc. However, the way to solve the error is unconventional. You must navigate deep within the systems and menus of a fictional gaming console and solve puzzles to troubleshoot the problem. 

Admittedly, there is not much of a background story behind Please Insert Disc. However, you don’t need one to enjoy solving the puzzles and enjoy other activities on the side. 

Gameplay

The question on most people’s minds is how the game integrates puzzles and a horror theme with the game’s unique premise. Admittedly, the developers haven’t shared enough information to paint a clear gameplay picture. The overall idea is to solve puzzles based on a horror theme and clear the “Please Insert Disc” error. The concept is unique and exceptionally exciting, and the game seems to have lots to do and enjoy. 

Solving puzzles is the main activity to enjoy in Please Insert Disc. Notably, the announcement didn’t specify the types and nature of the puzzles. However, the trailer features scenes of complex codes; hence, the assumption is that the puzzles will be primarily intellectual in nature. Whatever the case, puzzle enthusiasts always love a challenge. 

Interestingly, the “insert disc” error comes up when playing various 2000-style console games. This seems to imply that you can play games within the game. The idea, after all, is to clear the “insert disc” error and continue playing a game. 

The official trailer starts with a scene of a gamer playing a game similar to the Tony Hawk Pro Skater. Moreover, a scene in the official trailer showcases a menu comprising four games: Hell Grinders, Max Toad 2, BeatBOT, and Quiet Manor 3. The games seem to have diverse themes and playstyles. For example, Quiet Manor 3 sounds like a horror game, while BeatBOT sounds like a music-themed game. Ideally, you should be able to play the games after solving the puzzles to clear the error. 

Besides solving puzzles and playing 2000-era console-style games on the side, you can also enjoy original 2000-style music and soundscapes. The music is enjoyable and electrifying, making the gameplay experience more engaging. The trailer includes some of the soundscapes the game will apply. 

Development

Please Insert Disc is developed and published by New Signal Entertainment, a relatively new and upcoming indie developer. The game’s unique premise and overall concept align with the developer’s MO, which involves “crafting horror media from half-forgotten memories.” Interestingly, the developer’s two previous games also blend puzzles and horror, like Please Insert Disc. 

Night Signal, the developer’s first game, blends horror with mystery, survival, and dark comedy genres. It involves a TV set that picks up strange signals at night, bringing nightmarish horrors to life. Interestingly, it is inspired by iconic games like The Dark Eye and The Twilight Zone. The game received a very positive reception when it launched in 2002. 

The developer’s second game, Home Safety Hotline, received an even better reception. Set in the 90s, it involves you playing as a phone operator who answers callers’ questions about the horrific creatures inside their homes. It packs such scary images that it even comes with a “Phobia Toggles” feature that enables you to disable images that may trigger common phobias. 

Interestingly, the developer’s last game launched relatively recently, in January 2024. Please Insert Disc is still under development but is expected to launch in 2025. 

Trailer

The official trailer for Please Insert Disc creates more questions than answers. It clearly shows the concept behind the game. The trailer opens with a scene of a player playing a classic skater game that seems inspired by Tony Hawk Pro Skater. The game then starts hanging before the dreaded error appears on the screen. Unfortunately, the following scenes don’t demonstrate which types of puzzles players will solve or how they will solve them. However, one of the scenes seems to suggest that players can enjoy various games within the game. 

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Please Insert Disc will be available on PC, considering it already has a Steam page. Moreover, it is already available on Steam’s wishlist. However, the developers haven’t specified when the game will launch or whether it will be available on other platforms. 

So, what’s your take on our preview of Please Insert Disc? Let us know on our socials here or in the comments below.