Deranged Games and publisher Zemore Indie Gaming have officially announced Lag Kills, a new single-player and online co-op survival horror game scheduled for a 2026 release on PC. The story follows players who, burdened by overwhelming medical bills following a car accident, decide to break into an apparently empty house to find valuables. However, they quickly discover the property is far from vacant. The owner is home and actively hunting them, turning a simple burglary into a terrifying game of cat and mouse. Players must use stealth and the environment to escape with their lives before they are caught.

Inspired by Late-Night Gaming

The concept for the game came from a relatable, if intense, moment for solo developer Lee Burton. After a frustrating night of lag during a ranked match, he realized that an intruder breaking into his house at that specific moment would have had a very bad night. This spark of “deranged” inspiration led to the creation of a horror experience where the antagonist is a focused, dangerous homeowner. The game emphasizes psychological tension and atmosphere, using realistic environments and mature themes to keep players on edge throughout their escape attempt.

Dynamic AI and Cooperative Play

Lag Kills is designed with high replayability in mind, featuring AI driven behavior that makes the owner’s movements unpredictable in every playthrough. The owner listens carefully for sounds, meaning players must be extremely cautious with every step they take. While the game can be tackled solo, it will also feature online co-op, allowing friends to plan their heist and escape together. With its blend of tactical stealth and high-stakes survival, Lag Kills aims to deliver a raw and unpredictable challenge for fans of the genre when it launches later next year.

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3667380/LAG_KILLS/