indie.io and Corecrew Games have announced that "Coal Duty," a cooperative escape horror comedy for 1 to 5 players, will launch in Early Access on October 27 (local time).
Meet Your Quota
Set in a world where the sky froze over three generations ago but the government continues to operate mines, players must descend into newly generated mines each shift to meet production quotas, struggling to survive in tunnels teeming with danger.And in between coal mining sessions, players will devise escape plans while smuggling loot that won’t appear in reports and conducting secret deals with smugglers in restricted zones.
Game Overview
Mine to Meet Your Quota
You’re sent deep underground to mine coal, but you don’t have to report any loot you find. If you miss your quota, the consequences will haunt you.
Each shift, you’ll descend into a newly generated mine. The deeper you go, the better the haul—and the worse the people you’ll encounter. The tickets you earn upon delivery are the only currency recognized by the state.
Speak Quietly
With proximity voice chat, your teammates can only hear you when they’re nearby. The same goes for everyone else. Call out your route, warn them about something in the tunnel, or shout—the mine carries everything equally.
No Loitering
Of course, it’s fine to enjoy your free time after working hard. Just don’t forget who’s providing it.
Between shifts, you’ll find smugglers in the barracks, the workshops, and the restricted zones. Not that I heard it here, though.
Reported Hazards
Dozens of different creatures inhabit the mine. Some are blind; others are swift. Some look like coal but aren’t. Act accordingly.
There Is a Way to Escape
Sneak into the forbidden zone and devise an escape plan during your breaks. Some miners have reportedly succeeded in escaping. The government has not confirmed this.
Key Features
Form a team for online co-op play with 1 to 5 players.
Coordinate via proximity voice chat—or just panic.
Descend into procedurally generated mines with difficulty levels that increase with depth.
Return to the permanent hub (barracks, workshop, tavern, and smugglers in the restricted zone) between shifts.
Escape via multiple routes and aim for multiple endings.
"Coal Duty," which supports Japanese, is scheduled for release on Steam for PC. An Early Access period of 12 to 18 months is anticipated, with plans to expand the game with new escape routes, endings, creatures, biomes, and hub activities, as well as the addition of numerous new tools and items.
