The indie horror scene is thriving in 2025, and Concierge, the debut project from developer Kodino, is the latest title to demand attention—through whispers, dread, and a trailer that plays like a cinematic fever dream.
Published by Digital Tribe, Concierge is an upcoming surreal indie horror game that blends a mystery-driven narrative with unorthodox gameplay mechanics and bold creative direction. The project has already sparked discussion for its experimental style and eerie tone, distinguishing itself from mainstream horror games by embracing discomfort over jump scares.
A Surreal Experience Rooted in Mystery
While Concierge may remind some gamers of 2017’s The Concierge by Dan Kenny—another title that paid homage to The Shining—Kodino’s version leans harder into the surreal. Drawing clear inspiration from psychological horror classics and avant-garde cinema, Concierge commits to what the developers describe as “high strangeness.”
The game is set in an ambiguous, dreamlike facility where players must obey—or disobey—the instructions of a cryptic host. The line between reality and delusion quickly begins to blur. Hallways loop. Characters speak in riddles. And every room seems to hide a secret.
Trailer Teases Unnerving Worlds
A week after Concierge‘s Steam page went live, Digital Tribe premiered the official announcement trailer, which was exclusively revealed by Game Rant. Despite running for just 74 seconds, the trailer makes a strong impact. Its rapid-fire pacing contrasts sharply with the game’s described slow-burn dread, showcasing an impressive number of distinct locations, enigmatic characters, and mysteries that beg for answers.
The footage is deliberately disorienting, using choppy transitions, surreal imagery, and ambient sound design to instill a growing sense of unease. While the player’s role remains mysterious, the emphasis on exploration and psychological tension is crystal clear.
Gameplay That Defies Convention
Concierge doesn’t aim to follow modern horror formulas. Instead of relying on combat or quick scares, the game emphasizes atmosphere, slow discovery, and interaction with the unknown. Early details suggest that the game will challenge players to decipher ambiguous objectives, break expected patterns, and possibly interact with the game in fourth-wall-breaking ways.
Kodino is embracing risk, and the result may be one of 2025’s most talked-about indie releases—especially for those who favor cerebral, unsettling experiences over traditional horror tropes.
When Can You Play Concierge?
While no exact release date has been confirmed, Concierge is currently in development for PC via Steam, with wishlist support now available. The developers have hinted at a 2025 release, and additional trailers or possibly a demo could follow later this year.
In a genre often dominated by formulaic design, Concierge stands out by delivering horror through uncertainty, surrealism, and psychological pressure. If the trailer is any indication, players are in for a unique nightmare—one that doesn’t just scare, but deeply unsettles.