Join Us Explores Cult Life with Real-World Insights
Join Usthe upcoming co-op and open-world survival game from developer Wolf Haus, invites players to establish and manage their own cult. The game challenges players to recruit followers, construct compounds, define their beliefs, and ultimately survive an apocalypse. It supports both solo play and co-operative experiences with up to four players.
In an extraordinary experiment, Wolf Haus recruited four former cult members—Jaga, Javier, Ariel, and Elena—to play the game. These individuals bring a collective experience of over five decades from their time within various unique societies. Their involvement aimed to have them "experience the game’s darkly satirical take on cult life" firsthand, offering a unique perspective on the game's themes and mechanics.
The developer confirmed that the reactions from the former members were "mixed." While some participants expressed considerable enthusiasm, such as one being excited about the prospect of growing their own tomatoes within the game's environment, another confidently declared that "no one's going to like this," indicating a wide spectrum of opinions on the game's portrayal.
During their playtest, the former members shared personal anecdotes from their past. Ariel recounted his former belief that a UFO was scheduled to arrive on May 12, 2001, to take him "home." Javier reflected on his experiences in a "holistic rejuvenation centre," where the community was self-sufficient, growing all of its own food. These insights offer a glimpse into the diverse realities and beliefs encountered by the participants.
The game's core loop involves players navigating the challenges of an open-world environment, building their cult's infrastructure, and strategically recruiting new members to ensure their group's survival against an apocalyptic backdrop. Players will need to carefully manage resources and followers while shaping their cult's identity and doctrines.
Join Us is currently slated for release in March 2027. It will be available across multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, offering a broad audience the chance to delve into its unique cult simulation gameplay.