A new multiplayer social deduction game is bringing a chaotic twist to the genre by combining sabotage, firefighting and cartoon-style deception. OCTOPinbs, developed by Japanese studios tri-Ace and Lasengle alongside publisher Aniplex, officially launched on PC via Steam on May 12.
The game pits teams of octopus firefighters against hidden squid saboteurs in fast-paced matches focused on teamwork, deception and environmental destruction. To celebrate the release, the game is available with a limited-time 20% discount during its first two weeks on Steam.
OCTOPinbs Combines Social Deduction With Cooperative Firefighting
While social deduction games often revolve around hidden traitors and player voting mechanics, OCTOPinbs introduces a more action-oriented approach by placing players inside burning environments that must be actively managed during matches.
Games support between three and 10 players, with participants divided into two competing roles:
- Firefighting Octopuses
- Hidden Squid Artists posing as firefighters
The core objective for the octopus team is to extinguish fires and identify the disguised saboteurs before buildings collapse or flames spiral out of control.
Meanwhile, the squid team secretly works to sabotage the firefighting effort by spreading destruction and increasing the game’s fire gauge.
Players Must Balance Survival and Suspicion
Unlike traditional party games focused mostly on discussion and accusations, OCTOPinbs incorporates real-time gameplay and environmental hazards.
Firefighters must actively put out flames while simultaneously monitoring teammates for suspicious behavior. Players can use a tool called the Octojar to capture suspected impostors and reveal whether they are secretly Squid Artists.
As fires spread, the environment becomes increasingly unstable, creating additional pressure during matches.
Squid Players Gain Stronger Abilities Over Time
Players controlling Squid Artists can disguise themselves as octopus firefighters while secretly sabotaging buildings and disrupting rescue efforts.
According to the developers, squid abilities become stronger as the fire gauge rises, eventually allowing players to abandon their disguises and unleash more destructive attacks.
The mechanic encourages deception and patience, rewarding players who remain hidden until the right moment.
The game’s blend of social deduction and action gameplay reflects a broader trend in multiplayer gaming, where developers are experimenting beyond the formula popularized by games like Among Us.
Cosmetic DLC and Launch Promotions Available
Alongside the base game, OCTOPinbs launched with optional cosmetic downloadable content packs.
These include:
- Ninja-themed masks and outfits
- Eastern-inspired firefighter uniforms
- Monochrome prison outfits for Squid Artists
The game also launched with several promotional events tied to its release.
U.S.-based players can enter a social media giveaway for a gaming laptop through the game’s official X account, while users in the United States and Japan can participate in Discord community events for a chance to win Steam gift cards.
Entries for the launch contests remain open through May 18.
Veteran Japanese Developers Behind the Project
OCTOPinbs was co-developed by tri-Ace, a longtime Japanese game studio best known for action RPG franchises and combat-heavy gameplay systems.
The project also includes collaboration with Lasengle, the studio behind the massively successful mobile title Fate/Grand Order, and publisher Aniplex, a major entertainment company involved in anime, gaming and multimedia production.
Developers Aim for a More Active Social Deduction Experience
In a statement accompanying the launch, Aniplex described the game as a more physical and skill-driven take on the social deduction genre.
“OCTOPinbs requires brain, deception, and tentacles as talking and bluffing won’t be enough,” the company said.
That emphasis on active gameplay may help the title stand out in a crowded multiplayer market increasingly dominated by cooperative party games and live-service experiences.
OCTOPinbs Available Now on Steam
OCTOPinbs is now available on PC through Steam for $9.99 and supports multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese, German, Korean, Spanish and French.
As multiplayer party games continue to evolve, OCTOPinbs enters the market with a distinct combination of firefighting action, hidden-role strategy and cartoon-style chaos aimed at players looking for a more fast-paced alternative to traditional social deduction titles.
Infuriatingly humble organizer. Entrepreneur. Zombie guru. Professional creator. Future teen idol.
