New Roguelike Game From Gas Station Simulator Developers Debuts First Public Demo
A new simulation game blending law enforcement duties with moral decision-making is now available for early playtesting. Airport Contraband, developed by DRAGO Entertainment, released its first public demo on April 23 via Steam.
The Kraków-based studio, known for Gas Station Simulator—which has sold more than 2 million copies—brings its management and simulation expertise to a new setting: airport security. The demo offers players a preview of the game’s mechanics ahead of its full release.
A Customs Officer Simulator With Moral Trade-Offs
Life on the Front Lines of Airport Security
Set in the fictional Caldora Airport, the game places players in the role of a customs officer tasked with screening passengers and enforcing travel regulations. The setting evokes elements familiar to U.S. travelers passing through major hubs like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson or Los Angeles International Airport, where security procedures are both routine and critical.
Players inspect documents, examine luggage, and identify prohibited items—some hidden in increasingly creative ways. The gameplay reflects real-world responsibilities similar to those handled by agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection, though with added fictional elements.
Corruption, Cartels, and Player Choice
What sets Airport Contraband apart is its focus on ethical decision-making. Players must choose whether to strictly enforce the law or cooperate with criminal organizations operating within the airport.
In-game cartels offer incentives to look the other way, creating a tension between professional duty and personal gain. Accepting or rejecting these offers shapes the player’s progression and the outcome of each session.
Roguelike Structure Adds Replayability
Each Run Brings New Challenges
The game incorporates roguelike mechanics, meaning each playthrough—or “run”—features different scenarios and consequences. A session can end if players make too many errors in inspections or fail to meet cartel expectations.
This structure encourages experimentation and replayability, a design approach that has become increasingly popular in indie games among U.S. audiences.
Progression System Unlocks Tools and Abilities
Even when a run ends, players retain progress through a persistent upgrade system. Unlockable perks and tools improve efficiency and expand gameplay options, such as:
- Faster passenger screening
- Enhanced detection of hidden contraband
- Improved handling of difficult or uncooperative travelers
These systems aim to balance challenge with long-term progression, giving players a sense of advancement across multiple sessions.
Developer Perspective and Design Goals
According to Joanna Tynor, the demo introduces both the core gameplay loop and new design concepts.
“The Airport Contraband demo introduces officers to the first few days on the job at Caldora Airport,” Tynor said. “It also debuts some of the new ideas we’ve been working on, like the semi-roguelike ‘run’ structure and having to strike a balance between doing your job well and appeasing the cartels.”
She added that the demo is intended to give players an early look while the full version remains in development.
About the Developer: DRAGO Entertainment
Founded in 1998, DRAGO Entertainment initially worked as a contractor for international publishers before shifting its focus in 2018 toward developing original titles. The company gained wider recognition with Gas Station Simulator, released in 2021, which became a bestseller on Steam shortly after launch.
The studio continues to expand its portfolio with new simulation-driven projects while maintaining support for its existing games.
Availability
The Airport Contraband demo is available now as a free download on Steam. Additional updates and details about the full release are expected to be shared through the developer’s official channels.
Conclusion
With its blend of procedural gameplay and ethical decision-making, Airport Contraband offers a different take on the simulation genre. The newly released demo provides an early look at a game that challenges players to navigate both the rules of the job and the pressures that come with bending them.
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