Because what’s more fun than playing a cult simulator game with actual ex-cult members, right? Wolf Haus Games, the developers of the upcoming action-adventure game JOIN US, decided to bring in the big guns – or rather, the big cult survivors – to test their game. And by big guns, I mean four brave individuals who have collectively spent over 50 years in cults. Yeah, that’s a lot of Kool-Aid. The result is a hilarious and somewhat disturbing video that’s equal parts fascinating and cringeworthy. As I watched the ex-cult members play the game, I couldn’t help but think about the similarities between cults and the gaming community – both have their own set of devoted followers, both have their own rituals and practices, and both can be equally isolating. But hey, at least in the gaming world, we don’t have to worry about being forced to drink the Kool-Aid (unless it’s a fancy new energy drink being marketed to gamers).
The Ex-Cult Member Playtest: A Unique Approach to Game Testing
The ex-cult members’ reactions to the game are priceless, ranging from amusement to confusion. One of them notes that their cult only used knives and was peaceful, which is a far cry from the guns and chaos in the game. Another talks about their experience living off the land, harvesting digital tomatoes, and waiting for aliens to arrive. It’s a surreal experience, to say the least. The fact that Wolf Haus Games is willing to take risks and try out unconventional methods to test their game is commendable. However, it also raises questions about the ethics of using ex-cult members as test subjects. Are they being exploited for the sake of marketing, or are they genuinely being given a platform to share their experiences?
Gameplay and Features: A Mix of Action, Adventure, and Cult simulator
JOIN US promises to be a game that will let players create their own cult, complete with recruiting followers, building bases, and engaging in shootouts. The game’s trailer, revealed during Summer Game Fest 2026, showcases a mix of action, adventure, and cult simulator elements. Players will be able to explore a vast open world, complete with UFOs, car chases, and farming. Yes, you read that right – farming. Because what’s a cult without a little bit of agricultural magic? The game also promises up to 4-player co-op, because what’s more fun than creating a cult with your friends?
Release Date and Platforms: Get Ready to Join the Cult
JOIN US is set to launch in March 2027 on PS5, XBOX Series X|S, Steam, and Epic Games Store. You can wishlist it now, because who wouldn’t want to join a cult? The game’s release date and platforms are a testament to the growing trend of games being released on multiple platforms simultaneously. It’s a move that’s likely to please both gamers and shareholders, but it also raises questions about the impact of cross-platform play on the gaming community. Will it bring people together, or will it create more divisions?
As I finish writing this article, I’m left with more questions than answers. Will JOIN US live up to its promises, or will it be just another game that fails to deliver? Will the ex-cult members’ involvement be a marketing gimmick, or will it actually add depth to the game? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure – I’ll be keeping a close eye on this game, if only to see how it all plays out. And who knows, maybe I’ll even join a cult or two – in the game, of course. After all, as any gamer knows, the line between reality and fantasy is often blurred, and the world of cults is no exception. So, let’s all join hands and welcome our new cult overlords – or at least, let’s play a game about it.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
