In an alternate 1980s where the nation stumbles towards dystopia, join the National Nightly News team as they take you from laughter to dread in the course of a commercial break.
You only came in to clean the studio – but in a bizarre twist of fate, it’s now up to you to determine exactly what goes on air.
Players find themselves thrust into the hot-seat as they run the control desk of a national news channel, just as a radical new government comes into power. Not only must they keep the audience entertained with flashy editing, but they’re tasked with censoring inappropriate (or unapproved) language, cueing the best ads to fill their pockets, deciding the headlines and navigating extreme technical difficulties.
The free prologue episode, released today via Steam, features an introduction to running the National Nightly News switchboard while you manage everything from cueing advertisements, cutting an interview with pompous thespian Laurence Blundercatch, and live editing a public statement from the winning political party – after they’ve already had a few pints to celebrate.
Creative Director Alex Paterson said, “There’s a lot about Not For Broadcast that just hasn’t been seen like this before.
First there’s the obvious part: getting to mix and censor a live TV broadcast – but there’s also the scope and ambition of shooting something like this. In just the first three chapters we have a cast of over 50 actors, over 20 location shoots as well as building a full-size news studio. Seriously, whose idea was this?
Little did we know that, as we began working on it, the world’s political landscape would change, and just how difficult satire was about to come. It’s impossible to write a joke without it actually happening.
We’re so grateful for all the interest and support we’ve received from players. The feedback and dialogue between the community is going to be vital in figuring out how to find new ways to tell stories in games.”
Not For Broadcast will launch on January 30th 2020, initially with three full chapters. The game will grow and evolve in line with community feedback, with ten chapters planned for the final version of the game. The free prologue episode is available now via Steam.
Look, mate – it’s not that hard. Choose the angles, roll the ads, and bleep the swears. Just keep in mind that how you show these people will change their lives. Don’t worry – you’ll get paid either way!
Not For Broadcast is an immersive, narrative-driven propaganda sim that lets you set the agenda. Mix four camera feeds, choose the headlines, bleep the bad language – all under the pressure of a live broadcast. Will you censor the news and be rewarded, or expose the truth and live with the consequences?
Not For Broadcast is heading into Early Access with three full levels, and will work alongside the community to a full ten levels, with varied consequences for your actions.
Features
Frame The Picture – Keep the general public entertained with your editing skills. You are the artist and the broadcast is your canvas.
Keep it PG – Censor swear words… or “unapproved” information. Keep the news safe for children and oppressive political regimes alike.
Hand-pick the headlines – Their public image is in your hands: run the story of a footballer’s new beau, or his last dodgy night at the pub? His marriage and his life are in your hands.
Cue the ads – Watch your bank balance soar or dive based on what advertisements you run. Customer satisfaction not guaranteed.
The show must go on! – Keep broadcasting no matter the cost. News stops for no-one, not even a category 5 storm!
Keep them laughing as you go – The stress of playing a part in this twisted political turmoil getting you down? Sit back and relax – The National Nightly News team will take you from laughter to dread in the course of a commercial break.