Dead Format

A lost brother. A cursed VHS format. A government cover-up.

Dead Format is a survival horror game that takes you on a nightmarish journey through iconic eras of film. Set in 1990s Scotland, you play as a desperate sibling searching for their missing brother who was last seen obsessing over a mysterious VHS format. Dive into the tapes, fight your way through cinematic worlds, and find your brother before it’s too late.

Survive the cursed tapes

Your apartment is the hub. Here you can review clues, catch your breath, and prepare for the journey ahead. Use the Television set and insert VHS tapes to open the door to new worlds, each one with its own inspiration. Search for clues and face the nightmares in universes inspired by Silent Era Cinema, Italian Giallo films, and 80s Body Horror.

Classic Film meets Survival Horror

Search for supplies to stay alive and uncover key items to solve puzzles, unlocking your path forward.

Arm yourself with weapons and tools inspired by the film worlds you’ll explore.

Discover homemade VHS footage that blurs the line between fiction and reality.

Your apartment is the only place you can save the game. Find shortcuts and new paths to progress on your journey.

Each world comes with its own enemies, puzzles, and unique areas to explore.

A Mixed Media Game

Everything in Dead Format is created just for the game. This includes the VHS footage, which is recorded and edited by Katanalevy. Each tape provides a nostalgic window into the worlds players will explore.

About the Developer

Chris Evry (Katanalevy) is a Scottish solo developer drawn to creating experiences that are a blend of the darkly visceral and gothic sublime. He is the creator of Cardiac, Symphony of Seven Souls and Daemonologie.