Japanese indie studio Not a Dog has revealed that its upcoming “media censorship adventure game” Happy Propaganda will debut on Steam this October 28.
In the game, players assume the role of a broadcast supervisor for the fictional authoritarian regime of Vesna, responsible for moderating comments during a five-day propaganda broadcast. The Steam listing explains that viewers will post a mix of supportive messages, casual chats, subversive queries about the government, and personal attacks against the news anchor. It’s up to the player to determine which comments remain visible and which get removed.
Maintaining a balance between viewer satisfaction and content control is essential in Happy Propaganda. Deleting too many messages will gradually frustrate the audience, while failing to censor harmful remarks could put the news anchor at risk. Players must carefully evaluate the context and intent behind comments flagged by the game’s automated system.
When not on air, players can engage in private conversations with the news anchor. Both characters are newcomers to their roles, and their interactions may develop into an unusual friendship as they navigate their duties in the state-controlled broadcast.
Each day, players will select topics to discuss during the broadcast, with hints coming from online news articles and work emails. The game’s final day offers multiple endings based on the player’s decisions throughout the week.
Happy Propaganda is scheduled to launch on PC via Steam on October 28. A recent X update from Not a Dog suggests the title may eventually receive Mac OS support.