Deceit is a free-to-play multiplayer first-person shooter and social deduction game developed by Automaton (later Baseline) and published by Automaton. It was initially released into Early Access on March 3, 2017, with a full release on December 13, 2017, for PC via Steam.
Gameplay Deceit blends elements of a survival horror game with social deduction, similar to games like Among Us or Town of Salem, but with a strong emphasis on first-person shooting and survival mechanics. Each match typically involves six players who wake up in an unknown environment, such as an asylum, with two of them secretly "Infected" with a terrifying virus, and four "Innocent" (human) players.
The primary objective for the Innocent players is to escape the map by progressing through multiple zones, activating objectives (like power boxes or valves) to unlock new areas, and eventually reach an exit point. They must also work together to identify the Infected players and vote to eliminate them, or kill them directly using found weapons.
The objective for the Infected players is to prevent the Innocents from escaping by killing them. Infected players can consume blood bags scattered around the map to fill a meter, which allows them to transform into a monstrous "Terror" form during periods of darkness. In their Terror form, they are significantly more powerful and can quickly eliminate Innocent players. Infected players aim to sow distrust among the Innocents, frame others, and strategically attack during vulnerabilities.
Key Mechanics:
- Day/Night Cycle: The game features a dynamic lighting system. During "lights on" phases, the map is illuminated, providing a safer environment for Innocents. During "lights off" or "blackout" phases, the map plunges into darkness, empowering the Infected to transform and attack.
- Items: Players can find various items, including weapons (shotguns, pistols, submachine guns), armor, health shots, antidotes (to cure status effects), and special items like tracking devices or cameras.
- Voting System: Players can initiate a vote to eliminate suspected players. A majority vote will result in the execution of the targeted player, regardless of whether they are Innocent or Infected. This adds a crucial social deduction element, where players must convince others of their innocence or the guilt of others.
- Progression: Maps are divided into multiple zones. Players must complete tasks within a zone to unlock the next, forcing them to move forward and encounter new dangers.
Themes The game explores themes of paranoia, trust, betrayal, and survival. The constant threat of hidden enemies and the need to decipher who can be trusted creates a tense and often chaotic atmosphere.