The Hunger Games-like Darwin Project is hosting its second, and final, open beta this weekend on PC. To jump in simply download the game from Steam. The beta ends Monday, February 26 at 9 am Pacific/12 pm Eastern.
Over 80,000 beta testers played the first open beta earlier this year, including me. Canadian developer Scavengers Studio has been implementing feedback with their latest 1.7 patch. Highlights include Twitch spectator interactions, password-protected private matches, and a number of changes and improvements to the Show Director role.
In Darwin Project, 10 players compete in a free-for-all match in a dangerous arena. It’s mini-Battle Royale, with the last player alive crowned the winner. An eleventh player takes on the role of the Show Director, with the ability to spawn useful items, bestow helpful buffs, and rain down terror on the competing players.
New 1.7 changes include a rating system that directly affects the Show Director’s powers to help curb abusive Show Directors or those who show too much favoritism to friends.
The game has been a big hit thanks to its user interaction with streaming. The Twitch Spectator Interactions are a new feature, previously only available on Mixer. A livestreaming Show Director can allow their viewers to vote on what to do, and whom to do it to. It’s the Hunger Games, but with less revolution and romance.
Darwin Project is due to hit Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview within the coming months. The final open beta ends Monday, February 26 at 9 am Pacific/12 pm Eastern.
