Hidden in Plain Sight is an old game. It has over a decade of reputation as a local multiplayer game. I feel that adding online multiplayer to an existing game could be confusing. Especially when it's only applied to the Steam version, and not Xbox or Switch.
So here's what I'm thinking: I would like to release an update to the game that supports 8 local players. This would be a free, in-place upgrade to the existing game.
I would like to add online play as a DLC extension. The DLC would be very cheap (just a buck or two) and really just act as a formality -- a small hoop to jump through to unlock online play. (Online play would just be for friends or via invite code. No public lobbies or matchmaking!)
It might be unnecessary hair splitting, but I think this allows HIPS to remain a "local multiplayer game" primarily (and therefore still align with existing reviews and zeitgeist), but also allows players to opt-in to adding online play if they want it.
What do you think? Does that sound reasonable? It makes sense in my own head, but I'm open to opinions.
I still need help with testing! Please opt into the "hipsonline" beta branch and give it a try!
Mac version now available
Linux/Steam deck version now available
Online play -- initial reports are successful, but needs more testing
More than 4 player local multiplay -- initial reports are successful, but needs more testing
Finally, thank you again for all your kind words and compliments. I might not respond to every one individually to avoid cluttering the message boards, but I read them all and they make my heart happy. <3
