Don’t Stop Smiling Horror Game Forces Players to Keep Smiling or Die

The survival horror genre has continuously experimented with new gameplay gimmicks since the early 2000s. From screen distortion effects that mimic supernatural interference to games that directly manipulate players’ files without permission, developers have always looked for ways to blur the line between the game and reality. Now, players looking for a deeply immersive and physically demanding horror experience should keep an eye on Don’t Stop Smiling, a newly revealed indie title from developer Smiley Dog (Egao Inu).

About Don’t Stop Smiling

Don’t Stop Smiling is a first-person survival horror game that places players directly inside a disturbing environment filled with tension and psychological pressure. What sets it apart from other horror titles is its core gameplay mechanic. The game requires players to use a webcam during play, allowing the system to continuously detect the player’s facial expression, specifically their smile.

Throughout the entire experience, players must maintain a wide smile without letting it fade. The moment the game detects that the smile disappears, the player is immediately punished and eliminated. In short, fear is not just discouraged but deadly.

Smiling Through Fear

Players take on the role of an unfortunate young woman trapped inside a mysterious school. The setting consists of narrow corridors, endless hallways, and dim lighting that makes visibility extremely limited. Despite the oppressive atmosphere, players must push forward with a calm mindset and a cheerful expression.

The game tracks not only movement and facial recognition but also emotional reactions. Even during sudden jump scares, players are expected to keep their composure and avoid showing fear. Any visible reaction risks triggering instant failure. A full playthrough is expected to last around 45 to 60 minutes.

The developer has also confirmed that the game can be streamed freely without concerns over additional licensing or usage fees, making it streamer-friendly for content creators.

Release Information

Don’t Stop Smiling is scheduled to launch on PC via Steam in the second quarter of this year, making it playable around mid-year. Interested players can already visit the Steam store page to learn more details and add the game to their Wishlist to support the developer.

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