Info about PROJECT: PLAYTIME:

Official game description:
PROJECT: PLAYTIME is a free-to-play multiplayer horror game where six players attempt to create one giant toy while surviving a terrifying monster that roams the toy factory. A seventh player controls the monster and is given only one goal: Find and kill everyone.
Can you hear us?
----------------
Welcome to your job as a Resource Extraction Specialist here at Playtime Co., the largest toy company in the world! You've been assigned to a special unit responsible for extracting giant toy parts from closed off areas of the factory. The parts are locked behind cryptic puzzles and guarded by freakish monsters that've taken over these once magical locations. Retrieve the parts, avoid any kind of contact with the monsters, and most importantly... don't die.
Can you see this?
-----------------
Prepare yourself for a 6v1 battle of survival. Six players will take the role of a Survivor. Together, they must solve puzzles and forge together a toy of epic size, all while trying to stay alive. One player will take on the role of the Monster. There are several characters to choose from, all offering a unique set of skills used to catch and kill their prey.
Give us a sign.
---------------
• **THE GRABPACK** - Survivors wield a powerful tool known as the GrabPack. With two long, extendable arms, you can do most anything. Whether it be carrying a heavy object, grabbing something from far away, completing puzzles, or gripping doors to slam them shut in the face of the monster, the GrabPack is more than capable.  
• **MANIC MONSTERS** - As a monster, you have three distinct characters to choose from, each one a living, gargantuan monstrosity based off a Playtime Co. toy. Huggy Wuggy, Mommy Long Legs, and newcomer Boxy Boo all offer their own sets of abilities and unique styles of play. Whether you wish to be a manic brute with Huggy, quick and nimble with Mommy, or a springy hunter with Boxy, there's a monster to fit the bill.  
• **SABOTAGE** - Monsters will always want the element of surprise. Using Toy Tickets (Toy Tickets are an in-game currency that can only be earned by playing the game. You cannot purchase these tickets, there is no pay-to-win), you can purchase and upgrade new abilities called Sabotages. These allow you to get the jump on players. Use these to blind the survivors, boobytrap their path, destroy their GrabPacks, and so much more.  
• **FEAR FACTORY** - Playtime Co. is the king of the Toy manufacturing industry- and you're inside it. Explore two massive maps that feature many different sections of this crooked factory. A state-of-the-art theater with statues of fake gold, and a manufacturing area where toys are a'plenty.  
• **BETTER & STRONGER** - Survivors won't be limited to any default abilities. Stretch further and build your own class with Perks! You can purchase and upgrade perks with Toy Tickets (Toy Tickets are an in-game currency that can only be earned by playing the game. You cannot purchase these tickets, there is no pay-to-win). With these perks, you can be whatever type of Survivor you dream of. Be it a Puzzle Master or Medic, Speed Demon or Shadow Walker; however you want to play is covered.  
• **LOOKING GOOD** - Wanna take the looks of your character to the next level? PROJECT: PLAYTIME offers a rotating shop with new cosmetics constantly, and a seasonal TOY BOX, which offers 100 levels of cosmetic glory. Look fantastic as you fight to survive. Or, if you're the monster, look fantastic as you rip everyone apart.  
PROJECT: PLAYTIME has lots to offer... and much more to come.  
Won't yo̷͔̎u̷͉̅ p̷͎̫̜̍̄̏̅l̸̨͉̿̄͝aå̴̡͇̪̽̑͗̉͜ÿ̴̰̯́́͂͑͌͠ ̵̡̭̪̖̣̰̿͑͛f̸̟͒̅͐͠a̸̫̬̻̹͘i̸̛̤̮͓̜͔̰̎̓̎̿r̶͚̣̘͛͝.̷͍̻̙͔̄̽̊̈́͗̕
THE BIGGER BODIES INITIATIVE WILL FAIL.
---------------------------------------
WE WILL PREVAIL.
----------------
STAY ALERT.
-----------
WE WILL BE IN TOUCH.
--------------------

Release date: 12 Dec, 2022

Categories: Action Horror, Asymmetrical Multiplayer, Cooperative Multiplayer, Survival, Puzzle Solving, Player Customization, Character-based Combat


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Engaging & Fun Multiplayer Experience (weight 0.88): Players consistently praise the game for its overall fun and engaging multiplayer experience, especially when playing with friends. The core gameplay, graphics, and mechanics are frequently highlighted as enjoyable, contributing to an addictive and immersive experience.
- Strong Horror & Puzzle Elements (weight 0.21): The game successfully blends horror and puzzle-solving, creating a tense and exciting atmosphere. Players enjoy the challenge of solving unique puzzles while being hunted by monsters, with sound design and visual details enhancing the suspense.
- Appealing to Poppy Playtime Fans (weight 0.17): The game is highly recommended for fans of the Poppy Playtime universe, effectively expanding its lore and characters into a multiplayer format. Many players find it a great spin-off, offering a free and replayable experience within the beloved franchise.
- Player-Controlled Monster Mechanic (weight 0.15): The ability to play as a player-controlled monster is a highly appreciated feature, adding a unique competitive dynamic and significant replayability. This mechanic is seen as a core part of the game's appeal, offering varied experiences in each match.
- Nostalgia for Earlier Phases (weight 0.13): Many players express a strong sense of nostalgia for the game's earlier phases (especially Phase 2), recalling them as more fun, atmospheric, and balanced. While some still enjoy the current state, there's a clear sentiment that the game's peak was in its initial seasons.
- Popularity of Specific Monsters (weight 0.08): Individual monsters like Boxy Boo and Huggy Wuggy are particularly popular among players. Their unique designs, abilities, and the fun associated with playing as or against them contribute to the game's appeal.
- Good Replayability & Longevity (weight 0.06): Despite some updates causing dissatisfaction, the game maintains a player base and is still considered playable and relevant. Its easy-to-learn but hard-to-master mechanics contribute to its longevity and replayability.
- Free-to-Play Accessibility (weight 0.04): A significant positive is that the game is free-to-play, making it accessible to a wider audience. This aspect is often compared favorably to similar games like Dead by Daylight, as it offers a comparable experience without a price tag.

Common complaints:
- Lack of Updates & Bug Fixes (weight 0.82): Players are frustrated by the severe lack of updates, with many noting no new content or bug fixes for over a year. This neglect has led to a perception that the game is abandoned, contributing to a decline in quality and player enjoyment.
- Low Player Count & Matchmaking Issues (weight 0.49): The game suffers from a critically low player count, making it difficult to find matches, especially with friends or as a monster. Matchmaking is also problematic, with long wait times, unbalanced lobbies, and a lack of private match options.
- Negative Impact of Phase 3 Update (weight 0.38): The 'Phase 3' update is widely criticized for removing beloved features, introducing new bugs, and generally making the game worse than previous versions. Many players feel this update ruined the game and led to a significant decline in its quality and fun.
- Monster Balance & Player Disconnects (weight 0.21): There are significant issues with monster balance, with some monsters being perceived as overpowered or underpowered. Additionally, frequent monster disconnects, especially when losing, result in unrewarded matches for other players, further frustrating the community.
- Cheating & Unbalanced Gameplay (weight 0.06): The game is plagued by cheaters and trolls, which detracts from the experience and makes it difficult to progress. Some players also feel the game is unbalanced, with an uneven playing field between specialists and monsters.

Gameplay feedback:
- Asymmetrical Monster vs. Survivor Gameplay (weight 0.24): The core gameplay loop involves one player as a powerful monster hunting multiple survivors. Each monster has unique abilities, and survivors must use strategy and cooperation to escape. This dynamic offers a competitive and varied experience.
- Significant Changes in Phase 3 Update (weight 0.17): The Phase 3 update introduced numerous changes, including a new map, updated monster animations, improved customization, balance adjustments, and the removal of several features like free chat, battle pass, and certain pre-game mechanics.
- Puzzle-Solving for Escape (weight 0.13): Survivors must solve various puzzles, often collaboratively, to collect toy parts and complete objectives to escape the factory. These puzzles are a central mechanic for progression and survival.
- Multiplayer and Social Features (weight 0.07): The game is fundamentally a multiplayer experience, emphasizing cooperation among survivors. While it previously allowed inviting friends, some social features have been altered or removed in recent updates.
- Huggy Wuggy Monster Abilities (weight 0.05): Huggy Wuggy is a prominent monster with specific abilities, such as a Shift Attack. Recent updates have made balance changes to these abilities, affecting gameplay for both monster and survivor players.
- Similarities to Dead by Daylight (weight 0.05): Many players compare the game to Dead by Daylight, noting its asymmetrical horror gameplay combined with the Poppy Playtime universe. This comparison highlights the game's genre and core mechanics.
- Skill-Based and Engaging Gameplay (weight 0.04): The game is described as skill-dependent, requiring patience, reflexes, and environmental awareness. Its mechanics are easy to learn but challenging to master, contributing to player engagement.
- Horror and Suspense Elements (weight 0.03): The game incorporates horror elements, including jumpscares and tension-building through the absence of music and the constant threat of the lurking monster. While not always terrifying, it aims for an intense atmosphere.
- Train-Themed Lobby and Escape (weight 0.03): The game frequently uses a train motif for its lobby and escape mechanics. Players often wait in a train station lobby and escape maps by calling or boarding a train.

Performance notes:
- Inconsistent Game Performance (weight 0.16): Players report highly variable performance, with some experiencing smooth gameplay and others frequent lag, low FPS, and crashes. Performance often depends on individual PC specifications and graphics settings, with many needing to lower settings for playability.
- Improved Optimization Over Time (weight 0.08): Some players note that the game feels more optimized after recent updates, with specific improvements like reduced lag for non-host players and lower RAM consumption. This indicates ongoing efforts to enhance performance.
- Minor Technical Issues (weight 0.02): A few isolated reports mention issues like disk write errors or the game crashing when interacting with skins. These appear to be less widespread but still impact some players.
- Workable Game Size (weight 0): One player commented that the game's installation size is acceptable. This is based on limited feedback.

Recommendations:
- Mixed Recommendations & Potential (weight 0.4): Player sentiment is highly divided, with many recommending the game for its potential and fun, especially with friends, while others advise against it due to current issues. There's a strong desire for future improvements and updates to realize its full potential.
- Feature Requests & Suggestions (weight 0.06): Players have specific requests for new features and changes, including ways to stun monsters, new characters (like CatNap), maps, and the return of previously removed features such as 'Gulag,' 'Huggy Pit,' and private lobbies.
- Prefer Older Game Phases (weight 0.05): Several players recommend reverting to or playing older versions of the game, specifically Phase 2, as they found it more enjoyable and stable than the current iteration. There's a clear preference for previous updates.
- Play with Friends for Fun (weight 0.04): The game experience is significantly enhanced when played with friends. Many players explicitly state that the game is much more enjoyable and even essential to play in groups of 2 or more, suggesting it's not as fun solo.
- Good for Multiplayer Horror Fans (weight 0.03): The game is well-suited for players who enjoy multiplayer horror experiences, especially those that involve cooperation under pressure and a challenging atmosphere. It appeals to those who like to scream with friends and engage in tense, team-based gameplay.
- High Ratings & Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Some players express extreme enthusiasm for the game, giving it very high ratings (e.g., 10/10 or 100/10) and calling it the 'best game ever,' indicating a strong positive experience for a subset of the player base.
- Performance & System Requirements (weight 0.01): Players are advised to check system requirements before installing, as the game may not run well on low-end computers. This suggests potential optimization issues or demanding graphics.

Other player notes:
- Add new characters/monsters (weight 0.15): A significant number of players want new monsters and characters, specifically mentioning Catnap, Yarnaby, and other figures from Poppy Playtime Chapter 3 and 4. This is seen as crucial for increasing game variety and attracting more players.
- Developers focused on Poppy Playtime (weight 0.11): Many players understand that the current lack of updates is due to the developers' focus on Poppy Playtime Chapter 4 and 5. There's hope that development on this game will resume once the main series chapters are complete.
- Anticipation for Phase 4 (weight 0.1): Players are eagerly awaiting 'Phase 4' of the game, with many speculating on its content, including new characters like Catnap. There's also a desire for Phase 4 to potentially revert or improve upon changes made in Phase 3.
- Restore old game features (weight 0.07): Players are nostalgic for previous versions of the game, specifically requesting the return of the old lobby (with interactive elements) and various minigames like 'Huggy Hatch' or 'Whack-A-Wuggy'.
- Improve social features (weight 0.02): Players desire improved social functionalities, particularly the ability to easily invite and play with friends in groups. The current in-game chat is not preferred for coordinating with friends.
- Concerns about Easy Anti-Cheat (weight 0.02): Some players are confused or experiencing issues with the Easy Anti-Cheat installation, which was not previously required. They are seeking guidance on how to resolve these problems.
- Monetization and Play Coins (weight 0.02): Players are suggesting the addition of free play coins and a quick match feature. There's a sentiment that Play Coins are currently too reliant on real-money purchases.
- Positive sentiment from active players (weight 0.01): Despite criticisms, some players express enjoyment and continue to play the game regularly, often since its release. This indicates a core group of dedicated fans.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.21): Players are highly satisfied with the game's core experience, often citing its fun and addictive gameplay, good graphics, and the enjoyment of playing with friends or as a monster. The free-to-play model, creative concept, and overall quality, especially for a multiplayer horror spin-off, contribute significantly to this positive sentiment.
- Disappointment (weight 0.19): Disappointment stems primarily from the perceived abandonment of the game by developers, characterized by a severe lack of updates, bug fixes, and the removal of beloved features and content, particularly after 'Phase 3'. This has led to a low player count, empty lobbies, and a general feeling that the game's potential has been wasted.
- Frustration (weight 0.17): Players express frustration due to numerous bugs, frequent game crashes, and poor optimization, which hinder gameplay. Matchmaking issues, long wait times, and an inability to play with friends further exacerbate this, alongside the perceived imbalance of monster abilities and the presence of cheaters.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): Excitement is driven by the game's thrilling horror atmosphere, engaging gameplay, and the unique experience of playing as various monsters. Players are also excited about the game's potential, anticipating new characters, maps, and future updates, and often recommend it as a fun and addictive multiplayer experience.
- Joy (weight 0.07): Joy is frequently associated with the fun and entertaining aspects of the game, especially when playing with friends or family. Players enjoy the puzzles, the ability to play as monsters, and the overall social interaction, finding the game to be a delightful and immersive experience.
- Hope (weight 0.06): Players express hope for the game's future, desiring more frequent updates, bug fixes, and the return of removed features. There's a strong belief in the game's potential to improve and regain its popularity if developers listen to community feedback and continue active development, particularly for future phases and new content.
- Desire (weight 0.05): Players desire new content, including additional monsters, maps, and skins, as well as more frequent and substantial updates. There's a strong wish for the return of beloved removed features, such as private matches and specific mini-games, and a general longing for the game to be actively developed and revived.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Nostalgia arises from players remembering the game's past state, particularly earlier phases like Phase 2, which are often recalled as being better or more fun. This includes a longing for old features, mini-games (like 'Wack-a-Wuggy'), and the social experiences from previous versions of the game.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Players find enjoyment in the game's fun gameplay, whether playing as a monster or a survivor, and appreciate the chases, puzzles, and overall engaging experience. Playing with friends and the game's unique genre combination also contribute to a generally positive and entertaining experience.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger is primarily directed at the developers for perceived laziness, lack of updates, and poor decisions, especially regarding the 'Phase 3' update which many feel ruined the game. The removal of fun features, overpriced shop items, and the game's overall decline contribute to strong negative sentiments.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players express strong affection for the game, its overall experience, and the Poppy Playtime universe. This love is often tied to the engaging gameplay, design, and the puzzle aspects, with many loving the game despite its existing issues.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness is felt due to the game's perceived 'death' or abandonment by developers, leading to a low player count and neglected state. Players are saddened by the removal of features and the fear that a once-good game is being forgotten or losing its relevance.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from unclear developer decisions, such as game abandonment or the purpose of certain updates. Players are also confused by technical issues like anti-cheat problems, difficulty with in-game purchases, and not understanding specific game mechanics or why others dislike the game.
- Concern (weight 0.01): Players are concerned about the game's future, fearing it is being forgotten or slowly declining due to low player counts and developers focusing on other projects. Technical requirements, game imbalance, and the potential loss of the audience also contribute to this concern.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation is driven by the desire for future updates, new content (like characters and maps), and the evolution of the game. Players are eagerly waiting for new phases and improvements, hoping for a better and more engaging experience in the future.
- Fear (weight 0.01): Fear is caused by the game's effective horror elements, including scary screamers, jumpscares, and the general atmosphere created by the monsters. Being chased and the intensity of certain characters contribute to a thrilling and frightening experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0): Players appreciate the game's creative concept, lore, and puzzle-solving aspects, often praising Mob Entertainment for their work, especially given the game is free. Specific characters and the game's animation also receive positive recognition.
- Neutrality (weight 0): Neutrality reflects a balanced assessment of the game, acknowledging its simplicity, minor bugs, or current state without strong positive or negative feelings. Some players view it as a normal game, especially for fans of the series, despite its flaws.
- Boredom (weight 0): Boredom sets in due to a lack of new content, updates, and variety in maps or monsters, especially after 'Phase 3'. The game becomes repetitive once players understand its mechanics, and long waits for other players also contribute to this feeling.
- Mild frustration (weight 0): Mild frustration is caused by occasional bugs, glitches, and game crashes, particularly on less powerful PCs. Long wait times to find matches, especially as a monster, and instances where the monster unfairly targets a player also contribute to this sentiment.}