Some games disappear so quietly that people assume they've been buried for good.
Routine is an eerie sci-fi horror game that first caught attention in 2012.
But after years of delays, minimal updates, and total silence since its 2022 re-reveal, it looked like Routine had joined the graveyard of never-finished indie projects.
Now, in a twist no one expected, the game has resurfaced in 2025 with new signs of life.
What Caused All the Delays?
The project has a long history and was first presented as a retro-futuristic horror game set on a lifeless moon base with CRT-style visuals, analog tech, and quiet tension.
Although the atmosphere felt like Alien: Isolation, development difficulties soon overshadowed everything else. Made by a small team at Lunar Software, the game was often put on hold, postponed, or changed.
Lunar Software's small team created the game, which was put on hold or changed many times. Despite everything, fans held onto hope, particularly after hearing that Mick Gordon from DOOM was involved with the soundtrack.
Why Is Routine Back in the News?
The 2022 trailer generated plenty of excitement and wrapped up with a promise to launch day one on Xbox Game Pass.
Then, the team went silent again. It had been nearly three years without any key updates until mid-2025 when the developers posted something significant on Steam in a low-profile way.
They confirmed that Routine is not only still in development but is "approaching the finish line." They avoided mentioning a release date, explaining that they'd only set one when they were sure they could reach it.
Despite that, the outlook was hopeful. According to the update, development has been steady, and the team has learned from past mistakes about overpromising timelines.
Is Mick Gordon Still Involved?
They also addressed the departure of Mick Gordon, who officially left the project in 2024 due to scheduling conflicts.
Despite that, the audio assets he already created will be used in the final version.
The game's updated sound team is said to be developing Gordon's ideas further while maintaining his influence.
Even though Lunar Software only consists of three core developers, they've had help from other creatives throughout the years.
What's the Gameplay Actually Like?
The idea behind Routine stays strong, as it puts players inside a silent moonbase under watchful eyes.
The game shifts from exploration to survival as the player discovers what caused the trouble and why they are considered the threat.
The slow pace, vintage tech look, and VHS-inspired visuals make it stand out from the more polished horror games released since 2022.
And with competitors like The Callisto Protocol, Dead Space Remake, and Fort Solis now in the rearview, Routine may finally have space to breathe.
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