An intriguing twist in game development sees four former cult members participating in the satirical game, Join Us, where players are tasked with creating their own cult. This collaboration offers unique insights into cult dynamics, as these individuals share more than 50 years of collective experience in various cultic environments.
Real Insights from Former Cult Members
Former cult participants, Jaga, Javier, Ariel, and Elena, engaged with Join Us, expressing a spectrum of opinions on its portrayal of cult life. While developer Wolf Haus took care to censor the names of real-life cults, players offered glimpses into their pasts. Ariel recounted his anticipation of a UFO’s arrival on 12th May 2001, an event he was once convinced would take him “home.” Meanwhile, Javier reminisced about his time at a “holistic rejuvenation centre,” a community known for self-sufficiency, including growing all its own food.
Mixed Reactions to the Game
The experiment, described by Wolf Haus as having “mixed” responses, revealed differing views among the participants. One found joy in the game’s feature of cultivating tomatoes, whereas another was more sceptical, stating, “no one’s going to like this.” These reactions underscore the complex nature of both real and simulated cult experiences.
Game Details and Release Information
Join Us is designed as an open-world survival game that allows players to develop their own cult, recruit members, and endure apocalyptic scenarios, either solo or in co-op mode with up to four players. The game is set to launch in March 2027 and will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.