If you are the type of person who keeps a keen eye on videogame release dates, then you might have noticed that today was the date that Bigben and Black Shamrock had set for Paranoia: Happiness is Mandatory‘s Epic Games Store launch. Is it out though? Not really, because the game has suffered a last minute delay, pushing it back for a month, to November 14th. We don’t really have any details on this abrupt release date change, but the developers sent a tongue in cheek press release that alludes to in-universe shenanigans related to traitorous activities and citizens’ duty to be extra vigilant (because of the whole paranoia thing, get it?).

At any rate, hopefully this delay will be a good thing for both players and developers alike. The game is still up for preorder on the Epic Games Store, and fans who prefer to wait for a Steam release should head over to the game’s Steam store page (where it’s listed as a 2020 title, so I assume it’ll be out in November 2020)

Paranoia is a CRPG that takes place in humanity’s last idyllic refuge, Alpha Complex, which is controlled by Friend Computer. All citizens enjoy a life of joy, cheerfulness and cleanliness. Questioning the benevolence of Friend Computer is an act of treason. Having access to information beyond your security clearance is an act of treason. Refusing to drink your daily dose of Bouncy Bubble Beverage is an act of treason. Treason is punishable by summary execution.

Stay alert! Trust no one!
Traitors are everywhere, plotting to destroy The Computer, Alpha Complex itself, and our precious way of life. Identify them, report them – or eliminate them as the treasonous scum they are. Keep your laser handy!
You lead a team of Troubleshooters with RED security clearance. Your job is to find trouble – and shoot it. Friend Computer monitors your every move, alert for any sign of treason, and will undoubtedly reward you for prompt and heroic action in defence of Alpha Complex – or punish treasonable acts, possibly by assigning you to be used as reactor shielding.

Game features

–A retro-futuristic world filled with technologies as wondrous as they are deadly

–Create and lead a team of four Troubleshooters working for Friend Computer

–Choose your specialisations from 9 available skills

–Unique character progression through cloning (if you die, you progress!)

–Real time tactical combat system with active pause, inspired by classic CRPG games

–Original enemies, including malfunctioning robots, aggressive drinks dispensers and defective clones