NEEDY STREAMER OVERLOAD
itch.io link

TW: discussions of suicide, self-harm and other disturbing topics

In Needy Streamer Overload, you play as your streamer girlfriend's producer, helping her become famous and not go crazy in the process.

This game is... disturbing, to say the least. If you're going to play it, please be aware that it's a psychological horror that features self-harm, LOTS of suicidal ideation, drug abuse and sexual abuse. If you're easily triggered by such things, DO NOT play this game.

The gameplay is you controlling Ame's entire life. What websites she visits, where she goes, what stream topics she chooses. You can try to support her through her mental health struggles, or you can focus on her popularity, choosing whatever makes the juiciest stream.

The portrayal of mental health issues in NSO is raw and unsettling, as it should be. The problem is, Ame having those issues is almost unavoidable. You have to perfectly calculate your run to avoid any self-harm sequences, and still, the ending is not going to be satisfying, because you're probably going to get evicted. I understand that NSO's plot would not happen if Ame just quit streaming and went to therapy, but only being able to encourage harmful behaviors is heartbreaking and, much worse for the game, frustrating.

And, speaking of frustration. There is one thing in NSO I hated, and it's the player character. More specifically, the chat options the game gives you. I understand having darker options for darker runs, but having to say "I can break you" in the beginning? Being unable to react to Ame being suicidal? Most stickers basically conveying "I don't care"? That might be an intentional decision, but it made me feel like the game forces you to be an asshole.

[Spoilers for one of the endings and graphic descriptions of a fictional suicide attempt]

I got multiple endings, and the charcoal one is by far the most confusing. A suicidal person asking you to buy charcoal immediately led me to believe she tried to overdose and needs help cleaning her stomach. The only reasonable response to such messages is calling 911, but whatever, if the game only gives you the options of "laugh at her" and "buy charcoal", I'll do whatever I can. But she actually meant fire charcoal and wanted to burn herself alive? Even though it's a fake ending, it was unpleasantly shocking and confusing.

Needy Streamer Overload is not a game for everyone. Hell knows, I'm not touching it ever again. This doesn't make it a bad game, though. It's worth playing if you want to explore its dark topics, but only if you're in the right headspace.

🙏 BLESS 🙏