Ethan Crossfield 
If you like the tension of paperwork-style decision making and want it wrapped in a medieval setting, Gate Guard Simulator is worth a quick look. The game isn’t on sale yet, but an active Steam playtest is letting players try the gate-guard loop right now—so you can decide whether it’s your kind of co-op medieval grind before launch.
What’s changed: a gate-guard simulator with Papers, Please-style choices
Gate Guard Simulator is an upcoming Steam simulator that borrows recognizable gameplay mechanics from Papers, Please, but reframes them as a medieval gate-guard job. Players take control of a guard posted outside a castle, tasked with inspecting those who want to enter.
That inspection work isn’t just about reading seals and pass conditions. The role includes checking what entrants are carrying, searching for contraband and identifying convicts. The stakes are designed to come from split-second judgments at the gate: players can be offered bribes, and they must decide whether to uphold the law or look the other way.
The core loop ends with a direct call—either let a person pass or refuse them—along with serious consequences for mistakes. That “choose the right outcome under pressure” structure is where the game’s Papers, Please DNA is most obvious.
Who’s affected: players looking for medieval vibes (and co-op action)
Gate Guard Simulator also aims to feel like something Kingdom Come: Deliverance fans would recognize visually. The game is not described as an RPG, but its medieval art style is presented as a major differentiator, with a look that could plausibly fit alongside Warhorse Studios’ grounded fantasy aesthetic.
The game is also positioned as a fresh alternative for players who may be looking beyond their usual routine. For Helldivers 2 fans, the pitch is simple: rather than spreading democracy in space, Gate Guard Simulator offers co-op action in a vastly different setting—castle gates, inspections, and morally loaded decisions.
What comes next: join the Steam playtest before it ends
Gate Guard Simulator is being developed by Redox Interactive. The studio is previously known for HTML5 browser games tied to major licensed properties, but this upcoming title is its first release on Steam—an important milestone for the team.
Redox Interactive hasn’t announced a specific launch date in the source information. What it has provided is an ongoing Steam playtest. Players can sign up on the game’s Steam page to test the current state and share feedback.
Timing is the key thing to watch: in an announcement dated June 7, the developer indicated the open playtest would continue for only a few more days. As of June 14, it was still available to claim, but there’s no guarantee it will remain open much longer—meaning interested players should act quickly in case the window closes.
What players should know
- Gate Guard Simulator is not listed as purchasable yet, but an open Steam playtest is currently available to join.
- Expect gate inspections: check seals, review goods, and look for contraband or convicts.
- Bribes are part of the gameplay, forcing you to decide between enforcing the law or turning a blind eye.
- Your choices at the gate determine whether entrants pass or are refused, with serious consequences for incorrect calls.
- The medieval art style is a standout feature, drawing comparisons to Kingdom Come: Deliverance even though it isn’t positioned as an RPG.
Expert View
Gate Guard Simulator looks like a smart attempt to translate the “high-pressure paperwork” appeal of Papers, Please into a medieval setting, and its art direction is clearly meant to sell that identity. The co-op angle could broaden its appeal beyond solo decision-making. The main unknown for now is how well the system stays engaging over time, but the fact that a Steam playtest is available makes this an easy title to evaluate early—just don’t wait too long, since the test window may close at any moment.
