Kinetic, the developers of Phasmophobia, have rejected the live-service model in favor of maintaining a more traditional game development approach. Speaking at an event on 2025-11-13, CEO Daniel Knight and art director Corey Dixon explained their rationale.
Core Game Principles
Phasmophobia, unlike many contemporary games, does not classify itself as a live-service product. According to Knight, the game will feature limited seasonal events—about three annually, including themed additions like the Halloween Crimson Eye—without altering core gameplay.
Knight emphasized that there are no plans for microtransactions or downloadable content (DLC) beyond the base game. The studio avoids the pressure of continuous updates, citing their self-funded status which allows flexible timelines and release schedules.
Developer and Player Experience
Art director Dixon noted that live-service models often induce time pressure on both players and developers. By reducing update frequency, the team at Kinetic prioritizes a healthier creative process and workplace environment.
The progression in Phasmophobia primarily revolves around players' learning and understanding ghost behavior. Though there are levels and unlockable items, Knight stressed that deeper advancement comes from mastering game challenges rather than accumulating in-game assets.
Gameplay Motivation
Dixon neatly summed up Phasmophobia's philosophy: the motivation to play should stem from enjoyment, not obligatory participation in frequent updates or events. This approach aims to foster long-lasting engagement based on content quality rather than constant refreshes.
