Solo developer Melon Polygons is jumping into Steam Next Fest with a demo for Insomnia: Chapter One, the first of what the developer says is a series of standalone psychological horror stories that aims to explore “the limits of human isolation, memory, and guilt.” Inspired by Still Wakes the Deep, John Carpenter’s The Thing, and Amnesia, Insomnia blends environmental storytelling, psychological tension, and survival-focused exploration.
Set within the frozen isolation of the Arctic in the year 2012, players assume the role of Ethan Miller, a junior technician stationed at an isolated scientific base Perseus in the northern Kara Sea. Your routine is simple and mundane: maintenance tasks, daily reports, and quiet evenings beside humming radiators. However, what starts as a routine maintenance assignment becomes a nightmare of paranoia, betrayal, and grief. Ethan must uncover what really happened beneath the ice — and what still lurks in the dark.
“I wanted to make a horror game that feels human,” says Anzor Lejava, creator of Insomnia. “The vision behind the project is to create a deeply atmospheric horror experience that focuses on immersion, narrative weight, and emotional connection with the protagonist’s personal story.”
There is no combat in Insomnia, only the creeping dread of the unknown. Through a slow-burn reveal through notes, voices, and the decay around you, players unravel the mystery of the station as it slowly descends into madness. Despite the absence of combat, you’ll still find yourself hiding at times while you explore the station, piecing together what’s left of reality.
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