update · June 29, 2026

Haunted Cleaner Opens First Public Playtest in July

HeadKino Games has announced the first public playtest for Haunted Cleaner, running from July 8 to July 13 on Steam. The build features a complete gameplay loop, dialogue updates with variable facial expressions, and an ongoing UI overhaul.

Haunted Cleaner gears up for its first public playtest on Steam, running from Wednesday, July 8, through Monday, July 13. Developers Joy and Philipp are opening access to gather direct player feedback on controls, art, narrative, and performance.

Playtest Schedule and Content

The beta build offers players a complete gameplay loop. Participants can accept jobs, meet clients, clean rooms, complete task checklists, solve optional puzzles, and interact with a cat. Access runs through Steam, with instructions sent out prior to the test window.

Development and Narrative Upgrades

Ahead of the playtest, the team implemented cinematic dialogue controls featuring scene overviews at the start of levels. Characters also received variable facial expressions to convey a wider range of emotions. Alongside these narrative additions, Joy worked on a stylistic UI overhaul, and various bug fixes were deployed.

Feedback Goals

The developers ask participants to evaluate object placement and control feedback, work-in-progress art and audio, task clarity, and the overall pacing of the game. Honest feedback on whether the experience feels relaxing or stressful is actively encouraged.

Why this patch matters

This first playtest gives the community an early look at Haunted Cleaner's core cleaning and ghost-interaction loop while helping shape its ongoing development.