Indie studio unveils free cooperative game set in tech support world

Dinosaur Polo Club has quietly released a new cooperative game, offering players a fresh experience that departs from its previous titles. The game, titled Read the F*cking Manual, is now available for free on PC and Mac via the Itch.io platform.

The studio, best known for its minimalist simulation games Mini Metro and Mini Motorways, developed the project from a concept from an internal game jam. A small team within the company expanded the idea into a complete release, maintaining the studio’s reputation for simple yet thoughtful design.

A co-op experience built on communication

Read the F*cking Manual places players in a shared scenario inspired by technical support environments. The gameplay revolves around two roles: the Troubleshooter and the Terminal Operator. Each player has access to different pieces of information, creating a situation where cooperation and communication are essential to progress.

According to the game’s official description, “Players must work together — or not — in this atmospheric game of trust and communication.” The Troubleshooter holds the manual needed to resolve issues, while the Terminal Operator must describe the situation displayed on their screen, which remains hidden from their partner. This division of knowledge forms the core challenge of the game.

The structure encourages players to communicate clearly and efficiently, but also introduces the possibility of misinterpretation or even deliberate misinformation. The dynamic can shift depending on how each participant engages with the task, making each session unpredictable. This approach reflects real-world technical support scenarios, where accurate communication is often critical to resolving problems.

Workplace themes and psychological tension

The game’s setting draws heavily on workplace culture, particularly collaborative exercises often associated with team-building. The experience may feel familiar to players who have encountered similar exercises in professional environments, where cooperation can either strengthen relationships or expose tensions within a team.

While the premise may appear straightforward, the game introduces elements that hint at a more unsettling tone. The atmosphere leans towards psychological tension, with players questioning not only the information they receive but also their partner’s intentions. This ambiguity creates a sense of unease that sets the game apart from more traditional cooperative titles.

Multiple outcomes are suggested, depending on how players interact and how truthfully they communicate. The possibility of different endings adds replay value and encourages experimentation with different teamwork approaches. Whether players choose to cooperate fully or introduce deception, the consequences shape the overall experience.

From game jam concept to full release

The origins of Read the F*cking Manual lie in a game jam, where developers rapidly prototype ideas within a limited timeframe. Such projects often serve as creative experiments, and in this case, the concept resonated strongly enough to warrant further development.

Dinosaur Polo Club’s decision to release the game for free reflects its experimental nature and the studio’s interest in sharing smaller, innovative projects with a wider audience. By making the game accessible on Itch.io, the developers have lowered the barrier to entry, inviting players to explore a different kind of cooperative gameplay.

The release also highlights the studio’s continued focus on design simplicity. While the mechanics are easy to understand, the depth emerges from player interaction rather than complex systems. This design philosophy has been a hallmark of the company’s previous work and remains evident in this latest project.

With its combination of cooperative mechanics, workplace themes and psychological undertones, Read the F*cking Manual offers a distinctive addition to the indie gaming landscape. Its free availability is likely to attract both fans of Dinosaur Polo Club and players curious about unconventional multiplayer experiences.