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Upcoming asymmetrical multiplayer horror game The Flock is definitely one of the most interesting original concepts in recent memory. It's a unique horror game in which the community shares a pool of lives, and once those lives run out, it's game over. Permanently.

This bold concept definitely caught the attention of PC gamers. By enforcing such a restriction, the developers Vogelsap have created quite a unique marketing stunt, but it remains to be seen if players will actually shell out the cash for an experience that they know will has an expiration date. Well, now thanks to a new teaser trailer, we know when we'll find out if The Flock experiment actually pays off.

The trailer shows a view of Earth from space. As the years accelerate, Earth's health deteriorates. Eventually the trailer takes us to Earth in 2999, and shows us a desolate landscape all the while focusing on the mysterious Artifact, an item that players must collect in-game. Once this disturbing teaser wraps up, we are informed that "the hunt" begins Friday, August 21st, which just a little over a week away.

In addition, the trailer also provides some pre-order bonus info. Those that choose to pre-order their Steam key of The Flock from the Humble Bundle Store will receive a bonus key that they can gift to a friend so they have some company while trying to survive online.

The Flock seems like a serious gamble, but if it pays off, it could be huge. The game's concept is just different enough to help it stand apart from the multitude of other asymmetrical multiplayer games that are coming out, and having such an abrupt release date should also help drum up some hype.

We've seen this strategy work out before, perhaps most notably with the Five Nights at Freddy's games. The developer of those games, Scott Cawthon, has a tendency to release them early, which has definitely contributed to the success of that series. However, The Flock is a different beast entirely when compared to Five Nights at Freddy's, and when one takes into account its expiration date and higher price tag (The Flock will cost $16.99), it's hard to say whether this latest stunt will pay off.

In the meantime, for those that are interested in The Flock but are looking for more permanent asymmetrical multiplayer options, there's plenty to choose from. This includes an asymmetrical Friday the 13th game due out later this year, as well as a similar slasher-themed title, Slasher Vol. 1: Summer Camp.

That being said, it does appear as though public interest in the asymmetrical multiplayer sub-genre may be waning. Evolve, for example, had considerable pre-release hype, but since then has struggled with a dwindling player base. It could be a sign that these types of games don't have the staying power of traditional multiplayer experiences, or that we're still just waiting for one to blow us away. Could it be The Flock?

The Flock will be available later this month, August 21st, 2015, exclusively for PC.

Source: theflockgame