There’s a Gun in the Office is a psychological indie horror and escape-room simulation developed by Ragir and Take IT Studio!. Premiering in 2025, the game stands out with its unique approach to anxiety, isolation, and spatial control. With a duration of between 30 and 60 minutes, it is a short but intense game that relies on atmosphere and memory tasks rather than classic puzzles.
The player takes on the role of an unnamed prisoner who wakes up every morning in an office space. The space is isolated, cramped, and equipped only with basic items – tables, shelves, phones, and keys. Each day, the player must find a key, explore the office, and try to discover where the gun is located, while simultaneously ensuring that everything is left exactly as it was before the search began. If the captor notices anything moved upon return – the game is over (the same day repeats). This simple mechanic of returning items to their exact place creates a tension that few games manage to achieve.
The game's biggest asset is its atmosphere. Silence, distant footsteps, buzzing lights, and minimalist visual design create a sense of paranoia and discomfort. There are no classic “jump scares” – just a feeling of uncertainty and constant threat. Every sound could be a sign that someone is returning, and a wrongly returned item means the end of the game. The game avoids excessive explanation – there is no dialogue, no exposition, just you, the office, time, and a silent enemy in the background.
You don’t know who you are, why you are imprisoned, or who is holding you captive. There are hints of a deeper story – through dreams or hallucinations that appear during the night – but they never become entirely clear. This ambiguity can be an advantage for some as it leaves room for interpretation, while others may feel unsatisfied due to the lack of concrete answers or conclusions.
The game has several weaknesses. Some may say it is too short and lacks variety in gameplay. The structure of the day repeats, and once you figure out the pattern, the challenge significantly decreases. The item control mechanics can sometimes be clumsy, especially with a controller. Additionally, on the PlayStation 5 console, there is a constant frame rate drop, which does not provide a smooth gaming experience, and sometimes an object you need to collect is simply unreachable.
Despite this, There’s a Gun in the Office manages to leave a strong impression. Although it is short, it stays in memory.
On the PlayStation 5 console, the game has a platinum trophy, so trophy hunters will be satisfied as it is not difficult to obtain; the game has 13 trophies including platinum.
Ultimately, this is a game that may not appeal to everyone. But if you enjoy atmospheric, experimental indie games that deal with psychological themes and are not afraid of anxiety – this could be a surprisingly worthwhile experience for you.
Game copy provided for review purposes by the publisher Take IT Studio! Sp. z o.o.
