Parallel Experiment news & patch notes

Detectives,

Due to ongoing technical issues affecting connections to our servers, we’ve decided to suspend sales of our games in Russia. We don’t think it’s fair to sell a game in a region where we can’t maintain a reliable quality of service.

Players in Russia often have trouble connecting to our servers, and unfortunately this is beyond our control. There are government-level restrictions that affect certain types of connections to servers outside Russia, and recently the situation has been getting worse.

We’ve implemented many workarounds to reduce these issues, including better global server distribution, proxy servers, and dynamic rerouting. However, the restrictions keep changing, and it has become a constant game of whack-a-mole. Unfortunately, we also cannot legally host servers in Russia, so for now there is nothing more we can realistically do.

We’re very sorry we had to make this decision, but we believe it is the only fair one. We should not be selling a product in a region where we cannot provide a dependable experience. We hope the situation changes, or that we find a workable solution soon.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] - we’ll be happy to help.

Best regards, Eleven Puzzles Team

FAQ

I bought the game earlier. Can I still play?

Of course. We are not limiting your access to our servers, although playing may still be difficult because of the technical issues mentioned above.

I bought the game, but I don’t have a partner to play with.

You can visit our Discord and look for a partner there. If you have someone specific in mind who can no longer obtain the game, reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll try to find a solution.

When will you resume sales in Russia?

We don’t know, and we can’t give any timeline because this is beyond our control. We’ll keep looking for a technical solution that works, but we suspect that until these restrictions change, it will be difficult to resume sales while maintaining a good quality of service.

Bug fixes and improvements:

• Fixed an issue with the "Silly" achievement

• Fixed a bug preventing return to the Temple of Trials for players who completed the game in a previous version but did not finish the Temple in a single session

• Updated hints to accurately match the environment

• Adjusted the difficulty of the knife section

• Added an option to watch all cutscenes (including those that were cut in the 2.0 update) from the main menu.

• Fixed a bug preventing the elevator from resetting correctly in investigation mode

• Fixed a bug causing symbols in the first section of the game to become invisible

• Fixed various other minor bugs

Detectives! We've got something special for you.

We listened to your feedback, read every review, and watched your videos and streams. Then we started working on an update, and it quickly grew into something much bigger.

For the past few months, we’ve been hard at work updating Parallel Experiment. We’ve fixed numerous bugs, reworked and improved many puzzles, added new features, and introduced a brand-new special level to the game!

Today, we’re releasing Parallel Experiment 2.0. The best part? It’s all available now, for free.

What's new?

A new level: Temple Of Trials

Near the final part of the game, you’ll now discover a completely new level filled with fresh puzzles that tie the entire experience together.

We felt the second half of the game was a bit lighter on puzzles, so we fixed that.

Reworked Finale

We admit the original ending felt rushed. It has been completely reworked. The pacing is better, the puzzles are more engaging, and the overall experience is significantly improved.

Brand new hint system

The game now features a completely redesigned hint system.

At any point, you can press the Hint button to receive a nudge in the right direction. Each puzzle includes multiple hints, most of which avoid giving direct answers - you still want to solve it yourself, don't you? Only the final hint typically reveals the full solution.

There are now over 300 hints in the game, and we hope it makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Updated conversations and cutscenes

We took a critical look at the game’s conversations and cutscenes and realized they were simply too long for a puzzle-focused experience.

They’ve now been rewritten and tightened to be shorter, clearer, and more to the point, while keeping the story intact.

Bug fixes

We've squashed many bugs in the process. Big and small. Ugly and uglier.

Cloud Saves

All platforms now support Cloud Saves.

Your progress is automatically backed up online, making it easy to continue playing across multiple devices or recover your saves if needed.

How much does the update cost?

Nothing.

While this update and new level is large enough for a paid DLC, we are releasing it for free. We built this to address your feedback and ensure you experience the game exactly as intended.

Compatibility

Both players must use the same version.

Due to major structural changes, version 2.0.0 is not compatible with version 1.0.X.

I completed the game on 1.0.0 - do I need to start over?

No.

If you have already completed the game or have an old save file, loading it will automatically transport you to the new content. You can start playing the new level right away.

Leave a review

If you enjoy this free update, please leave a review or update your existing one. It helps us immensely and allows us to keep making games. Thank you!

Summary

We hope you truly enjoy this free update. Grab your partner and jump back into the game. Have fun!

P.S. Need a player 2? Join our Discord to find a partner or report any bugs regarding the 2.0 update.

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed an issue that prevented the virtual keyboard from opening automatically on Steam Deck

• Fixed occasional crashes when approaching lights in the workshop

• Fixed several minor issues with the workshop assembly machine

• Fixed an issue that prevented players from opening the token machine after completing a mini-game

• Fixed an issue where lock numbers were positioned incorrectly in the museum

• Fixed an issue causing pool balls to move incorrectly in certain situations

• Fixed an issue where the gargoyle would not recognize the glass in some cases

• Various performance improvements

Workshop Bug Fixes:

• Fixed an issue where soldering could work without power after loading a save.

• Fixed problems caused by leaving the battery in the drawer before loading a save.

• Fixed problems caused by leaving the circuit board in the drawer before loading a save.

• Fixed a bug on PC where rapidly clicking the screwdriver could permanently lock the screws.

• Fixed a missing diode when handing over the circuit board.

• Fixed the doorbell sound playing when approaching the workbench.

• Fixed diodes remaining stuck in place after being removed.

• Fixed an issue on PC where the power plug could be moved while inserted into the socket.

• Fixed incorrect display of broken diodes after reinstalling them.

• Fixed a bug allowing screws to be double-inserted, causing a mini soft-lock.

• Fixed a soft lock that could occur after completing the final Workshop puzzle and exiting the game.

Elevator Maze Bug Fixes:

• Fixed an issue where players could clip through a moving elevator.

Museum Bug Fixes:

• Fixed an issue on PC where the magnifying glass stayed in place when holding LMB+RMB, and could be thrown outside the playable area.

• Improved button-press animations in elevators.

Bug fixes:

• Fixed a memory leak that could, in certain situations, cause a crash during the Assembly puzzle

• Fixed an issue that could occasionally soft-lock players in Investigation Mode

• Fixed the reset behavior of the Assembly puzzle

• Fixed a bug that could trigger a mini-game to open in the bar area after moving to another room

• Fixed an issue in the Books puzzle that allowed players to grab and turn multiple books simultaneously

Detectives!

Unity (the game engine we use) recently released an important security patch. It was discovered that all versions of the engine (and by extension, our games) were affected by a specific vulnerability.

There’s no evidence that this vulnerability was ever exploited, but we’ve issued a security update that fixes the issue across all our games.

We recommend updating to the latest versions to stay fully protected.

Security updates:

• Upgraded Unity version to address the CVE-2025-59489 security vulnerability

Bug fixes:

• Improved level exit conditions in the City Maze puzzle

• Fixed an issue that sometimes caused brain pieces to be positioned incorrectly

• Fixed a bug allowing players to exit the elevator while it was moving

• Fixed a potential soft lock in the puzzle where players need to throw a belt

We’ve just released Parallel Experiment 1.0.7. Here’s what’s new:

Features

• New control scheme for the Labyrinth and Parallel City sections

• Added the ability to rewatch cutscenes from the main menu

• Added support for the Back button on Android

Improvements

• Improved functionality of skipping dialogues

• Adjusted timing of notifications after completing puzzles in the Bar

Bug Fixes

• Fixed a bug that blocked some players from continuing certain conversations

• Various other bug fixes and stability improvements

Features

• New animations for Bogdan
• Improved character selection screen
• Added a new Extras menu in the main menu - browse achievements and find links to our other games
• Clearer notifications after completing a puzzle in the Bar section
• Improved accessibility: added visual clues to puzzles that previously required sound, making them playable for hard-of-hearing players
• Removed reliance on Cloudflare to reduce connection issues for players in Russia

Bug Fixes

• Removed reliance on Cloud Flare to reduce connection issues for players from Russia region
• Fixed a bug that sometimes prevented players from continuing conversations with Bogdan

• Improved the beggining of the Parallel City level (wandering in the darkness)
• Implemented better skipping of cutscenes
• Implemented better skipping of dialogue options
• Improved pitch and leveled the volume of many sound effects and voice lines

• Translated some notification that were left in english
• Fixed bugs in Three in a Row minigame
• Fixed misaligned flames in the Labyrinth (visual)
• Fixed OD speaking Ally's line in the Temple
• Fixed Ally having three hands in the sarcophagus (visual)
• Fixed a bug that caused a player to randomly drop in the Platforms section
• Fixed minor bugs in the Pool minigame
• Fixed minor bugs in the Match Three minigame

• Added the option to view credits from the menu screen

• Fixed a rare bug in the elevator maze where the players could split, preventing them from progressing
• Fixed a bug with books stacking on one another in the workshop
• Fixed a bug with levers being outside the screen edge on iPad (platform maze)
• Fixed the 'Poker' achievement not being awarded correctly
• Fixed other, minor bugs

• Added and option to change graphic quality - should help with performance on lower-end machines
• Improved performance in more resource-intensive areas (Inside of Dad's Electronics, the labyrinth). This should prevent game from crashing in these areas
• Improved the reset procedure in the pipe minigame

• Fixed a bug that could sometimes cause players to lose their save file. If this happened to you, please let us know and we’ll provide a save file close to where you left off
• Fixed a visual bug with one of the characters disappearing during a conversation
• Fixed a bug that broke the mouse game if a player quits during the ending sequence
• Fixed a missing diode bug in the communication machine
• Fixed a bug with gems overlapping in Match Three minigame

• Added the option to choose a server when starting a game — useful if you experience connection or lag issues
• Reduced graphic requirements in larger sections, especially in the underground area. This should prevent game from crashing in these areas
• Save files are now automatically backed up
• The game now remembers your selected language
• Added the ability to reset the Pipe Puzzle and the Gears & Sliders Puzzle

• Fixed a bug that prevented the map icon from bouncing when it should draw attention
• Fixed typos and improved wording in Polish and Russian
• Fixed an issue that could block three in a row puzzle completion in specific situations
• Fixed an issue where some notes weren’t translated correctly
• Minor visual improvements in the Temple and Platforms puzzles

• Added two additional servers in Hong Kong and Tel Aviv to reduce connection problems for certain players.
• Fixed a bug that prevented the game from connecting to a backup server after a timeout during game creation.
• Fixed a bug preventing players from making a move after a reset in the Guliver’s game.
• Fixed a bug that prevented some sound effects from being correctly controlled by the volume sliders.
• Fixed a bug in the Gears and Sliders puzzle that duplicated a tile and made the puzzle unsolvable.
• Fixed a bug that, in some circumstances, prevented players from switching to a correct location when using a map in Investigation Mode.

Watch our new trailer

What's the story?

Parallel Experiment in numbers

Wondering why Parallel Experiment took so long to develop?

Support us

🎮 We are thrilled to announce that Eleven Puzzles is participating in the Cerebral Puzzle Showcase 2024 on Steam! This event is a celebration of mind-bending puzzles and intricate challenges, and we're excited to bring our entire lineup into the party. 🧠 🔥 During the event, you can enjoy a special 40% discount on Unboxing the Cryptic Killer, a game that will test your wits and patience with its complex puzzles and mysterious storyline. It's the perfect opportunity to dive into the suspense and challenges that have captivated so many of our players. 🕵️‍♂️🔓 🧩 Don't miss out on this fantastic chance to experience our games! Whether you're a long-time fan or new to our games, the Cerebral Puzzle Showcase 2024 is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the worlds we've created. 💡 We can't wait to see you there and hear your thoughts on our games. Happy puzzling, and may your wits carry you through the intricate challenges ahead!

Dear Detectives,

The journey of creating a game is filled with milestones, and one of our most anticipated moments recently unfolded—the launch of the Parallel Experiment demo during Steam Next Fest on February 5th. This event wasn't just a chance to showcase our game; it was a profound moment of reflection on our journey, the teamwork involved, and the community engagement that followed.

The Journey to Launch

Releasing our demo at Steam Next Fest on February 5th was an incredible milestone for our team. We devoted a lot of time and effort to perfecting it, and the opportunity to present it to a broader audience was deeply meaningful for us. This event wasn't just about showcasing our work; it was a moment of pride, showcasing the dedication and hard work we've invested in Parallel Experiment. As we developed the demo, our team expanded significantly, both in numbers and in spirit. This growth required us to adapt and find a unified way of working together. The process of creating the demo solidified us as a team, transforming a group of individuals into a cohesive unit with a shared vision for what Parallel Experiment could become. Launching the demo was a major highlight, but it also marked the beginning of a new phase in our project. With every piece of the game we polished and every bug we fixed, we didn't just move closer to release; we also discovered more about our strengths as a team. This journey was about more than just developing a game; it was about learning to harness our collective skills and creativity. As we shared our creation with the world, we not only looked forward to the feedback but also to growing further as a team and taking our game to new heights.

Facing the Challenges

Transitioning from development to launch wasn't smooth sailing. Our journey was enriched by the critical feedback from our early playtesters, who pointed out several areas we could improve. Acting on their invaluable insights, we managed to iron out most issues just in time for the demo's debut. This proactive approach not only enhanced the quality of our demo but also underscored the importance of community feedback in the development process. In all the excitement, we ventured into our first livestream during Steam Next Fest, facing a few technical hiccups along the way. Despite these challenges, the livestream became a memorable part of our journey, offering us a unique opportunity to connect with our audience, share our development insights, and further cement our relationship with the gaming community.

The Numbers

Seeing over 10,000 players engage with our demo during last 2 months was both exhilarating and humbling. The feedback we received was incredibly positive, fueling our passion and dedication to making Parallel Experiment even better. This level of engagement surpassed our expectations and provided us with valuable insights into our players' experiences and preferences. During this release, we gather some stats to get a better understanding of how our players actually play our games. But not all stats were for research purposes, some were just for funsies. For example, during the entire Steam Next Fext (one week) over 2000 players enjoyed the demo and while doing so, they collectively knocked on the window exactly 135 223 times. Yes, 60 knocks per person. That's a great score if you ask us!

Reflections and Moving Forward

Participating in Steam Next Fest was a pivotal experience for us. It highlighted our team's growth, the effectiveness of our problem-solving strategies, and the enthusiastic support of our community. We're profoundly grateful for the feedback and encouragement we've received, which continue to inspire our journey. The fest not only showcased our progress but also reaffirmed our commitment to delivering a game that meets the high standards of our players and ourselves. Reflecting on this event, we see it not just as a milestone but as a stepping stone towards greater achievements. It has set a new benchmark for us, pushing us to aim higher and dream bigger. The constructive criticism and positive reactions have been instrumental in shaping our roadmap for the future, making us more excited than ever to bring our vision for Parallel Experiment to life. Thank you for being a part of this adventure with us. Your support means the world to us, and we look forward to sharing more updates and milestones as we continue to develop Parallel Experiment. Stay tuned! That’s all from us for today! Hop onto our Discord if you’d like to ask any questions, or simply let us know what you think about devlogs like this one. And make sure to wishlist Parallel Experiment on Steam! Thank you for all your support! Cheers! Eleven Puzzles Team

🎙️🕹️ Exciting News, Detectives! Join us for an exclusive livestream with Adrian and Dawid as we dive into the world of Parallel Experiment. 🕵️‍♂️🕵️‍♀️ 📅 Date: 8th February 2024 🕕 Time: 2PM CET 👾 Prepare for an in-depth walkthrough of the demo, where you'll witness every twist, turn, and puzzle-solving moment firsthand. 🧩👀 But that's not all! 🎮 Hear never-before-shared development stories, anecdotes, and get a sneak peek behind the scenes. From concept to creation, we're revealing it all! 🌟 Bring your questions, theories, and detective spirit – it's a livestream you won't want to miss! 🔍🎥

Dear Detectives,

The moment you've all been eagerly awaiting has finally arrived! The demo for our latest game, "Parallel Experiment," is now live, and you're officially invited to test your wits against the cryptic challenges we've meticulously crafted for you. 🎮✨ What's Inside? Our demo gives you a first-hand look at the thrilling world of "Parallel Experiment." Join forces with detectives Ally and Old Dog as they delve into a maze of mysteries and puzzles. This demo isn't just a sneak peek—it's your entry into a labyrinth of intrigue and suspense, wrapped in the captivating atmosphere of our biggest and most ambitious project to date.

Dear Detectives,

Following our recent announcement of the name change from “Parallel Lab” to “Parallel Experiment”, we’re excited to let you delve deeper into the journey of our game’s development. That’s why we’re launching a series of devlogs to take you along on our adventure, showcasing our progress as we approach the release. In today’s entry, we’ll explore the reasons behind the title change, recall on how Parallel Experiment began, where it stands now, and our vision for its future. Stay tuned as we unveil the evolution of ideas that are shaping Parallel Experiment into an experience unlike any before.

From Success to Evolution

The journey of Parallel Experiment began right after the success of our first full-blown Steam game, Unboxing the Cryptic Killer. Initially, the plan was to remake of our web game, Parallel Lab, just as we did with “Unboxing”. However, as we dug deeper into the project, we realized that our aspirations had grown. The more we learned about game development, the more we understood what players sought in games like ours. A simple remake felt like we stood in place, but we want every next of our games to be something more.

This idea sparked a new ambition in us. We didn’t just want to make a game that would be “good”; we aimed to push the boundaries of our creativity and technical skills. Our vision expanded, and with it, the scope of what Parallel Experiment could be. It was no longer about remaking something old but bringing something new and extraordinary to the table – a game that could stand as evidence to our growth and passion as developers And that’s exactly why we decided to change the name. We wanted to stay close to our initial idea for the game, but we also needed to show that major change that was happening with the game itself, but also with our mindset.

Making Our Vision Real

As we stand today, Parallel Experiment is a vibrant, living project, pulsating with potential. The decision to create a demo for Steam Next Fest was pivotal. It’s not just about showcasing our game; it’s about testing our newly formed vision in practice. This demo process was revolutionary for us. It challenged us to integrate a more engaging narrative, design puzzles that were both fun and thought-provoking, and explore new avenues for player interaction. More than that, we aimed to make all these pieces fit together. To do that, we tried something new. We had our first get-together. As a remote team, meeting in person was an extraordinary experience, especially for discussing the major aspects of Parallel Experiment. We also playtested the existing puzzles to see if any changes were needed. This session helped us finalize the details of the demo puzzles and create an interesting and mysterious story outline.

The result? We now have a prototype of a demo that’s more than just a slice of gameplay; it’s a fully realized segment of our larger vision, surpassing Unsolved Case in both scope and depth. This prototype is a proof of concept, showing us – and soon, the world – what “Parallel Experiment” is truly capable of. It’s a small part of a much larger picture, but one that we’re immensely proud of and excited to share.

Imagining the Future

Our vision for Parallel Experiment is crystal clear: to redefine what an escape room game can be. We’re not just creating a game; we’re crafting an experience. Our aim is to weave together a tapestry of intricate puzzles, a storyline that keeps players on the edge of their seats, and gameplay that encourages teamwork in new and innovative ways. We want “Parallel Experiment” to be a game that stays with players long after they’ve turned off their screens. We envision a world rich in detail and narrative depth, where every puzzle is a step deeper into the heart of a mystery. In Parallel Experiment we are bringing everything to the next level - adventure, suspense, and collaborative discovery. We’re not just aiming to meet the standards set by our previous games; we’re aiming to surpass them, providing an unforgettable experience that sets a new benchmark for escape room games! That’s all from us for today! Hop onto our Discord if you’d like to ask any questions, or simply let us know what you think about devlogs like this one. And make sure to wishlist Parallel Experiment on Steam! Thank you for all your support! Cheers! Eleven Puzzles Team

Hello Detectives! 🕵️🕵️

We're thrilled to announce a significant change to the next chapter of the 'Cryptic Killer' series. Get ready for Parallel Experiment, a game that's not just a sequel but a groundbreaking evolution in our cooperative puzzle adventures.

🎉What's New in Parallel Experiment?

• A New, Riveting Chapter Join detectives Old Dog and Ally in their relentless pursuit of the Cryptic Killer. This time, they're unraveling the mystery of the Parallel Experiment. But beware – it could be another trap!
• A Story Full of Mysteries Learn the motives of the Cryptic Killer. Is he working alone? Maybe someone helps him? Or maybe there is something more behind his twisted ideas?
• Our Biggest Title Yet Get ready for a long puzzle solving journey! Parallel Experiment will be significantly bigger than Unboxing the Cryptic Killer with Demo longer than entire Unsolved Case!
• Enhanced Co-Op Experience You and a friend will have new, exciting ways to solve puzzles together and interact with each other while doing so.
• A Rich, Interactive World Explore the city of Cracow, filled with hand-illustrated environments inspired by noir novels. The game's world is more alive and interactive than ever.

🗓️Release and Demo

We're pouring our hearts and souls into making Parallel Experiment a memorable and engaging game that tests your detective skills and teamwork. As we push the boundaries with a vast scope and innovative mechanics, time is essential to meet our vision of the experience we want to deliver.

• Steam Next Fest Demo - February 5th 2024 Get a taste of the challenge with a substantial demo – bigger and better than entire Unsolved Case!
• Release Date - Gear up for the full experience, launching in 2024.

Wishlist now to stay updated on the journey to release. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We can't wait to see how you tackle the Cryptic Killer's new challenges!🙏 Eleven Puzzles Team