Hello everyone!
We’ve released an update for the demo version of S.E.M.I. – Side Effects May Include, which includes improvements to trial rooms, enemy behavior updates, interaction tweaks, and a whole bunch of bug fixes.
More than 11,000 people played the demo during the first week — and that’s incredibly encouraging. Huge thanks to everyone who took the time to play, experience the side effects, and share their feedback!
With so many players came a wave of suggestions, ideas, and thoughts.
This helped us better understand what you expect from the game — and more importantly, where we need to improve mechanics, clarity, and balance.
Thursday October 2nd Changelog (today):
1. Puzzle Room — Minecarts simplified
Levers are gone — replaced with four direction buttons
Buttons with weights replaced by vertical movement buttons (up/down)
Bridge movement before the next room is now faster
Minecarts now have indicator lights to show correct/incorrect inputs
Wall levers for glass gates also now have indicator lights
2. Enemy Behavior Improved
3. UI & Interactions
You can now join another session directly from the lobby (previously only possible via main menu)
If a player is on fire or electrified, touching teammates passes the effect
Tutorial boards moved closer to the lever that triggers escape
Russian language added for all tutorial boards
New alternative throw control: you can now throw items with SHIFT + LMB
Throwing power mechanics reworked — now more predictable
4. Small Improvements
Increased speed of elevators in trial rooms
“Transformer” ability:
Enemies no longer deal damage while the ability is active
Charge time reduced
“Meatball” ability:
Damage increased
All interactive items and weapons now have highlight glow
New options in Settings:
Mouse sensitivity
Inverted camera toggle
5. Bug Fixes
Suitcase melee weapon no longer falls through the floor
Monster Flask trial: door grid now opens correctly
Minecart trial: fixed audio clipping issues
“Alice” ability: giant form now deals damage properly
Fixed multiple areas where players could get stuck
Fixed audio delays in Madness system
Fixed skin display issues for “Parkinson’s Revolver” ability
6. Visual & Audio Updates
New visual effects for “Transformer”
Updated VFX for “Alice”
Some hats are now animated and look even more chaotic
Refreshed visuals for several room props
Added background music during escape events
Added new sound effects for items, states, and abilities
The updated demo is now live!
Add the game to your wishlist and stay tuned — side effects guaranteed.
If you find a bug, want to share feedback or just chat — hop into the Steam Discussions or join our Discord. We read everything!