Developed by DingDing Sunshine and co-published by Fenglin Studio and Yixiangfeng Interactive Entertainment, the anti-conditioning live-action interactive game Protagonist makes its global debut on Steam today, July 15, at 16:00 (UTC+8), with a limited-time 86% launch discount—just $6.87 USD—to step into the maze of human nature.
Breaking away from romance clichés—a documentary poem for the young
Tired of the same old romance-driven interactive games? Protagonist breaks completely from the formula, ditching mindless love stories in favor of anti-conditioning, self-redemption, and real-world growth. It strikes at the heart of the modern dilemma—forced compromise, performed lives—and stands as a poetic documentary for everyone navigating the gap between who they are and who they're told to be.
The story unfolds at the prestigious Jinglin Academy of Performing Arts—a "star-making cradle" whose glossy reputation hides an invisible prison. You step into the role of Lusheng, an ordinary man who goes undercover at the academy to uncover the truth behind his sister's death, walking straight into a stage where everyone is performing.
At this academy, sincerity is a myth. Everyone plays a part. A warm smile is a scripted beat, a tear is a calculated prop, and every gesture of goodwill hides an ulterior motive. Surveillance cameras watch every corner, rigid rules bind every move, and unspoken interpersonal dynamics govern daily life. Mentors, classmates, close friends—anyone can become an adversary in an instant. Surrender to the conditioning, and you lose yourself entirely, becoming a puppet. Only by holding on to your principles and staying clear-headed can you unravel the lies and unearth the truth buried beneath layers of deception.
Fully live-action, with choices that trigger butterfly effects
Every scene is captured through live-action filming. Moral dilemmas and emotional gambits await at every turn—your attitude, your words, your allegiances all reshape the story's direction. A seemingly minor choice may plant a seed that triggers a chain reaction later on.
Seven key figures, each with their own agenda and opposing stances, form an intricate web of human nature: a producer whose motives are impossible to read, a partner whose loyalty is uncertain, a pure soul struggling within the system, a sharp-tongued rebel, a mentor who clings to the rules, a director whose ideals have crumbled, and a former child star trapped by her past. You may form alliances, leverage others to break through, or walk alone and resist the system head-on. Every choice you make in trust and relationships unlocks hidden histories and reveals the true stories behind the masks.
A branching narrative web—your convictions write the ending
The game features a multi-layered branching narrative structure, with multiple core endings running in parallel—uncover the truth, become complicit, break out alone, or lose yourself in emotion. Hidden storylines and characters' buried pasts can only be unlocked through specific combinations of choices, leading to the ultimate secret of Jinglin Academy. Paired with stage-inspired lighting, immersive environmental audio, and an original theatrical score, the experience heightens every moment of tension and emotional weight—each decision carries real consequence.
All the world's a stage, yet homeward lies the heart. On July 15 at 16:00 (UTC+8), the anti-conditioning interactive game Protagonist officially begins. For the price of a movie ticket, refuse to be a puppet of the script, break free from conditioning, and forge your own path to redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Launch Events
Q: Are there any launch events?
A: Yes! We've prepared exciting rewards in our official community (QQ Group: 711891004), including autographed photos of the female leads. Follow us by searching "主角_互动影游" on social platforms.
Event registration:
https://docs.qq.com/form/page/DV2JkZWhmd1dkTXJa
Q: How do I report bugs?
A: You can join our official QQ group (711891004) and contact the moderators, or fill out the online bug report form:
https://docs.qq.com/sheet/DV2NZb09USUhmSVBt?tab=BB08J2
Gameplay Questions
Q: How do I download the game?
A: Search for "Protagonist" on the Steam store and click the store page to download:
Q: Is it only playable on PC?
A: Yes, currently available only on Steam for PC.
Q: Why can't I launch the game sometimes?
A: This is usually a network issue. Try turning off VPN and restarting Steam.
Q: Do I need a VPN/accelerator?
A: If you're in China, we recommend turning off your accelerator. If you're overseas, try connecting to nodes in China, Hong Kong, Germany, or the US.
Q: What if I experience frame drops, stuttering, or black screens (only UI visible)?
A: Try restarting Steam and the application.
Q: What if the game crashes frequently?
A: Try disabling compatibility mode for Steam (right-click Steam > Properties > Compatibility > uncheck "Run this program in compatibility mode").
Q: What if the game fails to launch or has other runtime issues?
A: 1. Verify game files (right-click game in Steam > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files).
2. Make sure Steam is updated to the latest version.
3. If your specs meet requirements, try updating graphics drivers or freeing up disk space.
Q: What are the system requirements?
A: For a smooth experience, we recommend installing on an SSD. Below are the recommended specs:
Minimum:
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i3-4590 or above
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Dedicated graphics card
- DirectX: Version 11
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 80 GB available space
Recommended:
- OS: Windows 10/Windows 11
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4590 or above
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Dedicated graphics card
- DirectX: Version 11
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 80 GB available space