Ukrainian indie studio July12 Games has released the first public demo of the adventure game Tailgate. The title's main character is an elderly Labrador, Zhupan, who must unravel a mystical story and search for his missing person.
Ukrainian indie studio July12 Games has released the first public demo of the adventure game Tailgate. The title's main character is an elderly Labrador, Zhupan, who must unravel a mystical story and search for his missing person.
According to the game's plot, Zhupan wakes up in an empty house and discovers that his owner, named Derek, has mysteriously disappeared, and a strange silence has enveloped his native village. Players are invited to explore the surroundings and find out what exactly happened, relying on the dog's instincts and the help of unexpected allies.
The demo offers from 20 minutes to an hour of gameplay, depending on the player's playing style and desire to explore the world. Among the main mechanics, the developer implemented a sniffing mode, dog energy management, branching dialogues, as well as free movement through locations with the ability to do typical "dog tricks". During the journey, the dog can find special treats and "memory balls".
Tailgate is scheduled for a full release in 2027. The full version of the game is expected to consist of seven story chapters. It will also feature ability upgrades and cosmetic items, including dog hats and other accessories.
Tailgate is created by Ukrainian solo developer Dmytro Yarynych. As he previously told in an interview for dev.ua, the game takes place in the fictional village of San Pedro, the visual prototype of which was the village of Sviatopetrivske in the Kyiv region. The game was based on the author's desire to show the world through the eyes of an animal and teach the player to "see and think like a dog."
