Indie developer Japhet Interactive has officially revealed Scream Operator: Haunted House Manager, a new pixel-art management simulator that puts players in charge of operating a haunted attraction instead of simply building one. The game is scheduled to launch on PC in Q1 2027, with a playable demo arriving in October 2026.
Run the control room of a haunted attraction
Rather than focusing on designing roller coasters or amusement parks, Scream Operator: Haunted House Manager places players behind the scenes inside the attraction’s control booth. Every ride must be carefully managed in real time as guests move through the haunted experience.
Players are responsible for dispatching ride vehicles, activating pre-show sequences, routing empty carts back to the station, and ensuring everything runs smoothly throughout the day. At the same time, they’ll need to monitor the attraction’s electrical grid, making sure animatronics and special effects don’t overload the system and cause expensive failures or safety violations.
According to developer Niels van der Ven, the goal is to recreate the pressure of operating a classic dark ride while balancing efficiency with the perfect scare.
Build the ultimate haunted experience
As players expand their attraction, they’ll unlock new ways to improve both guest satisfaction and profits.
Key gameplay features include:
- Operate a fully interactive control booth to manage ride vehicles and attraction events.
- Decorate scare rooms with animatronics, props, and themed objects to increase the overall Scare Score.
- Upgrade queue lines and ride stations to reduce waiting times.
- Open merchandise stands and vending shops to generate additional income.
- Manage power usage carefully to prevent equipment failures and costly penalties.
The combination of operational management, resource planning, and horror-themed attractions offers a unique twist on the traditional tycoon genre.
Demo arriving before launch
Players won’t have to wait until 2027 to experience the game. Japhet Interactive has confirmed that a public demo will be released in October 2026, giving fans an early opportunity to test the haunted attraction management mechanics before the full launch.
In addition, the developer has published the game’s official announcement trailer, and Scream Operator: Haunted House Manager is now available to wishlist on Steam.
Founded by Niels van der Ven and based in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Japhet Interactive specializes in simulation and tycoon games with a distinctive pixel-art style and mechanics-driven gameplay.
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