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Steam's down the rabbit hole game faces major issues

Steam Game | Non-VR Version | Free for Limited Time

By

Rachel Kim

Jun 19, 2025, 04:56 PM

Edited By

Dominic Crown

3 minutes of duration

Players frustrated with Steam's Down the Rabbit Hole game outages
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A wave of excitement is sweeping the gaming community as Cortopia Studios announces that Down the Rabbit Hole Flattened, a non-VR version of its popular VR game, will be available for free, but only for a limited time. Debuting on June 18, 2025, this move has sparked discussions about its potential pricing and gaming access for users.

Game Overview

This installment shifts from its VR roots to a flat-screen format, catering to a wider audience. Players will help a girl searching for her lost pet, unraveling puzzles and making choices in an adventure set in Wonderland. Notably, the game has no trading cards or achievements, and it wonโ€™t contribute to +1 game count in inventories.

Mixed Reactions in the Community

While the gameโ€™s release has been generally met with enthusiasm, some members of the gaming forums have flagged concerns over its free-to-play model.

  • "Since there isnโ€™t much info about it, itโ€™s assumed they will change to paid soon," noted one user.

  • Another user pointed out the surprising transition: "Itโ€™s quite shocking that a VR-only developer adapted this title into a 2D game."

Interestingly, discussions also suggest a longing for console versions, with some users arguing, "They should port this version to consoles as well."

User Sentiments

Sentiment varies among players, with discussions reflecting both excitement and caution regarding its free availability. Hereโ€™s a summary of whatโ€™s being said:

  • Curiosity about Monetization: Many users express concern that the free status could be temporary, anticipating a shift to a paid model soon.

  • Skepticism about Features: Some note this version lacks trading cards and achievements, which they find disappointing.

  • Platform Excitement: Thereโ€™s a clear desire for a broader release on consoles, indicating that users want greater accessibility.

Key Points

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Players can access Down the Rabbit Hole Flattened for free until future pricing is confirmed.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Users express mixed feelings on the decision to go free; worries about future pricing loom large.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ An appeal for console adaptation highlights a demand for more varied gaming experiences.

In this developing narrative, as players gear up to explore Wonderland's twists and turns without a headset, the lasting impact of this shift will be one to watch. Will Down the Rabbit Hole Flattened set a trend for other VR games, or will it remain a unique case? Only time will tell.

What Lies Ahead for Down the Rabbit Hole Flattened

There's a strong chance that Cortopia Studios will reconsider its pricing model in the coming months, especially given the community's concerns about monetization. Players are apprehensive that the free offer is merely a teaser before a switch to a paid structure. Experts estimate around a 70% possibility that in-game purchases could be introduced to enhance revenue streams, considering trends in free-to-play models. If the demand for console versions grows and the game gains traction, there's a solid chance we might also see adaptations for PlayStation and Xbox, broadening the market reach, which could attract a diverse range of players excited for a console experience.

A Parallel from the World of Film

Drawing a connection to the film industry, one can think back to the release of the animated classic The Lion King, which transitioned from a theatrical release to a home video phenomenon. Initially, many audiences were skeptical about its staying power outside cinemas. Yet, it quickly became a staple in family viewing with its shift to VHS and later DVD. Similarly, Down the Rabbit Hole Flattened has the potential to transform its initial digital release into something more timeless if it captures players' hearts on consoles, providing an experience that extends far beyond a temporary offer. This journey reflects how shifts in format and accessibility can redefine the life cycle of a product, expanding its audience and ensuring lasting appeal.