- Update v1.09 - 17 December 2025
Hello treasured test subjects! We're happy to announce a new patch, fresh from the testing facility. Our goal has been to stabilise multiplayer and enhance the player experience - We're happy to bring forward a few small improvements today. This 1.09 patch includes:Early-exit player stability Drug roulette is a brutal game of chance and some people don't want to stick around when the table turns against them. Game-breaking issues have been found to occur when players rage-quit or "leave in peace" and this patch makes a fundamental change to how we deal with players leaving mid-match, increasing stability overall.Turn-Timer audio With the rapid introduction of the multiplayer turn-timer after launch, we discovered that an opportunity for further tension wasn't yet taken, so with this update we are introducing an audio component that really completes the timer's immersive experience. If y…
- Beta v1.09 - 16 December 2025
Hello test subjects! We've just put a build (v1.09) up on the Beta branch (password: dodrugsnothugs). It has another fix for non-host players leaving mid-match. Previously the player's character despawned once the player left, but not anymore. Instead the character dies after it's done doing whatever it's doing and the host tries to continue the game's state. This is hopefully a lot more stable so if anyone feels like grouping up and playing the beta and testing it a bit we'd be very grateful. NB: Being on the beta branch will make it so that you don't share lobbies with people on the main branch, so bear that in mind if you're hoping to play with random groups. Either way we plan for the fix to make it's way to the main branch in a day or two once we're reasonably sure it's an improvement. Thank you for all the feedback, The Side Effects Team
- Hotfix 1.08 - 11 December 2025
Hello, treasured test subjects!We’ve prepared a small patch today that tidies up a couple of issues reported last night. Here’s what’s included in Hotfix v1.08: • Soft lock fix when non-host players leave We resolved a problem where lobbies could become stuck if a non-host player left mid-session. This should now behave normally. Thank you again for all the feedback and reports. We appreciate the time you’ve spent helping us smooth things out, and we hope this update improves your experience.Sincerely, The Side Effects Team
- Patch v1.07 - 10 December 2025
Hello, treasured test subjects! We’ve been working through your reports and have prepared a new update focused on improving stability and usability across the board. Here’s what’s included in Patch v1.07:Improved multiplayer stability Several issues causing disruptions during online matches have been fixed to help sessions run more smoothly.Singleplayer fixes We’ve addressed a number of problems that were preventing normal singleplayer gameplay for some players.New lobby browser The old Join Random Lobby button has been replaced with a proper browser, allowing you to view and select lobbies directly.Stricter client version checks We’ve added more assertive version validation to prevent unofficial or outdated builds from interacting with the Steam lobby population.Thank you again for all the feedback you’ve shared so far. It’s been extremely helpful, and we hope these updates make your t…
- Patch v1.05 - 9 December 2025
UPDATE v1.05 Hello, treasured test subjects! Your continued compliance has been invaluable. Thanks for your support and feedback, we’re rolling out a fresh dose of improvements for your… well-being.Here’s what’s been administered in Patch v1.05: A series of major bug fixes has been added to help resolve many of the game breaking issues players were experiencing, Including items soft locks the game and players getting stuck in loading screens.A new Turn Timer has been added to multiplayer to help keep matches moving at a steady pace.Prescribed Pill Item is added to multiplayer, giving players more strategic options during each encounter.New optional checkboxes for Swap Item and Turn Timer have been added.A new voice to text chat system has been introduced, making it easier for players to communicate during multiplayer sessions.Round 4-6 pill variations have increased resistance damage.St…
- SIDE EFFECTS is a disturbing pill-popping roulette game out now - 27 November 2025
SIDE EFFECTS from developer Free Lives takes the idea of Buckshot Roulette and puts a brutal pill-popping spin on it. Read the full article here: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/11/side-effects-is-a-disturbing-pill-popping-roulette-game-out-now/
- 10000 Patients have participated - 23 November 2025
Hello, treasured test subjects!We’re pleased to announce that SIDE EFFECTS has officially sold 10,000 copies. Thank you so much for your continued participation and for providing the invaluable feedback that keeps this experiment moving forward.In response to your feedback, we’re preparing a series of quality-of-life fixes and features aimed at enhancing overall stability and user experience both for single player and multiplayer. Thank you again!!!!Sincerely, The SIDE EFFECTS Team
- Side Effects is out today! - 21 November 2025
Side Effects is out today! Hello, treasured test subjects!The day of the trial is finally here. Side Effects is out now!!!As well as the solo player mode from the demo, the final version of Side Effects has online multiplayer for up to 4 test subjects. Bluff, betray, deceive, and do everything you can do be the last one standing. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us so far through our development journey, it’s been an honor experimenting on you all. Have fun in the game, and remember - only one can survive :) Sincerely,Your faithful researchers at the Side Effects Team
- Pill-popping medical horror Side Effects from Free Lives arrives November 21 - 11 November 2025
I love the idea of Buckshot Roulette meets medical horror, so I'm keen to see what all the pill-popping fuss is about with Side Effects. Read the full article here: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/11/pill-popping-medical-horror-side-effects-from-free-lives-arrives-november-21/
- Side Effects gets multiplayer, launching 21st November! - 11 November 2025
Hello, treasured test subjects! We've got big news today: Side Effects has a release date and it’s super soon! We’ll be launching on the 21st of November!On top of that, we can also finally reveal that the game will not only have a solo player mode but support online multiplayer for up to for 4 test subjects. Bluff, betray, deceive, and remember only one of you can survive. We are having so much fun testing and making multiplayer, can’t wait for you to try it! Huge thanks for all the support so far, please wishlist if you have not already and see you soon at launch!! Sincerely, Your faithful researchers at the Side Effects Team
- Our demo is in the Steam Next Fest! - 13 October 2025
Hello, treasured test subjects!Just a small update for you today – Side Effects is in the Steam Next Fest! Our new updated demo (new mechanics, visuals, and basically a lot closer to the launch version than the itch.io version) is appearing as part of the big weeklong celebration of upcoming indies. Enter a deadly medical trial where only one person can survive. Use your wits and all the tools at your disposal to outlast the other subject across the table. Choose carefully – every dose could be your last.Good luck :) Sincerely,Your faithful researchers at the Side Effects Team
- Demo Version 0.91 - 9 October 2025
Dear Patients,We’re pleased to announce a small but potent dose of improvements has been administered to Side Effects! This update refines several treatments and introduces a few new adjustments to help stabilize your gameplay vitals. Please review the following prescription notes carefully before continuing treatment:💊 Patch Notes• Swap Item – Limited Uses The Swap Item’s usage has been reduced from unlimited use to two uses.• Eye Extractor – BalanceThe Eye Extractor now lowers the other patients’ resistance to 4 (previously 3)• Coin Flip – Consistent The coin is now fully operational and far more consistent. Randomization should now feel properly… randomized.• Vaccine – Color Correction The Vaccine has been reformulated and is now purple, aligning more closely with resistance visuals• VSync – New Optimization We’ve administered VSync into the system💊 Thank you for participating in o…
- Free Lives (Terra Nil, Broforce) released a demo for Side Effects that's Buckshot Roulette meets Big Pharma - 6 October 2025
Buckshot Roulette meets Big Pharma in the latest game from Free Lives, and it's as grim as you might expect it to be with that sort of description. Read the full article here: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/10/free-lives-terra-nil-broforce-released-a-demo-for-side-effects-thats-buckshot-roulette-meets-big-pharma/
- ‘Side Effects’ Steam demo out now! - 3 October 2025
Hello, treasured test subjects I’m happy to report that after a lot of hard work from our dedicated team of researchers, the new demo for our ‘Buckshot Roulette x Big Pharma’ game Side Effects is available to play on Steam! It comes with new mechanics, improved visuals and more! Enter a twisted game of pill roulette where there can only be one survivor. Use every means at your disposal to bluff, cheat and swindle your way out of that final deadly dose. We’re a small team of developer – I mean er, researchers – so any downloads, wishlists and feedback are all very much appreciated. Make sure to follow us on social media for more updates! Thank you very much. We hope you enjoy your trial. Best, Side Effects Team
