- Demo Update - 14 August 2026
Patch NotesJust a small update about the demo after that HUGE announcement the other day of our signing with Kinetic Publishing (video at the bottom for anyone who missed it!). Splash ArtThere's some new parallax scenes (the thing where the background moves separately to the character so it looks a little bit 3D). Thanks Peter! UIWe've changed the 'Archive' button to 'View Archive'. Some streamers thought the button would archive everything in front of you, when it actually takes you to the archive. Hope someone here at CZG is fired for that blunder. New CreditsAfter realising how far we've come, we thought we'd give a proper thanks and shout out to everyone who helped us. If you're a friend of the dev team, check the credits! You may just find your very own name...What's NextMore little bits of polish (it never ends.)???More videos over on our YouTube channel PS: Don't forget to join o…
- We have a publisher! - 12 August 2026
FINALLYThis news has been brewing for a while now, and we've been itching to tell you all - Contact Protocol is being published by Kinetic Publishing! We're so excited to not only be part of the Kinetic Publishing family, but to be the first game released in their starting lineup. Together, we'll make Contact Protocol the best game it can be. A huge thank you to all the fans, playtesters and demo replayers that have been raving about Contact Protocol since day 1. It's you that helped us get this far! Now that the cats out of the bag (no pun intended), we'll be eagerly pressing on, making Contact Protocol. In the meantime, if you haven't seen the first ever Kinetic Publishing showcase where this partnership was revealed, then go check it out! All details below... Game Name: Contact ProtocolRelease Date: Spring 2027Platform(s): Steam, PS5, XBOX, Switch 2Published by: Kinetic Publishing
- We're in Festivals This Week - 6 August 2026
Festivals!Hello dear employees. We're taking part in 2x festivals this week and we couldn't be more excited! Yogscast Tiny Teams FestivalFirst is the Yogscast Tiny Teams festival starting right now over on their channels! They're streaming Contact Protocol literally as we speak so go check it out :D 📅 Date: The festival runs from August 6th - 13th Exclusively featuring games from solo devs or micro studios, it is a week-long celebration on Steam, Twitch, and YouTube, highlighting the power of the solo and tiny teams. 🔗 YouTube link: 🔗 Twitch link: Telltale Choices Matter FestivalSecond is the Choices Matter Festival run by Telltale games! Soo many cool games taking part, so please go check out as many as you can :D 📅 Date: The festival runs from August 10th - 17th Celebrate narrative games w/ the first-ever CHOICES MATTER FEST on Steam! 🔗 X post: https://x.com/telltalegames/status/…
- Music! - 25 July 2026
Patch NotesMusicCrank up that volume slider because we've just added adaptive music to ship encounters! There's some tweaking to do before it's absolutely perfect but for now, there's a whole new layer of stress for all you dedicated employees. VisualsAdded new splash screens for conversations with Nigel, Ms Jones, Harriet.Cool new effect on scrolling text.Animations changed to 12fps for a slightly more stop-motion look. Let us know what you think! MechanicsNew buttons and desk items.Too many tiny polish changes to mention.Someone installed a non-functional button on your desk. We've removed it for now. Pay no heed... I'll miss you... Bug FixesThere was a bug which stopped Rox-E from dancing when players clicked on her too enthusiastically. We're proud to announce nothing will stop Rox-E from dancing now!Lots and lots of under the hood changes. The game should feel a little smoother and…
- Read SCORCHED-EARTH now! - 7 July 2026
SCORCHED-EARTHOur incredibly talented fans have created the first Contact Protocol fan comic! Community legend Roose has adapted a specific encounter from our demo, with an original take on our faceless protagonist. > Contact Protocol: SCORCHED-EARTH is available to read for free! Link below...- READ IT HERE (Bluesky) - READ IT HERE (Instagram) CreditsStory - Roose Art and letters - Liv Nimbe We're blown away by the creativity of our faithful employees fans and implore you to give it a read. In the meantime, stay sharp out there in the space lanes, and look out for more news soon!- James (Marketing & Communications) "Miaow" PS: Don't forget to join our official Discord server!
- New Splash Art! - 2 June 2026
Checking In Hello dear employees! We just wanted to check in and let you know that development is going great and we've got lots of exciting things in place for the full release. And since seeing is believing, here's a look at some of what we've been up to... VisualsWe've really been storming ahead on new splash screens for unique situations and conversations you'll have with the PALE-HORSE crew. We can't wait for you to see them in all their glory but for now, here's a Ms Jones-themed sneak peek: We've also been making lots more faxes/news bulletins for you to read in your downtime. They're a great way to get really immersed in the world of Contact Protocol and- wait... what is that?MechanicsThere's plenty we can't share just yet when it comes to new mechanics... watch this space >_>Otherwise, we've been refining procedural ships - the encounters that'll be different every playthrough.…
- New Animations! - 16 April 2026
Patch NotesVisualsWe've added some fancy new animations to the interstitial screens, so you can see where you are on your journey. Think of it like the seat-back map on a long haul flight. Except this flight lasts for months, and people are shooting at you.AccessibilityThis week we had a suggestion that adjustable font size on the comms console would be useful, so we implemented it! You can now skip almost all interstitial screens.MechanicsYou can now use the funky new button on your desk. What does it do? Nothing. Yet. But it makes a good clicky noise. Go nuts.Bug FixesRecords lookups should no longer freeze up during the tutorial. Thanks to those who did a bug report about this!You can no longer disable the records tab in the tutorial by power cycling your main console.The arming switch will no longer open early in the tutorial.Known IssuesSometimes trying to underline text in the not…
- New Buttons! - 13 April 2026
Patch NotesMechanicsDifficulty can now be changed in options. Right now this just adjusts ship speed, but we're open to other difficulty settings! Drop in on the Discord if you've got ideas.VisualsWe have new buttons on the dashboard for the power and fire control switches. There's also a mystery third switch. If you'd like to get your hands on the system it controls, join the playtest group on our Discord.Bug FixesThe chat log should no longer spam messages about the operator disabling fire controlFixed some instances of "choicePreview" showing up in text, or text not coming from the player when it should. These are localisation teething issues. Drop a bug report if you find any more!The 'data shared promptly' paperwork score award now only triggers if do send it pretty much immediately.Known IssuesSometimes trying to underline text in the notepad doesn't work for some users. If this h…
- 0.4.7 - 10 April 2026
Hello!First off, thanks to all the GalCo employees who've played the demo so far! We've loved having you aboard and can't wait to see just how many of you we end up recruiting. Corporate just wanted me to let you know that the free demo build has been updated. We're also going to post our patch notes here (rather than on the Discord) from now on. Here's everything we changed since the demo launched, in case you haven't played since then...:
- 5000 Wishlists & 200 Discord Members! - 5 April 2026
THANK YOU!5000 wishlists is nothing to sneeze at. Everyone here at Cold Zephyr Games is forever grateful to everyone who's played the demo and showed interest in our game by throwing a wishlist our way :D We're very busy with getting Contact Protocol done in time to reach our Q4 2026 goal but in the meantime, here's a lovely crew photo of everyone to tide you over: What a happy bunch... Here's to 5000 more wishlists (tell your friends >:D) and a successful launch made possible by YOU. Speak soon and have a great April, faithful employees!- James (Marketing & Communications)"mreow"PS: Don't forget to join our official Discord server! We're a nice bunch :)
- DEMO OUT NOW - 3 March 2026
Greetings to all of our new employees!You didn't see anything. This demo came out on time, as planned. Without any unexpected delays or hiccups. Any mention of the contrary will result in an immediate termination of your employee contract. I'm glad we straightened that out.... now feel free to play the demo! It's out and will be updated with little bug fixes and adjustments in the next week. We'd appreciate any feedback and bug reports so please check out the official Discord server if you'd like to do your part ;) What's next?Current plans are to pencil in a demo update in time for Steam Next Fest (one of the upcoming ones this year) with more content from Act 1 of Contact Protocol. Then, maybe a closed beta or two. We'll see. Either way, you really want to be on that Discord server... Anyways, welcome to the crew of PALE-HORSE! Stay lucky on your journey to Jupiter. - James (Marketing…
- DEMO THIS WEEK - 23 February 2026
Greetings to all of our (soon to be) loyal employees! After months of hard work, our demo is ready. You will be able to play the latest build of Contact Protocol THIS THURSDAY. That's Feb 26th, sometime in the day (GMT). Here's a sneak peek for what's in store... VisualsMost of the game has been lightly breathed on and scrubbed shiny with a microfibre cloth. We're really happy with how ConPro looks and we're sure you will be too. If you like grungy, claustraphobic workspaces that is. GameplayConPro has never been this cerebral. Any more intelligent game design & levels with social, political, informational, technical depth, and we'll have to delete the game files before it does a Skynet.NarrativeThe world of ConPro is now alive. Characters react to what you do and your choices matter. Though a drop in the ocean of what we have planned, we're happy with how these early levels let you car…
- Contact Protocol - AdventureX Livestream Wed 3rd - 3 December 2025
Event Information We're part of the AdventureX Steam Event from Nov. 19 - Dec. 2. There's lots of slots where streams of our game will be featured so you may see a few announcements like this! The next stream will be at 19:00 on Wednesday 3rd December. While the Contact Protocol demo won't be released until the upcoming Steam Next Fest in early 2026, you can watch a pre-alpha playthrough here! Twitch streamer, Velico Vulpes is the one playing this early version of the game. Please head their way and throw a follow in their face if you enjoy the stream! About Contact Protocol A job simulator set aboard a starship headed for Ganymede, Jupiter's biggest moon. In our game, you'll be faced with complex moral decisions and evolving data systems. It's your job to investigate passing ships and check their data against company records. If their paperwork doesn't check out, you may have to fire t…
- Contact Protocol - AdventureX Livestream Mon 1st - 1 December 2025
Event Information We're part of the AdventureX Steam Event from Nov. 19 - Dec. 2. There's lots of slots where streams of our game will be featured so you may see a few announcements like this! The next stream will be at 19:00 on Monday 1st December. While the Contact Protocol demo won't be released until the upcoming Steam Next Fest in early 2026, you can watch a pre-alpha playthrough here! Twitch streamer, Velico Vulpes is the one playing this early version of the game. Please head their way and throw a follow in their face if you enjoy the stream! About Contact Protocol A job simulator set aboard a starship headed for Ganymede, Jupiter's biggest moon. In our game, you'll be faced with complex moral decisions and evolving data systems. It's your job to investigate passing ships and check their data against company records. If their paperwork doesn't check out, you may have to fire torp…
- Contact Protocol - AdventureX Livestream Sun 30th - 30 November 2025
Event Information We're part of the AdventureX Steam Event from Nov. 19 - Dec. 2. There's lots of slots where streams of our game will be featured so you may see a few announcements like this! The next stream will be at 19:00 on Sunday 30th November. While the Contact Protocol demo won't be released until the upcoming Steam Next Fest in early 2026, you can watch a pre-alpha playthrough here! Twitch streamer, Velico Vulpes is the one playing this early version of the game. Please head their way and throw a follow in their face if you enjoy the stream! About Contact Protocol A job simulator set aboard a starship headed for Ganymede, Jupiter's biggest moon. In our game, you'll be faced with complex moral decisions and evolving data systems. It's your job to investigate passing ships and check their data against company records. If their paperwork doesn't check out, you may have to fire tor…
- Contact Protocol - AdventureX Livestream Sat 29th - 29 November 2025
Event Information We're part of the AdventureX Steam Event from Nov. 19 - Dec. 2. There's lots of slots where streams of our game will be featured so you may see a few announcements like this! The next stream will be at 15:00 on Saturday 29th November. While the Contact Protocol demo won't be released until the upcoming Steam Next Fest in early 2026, you can watch a pre-alpha playthrough here! Twitch streamer, Velico Vulpes is the one playing this early version of the game. Please head their way and throw a follow in their face if you enjoy the stream! About Contact Protocol A job simulator set aboard a starship headed for Ganymede, Jupiter's biggest moon. In our game, you'll be faced with complex moral decisions and evolving data systems. It's your job to investigate passing ships and check their data against company records. If their paperwork doesn't check out, you may have to fire t…
- DEMO INCOMING - 29 November 2025
Hello, loyal employees. We got some great stuff to share with you...! MechanicsVirusesSince the earliest Contact Protocol social media posts, people have been wondering if computer viruses can hide in the numerous data bursts that you accept from other ships. I just want to say… we were waaaaay ahead of you.We’ve now implemented the feature and will build on it by adding multiple ways to cure your console. Accumulate enough weird viruses and a simple ‘turn it off and on again’ might not be enough. You might need to find an antivirus, or go deeper into the BIOS…ArtThe OfficeWe have a new 3D workspace background! To heighten the abstract, weird sci-fi vibe, we’ve started introducing 3D elements to our (so far) 2D game. You’ll see more and more 3D elements prop up as time goes on but for now, enjoy the new, snazzy torpedo load and swinging ceiling lamp.The DemoOur current goal is to refine…
- Contact Protocol - AdventureX Livestream Thurs 27th - 27 November 2025
Event Information We're part of the AdventureX Steam Event from Nov. 19 - Dec. 2. There's lots of slots where streams of our game will be featured so you may see a few announcements like this! The next stream will be at 19:00 on Thursday 27th November. While the Contact Protocol demo won't be released until the upcoming Steam Next Fest in early 2026, you can watch a pre-alpha playthrough here! Twitch streamer, Velico Vulpes is the one playing this early version of the game. Please head their way and throw a follow in their face if you enjoy the stream! About Contact Protocol A job simulator set aboard a starship headed for Ganymede, Jupiter's biggest moon. In our game, you'll be faced with complex moral decisions and evolving data systems. It's your job to investigate passing ships and check their data against company records. If their paperwork doesn't check out, you may have to fire t…
- Contact Protocol - AdventureX Livestream Weds 26th - 26 November 2025
Event Information We're part of the AdventureX Steam Event from Nov. 19 - Dec. 2. There's lots of slots where streams of our game will be featured so you may see a few announcements like this! The next stream will be at 19:00 on Wednesday 26th November. While the Contact Protocol demo won't be released until the upcoming Steam Next Fest in early 2026, you can watch a pre-alpha playthrough here! Twitch streamer, Velico Vulpes is the one playing this early version of the game. Please head their way and throw a follow in their face if you enjoy the stream! About Contact Protocol A job simulator set aboard a starship headed for Ganymede, Jupiter's biggest moon. In our game, you'll be faced with complex moral decisions and evolving data systems. It's your job to investigate passing ships and check their data against company records. If their paperwork doesn't check out, you may have to fire…
- Contact Protocol - AdventureX Livestream Tues 25th - 24 November 2025
Event Information We're part of the AdventureX Steam Event from Nov. 19 - Dec. 2. There's lots of slots where streams of our game will be featured so you may see a few announcements like this! The next stream will be at 19:00 on Tuesday 25th November. While the Contact Protocol demo won't be released until the upcoming Steam Next Fest in early 2026, you can watch a pre-alpha playthrough here! Twitch streamer, Velico Vulpes is the one playing this early version of the game. Please head their way and throw a follow in their face if you enjoy the stream! About Contact Protocol A job simulator set aboard a starship headed for Ganymede, Jupiter's biggest moon. In our game, you'll be faced with complex moral decisions and evolving data systems. It's your job to investigate passing ships and check their data against company records. If their paperwork doesn't check out, you may have to fire to…
