Vaudeville: free detective game available on the Epic Games Store

The Epic Games Store is giving users until May 17 the chance to claim the narrative detective game Vaudeville for free. This offer is not part of the regular weekly free game rotation, making it a notable opportunity for players looking for something new.

What is Vaudeville?

Vaudeville was developed by Bumblebee Studios and launched in 2023. Described as an 'experiment in whodunit' adventure, the game centers on solving three murder cases. Players step into the role of a private detective, with conversation itself serving as the main tool for cracking the cases. One of Vaudeville’s standout features is that all non-player characters (NPCs) are powered by artificial intelligence, allowing them to respond to questions based on their own personality and background.

Offer and availability

The chance to claim Vaudeville for free ends on May 17 at 6:00 AM ET. While the Epic Games Store typically offers a couple of free titles each week, this promotion stands out because of its limited duration. On May 14, players can still claim the current free games, including Sunderfolk and The Telltale Batman Shadows Edition. After those offers expire, two mystery games will be added to the store on May 21.

After that date, the free version of Vaudeville will no longer be available, meaning players will need to act quickly if they want to add this unique game to their library. The Steam version of Vaudeville currently costs $20.

Game experience and reception

Vaudeville’s reception on Steam has been mixed. Players appreciate the interesting concept, but criticism has been aimed at the execution. Some impressions suggest the voice acting does not always feel natural. NPC responses can also take a while, which can detract from the experience given how heavily the game relies on conversation-based interactions.

Still, Vaudeville remains an appealing option for players who enjoy unusual thrillers, especially since it is temporarily free to claim. That gives players a chance to try the game without any financial commitment.

Players are encouraged to take advantage of the deal, especially if they are interested in a game focused on narrative depth and creative use of technology. The ongoing trend toward innovative storytelling in games makes Vaudeville a relevant addition to today’s gaming landscape.