Indie developer Odius reveals a darkly comedic “Monster Business Simulator” where you play a zombie entrepreneur. Serve the community by day, hunt them by night.
If you have ever worked in retail or food service, you know the feeling of being dead on your feet. But for the protagonist of the newly announced ZOMBUTCHER: Monster Business Simulator, that isn’t a metaphor—it’s a lifestyle.
Indie developer Odius and publisher Loopr Partners have officially unveiled their latest project, a genre-bending title that mixes shop management, stealth action, and body horror into a gruesome mix. Set in the eerie, gas-lit streets of a Louisiana town, ZOMBUTCHER asks players to step into the rotting shoes of a zombie entrepreneur trying to make a living in a world that wants him dead.
The game is set to make its public debut with a playable demo during Steam Next Fest this February, offering players their first taste of what it takes to supply meat to both the human and monster communities.
The Daily Grind (Literally)
At its core, ZOMBUTCHER is a simulation game about the challenges of small-business ownership—with a cannibalistic twist. The gameplay loop is divided into two distinct phases: Day and Night.
The Day Shift: When the sun is up, you are a simple butcher operating a quaint shop. You collect meat from “farmers” (a term that feels suspiciously vague in the press release), slice it up on the counter, and package it neatly for your customers. It’s honest work, mostly. You upgrade your equipment, expand your shop floor, and manage the supply-and-demand economics.
The Night Shift: When the sun goes down, the “fresh stock” doesn’t just arrive on a truck; you have to go out and catch it. This is where the game shifts into a stealth-action experience. Players must stalk the foggy streets of the Louisiana town, hunting for ingredients. That stranger wandering down a dark alley? He isn’t a customer; he’s inventory.
However, the night is dangerous. You aren’t the only hunter out there. Players must avoid night patrols and rival hunters who would love nothing more than to mount a zombie head on their wall. It creates a tension between the cozy management of the day and the desperate survival of the night.
Customer Service with a Smile (and a Snarl)
The “Monster Business” subtitle isn’t just for show. While you might serve humans during the day, your most important clientele are the monsters hidden in the shadows.
As your reputation grows, so do the demands of your supernatural patrons. They aren’t looking for a nice brisket or a pork loin. They want fresh brains, bottled blood, and “something a little more exotic.” Failing to fulfill these orders isn’t an option; in the monster community, a bad Yelp review could result in being eaten.
This dynamic adds a layer of strategy to the resource management. You have to balance the facade of a legitimate business with the grisly reality of your true trade. You need high-quality ingredients to keep the vampires and ghouls happy, which means taking bigger risks during your nightly hunts.
Limb Swapping: A New Take on Gear
Perhaps the most unique mechanic revealed in the announcement is the “Limb Swapping” system.
In most RPGs, you swap out boots or gloves for better stats. In ZOMBUTCHER, you swap out your actual limbs. Because the protagonist is a zombie, their body is less of a temple and more of a spare parts bin.
If your body starts falling apart from wear and tear—or if you take a nasty hit from a hunter—you can simply replace the damaged part. The developers promise more than 10 limb sets that grant gameplay bonuses. Need to run faster to escape a patrol? Swap in some athlete legs. Need to carry more carcasses back to the shop? Bolster your arms with something stronger. This “Bodybuilding” mechanic (in the worst way possible) promises to enable diverse playstyles based on nightly objectives.
A Darkly Comedic Atmosphere
The setting of a creepy Louisiana town provides the perfect backdrop for this blend of horror and humor. The aesthetic appears to lean into the Southern Gothic vibe—swamps, wrought-iron fences, and heavy fog—but filters it through a comedic lens. The idea of a zombie worrying about profit margins and shop cleanliness while holding a cleaver is inherently funny, and Odius seems to be embracing the absurdity of the premise.
Play It Now
If you’re eager to start your entrepreneurial journey, you don’t have to wait long. A playable demo of ZOMBUTCHER will be available on Steam during the Steam Next Fest throughout February. This creates a perfect opportunity for players to test out the limb-swapping mechanics and see if they have the stomach for the butcher business.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Stealth-Action Gameplay: Stalk the streets and avoid patrols.
- Shop Management: Slice, package, and sell to keep the lights on.
- Monster Clientele: Harvest ingredients for vampires, zombies, and more.
- Limb Swapping: Customize your zombie body with over 10 limb sets for unique buffs.
- Setting: A creepy, atmospheric Louisiana town.
Wishlist ZOMBUTCHER now on Steam: Store Link
Follow on X: https://x.com/zombutcher Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/Jc39c4X7Gq