Developer Beer Night Studio and publisher Crytivo have released Carnival Hunt in Early Access on the Steam platform for PC.

The launch introduces a new asymmetric multiplayer experience to the horror genre, testing whether a five-versus-one format can attract a sustainable player base during its development phase.

The game features a gameplay format where five wind-up Bunnies face off against one Monster [1]. This asymmetrical structure is highlighted in the official Early Access launch trailer, which was showcased during IGN Live 2026 [2].

Carnival Hunt is available for $17.99 [3]. To encourage initial adoption, the developers offered a 10% discount during the launch period [3].

Players who logged into the game before July 26, 2026, were eligible to receive a free cosmetic reward in the form of an Epic Imposter Mask [3]. This time-limited incentive aimed to drive early traffic to the Steam page and establish an active community immediately following the release.

Beer Night Studio designed the experience to blend horror elements with the competitive nature of asymmetrical combat. The title is currently in Early Access, meaning the developers will likely use player feedback and data from the Steam community to refine mechanics and balance the five-versus-one gameplay before the full version is released.

“five wind-up Bunnies face off against one Monster”

The release of Carnival Hunt reflects a broader trend of indie studios utilizing Steam Early Access to mitigate financial risk and balance complex multiplayer mechanics through live player testing. By implementing time-sensitive cosmetic rewards and launch discounts, the publishers are attempting to create a critical mass of users necessary for the matchmaking systems of a 5v1 game to function efficiently.