itch.io

I am sorry that your experience is like this, the game was made in UE5, and each game there has minimum requirements, that your PC pretty much has to reach. Imma give you some examples on how you could likely make your game run better:

• Lower your settings
  • Go to "Settings" => "Graphics" => "Presests" and set them to Low.
• Run the game in DX11
  • In the folder, where you have the game installed, click on the directory of the folder, and type in "CMD". A command prompt window will open, where you type in exactly: "PlayThings.exe -dx11". The game should automatically start, but with DX11 enabled, removing some graphical features, that can tank PC speccs
• Update Graphics Card Driver
• If you are using an NVIDIA GPU (Will work with any card, just with different steps), open the NVIDIA app, go to your drivers, and hit "update graphics drivers"

In the update, I will try to give optimisations improvements, but the game is already set to be at the UE5 allowed minimum's standpoint.

If none of these help you, please check the below list of minimum requirements of Unreal Engine 5 (the game's engine), if it is above your specs, then unfortunetly your PC is too low for any UE5 game, Play Things included.

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
  
• OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
  
• PROCESSOR: Quad-core Intel or AMD, 2.5 GHz or faster (e.g., Intel Core i5-7th gen or Ryzen 5)
  
• MEMORY: 6 GB RAM
  
• GRAPHICS: NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super / AMD RX 5600 XT (6GB VRAM)
  
• DIRECTX: Version 11/12
  
• STORAGE: 500 MB available space

Haha! Thank you! Glad you've enjoyed <3

:DD Thank you so much! <3

Thank you for the video! And people like you and all the others who downloaded the game are to thank for the 60k, so again, thank you <3

Earned a sub & a like! ^˘^

60K Downloads Reached!!

Still, somehow, you are all able to make me so happy with keeping the game somewhat relevent, even if it has permanently thrown to the Itch io dungeon, and the key has been swallowed and digested. We are STILL de indexed and no matter how much I try, I cannot even get a simple responds. Around ~9 months ago, Play Things got de indexed, reading the guidelines, the game did NOTHING wrong. Fast forward to today, it is not just still de indexed, but I got 0 messages regarding the issue. (Only the link to the guidelines, which again, the game does not break)

So with this I want to mention something... The game is prematurely moving away from itch and onto STEAM! And just like itch, it remains completly FREE! I have promised to move to game to steam alongside the endless mode update, which is still in development, so I simply decided to migrate the game now, given the fact that I find the situation with itch.io very unfortunate and avoidable.

Though, as I am still massively thankful to the itch.io platform, the updates will also remain here, too. But my main focus is going to STEAM.

Thank you all so much once more. If you are able to, I would love if you could wishlist the game, to help it get to new people, and also for you to get notified for the Normal Mode release AND the Endless Mode release, happening sometime this year, hopefully by the end of Summer, or even sooner, but I cannot promise anything.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/4635840/Play_Things/

Have a wonderful day! <3

I noticed you tried switching to DX11 in your previous comment, which is a great attempt to overcome this issue, but there is one solution that tends to work even more often: upgrading your graphics drivers.

If you have an NVIDIA card, you likely also have the NVIDIA app. If not, it is free on the official NVIDIA website. In it, you can check your graphics drivers and update them to the latest available version. This will hopefully solve the issue.

Thank you for posting the console. You did everything right regarding the switch from DX12 to DX11, but it wasn't the main issue on your end.

Thank you so much that is very lovely to hear! Haha, I am sorry that the game was too scary for you, still, glad you enjoyed it on the many awesome let'splayers playing it <3

Yes, there will be a massive, content heavy update that is currently in development. Outside of that, we have many other titles that we plan to release and although none of which are "Play Things 2", all of them are going to continue (or build upon) the story and lore.

Thank you so much again! <3

Hello! I am sorry about that, there are a few reasons as to why the game crashes, let me give ya a few common fixes:

• Update graphics drivers - Go to the app of your graphics drivers (Like Nvidia App) (or your windows settings) and find your graphics drivers. Update them to the newest version. If you don't know how to do this, let me know, I'll make detailed instructions
• Turn down graphics - If it doesn't crash IMMEDIATELY on start up, lower your graphics settings in the main menu. 
• Change API - This one is quite complex, but to achieve it should be simple. You go to the file explorer, to the exact folder with the game executable. Enter the directory field and type in "cmd", hit enter. A command prompt shows up, where you need to type in the name of the executable and your new API, preferably DirectX11 (as 12 is default). Type in [ "Play Things.exe" -dx11 ]. 

If none of these work, or you don't know how to execute these troubleshoots, please notify me, I'll do what I can to help.

Thank you, I’m glad that you enjoyed the descriptions! <3

Yes, there will be new parts of the actual lore and current story revealed in the endless mode. The normal mode will stay the same, so the 4 endings will remain, but the endless mode, despite being endless, will have a lot of answers (and will likely also raise more questions). Regarding items, I don’t want to spoil what new gameplay elements are coming to the endless mode, but it will certainly be very different from the normal mode. We do not want the endless mode to just be the same old room and the same old routine, just endless and random. Sorry that it is taking so long, it is still not done and likely will not be for a while, we want to give you a great first release experience!

Thank you! And also I appreciate you putting the spoiler warning beforehand!

Regarding Bella, most people, when they actually get to the sequence, fail at least once. There was actually this one time where I saw a streamer never getting the switch, it happens 8 times and there is a 50% each time! (0.78%, 1 in 128 chance). But, you can actually just take your time, as the switch only happens initially.

Yeah, the morse code is quite often ignored, but that was very much expected, regarding the endings, a lot has still gotten unanswered and I promise to deliver answers and more content in upcoming titles and updates!

TYSM for the comment, your criticism and notes <3

Thank you so much! Happy to hear you liked our game so much! <3

Yup! Nice job! Outside of you being able to play our games now, a lot of new features and faster performence should be available for ya!

TYSM for your lovely words, and I am really sorry about your history with abuse. I believe that no topic is too taboo to mention, even if people can be sensitive, it shouldn't be overlooked, just because it can be offensive, it is unfortunately real and it will likely not leave our society. Thank you again for your rating and compliments, I hope that you have a nice life! <3

Regarding this problem, it usually means outdated graphics drivers. If you are using an NVIDIA graphics card, get to the NVIDIA application (if you do not have it, you can download it for free on the official nvidia website), and upgrade your PCs graphics card drivers! Hopefully that will allow you to play this game, and all other UE 5+ games!

That is very lovely to hear, thank you so much!! <3 And thank you for your video! I wish you a great journey as a content creator yourself!

Hello! You can use the flashlight as a spotlight. Crouch while holding it and throw it on the floor (G), aim it at the chair. The game can be switched to windowed mode by pressing either F11 or F12

 Thank you for your series! Very fun to watch!! <3 And congrats on reaching all 4 endings!

50k DOWNLOADS REACHED!

Somehow by a miracle we are still reachin' and stayin' relevant, even if the update is taking a long time :P. There is however some news that I want to share, that might brighten things up.

As mentioned before, Burning Eye has plenty more games, that of which will continue the stories told. One of these games, "C.D.", has actually been finished! Now it is just up to bug fixing and finishing some voice acting, but, this project will be released AFTER the update arrives on both steam and itch.io for free.

Thank you for this, you amazing, wonderful people! Recently, we did get a lot of notifies about bugs, but I am just really proud and glad that you guys take the time to actually report it. The game's reviews are also 4.8 / 5 split in 94 ratings. That is actually insane!!! I hope that the team and I can bring you the quality you deserve. Our games may take time and may not always have the biggest budgets, but we believe in quality over quantity. We strive to create games that are fun, meaningful, and rich in content, games that make the player’s time feel worthwhile.

By the next update, feel free to report or ask anything, as long as I am able to answer, I will, whenever I am able to

-Reyn

That is very unique and I genuinely have no idea where would this error even begin to form :/. Sometimes, when it comes to seating dolls down, it has been previously reported that the game acts strange if you play at the 30 fps limit. I recommend trying to play on 60, and see if that helps the seating. It is nice to hear you made it to Bella, but when it comes to the fatal error, that happens when you read the document while holding item, that is seriously baffling to me, and I am sorry to say that I have 0 idea on how to work around this one.

I am sorry to hear that, can you please specify what the problem is?

Thank you for the stream and your lovely words, it's always appreciated! <3

Ok, that now sounds like a outdated graphics drivers problem. To fix this one, you need to update your graphics drivers. If you are using nvidia, they have a free app on their site, that gives you more control over your GPU. It also has some other handy tools, like shadowplay and filters.

In the app, you should see the graphics drivers tab, where you should have a "check for updates". Updating may take a little while and it sometimes makes your screen flicker, as your whole sydtem is adapting to the up to date changes to the way your GPU works.

Once you do this, it should hopefully work. I understand if you don't want to burden yourself with this, but outside of it making the game available for you to play, it has many other benefits. I am sure that other GPUs, that are not Nvidia, have their own app.

Sorry again for this problem. I hope that this solves it.

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing these issues. If it crashes specifically in that moment, maybe try and skip the tutorial, you can read it over on the PC. Regarding the warning, can you send a screenshot of it? I am guessing it is the "Fatal Error", but since you say that it cannot be closed, I don't really think that I am aware of it.

By saying "Setting did not even load", do you mean that you can't go to the settings, or that they are not applied once you start the game? Both would be pretty weird occurences.. If you send me the screenshot, I could try to send further information on how to have the game running on your device.

Hello! I am sorry to hear that, can you please specify the problem?

• Can you not open the .exe?
• Can you not start a new game?
• Does the game crash after startup? Or after you start new game?

Thank you for the playthrough and congratz on reaching all endings!! <3

You're gonna bring me to tears man :D, thank you for ypur support and ideas, it seriously means the world to me. And you got it! Bounce Beetle it is! The development for the endless mode has been exciting, though not ready yet, we are very hyped for the release :P

• Mr. Bunbun is actually neutral. He isn't really dangerous. The idea you had regarding him is fun, but I will not be adding it directly to Mr. B., rather I will add this concept as an endless mode doll event, while again, giving you credit for that, and for the following idea as well!
• That is genuinely so clever! While exceeding the allowed temperature is something that does already happen in the Endless mode, it doesn't really have any explanation. The pyro spirit and the too hot to hold is a very neat idea, that would be very welcome in the endless mode events! Thank you for the ideas, even if the Mr. Bunbun idea doesn't apply directly to him, as you originally stated.

It's been wild, I have quite some issues with self-esteem, to the point of a borderline impostor syndrome, but seeing the success the game has and you amazing people encouraging and giving feedback and suggestions, with such lovely compliments, it really makes genuinely happy to see, and also inspired to continue, as Play Things is not a one shot title at all, we hope that Burning Eye's upcoming works will do just as good, if not better and we are very excited to release them! Thank you once again, I wish you a great rest of your day! <3

Wow! Thank you so much, this is very nice to hear <3! In the endless mode, there are actually a few new ways to investigate the doll, but I will not spoil what. The doll you mentioned, Bella, is very often considered to be the spookiest, glad you liked her :D!

Regarding the upcoming plans, the endless mode of course will have pretty much the same mechanics, and it's endless, so a lot of content :D, but I must say, that with the 5 titles that are currently thought out and that will come out after Play Things, only one game is relatively similar in concept, most are completely different gameplay wise, but the story keeps connections.

Thank you once again for your lovely words!!

Actually, I can say that they have already been added, just not released, as they will be a part of the endless mode update! I agree, they have already shown to be a nice addition, and they also serve as a little list of goals, so it's clearer as to what to do :P

A wiki of a sort may be something to consider for sure! There are 19 dolls in the normal mode, it is true that it isn't mentioned and it could be, but the estimated time for one one ending is an hour. When it comes to ending, the 4th ending (if it is the one you mentioned) is the last one, yet it will leave you with a lot of questions, but that is expect. As this story is not at it's end just yet, we will see eachother again soon! More answers await in the upcoming endless mode and in new titles altogether!

Thank you so much! I'm really glad that you enjoyed our title so much, hope that we can make everything even better in the upcoming titles and updates!

There are some questions that I do not want to answer, as they are up to the players to find out, but I will say this, there are a lot of things that is impossible to figure out, because a huge chunk of the story is untold. Burning Eye stories should always work on 3 layers (regarding the story). One being tied to the game (Or franchise). In Play Things, that would be the story of Arnold and Sophie (and Ashley). The 2nd layer is an "Arc" that goes on through multiple titles, that being the Mekoro cult, that is mentioned in the ending, but you cannot really find anything about them as of now. The 3rd is the overall story that connects all titles together, cannot really talk about that one :P

• The little figures I cannot talk about, it is kinda ironic that you did the sequence thing, because that will actually be a little achievement in-game in the upcoming update! :P, but as of what they are, that will be answered in the endless mode, speaking of which
• The endless mode will not take any doll / story from the normal mode, it will all be randomly generated. The background of each doll will be given in a different manner, as randomly generating the stories would be next to impossible, but we already figured a decent workaround. This mode will also add a way to unlock "Tapes", that will reveal huge chunks of the story. The Normal & Endless mode are, of course, connected, but I cannot say how.
• Thank you for your lovely compliments, and honestly I see your vision! These death screens would be cool to see! I wrote it down, and will credit you in-game for the community ideas and suggestion! (If you have a different name to use then BounceBeetle24, you can send it here!, unless you don't want to be credited of course) It would be fun to see the different deaths occur, the doll faces actually do change when they attack you, but that is about it, it's all just a "jumpscare", that could be improved with your idea, and make it less in-your-face! Kate however does not have a way to kill, but I could make the earthquake more noticable via screenshake. Thank you for your awesome ideas! I have written them down, and I'll be sure to cook something up in the next entry!

Thank you once more for your lovely words, I seriously feel incredibly inspired to continue the works with the team when I see comments like yours and all the other amazing people in here! <3

Thank you <3! If you cannot find the folders, create them yourself, and name them EXACTLY "Saved" in main play things folder, "SaveGames" inside saved folder.

yeah, there have been more problems with different people, like low frame rates, anti-viruses freaking out about the game, language barriers. I hate seeing people not able to enjoy our titles, because of obstacles and restrictions, that others don't get. But, it's kinda impossible to make something for everybody. All I can do is promise to do better and better, and help whenever on whatever I am able to.

I see, dang, alright, here are some other ways to troubleshoot:

• Locate UEPrereqSetup_x64, it will be FOLDER_WITH_GAME\Play Things v1.2.7.1\Engine\Extras\Redist\en-us, try and run this setup, it should reinstall the files necessary to run the game.
• When in the folder of the Executable file (PlayThings.exe), click on the directory of the folder, and type "CMD". With the command prompt opened in the directory, type exactly: "PlayThings.exe -dx11". If that won't work, replace "-dx11" with "-vulkan"
• If you are running the game on a external drive (Disk D:, E:, F:, etc.), and not the one you have Windows on, try and extract the game on there, and run it.

If all of this fails, I went ahead and created a fresh save for ya! If you cannot start the game via a new game, maybe you can try loading an existing save file, that I will link below. Here is a guide on how to do that:

• Download the file
• In Windows search, type "%localappdata%  or  go to C:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME_HERE\AppData\Local
• Locate the folder called "PlayThings" and navigate like this: 
  • Saved => SaveGames

• Paste the downloaded file in the SaveGames folder. (ONLY THE .SAV FILE NEEDS TO BE PRESENT, YOU CAN DELETE THE .ZIP)
• Now, when you start the game, you should be able to click "Continue", as the game will load a fresh safe

Note, that this safe does not include the tutorial, you will simply start from the first doll of the Normal Mode game.

Here is the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10gEfCNYmTPX9jDmxBLgiJe_ZNb1-uCDz/view?usp=shari...

Again, sorry for the frustration, I hope this helps. If it doesn't, than it means I did a poor job with optimizing, and hopefully the next update will allow you to enjoy the experience as intended. Wish you a great day! <3

Yeah, I thought so, this message most often happens due to outdated graphics drivers, luckily, it is pretty easy to update. If you are running a NVIDIA graphics card, you should have their software pre-installed, if not, go to their website, and you can download it for free there.

Once in the app, you should be able to traverse to the drivers section. Updating your graphics card drivers to the newest version should make a lot of positive changes in your PC, and of course, it should hopefuly let you run the game! I'd recommend doing this, but I can understand if you don't want to go through with this, just for this game, if everything else works fine, but there pretty much is no downside that I know of with having updated graphics drivers. If there is any trouble, you can reply to this comment thread, I'll answer ASAP with further instructions, if necessary.

If you are refering to the on screen notification of the action, like "E" to pickup, and "F" to trigger the held item, they are known to vanish sometimes when you have low frame rate, although, "E" and "F" are the only two buttons corresponding with interactions and item manipulation. Thank you so much for taking time in notifying me about this by the way, really sorry to hear the persistent problems. The freezing screen and the sluggish pace sounds very frustrating and I fear that it may just be my poor job at optimizing.

Dang, that's a lot. I would suggest lowering your game settings, especially graphics and lighting in general. If it responds late when you hover even in the main menu, it just may be that the game is too tough (aka. badly optimized by yours truly).

There is however another reason why this might be happening, as it happened before to one of the game's testers, and that is an antivirus, snooping around the files and using all of your PCs performance. Of course, do not disable your antivirus, but maybe keep the game running. This most regularly happens with 3rd party anti-viruses, like Avast, AVG, etc. As indie games, that are executebles and aren't from platforms like steam and epic AND don't have a "license" bought from the antivirus itself, are all targeted as dangerous automatically.

If you have a 3rd party (non-official by Microsoft) antivirus, check if you can whitelist the game within it. As the antivirus Avast, that a tester used, tanked the performence to oblivion, but only for a few minutes, until it marked the game as "Safe".

If whitelisting, graphics turned down AND waiting with the game on doesn't work, then I am sorry, but that would mean the game is just too much for your PC. I promise to do whatever I can to optimise my games better in upcoming titles and updates. Again, really sorry for this frustrating occurrence.

That's pretty frustraiting, by intro cutscene you mean the tutorial? Or the carcrash + warning display? If your game crashes around the time when you start to see the yellow-tinted room, perhaps try to reduce your graphical settings to the lowest. Then, if the game keeps it together to the point when you are able to walk, raise it up again. If all fails, including reinstalling that you mentioned, maybe post the image of the error here, if it isn't a simple "UE5 Fatal Error" with no additional info or crash log. Sorry that this is happening, it is very baffling to me.

As the lead dev of the game, I have close to no knowledge of porting the game on mobile devices. Unreal Engine does provide support for it though, I really am not planning to port it on mobile as of now, but it may change. I am sorry about this, but we are really just targeting PC and console gaming. The game will definetly not be ported to mobile with the upcoming update, but it can be something we will take a look-see at, later down the line. No promises though, sorry.

Heya! Sure, go for it! It's really nice of you to ask first, and even offer credit <3

Thank you so much!!! Awesome let's play, you earned a new sub!

Unfortunately it cannot be done as of yet, but we are planning to add controller support to the upcoming update, until then, the game can only be controlled via mouse n' keyboard