Extraction action RPG 'VOID DIVER: Escape from the Abyss' (hereinafter 'Void Diver'), developed by Studio Nemo and published by Red Brick House, will begin its closed beta test (CBT) on November 2. The test period will run for about two weeks, ending at 11:59 PM on November 16. On October 30, the developer disclosed details on changes in the CBT build via a Steam developer update.
Up to 1,000 players can participate in the CBT. Applications are accepted through Google Forms, closing once all 1,000 Steam keys are claimed. Applicants will receive a tester role in the official Discord server and can claim their CBT key from the Discord channel starting at 11:00 AM on November 2. Keys are limited to one per person.
The CBT version runs separately from the existing Steam demo. Play data from the CBT will not carry over to the demo or full release version. Feedback surveys will be accepted until 11:59 PM on November 18, and participants who submit a survey will be rewarded with a name decoration.
The CBT build adds a new playable character, 'Mumyeong'. Mumyeong is a staff-wielding melee bruiser who becomes available after completing a Lounge chain quest that unlocks at Level 5. Exclusive traits and mastery levels have also been added for five characters, including Mumyeong.
Dungeon content has also expanded. The campaign has been extended to the final section of Chapter 2, and Chapter 3 introduces a new area, the 'Submerged Place,' featuring a submerged train station and Oriental-style buildings. The difficulty levels have been rebalanced: the previous Easy, Normal, and Hard difficulties were converted into Normal, Hard, and Severe, with a new 'Easy' difficulty added.
Combat and equipment systems have also been revamped. Random options and set items have been added to equipment. A new combat system called 'Grit' was added, allowing players to rise again upon meeting certain conditions right after falling into despair. Gamepad-exclusive lock-on functionality and quick-slot item swapping were added, alongside improved auto-aim assistance.
Lounge and management features now include VIP trust and requests, staff training, item display, and a Doppelganger mini-game. Artifact negotiation changed from an attempt-limited system to a Suspicion Gauge system. Additionally, item locking, in-game notification pop-ups, and lighting improvements across all areas have been implemented.
Studio Nemo stated in the developer notes, "In this test, we primarily want to verify whether players can maintain an appropriate sense of tension and progression throughout their gameplay."
In Void Diver, players become the manager of the 'BALUSHA' antique shop, sending Divers into the abyss to recover artifacts. The game is set in otherworldly dungeons rendered in high-quality pixel art. It supports up to three-player co-op as well as Korean language support. The official Steam release is scheduled for January 2027.
