HEADLINER on Steam - User reviews, Price & Information
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Short, thought-provoking adventure where you are a News Editor and decide what stories get published, set in a fictional city where most people are genetically modified. Multiple unique endings let you share your story and see what the Headliner before you did.
HEADLINER is a indie, adventure and choices matter game
developed and published by Unbound Creations.
Released on October 03rd 2017 is available on Windows, MacOS and Linux
in 12 languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Spanish - Spain, Spanish - Latin America, Russian, German, Japanese, Portuguese - Portugal, Portuguese - Brazil and French.
It has received 880 reviews of which 683 were positive and 197 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. 😊
The game is currently priced at 2.49€ on Steam with a 50% discount.
The Steam community has classified HEADLINER into these genres:
System requirements
These are the minimum specifications needed to play the game. For the best experience, we recommend that you verify them.
Windows
- OS *: Windows XP
- Processor: Intel Duo 2Ghz+
- Memory: 512 MB RAM
- Graphics: DirectX 9 Compatible card
- DirectX: Version 9.0c
- Storage: 350 MB available space
MacOS
- OS: MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, 64bit
- Processor: 2Ghz+
- Memory: 512 MB RAM
- Storage: 350 MB available space
Linux
- OS: Ubuntu 16.4 / 17 , Fedora Linux (version 26) x86_64, Archlinux x86_64, Mint 18.2, Archlinux x86_64
- Processor: Intel Duo 2Ghz+
- Memory: 512 MB RAM
- Graphics: DirectX 9 Compatible card
- Storage: 350 MB available space
- Additional Notes: Some other distros may not be supported. Please see official announcement for most up-to-date list.
User reviews & Ratings
Explore reviews from Steam users sharing their experiences and what they love about the game.
Honestly with everything going on I wasn't sure I would enjoy a loosely political themed game, but it was pretty entertaining, especially considering the idea and graphics are relatively simple. I would really enjoy if there were other storyline modules with different societies/issues to navigate through. I'll be playing it through again to see if I can unlock different endings, but if the devs are interested in creating more, I'd love to play. Effective and fun! Sadly I was assassinated at the end of the game. You live and you learn. And sometimes you die
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Headliner, developed and published by Unbound Creations, offers a deeply engaging and reflective experience that places players in the shoes of a national news editor navigating the complex landscape of media influence and societal tensions. Set in the fictional city of Galixia, the game unfolds in a world grappling with issues such as genetic engineering, immigration, and civil unrest. Players are tasked with deciding which news stories to publish, and each decision carries significant weight, influencing public opinion, societal stability, and the personal and professional lives of those around them. This setup creates a nuanced gameplay experience that explores the power and responsibility of the media in shaping narratives and public perception. The core gameplay loop centers around the editorial process. Every in-game day presents a new set of news articles for the player to review and either approve or reject. These choices are simple in execution—marked by green or red stamps—but far-reaching in consequence. Players quickly learn that their decisions don’t just affect headlines; they can trigger protests, influence political discourse, affect relationships with colleagues and family, and ultimately shape the city’s future. The tension between sensationalism and integrity is ever-present, as chasing higher ratings through provocative stories may garner short-term success but exacerbate social divides, while choosing balanced reporting might maintain peace but risk career stagnation. This moral balancing act encourages players to think critically about the ethical implications of their role and the complex dynamics of information dissemination. Visually, Headliner opts for a minimalist art style that effectively complements its serious and contemplative themes. Characters are depicted with simple yet expressive designs that capture a wide range of emotions, helping to humanize the narrative without overwhelming players with visual clutter. The static backgrounds and subtle animations contribute to an immersive atmosphere, reinforcing the feeling of being entrenched in the editorial office and the wider societal backdrop. The understated soundtrack further enhances the experience, providing an ambient tone that supports the storytelling without distracting from the player’s decisions. This aesthetic choice helps maintain focus on the narrative’s weight and the player's agency, rather than flashy visuals or action sequences. Narrative depth is arguably Headliner’s greatest strength. The storyline is not a linear progression but a branching web of outcomes influenced by the player’s editorial choices. Interactions with a diverse cast of characters—ranging from family members and co-workers to political figures—add emotional resonance and complexity. Each character comes with distinct motivations and backstories, making the consequences of player decisions feel more personal and impactful. The multiple endings encourage players to replay the game, exploring different paths and ethical stances, which highlights the multifaceted nature of truth, bias, and media power. Through these narrative layers, Headliner prompts players to reflect on the real-world responsibilities of journalism and the far-reaching consequences of information control. That said, the game’s deliberate pacing and focus on dialogue-heavy decision-making may not appeal to everyone. Players accustomed to more dynamic, action-oriented gameplay might find the slow rhythm and minimalist presentation less engaging. The absence of fast-paced mechanics means the game relies heavily on narrative immersion and thoughtful choice-making, which can lead to moments where the experience feels more like reading or reflection than interactive play. Additionally, while the minimalist art style supports the game’s thematic goals, some may find it visually sparse or lacking the vibrancy typical of many contemporary indie titles. These aspects, however, are integral to the experience Headliner offers and suit players interested in story-driven, contemplative games that tackle complex societal and ethical questions. Overall, Headliner is a standout title for anyone interested in narrative-driven games that explore the intersections of media, politics, and ethics. Its compelling portrayal of a news editor’s challenging role offers a unique lens through which to examine the power of storytelling and the often blurred lines between truth and sensationalism. While it may require patience and an appreciation for subtlety, the game rewards players with a thoughtful, immersive experience that encourages critical thinking about the media’s influence on society. For those willing to engage with its weighty themes and measured pace, Headliner delivers a memorable and thought-provoking journey into the heart of modern journalism. Rating: 7/10
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TLDR: This is the perfect game to burn down your digital Family, while also setting the city on fire with your bias
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Pretty short, but a very good game. It's a good setup for the sequel.
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A cool short game about controlling the news, it does exactly what it says and showcases the concequences of it well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
HEADLINER is currently priced at 2.49€ on Steam.
HEADLINER is currently available at a 50% discount. You can purchase it for 2.49€ on Steam.
HEADLINER received 683 positive votes out of a total of 880 achieving a rating of 7.40.
😊
HEADLINER was developed and published by Unbound Creations.
HEADLINER is playable and fully supported on Windows.
HEADLINER is playable and fully supported on MacOS.
HEADLINER is playable and fully supported on Linux.
HEADLINER is a single-player game.
HEADLINER does not currently offer any DLC.
HEADLINER does not support mods via Steam Workshop.
HEADLINER does not support Steam Remote Play.
HEADLINER is enabled for Steam Family Sharing. This means you can share the game with authorized users from your Steam Library, allowing them to play it on their own accounts. For more details on how the feature works, you can read the original Steam Family Sharing announcement or visit the Steam Family Sharing user guide and FAQ page.
You can find solutions or submit a support ticket by visiting the Steam Support page for HEADLINER.
Data sources
The information presented on this page is sourced from reliable APIs to ensure accuracy and relevance. We utilize the Steam API to gather data on game details, including titles, descriptions, prices, and user reviews. This allows us to provide you with the most up-to-date information directly from the Steam platform.
Additionally, we incorporate data from the SteamSpy API, which offers insights into game sales and player statistics. This helps us present a comprehensive view of each game's popularity and performance within the gaming community.
Last Updates| Steam data | 13 September 2025 10:18 |
|---|---|
| SteamSpy data | 06 September 2025 08:51 |
| Steam price | 14 September 2025 20:40 |
| Steam reviews | 14 September 2025 10:04 |
If you'd like to dive deeper into the details about HEADLINER, we invite you to check out a few dedicated websites that offer extensive information and insights. These platforms provide valuable data, analysis, and user-generated reports to enhance your understanding of the game and its performance.
- SteamDB - A comprehensive database of everything on Steam about HEADLINER
- SteamCharts - Analysis of HEADLINER concurrent players on Steam
- ProtonDB - Crowdsourced reports on Linux and Steam Deck HEADLINER compatibility
Game modes
Features
Online players
13
Developer
Unbound Creations
Publisher
Unbound Creations
Release
03 Oct 2017
Platforms