wageslave

Wageslave is a short, narrative-driven dystopian office survival game. Players take on the role of Job Cyphus, a newly-hired programmer whose survival depends on producing code, managing stimulants and mood-stabilisers, and responding to constant messages from HR.

The core gameplay loop centres on balancing output with mental stability. Lines of code serve as the player’s key performance indicator, directly tied to their ability to eat and progress. Players must manage a stack of nootropics and other consumables to sustain productivity while avoiding burnout, with new consumables unlocked through career promotions.

As the player climbs the career ladder, each promotion increases both earnings and pressure. The goal is to save enough to reach a retirement target and leave the corporate environment behind. The game can be completed in a single sitting, though multiple endings and achievements extend replay value.