Hell Express is stepping further into the spotlight as Arc Games announces a global publishing partnership with Full Metal Bagel for the isometric PvE-focused co-op extraction looter shooter delivery amalgamation game.
The deal aims to support Hell Express’s launch, including distribution, marketing, and extended community engagement, as the game prepares for public alpha playtests at Taipei Game Show later this month.
Hell Express is shaping up to be a distinctive entry in the extraction shooter space, combining cooperative action with tactical resource management and narrative threads about life, death, and the perilous space in between.
Designed for one to four players, the game tasks squads of delivery specialists with high-stakes runs into Limbo, a hostile dimension caught between life and death, where success means loot, upgrades, and survival — and failure can mean permanent loss.
“Partnering with Arc Games allows us to focus fully on building the game we’ve always envisioned, and we’re incredibly excited to have their support,” Chao Chen, creative director of Hell Express and co-founder of Full Metal Bagel, said in a prepared statement. “After an amazing year—from winning Best Multiplayer Game at China Joy to the overwhelming response to our game reveal trailer—our team is more motivated than ever to make Hell Express an unforgettable adventure. We want players involved from the very beginning, so throughout this year we’ll be rolling out playtests designed to gather feedback and help shape the experience. We can’t wait for what’s ahead and are thrilled to have everyone join us on this journey.”
Players choose from a roster of characters, each with unique motives and abilities, before diving into missions that blend intense combat, scavenging, and strategic risk-reward decisions.
In addition to gun customization systems that let players tailor gear to their playstyle, Hell Express also features exploration across hazardous environments, vehicular traversal aboard an armed “Hell Trekker,” and a darkly humorous aesthetic that underscores its lore-heavy presentation.
The publishing pact with Arc Games lets Full Metal Bagel maintain creative control while benefiting from a broader infrastructure for long-term support, including live service planning and iterative alpha feedback cycles.
“We see tremendous potential in Hell Express and fully expect it to stand out as one of the most exciting titles in the extraction shooter genre,” Yoon Im, chief executive officer of Arc Games, said in a prepared statement.
From an industry perspective, the partnership underscores a trend toward mid-size studios creating ambitious, genre-blending experiences that sit between the scale of blockbuster shooters and the nimbleness of indie design.
With its anime-tinged visuals, cooperative PvE focus, and extraction-style loop, Hell Express looks to carve out its own niche in a crowded multiplayer field, particularly as players increasingly seek games that reward both individual skill and team coordination.