View source for Routine (video game)


{{Use American English|date=July 2024}}
{{Use list-defined references|date=June 2024}}

{{Infobox video game
| title = Routine
| image = Routine cover art.png
| alt =
| developer = Lunar Software
| publisher = [[Raw Fury]]
| director =
| producer = Jemma Hughes
| designer = Aaron Foster
| programmer = Pete Dissler
| artist = Aaron Foster
| writer ={{ubl|Shirley Cheung-Beal|Aaron Foster}}
| composer = Nathaniel-Jorden Apostol <!-- DO NOT ADD MICK GORDON, HE DID NOT COMPOSE THE MUSIC -->
| engine = [[Unreal Engine 5]]
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Windows]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]}}
| released = December 4, 2025
| genre = [[Survival horror]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
}}

'''''Routine''''' is a 2025 [[Survival horror|survival horror game]] developed by Lunar Software and published by [[Raw Fury]]. Set on a lunar base, the story follows an unnamed protagonist unraveling a mysterious incident that led to the base's decline. The game is played from a [[First-person (video games)|first-person perspective]], with the player exploring the base and using a special device to fight hostile robots, interact with the environment, and perform other actions.

Announced in 2012, ''Routine'' is the debut title from Lunar Software. While initially slated for a spring 2013 release, the game [[Development hell|saw several delays]] attributed to a protracted development cycle, financial hurdles, and the studio's decision to temporarily pause production due to dissatisfaction with the game's direction. Development resumed in 2020 with new publisher Raw Fury. The team then overhauled various aspects of the project, including its narrative, gameplay and art design, and transitioned to [[Unreal Engine 5]]. [[Mick Gordon]], who was originally the audio designer for the game, left the project in 2024, with Nathaniel-Jorden Apostol handling composer and audio lead duties for the remainder of development. ''Routine'' was released for [[Windows]], [[Xbox One]], and [[Xbox Series X/S]] in December 2025. It received generally favorable reviews from critics.

== Gameplay ==
''Routine'' is a [[Survival horror|survival horror game]] played from a [[First-person (video games)|first-person perspective]].{{r|Release Date Trailer (DS)}} The player controls an unnamed protagonist traversing a lunar base to unravel the mystery of its decline while encountering hostile robots.{{r|2014 Foster Interview (GB)|2022 Reveal (GSpot)}} The player is equipped with a Cosmonaut Assistance Tool (C.A.T), a device used for both combat and environmental interaction, in addition to saving notes and tracking progress.{{r|2013 Feature (GI)}} Exploring levels with hidden areas,{{r|2012 Reveal (SN)}} the player finds batteries, powering the C.A.T,{{r|2013 Feature (VG247)}} and modules which give it tools such as a [[blacklight]] to see hidden secrets in the environment. When used as a weapon, the C.A.T can temporarily stun the enemy.{{r|2013 Feature (GI)}} Threats and environments within the levels are partially [[Procedural generation|procedurally generated]].{{r|2012 Foster Interview (SN)}}

== Plot ==
In 1999, an unnamed male individual with the job title of "Senior Software Engineer" (voiced by Nathaniel-Jordan Apostol and identified only as "The Player" in the credits) awakens after a seven-day mandatory isolation period in the Arrivals wing of Union Plaza, a tourist resort on the surface of the [[Moon]]. The Player leaves his quarters and finds the facility devoid of other people and in disarray. After obtaining a Cosmonaut Assistance Tool (CAT) to interface with Union Plaza's electronic systems, the Player proceeds deeper into the facility.

Along the way, the Player finds notes, emails, and recordings that illuminate the situation. Following a [[moonquake]], security officer John Cooper conducted a perimeter check on the lunar surface and ventured into a newly opened fissure, where he discovered unknown vegetation sprouting from a humanoid body. When Cooper submitted his findings to Union Plaza's Automated Security Network (ASN) system, it initiated a facility-wide lockdown. Cooper also contracted an indeterminate illness involving migraines, short-term memory gaps, and hallucinations that spread to other human personnel. Simultaneous with the lockdown, the facility's Type-05 assistant robots began exhibiting unusual and even violent behavior, with Cooper witnessing the murder of a resort guest and the concealment of the body. Not yet aware of the severity of the unfolding crisis, Head of Security Kei Koyama arranged for an engineer, the Player, to be brought in to assess and debug the ASN, but by the time the Player emerged from isolation, everyone at Union Plaza had already succumbed to the robots or the unknown disease.

The Player experiences the disease's symptoms, including lost time episodes, and visions of the Moon and a large, spherical metal capsule. After shutting down the ASN, the Player suffers another lost time episode and awakens in a different lunar facility named the Ward that belonged to a group called the Prism Institute. During the 1970s, this facility hosted the Canal Exploration Mission, which studied a cavernous geological feature on the Moon named the Canal that was linked to moonquakes. It was found that the Canal exerted an anomalous psychological influence on humans and contained fungoid alien life. Eventually, two dimorphic Moon creatures invisible to the human eye yet visible through a CAT module, designated Entity A and Entity B, invaded the Ward. Entity A wandered the facility and caused no apparent harm, while Entity B was found after it choked to death on an apple and its corpse turned visible. Both creatures propagated fungal spores, the vector of the unknown disease. Some humans compulsively entered the Canal and never returned, and the rest died of the disease in the facility and were consumed by fungal growths.

The Player evades a hostile Entity A while exploring the Ward and performing tasks demanded by its computer, including an [[Medical ultrasound|echography]] of the Canal and an injection of "amniotic brine" into a small spherical capsule leaking fungal growths. These actions allow the entrance to the cave that leads to the Canal to be unsealed. The Player enters the Canal and sees the large capsule surrounded by the consumed remains of the Prism personnel. The capsule opens to reveal another creature resembling Entity A, which the Player hallucinates as a duplicate of himself while a voice intones, "Through me, you endure... Through you, I endure..."

Afterward, a heavily-redacted Prism Institute report dated December 5th, 2025 that details the "PRISM Lunar Containment and Recovery Program" is shown. The report notes that the Prism Institute launched the LCRP mission earlier that year to recover data from the lost Canal expedition, and mentions the Union Plaza incident in passing. The report reveals that all contact was lost with the LCRP mission shortly after it landed and entered the Ward, and its final transmission consisted of a single image of a cave riddled with vines and flowers.

== Development ==
Lead designer and artist Aaron Foster created small game projects and [[Video game modding|mods]] in his early years.{{r|2013 Foster Interview (GB)}} He studied at the [[University of Central Lancashire]], where he met designer and artist Jemma Hughes.{{r|1=2012 Feature (Edge)|p1=1|2=Devs Q&A (GSkinny)}} After graduating in 2008 with a [[Bachelor of Arts]] in game design, Foster taught 3D modeling and creative thinking at the university while also working as a 3D environment artist at [[Eurocom]].{{r|2012 Feature (Edge)|pp=1, 2}} In his spare time, he developed various prototypes and ideas using [[Unreal Engine]],{{r|2013 Foster Interview (RPS)}} with some eventually becoming the basis for ''Routine''.{{r|Press (LS)}} The game's inspiration stemmed from a desire to combine his childhood passions—[[science fiction]], [[Horror film|horror]], and the [[Moon]]. He also sought to "start pushing the reasons why people interact with a game," believing that games "should mean something more than pressing the right buttons to trigger cutscenes." ''Routine'' was influenced by films such as ''[[2001: A Space Odyssey (film)|2001: A Space Odyssey]]'' (1968), ''[[The Andromeda Strain (film)|The Andromeda Strain]]'' (1971), ''[[Silent Running]]'' (1972), ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]'' (1979), and ''[[The Thing (1982 film)|The Thing]]'' (1982), and the television series ''[[Space: 1999]]'' (1975–1977).{{r|1=2013 Foster Interview (RPS)|2=2012 Feature (Edge)|p2=2|3=Devs Q&A (GSkinny)}} Video game influences included ''[[System Shock 2]]'' (1999), ''[[White Day: A Labyrinth Named School]]'' (2001), and ''[[Doom 3]]'' (2004).{{r|Horror Feature (GI)|Doom Feature (Verge)}}

In its early stages, ''Routine'' lacked enemies or interactive objects. Foster described this version as an atmospheric [[single-player]] experience similar to ''[[Dear Esther]]'' (2012). The project began to evolve with the addition of Hughes and programmer Pete Dissler,{{r|2013 Foster Interview (RPS)}} whom Foster encountered through the [[Mod DB]] website.{{r|Devs Q&A (GSkinny)}} Their collaboration led to the establishment of Lunar Software in September 2011.{{r|Press (LS)}} Working from a flat in [[Preston, Lancashire]], the team used the living room as their office{{r|Devs Q&A (GSkinny)|2012 Feature (PCG)}} and hired freelancers for the game's art.{{r|2014 Foster Interview (GB)}} The project was initially financed through the team's personal savings.{{r|2013 Foster Interview (GB)}} The game's design underwent several revisions throughout its development.{{r|Release Date Trailer (Verge)}} Following its re-announcement in June 2022, Lunar Software revealed that development had been previously suspended due to financial constraints and dissatisfaction with the project's direction. After a period of conceptual reassessment and securing a publishing deal with [[Raw Fury]], development resumed. Raw Fury provided additional support for the game's art direction and narrative.{{r|Hiatus Message (LS)|October 2022 Update (Steam)}}

The selection of a lunar base as the setting for ''Routine'' stemmed not only from Foster's fascination with the Moon but also from its distance from Earth, its atmosphere of loneliness, and the in-game presence of enemies. The developers believed these aspects combined to make the Moon "a great setting for a horror experience."{{r|2012 Foster Interview (SN)}} During development, the base's size was halved as the studio strove for level uniqueness and brevity.{{r|2013 Foster Interview (RPS)|2013 Foster Interview (GB)}} The number of endings was also reduced to two, impacting the overall [[Nonlinear gameplay|nonlinearity]] originally intended.{{r|2013 Feature (GI)|Release Date Trailer (Verge)}} The developers decided not to explore the protagonist's personality and backstory to heighten the immersiveness and focus the player's attention on the game's atmosphere and plot.{{r|2014 Foster Interview (GB)}}

The inclusion of [[permadeath]] was intended to heighten the impact of player actions. Foster explained that he "want[ed] to see if [... permadeath would] force people to care more about their actions rather than running around blindly thinking they can just reload the game."{{r|2013 Foster Interview (LS)}} This feature, combined with the [[First-person (video games)|first-person perspective]] and lack of a [[HUD (video games)|heads-up display]], reflected the developers' aim of maximizing player immersion.{{r|Horror Feature (GI)|2012 Feature (Verge)}} [[Procedural generation]] was employed to introduce variability to environments and events across playthroughs.{{r|2012 Foster Interview (SN)|2013 Foster Interview (GB)}} However, the team aimed to avoid excessive randomization to preserve the integrity of the storyline. Striking a balance between variety and crafting a tense atmosphere at specific moments presented a significant challenge, according to Foster.{{r|2013 Foster Interview (GB)}} Dissler designed the [[Artificial intelligence in video games|artificial intelligence]] of the game's enemies to adapt to and react unpredictably to the player's actions, cultivating a "fear of the unknown".{{r|2013 Feature (GI)|2013 Foster Interview (RPS)}} The protagonist's primary device, a Cosmonaut Assistance Tool, was conceived early in development.{{r|2014 Foster Interview (GB)}} A weapon mode was later incorporated, allowing the player to choose between stealth and direct combat.{{r|2013 Feature (GI)}} Foster characterized this as a risk–reward system, noting that its use did not always guarantee a favorable outcome.{{r|2013 Feature (VG247)}}

Lunar Software began developing ''Routine'' using [[Unreal Engine 3]], but later transitioned to [[Unreal Engine 4]].{{r|2015 Summer Update (Esc)|UE4 (Twitter)}} Peter Bottomley, founder and head of White Paper Games, provided support to the developers, including access to more powerful computers for working with the updated engine.{{r|Bottomley (Twitter)}} After development resumed in 2020, the studio transitioned to [[Unreal Engine 5]], overhauling various aspects of the project, including its narrative, gameplay and art design.{{r|2025 Interview (IGN)}} While Lunar Software initially considered [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Oculus Rift]] versions of the game, these plans were ultimately abandoned.{{r|2013 Feature (GI)|Oculus (EG)|PS4 (IGN)}} ''Routine''{{'}}s visual style, inspired by 1980s [[retrofuturism]], aimed to depict a realistically designed, abandoned lunar base.{{r|2022 Reveal (IGN)}} Foster described it as a "really high-tech [and] sci-fi" environment reflecting decades of human habitation and subsequent decline.{{r|2012 Feature (PCG)}} The game's soundtrack, composed by [[Mick Gordon (composer)|Mick Gordon]], known for his work on ''[[Wolfenstein: The New Order]]'' (2014) and ''[[Doom (2016 video game)|Doom]]'' (2016),{{r|2022 Reveal (GSpot)}} took cues from the 1980s music, as suggested by Foster. However, Gordon wanted to avoid synthesizer clichés found in soundtracks like that of ''[[Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon]]'' (2013). Citing the film ''[[The Shining (film)|The Shining]]'' (1980) as an influence, the developers sought to create a more "tangible and low-fi" sound.{{r|2013 Feature (GI)}} Gordon left the project in 2024 due to a scheduling conflict. A new audio design team was hired, but the studio still intended to use the assets that Gordon had previously created.{{r|2025 Update (PCG)}} Nathaniel-Jorden Apostol served as composer and audio lead for the remainder of development.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Routine (video game)|Routine]]|developer=Lunar Software|publisher=[[Raw Fury]]|date=December 4, 2025|scene=Credits}}</ref>

== Release ==
''Routine'' was announced in August 2012 at [[Gamescom]].{{r|2012 Reveal (VG247)}} Later that year, the project was approved for release on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] through the platform's [[Steam Greenlight|Greenlight]] program.{{r|2012 Feature (PCG)|2012 Feature (Verge)}} Initially scheduled for a spring 2013 release for [[Windows]] and [[OS X]],{{r|Steam (Poly)}} the game [[Development hell|saw several delays]].{{r|2018 Feature (Vice)}} Lunar Software stopped providing development updates in 2017, but confirmed the project's continuation the following year, acknowledging some ongoing challenges.{{r|2018 Feature (Vice)}} ''Routine'' was re-announced at the [[Summer Game Fest]] in June 2022.{{r|2022 Reveal (GSpot)}} It was released on December 4, 2025 for Windows, [[Xbox One]], and [[Xbox Series X/S]].{{r|2022 Reveal (GSpot)|2025 Gamescom (IGN)|Release date (Xbox Era)}}

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = {{abbr|Win|Windows}}: 79/100{{efn|Based on 11 scored reviews of 13 total reviews}}{{r|MCPC}}<br />{{abbr|XSXS|Xbox Series X/S}}: 79/100{{efn|Based on 7 scored reviews of 8 total reviews}}{{r|MCXSXS}}
| OC = 77% recommend{{efn|Based on 44 reviews}}{{r|OC}}
}}

''Routine'' received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator [[Metacritic]].{{r|MCPC|MCXSXS}} [[OpenCritic]] determined that 77% of critics recommended the game.{{r|OC}}

{{clear}}

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=

<!-- Gameplay -->

<ref name="Release Date Trailer (DS)">{{cite web |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/sci-fi-survival-horror-game-routine-set-arrive-march-2017-gets-new-trailer/ |title=Sci-Fi Survival Horror Game Routine Set to Arrive March 2017; Gets New Trailer |last=Fischer |first=Tyler |date=October 31, 2016 |website=DualShockers |publisher=Valnet |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828110752/https://www.dualshockers.com/sci-fi-survival-horror-game-routine-set-arrive-march-2017-gets-new-trailer/ |archive-date=August 28, 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="2014 Foster Interview (GB)">{{cite web |url=https://gamingbolt.com/routine-interview-developing-a-non-linear-horror-experience-set-on-an-abandoned-moon-base |title=Routine Interview: Developing A Non Linear Horror Experience Set On An Abandoned Moon Base |last=Sayed |first=Rashid |date=February 24, 2014 |website=GamingBolt |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304070702/https://gamingbolt.com/routine-interview-developing-a-non-linear-horror-experience-set-on-an-abandoned-moon-base |archive-date=March 4, 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="2022 Reveal (GSpot)">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/routine-a-first-person-sci-fi-horror-game-coming-to-xbox-game-pass/1100-6504357/ |title=Routine, A First-Person Sci-Fi Horror Game, Coming To Xbox Game Pass |last=Carr |first=James |date=June 9, 2022 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[Fandom, Inc.]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609185404/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/routine-a-first-person-sci-fi-horror-game-coming-to-xbox-game-pass/1100-6504357/ |archive-date=June 9, 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="2013 Feature (GI)">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/routine/b/pc/archive/2013/10/04/killer-robots-floppy-disks-and-atmospheric-sci-fi-horror.aspx |title=Routine |last=Turi |first=Tim |date=October 4, 2013 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004225724/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/routine/b/pc/archive/2013/10/04/killer-robots-floppy-disks-and-atmospheric-sci-fi-horror.aspx |archive-date=October 4, 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="2012 Reveal (SN)">{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/75263/routine-trailer-explores-spooky-moonbase |title=Routine trailer explores spooky moonbase |last=O'Connor |first=Alice |date=August 15, 2012 |website=[[Shacknews]] |publisher=Gamerhub |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817094340/https://www.shacknews.com/article/75263/routine-trailer-explores-spooky-moonbase |archive-date=August 17, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="2013 Feature (VG247)">{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/routine-amnesia-in-space-not-exactly |title=Routine: Amnesia in space? Not exactly |last=Cook |first=Dave |date=August 7, 2013 |website=[[VG247]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921013133/https://www.vg247.com/routine-amnesia-in-space-not-exactly |archive-date=September 21, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="2013 Foster Interview (RPS)">{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/lunar-software-explain-routine |title=C++ Of Tranquility: Lunar Software Explain Routine |last=Rossignol |first=Jim |date=June 26, 2013 |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415213804/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/lunar-software-explain-routine |archive-date=April 15, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="2012 Foster Interview (SN)">{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/75481/a-routine-interview-about-crafting-lunar-horror |title=A Routine interview about crafting lunar horror |last=Mattas |first=Jeff |date=September 28, 2012 |website=[[Shacknews]] |publisher=Gamerhub |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830031841/https://www.shacknews.com/article/75481/a-routine-interview-about-crafting-lunar-horror |archive-date=August 30, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="Release Date Trailer (Verge)">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/1/13486328/routine-sci-fi-horror-game-launch-date-trailer |title=Sci-fi horror game Routine is finally launching in March |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=November 1, 2016 |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102154930/https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/1/13486328/routine-sci-fi-horror-game-launch-date-trailer |archive-date=November 2, 2016}}</ref>

<!-- Development and release -->

<ref name="2013 Foster Interview (GB)">{{cite web |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/the-dark-side-of-the-moon/1100-4761/ |title=The Dark Side of the Moon |last=Klepek |first=Patrick |date=October 9, 2013 |website=[[Giant Bomb]] |publisher=[[Fandom, Inc.]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009160326/https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/the-dark-side-of-the-moon/1100-4761/ |archive-date=October 9, 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="2012 Feature (Edge)">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.edge-online.com/get-into-games/university-of-central-lancashire-lecturers-permadeath-horror-game-passes-steam-greenlight-test/ |title=University Of Central Lancashire lecturer's permadeath horror game passes Steam Greenlight test |last=Hall |first=Lee |date=November 9, 2012 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116180417/http://www.edge-online.com/get-into-games/university-of-central-lancashire-lecturers-permadeath-horror-game-passes-steam-greenlight-test/ |archive-date=November 16, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="Devs Q&A (GSkinny)">{{cite web |url=https://www.gameskinny.com/ifx1a/meet-the-makers-lunar-software-answers-questions-about-routine |title=Meet the Makers: Lunar Software Answers Questions About Routine |author=MirandaCB |date=May 14, 2013 |website=GameSkinny |publisher=[[Gamurs]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825225417/https://www.gameskinny.com/ifx1a/meet-the-makers-lunar-software-answers-questions-about-routine |archive-date=August 25, 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="Press (LS)">{{cite web |url=https://lunar-software.squarespace.com/press |title=Press — Lunar Software |website=Lunar Software |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610003149/https://lunar-software.squarespace.com/press |archive-date=June 10, 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="Horror Feature (GI)">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/11/07/the-evolution-of-first-person-horror.aspx |title=Can't Look Away: The Evolution Of Modern First-Person Horror |last=Lemke |first=Parker |date=November 7, 2015 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108233240/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/11/07/the-evolution-of-first-person-horror.aspx |archive-date=November 8, 2015}}</ref>

<ref name="Doom Feature (Verge)">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/12/10/5195508/doom-20th-anniversary-retrospective |title='Doom' at 20: John Carmack's hellspawn changed gaming forever |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=December 10, 2013 |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211060333/https://www.theverge.com/2013/12/10/5195508/doom-20th-anniversary-retrospective |archive-date=December 11, 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="2012 Feature (PCG)">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/routine-1/ |title=Routine: indie survival horror from the dark side of the Moon |last=Senior |first=Tom |date=December 12, 2012 |website=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151221214713/https://www.pcgamer.com/routine-1/ |archive-date=December 21, 2015}}</ref>

<ref name="Hiatus Message (LS)">{{cite web |url=https://lunar-software.squarespace.com/home/message-about-our-hiatus |title=Message About Our Hiatus |date=June 9, 2022 |website=Lunar Software |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609185332/https://lunar-software.squarespace.com/home/message-about-our-hiatus |archive-date=June 9, 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="October 2022 Update (Steam)">{{cite web |url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/606160/view/3404184263866108537 |title=Routine — Update — October 30, 2022 |author=Lunar Software |date=October 30, 2022 |website=[[Steam (service)|Steam News]] |publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030165030/https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/606160/view/3404184263866108537 |archive-date=October 30, 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="2013 Foster Interview (LS)">{{cite web |url=http://www.lunar-software.com/2013/09/team-member-interview-aaron-foster/ |title=Team Member interview: Aaron Foster |date=September 13, 2013 |website=Lunar Software |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924221631/http://www.lunar-software.com/2013/09/team-member-interview-aaron-foster/ |archive-date=September 24, 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="2012 Feature (Verge)">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/10/15/3507340/routine-sci-fi-horror-game |title=In space, no one can hear you die: a first look at 'Routine' |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=October 15, 2012 |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017234231/https://www.theverge.com/2012/10/15/3507340/routine-sci-fi-horror-game |archive-date=October 17, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="2015 Summer Update (Esc)">{{cite web |url=https://onlysp.escapistmagazine.com/lunar-software-routine-still-way-going-super-well/ |title=Lunar Software's Routine is Still On The Way, Development "Going Super Well" |last=Perodin |first=Reginald |date=July 21, 2015 |website=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |publisher=[[Gamurs]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123105639/https://onlysp.escapistmagazine.com/lunar-software-routine-still-way-going-super-well/ |archive-date=January 23, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="UE4 (Twitter)">{{cite tweet |author=Lunar Software |user=LunarSoftware |number=1535630003026767873 |date=June 11, 2022 |title=We are currently using UE4. |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611142923/https://twitter.com/LunarSoftware/status/1535630003026767873 |archive-date=June 11, 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="Bottomley (Twitter)">{{cite tweet |author=Lunar Software |user=LunarSoftware |number=1536318179659718657 |date=June 13, 2022 |title=I would just like to say that we wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for @Pete_Bottomley This guy kept us alive, even buying us PC's when ours couldn't run UE4. All while making badass games at @WhitePaperGames You mean the world to us Pete <3 |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613120419/https://twitter.com/LunarSoftware/status/1536318179659718657 |archive-date=June 13, 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="2025 Interview (IGN)">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/routine-is-an-indie-horror-game-over-a-decade-in-the-making-developer-interview-ign-first |title=ROUTINE is an Indie Horror Game Over a Decade in the Making — Developer Interview — IGN First |last=Northup |first=Travis |date=November 18, 2025 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=November 19, 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251119025333/https://www.ign.com/articles/routine-is-an-indie-horror-game-over-a-decade-in-the-making-developer-interview-ign-first |archive-date=November 19, 2025}}</ref>

<ref name="Oculus (EG)">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/routine-ditches-oculus-rift-support-due-to-motion-sickness |title=Routine ditches Oculus Rift support due to motion sickness |last=Matulef |first=Jeffrey |date=August 20, 2014 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412020044/https://www.eurogamer.net/routine-ditches-oculus-rift-support-due-to-motion-sickness |archive-date=April 12, 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="PS4 (IGN)">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/22/routine-developer-considering-ps4-port |title=Routine Developer Considering PS4 Port |last=Williams |first=Katie |date=February 22, 2014 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222093146/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/22/routine-developer-considering-ps4-port |archive-date=February 22, 2014}}</ref>

<ref name="2022 Reveal (IGN)">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/routine-horror-sci-fi-reveal-xbox-px-game-pass |title=Sci-fi Horror Routine Re-Revealed, a Decade After Its Original Announcement |last=Skrebels |first=Joe |date=June 9, 2022 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609184946/https://www.ign.com/articles/routine-horror-sci-fi-reveal-xbox-px-game-pass |archive-date=June 9, 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="2025 Update (PCG)">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/horror/sci-fi-horror-game-routine-just-came-back-to-life-for-the-2nd-time-in-13-years-we-are-beginning-to-approach-the-finish-line/ |title=Sci-fi horror game Routine just came back to life for the 2nd time in 13 years: 'We are beginning to approach the finish line' |last=Wolens |first=Joshua |date=July 8, 2025 |website=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=August 19, 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250822173852/https://www.pcgamer.com/games/horror/sci-fi-horror-game-routine-just-came-back-to-life-for-the-2nd-time-in-13-years-we-are-beginning-to-approach-the-finish-line/ |archive-date=August 22, 2025}}</ref>

<ref name="2012 Reveal (VG247)">{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/lunar-software-reveal-routine-at-gamescom-2012 |title=Lunar Software reveal Routine at gamescom 2012 |last=Akerman |first=Nick |date=August 15, 2012 |website=[[VG247]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828121951/https://www.vg247.com/lunar-software-reveal-routine-at-gamescom-2012 |archive-date=August 28, 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="Steam (Poly)">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2012/11/9/3623812/routine-headed-to-steam-next-spring-with-survival-horror-and |title=Routine headed to Steam next spring with survival horror and permadeath |last=Tach |first=Dave |date=November 9, 2012 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113082956/https://www.polygon.com/2012/11/9/3623812/routine-headed-to-steam-next-spring-with-survival-horror-and |archive-date=November 13, 2012}}</ref>

<ref name="2018 Feature (Vice)">{{cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/routine-release-date-space-horror-alien/ |title=So, What Happened to 'Routine,' That Promising Space Horror Game From 2013? |last=Klepek |first=Patrick |date=February 2, 2018 |website=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] |publisher=[[Vice Media]] |access-date=June 18, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107233347/https://www.vice.com/en/article/mb5qpx/routine-release-date-space-horror-alien |archive-date=November 7, 2020}}</ref>

<ref name="2025 Gamescom (IGN)">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/gamescom-opening-night-live-2025-everything-announced |title=gamescom Opening Night Live 2025: Everything Announced |last1=Bankhurst |first1=Adam |last2=Weber |first2=Rachel |last3=Phillips |first3=Tom |date=August 19, 2025 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=August 31, 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826170557/https://www.ign.com/articles/gamescom-opening-night-live-2025-everything-announced |archive-date=August 26, 2025}}</ref>

<ref name="Release date (Xbox Era)">{{cite web |url=https://xboxera.com/2025/10/28/raw-fury-is-bringing-three-games-to-game-pass-in-the-next-month-plus-including-routine/ |title=Raw Fury is bringing three games to Game Pass in the next month plus including ROUTINE |last1=Norris |first1=Jesse |date=October 28, 2025 |website=Xbox Era |access-date=October 28, 2025}}</ref>

<!-- Reception -->

<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/routine/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=ROUTINE for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

<ref name="MCXSXS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/routine/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=ROUTINE for Xbox Series X/S Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

<ref name="OC">{{cite web |url=https://opencritic.com/game/19658/routine |title=Routine Reviews |website=[[OpenCritic]] |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|routinegame.com}}
* {{IMDb title|20992156}}


[[Category:2025 video games]]
[[Category:Hard science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Raw Fury games]]
[[Category:Retrofuturistic video games]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Stealth video games]]
[[Category:Survival horror video games]]
[[Category:Unreal Engine 5 games]]
[[Category:Video games about robots]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games set on the Moon]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox One games]]
[[Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Routine (video game)|access_date=2026-03-05}}