Wild West: Prototype, a chaotic cowboy-themed first-person shooter designed specifically for LAN parties, is now free to download on Steam. Developed by indie creator Matteo S.-C., the game launched on July 14 and places players in a competitive free-for-all setting in an eerie Western ghost town.
A LAN Shooter Without Automatic Weapons
Unlike modern shooters that often rely on rapid-fire arsenals, Wild West: Prototype deliberately excludes automatic weapons, sticking to the era’s staples—revolvers, lever-action rifles, and knives. The game pits up to six players against one another, each working to build the highest bounty possible by taking down rivals while staying alive in a dense forest wilderness.
The game’s lighthearted tone doesn’t detract from its competitive edge. It’s specifically tailored for local multiplayer sessions, aiming to revive the classic LAN-party atmosphere with modern visuals and simple mechanics.
AI-Generated Elements Raise Industry-Wide Talking Points
In a nod to transparency, the developer has disclosed the use of Generative AI in creating the game’s menu music, a practice that has become increasingly common among indie developers. Since Steam introduced AI-use disclosures in January 2024, roughly 1 in 5 games on the platform have acknowledged incorporating AI in some part of development.
While Wild West: Prototype’s use of AI is minimal, it reflects a broader trend of indie developers experimenting with new tools to cut down production time or enhance creativity.
Early Feedback Highlights Both Promise and Rough Edges
At the time of writing, Wild West: Prototype has received only seven user reviews, many of which point out the game’s potential. Common requests include the addition of more weapon types, improved polish, and the introduction of online multiplayer support for broader accessibility beyond LAN-only matches.
Despite being a prototype in name and spirit, players have described it as a promising indie effort that, with further updates, could carve out a niche in the free multiplayer FPS market.
How to Play
Players interested in trying Wild West: Prototype can add the game to their Steam libraries for free by visiting its official store page. While its long-term future is uncertain, the game already offers a unique experience for small groups looking to revive the feel of old-school LAN battles—without a single automatic weapon in sight.
