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Powered by UE5: Free open-world school sim dominates Steam charts

The open-world school simulation Return to Campus will be released on Steam on January 13. (Image source: Steam)
The open-world school simulation Return to Campus will be released on Steam on January 13. (Image source: Steam)
Whether you’re a model student or a rebel, this school simulation lets players be whoever they want without consequences, a concept that clearly resonates with gamers. The game’s demo has already propelled it to the top of the Steam charts just ahead of its release.

Return to Campus invites gamers to relive school life, but this time without rules or consequences. Players can choose to study diligently, build friendships, and become model students, or they can defy all norms by bullying classmates, extorting protection money, shoplifting, and even blowing up the school.

The game is experienced from a first-person perspective, portraying the life of a financially disadvantaged student. Meanwhile, developer Nie Yuxing is already working on another title, Campus Fantasy, set to release in the second quarter of 2025, which will explore the perspective of a wealthy student.

Created with Unreal Engine 5, Return to Campus boasts stunning visuals. Its open campus, featuring seamlessly accessible school buildings, encourages free exploration, while an authentic day-night cycle adds to the realism of school life. However, the game lacks a multiplayer mode for shared chaos, Return to Campus is a strictly single-player experience.

Return to Campus is set to launch on Steam on January 13 and according to the developer, it will even be free to play. For those eager to dive into the schoolyard chaos right away, the free demo is already available. This demo is likely the reason why this open-world school simulation currently holds the top spot in Steam's "Popular Upcoming" charts.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2025 01 > Powered by UE5: Free open-world school sim dominates Steam charts
Marius Müller, 2025-01-11 (Update: 2025-01-11)