Wild West: Prototype is a cowboy-themed first-person shooter designed specifically for LAN parties, available for free on Steam. Developed by indie creator Matteo S.-C., the game was released on July 14 and offers a chaotic player-versus-player (PvP) experience set in an Old West environment. Characterized by its lighthearted yet competitive nature, the game uniquely excludes automatic weapons, making it distinct within the FPS genre. The Steam listing for Wild West: Prototype indicates that it serves as a testing ground for a LAN-only FPS, allowing up to six players to compete against each other.
However, it remains unclear whether this LAN restriction is a temporary feature of the prototype or if it will play a significant role in future releases. While most mainstream multiplayer games on PC include online support for easier player connectivity, the market still offers a variety of couch co-op options for gamers. Players can easily add Wild West: Prototype to their Steam libraries through the game’s store page. Set in a ghost town surrounded by a dense forest, the objective is to accumulate a bounty by eliminating opponents while striving for survival.
Players can choose from classic Wild West weapons such as lever-action rifles, revolvers, and knives to increase their bounty. Interestingly, the Steam listing also features a content disclosure indicating the developer’s use of Generative AI in the game’s creation, specifically for the menu music. This practice is becoming common, with reports noting that since Valve mandated AI usage disclosures in January 2024, around one in five Steam games have acknowledged it. While the future of Wild West: Prototype as more than just a prototype remains uncertain, the game has garnered a mix of reviews, highlighting its potential for improvement.
Players have suggested the addition of more weapon choices, online play options, and overall refinement. Only time will reveal if Wild West: Prototype can establish itself among the top free co-op games on Steam.