Beyond the Gas Station: The Rise of Absurdist Simulation Games
The simulation game genre is booming, but standing out requires more than just realism. Roadside Research, currently in early access on Xbox Game Pass and Steam, proves that point with a delightfully bizarre premise: you’re an alien running a gas station as a cover for… research. But this isn’t just a quirky indie title; it’s a sign of a growing trend towards absurdist simulation, blending mundane tasks with escalating chaos.
The Appeal of the Unexpected
Players are drawn to simulation games for their relaxing, repetitive loops. However, the market is saturated. Roadside Research differentiates itself by subverting expectations. Instead of simply managing a business, players must balance the demands of a gas station with the clandestine goals of an extraterrestrial mission. This collision of the ordinary and the extraordinary is proving popular, as evidenced by the game’s strong demo traction – 800,000 players and 475,000 wishlists before its full early access release on February 12, 2026.
Co-op Chaos and the Power of Shared Absurdity
The game supports 1-4 player co-op, amplifying the fun. Coordinating tasks – restocking shelves, refueling cars and secretly scanning customers – with friends adds a layer of strategic complexity and hilarious mishaps. This emphasis on cooperative gameplay is a key element of the game’s appeal. The developers have noted that the game is designed to be a shared experience, with specialization and coordination being vital to success.
Cross-Platform Play: A Fragmented Landscape
Currently, crossplay in Roadside Research is limited. Players on Xbox Series X|S and the Xbox PC app via Game Pass can play together seamlessly. However, cross-play between Steam and Xbox is “coming later,” according to developer updates. This highlights a broader challenge in the gaming industry: achieving true cross-platform compatibility. While Microsoft’s ecosystem generally supports crossplay within its own services, bridging the gap with platforms like Steam remains a work in progress.
Blending In: Customization and the Suspension of Disbelief
Roadside Research leans into its absurdity with a playful approach to customization. Players can upgrade both the gas station to attract more customers and their alien technology to improve data gathering. A particularly amusing feature is the ability to “draw” a human expression on your alien disguise, often with hilariously imperfect results. This attention to detail reinforces the game’s comedic tone and encourages players to embrace the silliness.
Handheld Gaming and the Rise of Portable Sims
The game feels particularly well-suited to handheld PC gaming, as demonstrated by its positive reception on the Lenovo Legion Go. The short mission cycles and intuitive controls make it ideal for on-the-go play. This trend reflects the growing popularity of handheld gaming devices and the demand for portable simulation experiences.
Early Access and the Evolving Game
Roadside Research is currently in early access, meaning it’s still under development. Players should expect unfinished elements and potential bugs. However, the developers are committed to a 1-2 year roadmap with frequent updates and patches. This approach allows for community feedback and ensures the game evolves based on player input.
FAQ
Is Roadside Research available on Steam? Yes, it’s available on Steam for $13.
Is Roadside Research on Xbox Game Pass? Yes, it’s included with Xbox Game Pass for both console and PC.
Does Roadside Research have crossplay? Currently, crossplay is limited to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox PC app via Game Pass. Steam crossplay is planned for the future.
What is the main goal of Roadside Research? The main goal is to gather data from humans while maintaining a convincing disguise and avoiding suspicion.
Is Roadside Research a finished game? No, it’s currently in early access and is still under development.
What platforms is Roadside Research available on? Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam and Xbox PC app).
Did you understand? The game encourages players to balance the mundane tasks of running a gas station with the more exciting, and secretive, task of alien research.
Pro Tip: Don’t let the “Suspicion Meter” get too high, or government officials will start investigating!
Ready to blend in? Explore Roadside Research on Steam or through Xbox Game Pass.
