When it comes to what VR can uniquely deliver — beyond flashy visuals or physics-driven combat — nothing quite nails immersion, problem-solving, and pure “OMG I actually solved that?!” satisfaction like I Expect You To Die. This clever VR puzzler from Schell Games stands as one of the most beloved and enduring escape-room titles ever made in VR, with tight progression, memorable narrative beats, critical praise, and sales milestones that prove its broad appeal.
Released in December 2016 for Oculus Rift and PSVR before rolling out to PC and Quest platforms in 2017, I Expect You To Die put players in the shoes of an elite secret agent tasked with outsmarting deadly scenarios using only wits, telekinesis, and an array of bizarre gadgets.
Where most VR puzzle games lean on gimmicks, I Expect You To Die feels purpose-built for the medium. Each mission is a self-contained “death trap” that forces you to observe every detail, experiment with every tool, and think like a spy — and when you fail (which you will), the trial-and-error feedback teaches you much more than words ever could.
Critics recognized this approach from the start: the original release earned generally favorable reviews across platforms thanks to its smart puzzle design, engaging presentation, and cinematic flair.
But the story didn’t stop there. Schell Games expanded the experience with sequels — I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy and the Liar and I Expect You To Die 3: Cog in the Machine — each building on the core formula of puzzle escalation, narrative continuity, and VR-native interaction.
Beyond simply spotlighting this VR gem, we’ve partnered in creating and amplifying rich, immersive content centered on I Expect You To Die. From cinematic playthroughs that bring out the narrative tension to story-driven commentary videos and showcase trailers, our creative assets have helped new players discover the charm and cleverness of this franchise.
Our team has had the privilege of contributing to each release in the franchise, from the original all the way through the latest installment. Whether it’s a high-polish spotlight reel, character montage, or a puzzle-breakdown series, our content highlights the genre-defining mechanics, spy-movie humor, and VR-native interaction that make this game such a joy to experience — and share.
It’s always a pleasure running into Jesse Schell at events like GDC — a professor, designer, and storyteller whose deep curiosity for game design consistently turns conversations toward the small interaction details that truly make games work.
If Chrome headlines teach us anything, it’s that narrative matters — even in puzzle games. I Expect You To Die delivers just enough story to make every set piece feel like part of a grand secret-agent arc, complete with a dastardly villain (Dr. Zor) and increasingly elaborate death traps designed to keep you on your toes.
Progression in I Expect You To Die isn’t about experience points — it’s about unlocking your brain. Each mission throws a new environment and set of constraints at you, forcing you to internalize VR interaction in a way that feels natural, intuitive, and genuinely rewarding — especially when you crack a tricky solution that seemed impossible just minutes before.
That tension between looming failure and the sweet taste of victory is what makes this game a puzzle-design masterclass: hard enough to feel like an accomplishment, but always fair enough to keep you trying until you do figure it out.
Critics and players weren’t the only ones to embrace this spy-themed adventure. Across platforms, I Expect You To Die proved that intelligent design + VR immersion could translate into real commercial success:
These milestones show players weren’t just curious — they were committed. They invested in the experience, shared it with friends, and kept coming back for more missions and challenges.
What I Expect You To Die nails better than almost any other VR title isn’t flashy spectacle — it’s engagement by design. The cleverly constructed levels, cheeky espionage aesthetics, and deeply satisfying puzzle progression make it one of the most enduring VR experiences available.
Whether you’re a casual player seeking clever mind-benders or a VR veteran looking for a polished, thoughtful experience, I Expect You To Die delivers on every front. It’s funny, it’s tense, it’s brilliantly interactive — and above all, it proves that VR isn’t just about movement or visuals, but about immersive thinking that rewards curiosity.
Top pick for VR puzzle fans and anyone who loves mastery through experimentation.