‘Rock, Paper, Severed’: Lose a Throw. Lose a Finger

Indie developer Buzzin’ Games has opened The Damned Files, a new character reveal series for its upcoming psychological horror tabletop strategy game Rock, Paper, Severed, a dark, horror-infused reimagining of the classic hand game Rock, Paper, Scissors, where every lost throw costs a finger.

The first reveal introduces players to Michael “Mike” Dowd, one of four playable characters whose tragic past has led him into the clutches of The Old Sire, an ancient entity offering sinners one final chance at redemption through a deadly game where every decision carries a horrifying price.

Inspired by the timeless hand game everyone knows, Rock, Paper, Severed transforms Rock, Paper, Scissors into a brutal contest of strategy, nerve and survival. Every game begins with the same familiar rules, but each defeat brings devastating consequences. Lose a throw and another finger is severed. Outplay your opponent, make clever use of strategic items, and fight to survive long enough to earn a chance at redemption.

THE DAMNED FILES // 001 MICHAEL “MIKE” DOWD

The first soul summoned to The Old Sire’s table is Michael “Mike” Dowd.

Once an idealistic police officer, Mike believed justice was worth fighting for. As the first Black officer recruited into Kent Police’s Margate division, he entered the force determined to make a difference. Instead, he found corruption, prejudice and impossible choices that would ultimately destroy everything he cared about. Scarred by the consequences of a single terrible decision and estranged from the family he once fought to protect, Mike now survives as a struggling private investigator, taking on whatever work comes through the door while searching for a redemption he fears he no longer deserves.

Known as Gauze in Rock, Paper, Severed, Mike serves as the player’s introduction to The Old Sire’s terrifying world. His journey begins with what appears to be a routine missing persons case involving psychiatrist Dr. Amy Chen, but as the deadly trials unfold, players gradually uncover the choices, tragedies and hidden connections that brought Mike, and three other damned souls, to The Old Sire’s table.