
Bendy and the Ink Machine
Bendy and the Ink Machine is a first-person episodic game where players explore an old animation studio. The title was developed by Joey Drew Studios Inc., led by Paul Crawford (known as theMeatly) and Mike Mood. The full story was released across five chapters between 2017 and 2018.
Development History
The idea began as a small project made in just a few days. It quickly grew after the first chapter spread online and gained attention from players and streamers. Inspired by narrative-focused games, the developers combined puzzle-solving, exploration, and simple combat inside a world styled like a vintage cartoon studio.
Core Gameplay 🎮
- Viewpoint: The game is played from a first-person perspective.
- Objectives: Explore rooms, collect items, activate machines, and unlock doors.
- Combat: Use melee tools such as an axe, wrench, or pipe; some later items allow ranged attacks.
- Stealth: Certain enemies, including the Ink Demon, cannot be fought directly and must be avoided by hiding.
- Storytelling: Audio tapes and environmental clues provide the backstory as players move through each chapter.
How to Play
- Walk through the abandoned studio, paying attention to highlighted or glowing objects.
- Collect the necessary keys, gears, or switches to open new areas.
- When an enemy appears, choose to hide or fight depending on the situation.
- Listen carefully to audio recordings for hints and lore.
- Collect bacon soup cans 🥫 scattered throughout the map—they act as resources and collectibles.
Helpful Tips
- 👀 Always scan shelves and corners for interactive objects.
- 🏃 When you hear the Ink Demon, immediately run to a hiding spot.
- ⚔️ Eliminate smaller enemies first before facing stronger ones.
- 🔊 Do not skip audio logs—they contain useful information.
- 🗺️ Remember shortcuts; backtracking is common in later chapters.
Why People Play It
- Distinct visual style combining classic cartoons with a darker atmosphere.
- Simple mechanics that are easy to learn, making it accessible for newcomers.
- The story is revealed step by step, encouraging players to continue through all chapters.
- A strong fan community producing art, videos, and theories around the game world.
Bendy and the Ink Machine offers a mix of exploration, puzzles, and survival mechanics set inside a unique cartoon-inspired environment. Released episodically and later collected into a complete version, it remains popular thanks to its approachable gameplay and memorable setting.
FAQ
What is the version available on this site?
The browser version here comes from genizy.itch.io
. It is a fan-made HTML5/WebGL port created by Genizy. This version is not official and is not connected to the original developers Joey Drew Studios.
How long does the original game take to finish?
The complete story is divided into five chapters. Each chapter takes about one hour, so most players need around 5 hours to complete the game.