A new indie game where you play as the ‘world’s worst airline’ has gone viral overnight, partially thanks to a Jeffrey Epstein reference.
Meccha Chameleon is the latest breakout success within the awkwardly named ‘friendslop’ genre, but it might have a significant rival before the end of the year.
The trailer of physics-based co-op game Dear Passengers only debuted on Tuesday, but the video showing how you play as the cabin crew for the ‘world’s worst airline’ has amassed over 42.6 million views on X. On TikTok, meanwhile, it’s hit over 241,600 views.
While the premise is ripe for chaotic multiplayer shenanigans (and plenty of Ryanair jokes), the game’s virality includes criticism over a reference to child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In the game’s trailer, the pilot of the plane has the name ‘Epst. J’ above his head, which seems to be an unambiguous reference. Additionally, he’s seen going up to a figure who resembles US President Donald Trump, slapping him, before throwing him out of the side of the plane.
While some have taken it as silly satire, in a very non-serious game, using the name of a sex offender to market a game hasn’t gone down well with some people.
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‘Using a reference to Epstein to market your game is kinda gross I’m ngl [not gonna lie],’ one X user wrote. ‘Like there is zero reason for someone to have Epts. J as they username in the game trailer [sic].’
Another added: ‘Why the fk is a username like that in the OFFICIAL TRAILER for this game? Click on the link and it’s on the Steam page. Never playing anything from Flexus.’
When posts criticising the game are also attracting over 47,000 likes, it’s clear this was part of their marketing strategy to get more eyeballs on it – which has, quite grossly, worked exactly to plan.
Dear Passengers is being developed by Ukraine-based developer Flexus, a studio with over 70 employees. Their previous games include mobile titles Tower Craft, Mow My Lawn, and Dye Hard.
A specific release date hasn’t been announced but it’s set to come out on PC in 2026. Along with online co-op, it promises the ability to pilot the plane or work inside the cabin, as you deal with dynamic weather, turbulence, air pockets, and risky passengers.
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