The Operator

The investigation and espionage simulator The Operator is currently free, for Windows and Mac—100% free to keep—as part of a limited-time Epic Store’s giveaway offer! Don’t miss this chance, as The Operator normally sells for US$13.99!

The Operator is an indie game that blends elements of police thriller, tactical hacking, and visual novel, where you take on the role of an operator providing real-time support to field agents—very much in the style of “the guy in the chair” from classic spy movies. It was developed by Bureau 81 and originally released on July 22, 2024.

During missions in The Operator, players must monitor communications, search internal databases for critical information, perform quick analyses, and make decisions that directly affect the outcome of each case. While the game is relatively short, it stands out for its engaging narrative and the inclusion of “throwaway mechanics”—unique gameplay mechanics that appear only once during the campaign and are never reused, something rarely seen in modern titles.

Published by Bureau 81 in partnership with Indienova, the game is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, The Operator has been generally well-received by gaming media and holds positive user ratings on PC platforms, at least as of this publication.

You can get the game here!

Trailer

Gameplay

In The Operator, players take on the role of a newly hired Operator for the FDI (Federal Department of Intelligence), a fictional intelligence agency. Your main responsibility is to provide real-time support to field agents during active operations, acting as the link between on-the-ground personnel and the organization’s intelligence resources. Unlike traditional walking simulators or visual novels focused solely on passive reading and dialogue, here the player actively participates, investigates, and interacts with various in-game systems.

The gameplay revolves around an internal dispatch system, where agents contact you in real time, requesting information and assistance. As the Operator, you’ll use a range of digital tools and internal databases to search for clues, verify information, and guide agents in the field. All interactions occur through a simulated computer interface, with a strong focus on research, analysis, and quick decision-making.

The experience leans more towards narrative-driven gameplay than titles like Cyber Manhunt 2, but still includes meaningful player interaction beyond simply walking or clicking. The story unfolds through dialogues with various characters, including supervisors and field agents with distinct personalities. The game is structured around multiple Case Files, which build up throughout the campaign. As you progress, connections between different cases start to emerge, raising the suspicion of a larger conspiracy.

In addition to investigation and monitoring tasks, the game includes single-use, event-specific gameplay mechanics, designed for particular story moments. These so-called “throwaway mechanics” do not repeat during the campaign, adding variety and keeping the pacing dynamic.

The main campaign lasts around 3 to 4 hours. While there are no multiple endings or strong replay value, the linear structure ensures a focused and cohesive narrative experience. The game is fully voice-acted and features a soundtrack that complements the tension and discovery moments, enhancing its overall police thriller atmosphere.

About the game

Welcome to the FDI, Mr Tanner.

Time to clear your head, work through your hangover and start your first day as an Operator. There are plenty of cases to solve. Assist our field agents using your computer console and ingenuity to bring criminals to justice. Ready to make the world a better place?

• Investigate Crimes: Solve cases such as murders, missing people, and cyber attacks.
• Use FDI Software: Analyze evidence and find clues using cutting-edge tools.
• Dig Deeper: Follow the evidence as it twists and turns, no matter where it leads.
• Uncover the Truth: Each case is a mind-bending story to unravel, so take notes.

Assist Our Field Agents

When our field agents need support, they’ll call you. Help them by fact-checking, searching databases, identifying killers, and more. Each case will have evidence to evaluate, and it’s your job to dig into documents, connect the clues, and solve the mysteries.

Cutting-Edge Software

You have the finest FDI **software to help with those challenging cases. Point and click through the Video and Photo Analyzer, Citizen and Vehicle Database, ChemScan, Notepad and a fully functional Terminal at any point to find out %^^** what you need.

In Truth, We Seek

To find the truth, you must follow the //** evidence **// and see where it leads, no matter how unsettling. %% But don’t poke into unauthori$$ed* areas without first notifying your **superiors {liars}**//.

FDI’s Most Wanted

WARNING: Any new $$** information **// on the cyber criminal known as HAL should be reported to your supervisor ** {jailor} immediately. For the safety of the general public and your fellow agents, please keep all ////**5%%%
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ //****evidence{{///**%%%%%
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ of ***/////^^^ HAL %%%
///&&&&*****$$$$
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ confiden%%%tial////****
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ^^^%%%***
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ^^$$$>>}
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎****
///// TRUST NO ONE /////

[End Transmission]

Screenshots

More info and puzzlers

• The Operator @ Indienova – The game on the publisher’s official website, with more information and links to other platforms. In Chinese and English.
• Bureau 81 @ Twitter – Official developer’s profile.
• The Operator @ Steam – Store’s listing.
• The Operator @ GOG – Store’s listing.
• The Operator @ Gaming Room – Source, with more info and media. In Portuguese.
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