Secret Neighbor, the multiplayer spinoff of the 2017 horror hit Hello Neighbor, has been temporarily taken offline following a serious security breach. According to developer Hologryph and publisher tinyBuild, a hacker accessed the game’s backend systems, deleted player data, and issued a stark demand: the game must be removed from sale across all platforms. The incident, which occurred last week, has forced the companies to shut down the game while they work to address the vulnerabilities.
The attack is notable not just for the data loss, but for the audacity of the perpetrator’s demands. The hacker reportedly wiped player profiles, in-game progression, and other data, while also launching what the companies described as a “coordinated attack on our server systems and infrastructure” across all platforms. In a statement, Hologryph and tinyBuild confirmed that the individual behind the breach has stated they intend to continue targeting the game until it is pulled from sale everywhere.
While the situation is serious, the companies have moved quickly to reassure players. According to the official announcement, no personal data or information was compromised in the attack. The game has been temporarily shut down “until we had addressed the breach and closed any vulnerabilities that may have led to the incident,” per the developer and publisher.
What Happened and What Was Lost
The breach involved an individual who obtained credentials with admin access to the game’s backend systems. Once inside, the hacker proceeded to wipe player profiles, in-game progression, and other data. This is a significant blow for a multiplayer title where progression and unlocks are central to the experience. The companies have not specified the exact scope of the data loss, but the decision to take the game offline entirely suggests the damage was substantial.
Hologryph and tinyBuild have alerted the relevant authorities to the situation, according to their statement. They are also working with PlayFab, the company that provides Secret Neighbor’s backend services, in an attempt to recover the wiped data. However, no timeframe has been provided for when the issue is likely to be resolved, leaving players in limbo as they wait for their accounts and progress to be restored.
Game Still on Sale Despite Shutdown
Interestingly, despite the temporary shutdown, Secret Neighbor remains on Steam and available to purchase. This creates an unusual situation where new players can buy the game, but existing players cannot access it. The hacker’s demand for removal from sale across all platforms has not been met, at least not yet. Hologryph and tinyBuild say they will keep players updated “on our progress and how the situation unfolds going forwards,” but for now, the game’s availability remains unchanged.
This is a developing story, and the lack of a resolution timeline adds to the uncertainty. Players who have invested time in Secret Neighbor are left waiting, while the companies work behind the scenes with PlayFab and authorities to mitigate the damage.
Context: The Hello Neighbor Franchise’s Recent History
Secret Neighbor originally released in 2019, expanding the Hello Neighbor universe into a multiplayer experience. The franchise has seen significant corporate movement in recent years. In 2020, tinyBuild invested $3 million into Hologryph, becoming a majority stakeholder in the company. This came just a few months after tinyBuild acquired Dynamic Pixels, the original Hello Neighbor developer.
The franchise has continued to grow, with a sequel to Hello Neighbor released in 2022. There are also indications that a third game is apparently in development, though this remains UNCONFIRMED. The original Hello Neighbor is still going strong, too, having received its highest peak concurrent player-count in March this year, according to the companies. This suggests the franchise retains a healthy player base, making the current outage of Secret Neighbor all the more impactful for its community.
For now, the focus is on recovery and security. The companies have not indicated whether they will comply with the hacker’s demands, and the game remains on sale. As the situation develops, players will be watching closely to see how Hologryph and tinyBuild handle both the technical recovery and the broader security implications for their other titles.
