I’ll be honest: the first time I saw a clip of a dark, underground dealer loading a 12-gauge shotgun across a grimy table, I thought it was a scene from a new indie horror movie. But after digging deeper, I realized I was looking at Shotgun Roulette—the game that’s been absolutely taking over my social media feeds and late-night gaming sessions.
If you’re wondering what the hype is all about, I’ve broken down exactly what this game is, how it works, and why I ended up obsessed with playing it in real life.
The Lowdown: What is Shotgun Roulette?
At its core, Shotgun Roulette (frequently known by its digital name, Buckshot Roulette) is a high-stakes survival game that plays like a gritty, modernized version of Russian Roulette. Instead of a six-shooter, you’re using a pump-action shotgun.
The setup is simple but intense: You sit across from a Dealer. You’re shown a mix of live and blank shells. They get shuffled into the gun, and then you have to make a choice. Do you shoot the Dealer, or do you take a gamble and shoot yourself for an extra turn?
It’s More Than Just Luck (The Strategy Part)
What I love about it—and what surprised me most—is that it isn’t just a game of "hope I don't get hit." It’s actually a math and psychology game. You have items like magnifying glasses to peek at shells, or beer to rack the slide and eject an unknown round. You’re constantly calculating the odds: “Okay, there are two blanks and one live left... do I risk it?”
From the Screen to My Living Room
Most people first find this game on Steam or itch.io, playing against a creepy AI character. And while the digital version is great for a quick thrill, I found myself wanting to bring that same tension to my actual game nights with friends. There’s just something about looking a real person in the eye while you hand them the shotgun that a computer screen can’t replicate.
That’s why I was so stoked when we launched the Kidobum Physical Shotgun Roulette Set.
I wanted to take that "underground club" vibe and make it tactile. For $19.99 USD, we put together a tabletop kit that includes the physical "Live" and "Blank" shells, the tactical items, and the health counters. It turns a solo digital experience into the ultimate local multiplayer party game.
Why Is Everyone Obsessing Over It?
I think the reason it’s blown up is that it taps into that raw, "edge-of-your-seat" adrenaline. It’s fast, it’s easy to learn, and every round feels different. Whether you’re playing the digital original or the physical Kidobum version, the question is always the same: How much do you trust your luck?
Final Verdict
If you like strategy, tension, and games that make your palms sweat, Shotgun Roulette is something you have to try. If you’re alone, grab the digital version on Steam. But if you have friends over and want to be the host of the most intense game night ever, [grab our $19.99 physical kit].
Trust me, once you hear that first "clack" of a shell being chambered at your own table, you’ll never want to go back to just clicking a mouse.
