Publisher Oro Interactive and developer Cybernetic Walrus will let groups of four go undercover as gas station aliens when Roadside Research launches for PC and Xbox Series X | S early next year.

An update for the comedic co-op game arrived in the form of a new trailer shown during today’s Xbox Partner Preview. It comes with the news that Xbox and Game Pass have joined the launch lineup, which should see Roadside Research arriving for PC via Steam, Xbox Series X | S, and Xbox for PC and Cloud Q1 2026.

If you’re watching the trailer wondering, “Are those aliens really working at a gas station?” the answer is no – or at least that’s what they want you to think. Roadside Research sets four players up as a group of undercover extraterrestrials who are hoping to learn more about the human race. Blending takes more than a few masterfully crafted paper masks, with players tasked with managing and maintaining their rest stop in order to attract the right kind of attention.

“Aliens have landed on Earth… to run a gas station,” Cybernetic Walrus’ Roadside Research summary says. “Play solo or up to 4 players and do human tasks to blend in. People depend on you, it’s your job to make sure that the shelves have the correct items, refuel customers passing by, and provide food for travelers. But most importantly, you must conduct your research.”

Roadside Research joins the recent trend that’s seen an increase in friend-focused party games. Highlights from the last few years include Lethal Company, Content Warning, R.E.P.O., and Peak.

Finally, you can see everything announced during the November 2025 Xbox Partner Preview here.

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).