How can we help?
Most answers are below. If yours isn't, email us — a real person reads every message.
We aim to reply within two working days (UK time). Please include the game version shown on the main menu.
The Genuine Article — FAQ
Do I need an internet connection?
No. The complete game, including every case, clue and ending, plays fully offline. An internet connection is only used if you switch on the optional Live AI mode.
What is Live AI, and how do I turn it off?
Live AI lets suspects answer questions the hand-written script doesn't cover, using an AI language model. The mystery itself never changes: every fact, clue and ending is authored, and the AI cannot invent evidence.
Use the Live AI checkbox on the main menu to switch it on or off at any time. With it off, nothing you type leaves your PC. See the privacy policy for exactly what is sent when it's on.
Where are my saves?
The game has a single save slot, stored on your PC at:
%APPDATA%\Godot\app_userdata\The Genuine Article\save.json
Use Save in the interview room or pause menu, and Continue on the main menu to resume. The save is cleared once you deliver your verdict — the accusation is final.
Can I turn off the spoken voices?
Yes — untick Spoken dialogue on the main menu. Voices are generated on your own PC; if your machine has less than 8 GB of RAM, turning them off can make the game noticeably smoother.
The game won't start, or the screen is black
- Update your graphics drivers from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel. The game needs a Vulkan-capable GPU.
- If it still fails, try the DirectX 12 renderer: in Steam, right-click the game → Properties → Launch options, and enter
--rendering-driver d3d12 - Still stuck? Email us with your Windows version and graphics card.
How do I switch between fullscreen and windowed?
Use the fullscreen option on the main menu, or press Alt + Enter at any time.
I think I've found a bug or a clue that doesn't add up
We'd love to hear about it. Email us with the game version, which case and suspect you were on, and what you asked. Screenshots help enormously. Mysteries live or die on fairness, so logic reports are treated as bugs.
Refunds
Purchases are made through Steam, so refunds are handled by Valve under the Steam refund policy.
How do I delete the data Live AI sent?
Email us and we'll delete it. The privacy policy explains how to find your anonymous install ID so we can locate your records.