STEINS;GATE 0 takes place on an alternate worldline, asking what happens if the original story’s outcome is not changed. Its time-travel premise gains a distinct focus through artificial intelligence, while a group of young students tries to bend time and prevent World War 3. The game presents this as a new story in the STEINS;GATE series, with returning characters alongside a new cast.
Rather than relying only on conventional story progression, the game makes a smartphone part of the narrative. Players can answer calls or leave them unanswered, and their responses help determine the story’s outcome. That gives communication a direct role in how the alternate timeline unfolds. The stated design centers on story, choice, and time travel; the source does not specify further details about how individual branches play out.
STEINS;GATE 0 is a single-player adventure, so its format is centered on one person following the narrative rather than a shared multiplayer session.