INTRODUCING CPA EXAM SURVIVAL THE WORLD'S FIRST DOOM-STYLE CPA STUDY GAME Built for Study Breaks That Don't Destroy Your Focus
A free first-person shooter where you fight CPA exam demons, survive zombie hordes, and actually practice MCQs—without wanting to punch a wall.
🎮 WHY I BUILT THIS
I failed the CPA exam 7 times.
During those dark years, I desperately needed a way to blow off steam that didn't involve punching walls. I needed study breaks that actually helped me decompress—without doom scrolling into a Reddit panic spiral about everyone else passing while I kept failing.
So I built what I wish I'd had: a free DOOM-styled video game designed specifically for CPA candidates.
— Bryan Kesler, CPA (eventually)
THE PROBLEM WITH "STUDY BREAKS"
Here's what most CPA candidates do when they need a mental break:
- Open Instagram/TikTok → 45 minutes disappear, followed by guilt
- Check Reddit → Read about someone failing for the 5th time, spiral into panic
- Watch YouTube → Algorithm serves you everything except motivation
⚠️ THE DOOM SCROLL TRAP
Your brain thinks it's resting, but it's actually processing hundreds of micro-decisions, comparisons, and anxiety triggers. You return to studying more depleted than before—often too mentally exhausted to focus at all.
The problem isn't that you need breaks. You absolutely need breaks.
The problem is that most "breaks" destroy your focus for the next study session. Social media has infinite scroll. Video games have no end. Neither has anything to do with passing the CPA exam.
CPA EXAM SURVIVAL: A DIFFERENT KIND OF BREAK
CPA Exam Survival is a free, DOOM-styled first-person shooter designed specifically for CPA candidates who need to decompress without completely disconnecting.
Two game modes. Zero cost. Built by someone who understands the pain.
STORY MODE
No Account NeededA satirical journey through the entire CPA candidate experience—from initial application through surviving score release day. Boss battles against procrastination, imposter syndrome, and the AICPA itself. Pure entertainment that understands what you're going through.
ZOMBIE SURVIVAL MODE
Free Account RequiredActual MCQ practice disguised as a zombie shooter. Navigate maps, find question consoles, and answer real CPA exam questions. Correct answers = health and ammo. Wrong answers = you're zombie food. Your brain stays in "CPA mode" while getting a dopamine break.
HOW ZOMBIE SURVIVAL MODE WORKS
This isn't just entertainment—it's stealth studying. Here's the gameplay loop:
- Correct answers → Earn health, ammo, and bonus time
- Wrong answers → Lose resources, become vulnerable to zombies
- Clear all consoles → Unlock the next wave/level
- Track your stats → See accuracy and improvement over time
The questions come directly from the Kesler CPA Review test bank—real MCQs mapped to the 2025-2026 exam blueprints. You're actually studying. You just don't realize it because you're too busy not getting eaten.
WHY THIS ACTUALLY WORKS
✅ PRODUCTIVE BREAKS, NOT DESTRUCTIVE ONES
CPA Exam Survival is different from doom scrolling because: (1) It's bounded—a game session has a clear end, (2) It's CPA-adjacent—you stay mentally connected to your goal, (3) It's active, not passive—gaming engages your brain differently than consumption, and (4) Survival Mode keeps you sharp—you're reviewing MCQs in a low-pressure context.
The goal isn't to turn your break into more studying. It's to take a break that doesn't torch your focus for the next study session.
One of my beta testers told me he played Zombie Survival for hours while prepping for a FAR retake—after failing with another course. He passed.
That feedback made my entire year.
THE REDDIT REACTION
The reaction from Reddit's r/CPA community has been incredibly positive so far.
💬 WHAT THE COMMUNITY IS SAYING
Jeff Elliott, CPA from Another71:
"Super cool concept Bryan!"
"I came on trying to procrastinate my endless grind of mcqs and now you are telling me I can do both at the same time sign me up."
"Love you you little freakazoid. I will play."
🎯 KEY FEATURES
- 100% Free — Story Mode requires nothing. Survival Mode needs only a free account.
- Real Exam Content — MCQs from Kesler's test bank, mapped to current blueprints.
- Progress Tracking — See your accuracy, speed, and improvement over time.
- Desktop Browser — Play instantly, no download required.
- Mobile Coming Q1 2026 — iOS and Android apps in development.
🔮 COMING SOON: MULTIPLAYER DEATH MATCH
I'm exploring a multiplayer mode where you compete against other CPA candidates in real-time. Every 3-5 minutes, gameplay pauses for a global MCQ challenge. Fastest + most accurate player gets an overpowered weapon for the next round.
Want this? Let me know in the comments or on Reddit. If there's demand, I'll build it.
Story Mode: Instant access • Zombie Mode: Free account required
📋 DISCLOSURE
I'm Bryan Kesler and I run Kesler CPA Review. This game lives on our website, so yes—it's a way to get you there. Story mode is fully free with no account needed. Survival mode requires a free Kesler CPA account to save your progress and stats. I obviously hope some of you enjoy it so much we start working together to pass, but just wanted to be upfront about that.
WANT THE FULL GAMIFIED CPA EXPERIENCE?
CPA Exam Survival is the study break. Kesler CPA Review is the complete course—with XP, levels, streaks, achievements, and everything you need to actually pass.
SEE KESLER CPA REVIEW →Know a CPA candidate who needs better study breaks? Share this: