TECHMASH

Category: Gaming News

  • Time-Travel, Chinchillas, and Disney Magic: LIFTED Launches Today on Steam!

    Time-Travel, Chinchillas, and Disney Magic: LIFTED Launches Today on Steam!

    Get ready to hit the top floor of time travel! LIFTED, the whimsical and cinematic 2.5D puzzle-platforming adventure from Adventure Works and former Disney Imagineer Jeffrey Ashbrook, has officially landed on PC via Steam today!

    If you’ve been itching for a feel-good, ’80s-inspired buddy comedy that feels like a Saturday morning cartoon crossed with Indiana Jones and Back to the Future, your next gaming obsession has arrived.

    What’s LIFTED All About?

    In LIFTED, you take on the role of Ari Buktu—a high school slacker who just wanted a little bit of extra credit. Instead, he gets swept into an eccentric, love-fueled scheme cooked up by his physics teacher, Professor Raventhorpe.

    The Professor’s latest invention? The Anytime Elevator—a time-travel machine where floor numbers correspond to years in history. Want to visit pirate-infested Tortuga in 1712? Punch in Floor 1712! Want to search for lost ancient treasure in Ancient Egypt? There’s a button for that too.

    Joined by Julius, the Professor’s trusty (and arguably most competent) pet chinchilla, Ari must swing, climb, and puzzle his way across historic eras to retrieve lost artefacts—all while dodging rival tomb raiders and chaotic avalanches.

    Disney Pedigree Meets Classic Platforming

    Founder and game director Jeffrey Ashbrook brings years of experience as a Disney Imagineer (having worked on iconic attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run). That theme-park pedigree shines bright in LIFTED.

    Expect:

    • Cinematic Set Pieces: High-stakes chase sequences, dynamic environmental hazards, and ride-like action beats.
    • Wholesome Puzzle-Platforming: Fluid movement, clever physics puzzles, and satisfying exploration built for players of all ages.
    • Top-Tier Voice Acting: Featuring lively performances from Joe Gaudet (Ari), Ray O’Hare (Professor Raventhorpe), and Evan Widjaja (Julius).
    • Pure Nostalgia: A heartwarming homage to classic 1980s blockbuster cinema and golden-era sidescrollers.

    Platforms & Availability

    • Out Today (PC / Steam): Fully optimised for controllers and verified/great on the Steam Deck, Windows, and macOS!
    • Console Release: Gamers on Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 won’t have to wait long—console ports are currently in development and will arrive at a later date.

    Whether you’re looking for an upbeat solo adventure or a delightful game to play with the family, LIFTED delivers a fresh, charming escape from the gloom. Head over to Steam today, jump into the Anytime Elevator, and let the time-travelling heist begin!

    Find out more here

    #LIFTED #LiftedGame #IndieDev #GamingNews #SteamRelease #TechMash #PuzzlePlatformer #DisneyImagineer #AdventureWorks #PCGaming #SteamDeck #NintendoSwitch2 #PS5

  • Brains, Business & Badassery: ‘Zombuds’ Playable Demo Lets You Rule the Apocalypse!

    Brains, Business & Badassery: ‘Zombuds’ Playable Demo Lets You Rule the Apocalypse!

    Forget everything you know about standard zombie survival games. You’ve scavenged for food, boarded up windows, and run from hordes a million times before—but have you ever considered brainwashing the undead to run a chaotic drug empire?

    Developer Gamecraft Studios has just dropped the latest playable demo for their wildly original title, Zombuds, giving players a hilarious, action-packed sneak peek into a world where surviving the zombie apocalypse isn’t enough—you’ve got to own it.

    What is Zombuds?

    Zombuds is a chaotic four-player co-op sandbox that blends top-down action, base-building, and tycoon management with a healthy dose of dark, quirky humour. Rather than hiding in fear, you and up to three friends take on the apocalypse head-on with an ambitious goal: become the ultimate wasteland tycoons.

    Here’s a taste of what you can expect in the demo:

    • Build Your Empire: Why let a silly thing like the fall of civilisation stop your hustle? Craft bizarre products, manage supply chains, and build a thriving (and highly illegal) post-apocalyptic business.
    • Brainwash the Undead: Why do all the heavy lifting yourself? Catch zombies, brainwash them, and put them to work! From manual labour to automated tasks, your new “Zombuds” are the ultimate loyal workforce.
    • Recruit & Expand: Save human survivors with unique skills to help manage your growing operations, defend your turf, and expand your reach.
    • 4-Player Co-op Chaos: Team up with your squad online or locally. Whether you’re dividing and conquering base management or causing complete mayhem in the open world, teamwork (or friendly sabotage) is key.

    Ready to Rule the Wasteland?

    If you’re looking for a fresh, laugh-out-loud co-op experience that combines the thrill of combat with the satisfaction of building a business empire from scratch, Zombuds should definitely be on your radar.

    The new playable demo is live now on Steam, so gather your crew, get your hands dirty, and see if you have what it takes to be the baddest tycoon in the apocalypse!

    Find out more here

    #Zombuds #GamecraftStudios #IndieGames #GamingNews #CoOpGaming #PCGaming #SteamDemo #ZombieApocalypse #TechMash

  • Uncover the Chain of Command: The Darkest Files Releases First Trailer for ‘Battalion’ Expansion!

    Uncover the Chain of Command: The Darkest Files Releases First Trailer for ‘Battalion’ Expansion!

    Berlin-based game studio Paintbucket Games has officially unveiled the very first trailer for Battalion, the newly announced expansion for their acclaimed investigation game The Darkest Files.

    If you loved digging through historical cold cases, piecing together evidence, and delivering justice, get ready to dive back into the shadows of history.

    In Battalion, players step back into the shoes of post-WWII prosecutors and investigators tasked with bringing unpunished criminals to light. But this time around, uncovering the truth requires looking beyond individual actions and tackling complex institutional hierarchies.

    What’s New in Battalion?

    The headline feature of the new DLC is the Hierarchy Board—a brand-new gameplay mechanics tool designed to help players map out organisational structures.

    In historical war crime investigations, proving who pulled the trigger is only half the battle. To secure a conviction, investigators must trace orders back to the top. Using the Hierarchy Board, players will:

    • Piece Together Fragmented Testimonies: Sort through conflicting, incomplete, and secretive statements from witnesses and suspects.
    • Reconstruct Chains of Command: Map out rank, role, and authority to establish who gave the orders.
    • Establish Responsibility: Build bulletproof arguments to hold powerful figures accountable in court.

    A Thrilling Historical Deep Dive

    Paintbucket Games—known for their deep commitment to historical accuracy and compelling narrative design (previously behind Through the Darkest of Times)—promises another gripping, atmospheric experience. Battalion challenges players to think like true detective-prosecutors, balancing legal strategy, deduction, and logic.

    Check out the newly released trailer to get a first glimpse of the Hierarchy Board in action and see what awaits in this intense new chapter!

    What do you think of the new Hierarchy Board mechanic? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #TheDarkestFiles #PaintbucketGames #BattalionDLC #GamingNews #IndieGames #PCGaming #TechMash #GamingCommunity #IndieDev #ColdCaseInvestigation

  • Can You Protect Democracy Without Destroying It? Paintbucket Games Reveals SOKO 1977: Anti-Terror Task Force

    Can You Protect Democracy Without Destroying It? Paintbucket Games Reveals SOKO 1977: Anti-Terror Task Force

    What limits should a democratic state place on itself when under threat? That is the gripping core question behind SOKO 1977: Anti-Terror Task Force, an upcoming historical-political deduction game that has just dropped its first teaser trailer.

    Developed by award-winning Berlin studio Paintbucket Games (Through the Darkest of Times, The Darkest Files) in collaboration with Germany’s Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb), SOKO 1977 places players directly into the high-stakes pressure cooker of 1970s West Germany.

    Check out what to expect from this unique blending of tactical investigation, political drama, and procedural roguelike design.

    A Nation in Crisis: The 1970s Setting

    Set during one of the most volatile eras in modern European history—the height of political upheaval and domestic terrorism during the 1970s (evoking the tense atmosphere of the German Autumn)—SOKO 1977 puts you in command of a special police task force (Sonderkommission or SOKO) based in Cologne.

    Rather than retelling a literal historical document, the game crafts fictionalised, historically plausible scenarios informed by extensive research and consultations with contemporary historians. Your objective? Uncover radical underground cells, identify suspects, and intercept attacks before time runs out.

    Strategic Deduction Meets Roguelike Mechanics

    At its core, SOKO 1977 combines deep investigative deduction with procedural replayability:

    • Procedural Investigations: No two playthroughs are identical. Every run features procedurally generated cases, network nodes, suspects, and tactical challenges under intense time pressure.
    • Evidence & Profiling: Analyse clues, build detailed suspect profiles, coordinate surveillance, and plan targeted operations against covert networks using incomplete or conflicting intelligence.
    • Interpersonal & Team Dynamics: Manage your unit, navigate internal squad debates, and decide how to conduct high-pressure interrogations.
    • Media & Public Trust: Operational tactical decisions don’t happen in a vacuum. Players must field tough questions from journalists and manage press conferences. How you interact with the media directly affects public trust and political backing.

    Tough Decisions and Moral Dilemmas

    Paintbucket Games has built a reputation for tackling difficult historical moments with nuance, and SOKO 1977 continues that legacy. As political pressure mounts from government authorities and the public, you’ll face severe ethical questions:

    • How far can police surveillance and state authority go to ensure security?
    • Where do legitimate law enforcement measures end and overreach begin?
    • Can a free society defend itself without sacrificing the very rights and democratic values it aims to protect?

    Every operational choice carries heavy consequences, branching your investigative narrative into different paths and outcomes depending on where you draw the line.

    Release Window & Platforms

    SOKO 1977: Anti-Terror Task Force is scheduled to launch in early 2027 on PC and macOS via Steam. With more details set to emerge later this year, it’s already shaping up to be one of the most intellectually compelling strategy-deduction games on the indie horizon.

    Find out more here

    #SOKO1977 #PaintbucketGames #IndieGames #PCGaming #GamingNews #TechMash #IndieDev #GamingCommunity

  • Planet-Scale Industrial Strategy: Factory Default: Build, Trade, Repeat Arrives on Steam This September!

    Planet-Scale Industrial Strategy: Factory Default: Build, Trade, Repeat Arrives on Steam This September!

    Strategy and simulation fans, mark your calendars! MicroProse and solo developer Chett Fitzgerald have officially announced that Factory Default: Build, Trade, Repeat will be launching on September 8, 2026, for PC via Steam Early Access.

    If you’ve ever wanted to construct a sweeping global empire—controlling everything from raw ore extraction in remote regions to selling high-tech semiconductors across continents—this ambitious management sim is going to be right up your alley.

    Here is everything you need to know about Factory Default: Build, Trade, Repeat before it drops later this year.

    Construct a True Global Industrial Empire

    Factory Default sets itself apart by bringing production-chain logistics to a living 3D model of Earth. Inspired by real-world geography and resource distribution, every country and region presents unique strategic opportunities, supply chain advantages, and market dynamics.

    Instead of building inside isolated maps, your supply networks will span entire continents:

    • End-to-End Control: Direct every step of the supply chain—mine raw minerals, refine complex materials, manufacture advanced goods, and trade with global markets.
    • Deep Supply Chains: Connect hundreds of resources and items into multi-tiered production pipelines where every bottleneck, contract, and export price impacts your bottom line.
    • Global Trade & Expansion: Mine rare materials where they naturally occur, build refineries near strong infrastructure, and sell finished products where demand is highest.

    Profit vs. Perception: Balancing Corporate Power

    Building efficient factories is only half the battle. In Factory Default, your company’s actions are subject to a dynamic Global Perception system. The world continuously evaluates your empire based on:

    • Financial strength
    • Environmental impact
    • Worker welfare and corporate responsibility
    • Industrial influence

    Will you invest in green energy, sustainable infrastructure, and safe working conditions to secure long-term stability and public trust? Or will you cut corners with aggressive industrial policies to squeeze out maximum profit margins at the expense of your global reputation?

    As your influence grows, you can spend corporate power to enact company-wide policies, control local markets, and even participate in massive planetary end-game initiatives—such as helping construct entirely new landmasses through mega-engineering projects like the Ultima Mundi Project.

    Mark Your Calendars for September 8

    With legendary publisher MicroProse backing solo developer Chett Fitzgerald, Factory Default: Build, Trade, Repeat is shaping up to be a standout addition to the management strategy genre.

    You can head over to Steam right now to add Factory Default: Build, Trade, Repeat to your wishlist ahead of its Early Access launch on September 8, 2026.

    Find out more here

    #FactoryDefault #MicroProse #IndieGame #GamingNews #PCGaming #Steam #SimulationGames #StrategyGames #TechMash

  • Settle Vampire Feuds and Spread Good Vibes: Charming Indie Adventure ‘Life’s Too Short’ Officially Launches on Steam!

    Settle Vampire Feuds and Spread Good Vibes: Charming Indie Adventure ‘Life’s Too Short’ Officially Launches on Steam!

    Indie gaming enthusiasts, rejoice! If you are a fan of quirky puzzle-adventures, heartwarming stories, and pixel art charm, there is a brand-new title you’ll want to add to your Steam library today.

    Indie developer Pixel Ghost has officially announced that Life’s Too Short—a cosy little adventure game starring a problem-solving ghost—is now available on Steam!

    This full release comes right on the heels of a short and sweet demo that debuted to plenty of praise during Steam Next Fest in June 2026.

    What is Life’s Too Short?

    In Life’s Too Short, players step into the floating shoes of a celestial problem-solver—a helpful little ghost who has been called in to fix a major crisis: two vampires living in a spooky mansion have had a dramatic falling out and retreated into their respective coffins.

    It is up to you to explore the mansion, interact with a colourful cast of ghastly ghouls and creepy cats, and solve charming, accessible puzzles to mend the vampires’ broken relationship. Beyond patch-working their romance, your goal as a friendly ghost is simply to spread good vibes and leave things a little better than you found them!

    Expect a compact adventure packed with:

    • Whimsical Pixel Art: retro-inspired graphics brimming with personality.
    • Cosy, Relaxed Gameplay: Simple puzzles and zero precision stress, allowing you to play entirely at your own pace.
    • Witty Humour: A lighthearted narrative full of dry wit and memorable characters.

    A Unique Multi-Platform Journey

    The journey to Steam has been a fascinating one for Pixel Ghost. Life’s Too Short originally captured hearts on Panic’s distinctive yellow Playdate handheld console. It was later adapted into a playable Game Boy title (compatible with the CrankBoy emulator app) before making the grand leap to PC and Mac.

    Speaking on the milestone launch, Ollie Coe, Director at Pixel Ghost, shared:

    “Life’s Too Short was my first ever game launch and has since become a great template for learning and exploring new platforms. We’re all super excited to launch the first Pixel Ghost game on Steam and have already started work to bring the 3 sequels to the platform in full colour.”

    With three sequels already hinted at for PC gamers in full colour, this release marks just the beginning of Pixel Ghost’s journey on Steam!

    Grab It Now on Steam!

    Life’s Too Short is available right now on Steam for a bargain base price of $6 (approx. £4.70), accompanied by an introductory 10% launch discount for early adopters during its release week.

    If you’re in the mood for a short, heartwarming bite-sized adventure to brighten your afternoon, head over to Steam and help two dramatic vampires find peace once again!

    Find out more here

    #LifesTooShort #PixelGhost #IndieGames #SteamRelease #IndieDev #GamingNews #CozyGames #PixelArt #PCGaming #TechMash

  • One Small Step for Humanity, One Giant Leap for Simulation Games: ‘SEED’ Enters Early Access Today!

    One Small Step for Humanity, One Giant Leap for Simulation Games: ‘SEED’ Enters Early Access Today!

    If you’ve ever found yourself wishing The Sims was set on an alien planet, powered by an active, massive multiplayer community, and backed by a completely player-run economy, your ultimate gaming wish has just been granted.

    Berlin and Madrid-based developer Klang Games has officially launched its highly anticipated MMO life simulator, SEED, into Early Access!

    Fittingly debuting on July 21—the anniversary of humanity’s historic first lunar landing in 1969—SEED invites players from all over the globe to leave Earth behind and embark on a brand-new frontier of their own.

    Welcome to Avesta: A New World Built Entirely by You

    Set at the end of the 21st century after humanity departs Earth, SEED drops players onto Avesta, a lush, Earth-like planet bursting with opportunity and untouched terrain.

    Unlike traditional life simulators where NPCs govern the world, SEED is 100% player-driven. There are no pre-scripted story arcs or automated vendors. Every single item—from a simple wooden chair to complex planetary machinery—is gathered, crafted, and traded by real players.

    Here is what makes SEED one of the most ambitious social experiments in gaming history:

    • 24/7 Persistent World: Avesta never sleeps. Your characters—known as Seedlings—continue to work, rest, interact, and live out their lives even after you log off.
    • Deep Life Cycles: Seedlings go through real biological life cycles: they age, build relationships, reproduce, and eventually pass away, leaving behind legacy and inheritance for future generations.
    • Direct “Seedling Chat”: Players can communicate directly with their Seedlings to gauge their thoughts, understand their mental health, and steer their daily habits or social lives.
    • Emergent Politics & Governance: Players don’t just build settlements; they build societies. Want to establish a peaceful, democratic utopia? Or perhaps a corporate-controlled trade hub? You and your fellow players set the laws, enforce the rules, and face real political consequences.

    How to Play & Pricing Details

    If you’re ready to take your first steps onto Avesta, SEED is available right now for €29.99 / $29.99 exclusively through Klang Games’ proprietary PC launcher via seed game.

    Here is what you need to know about getting started:

    • Base Starter Pack (€29.99 / $29.99): Includes 1 Cultivator License (giving you PC/Mac client access alongside the upcoming mobile companion app), 1 permanent Platinum Slot, 1 Seedling Life, and access to Cultivator progression rewards.
    • Pioneer Pack (€59.99 / $59.99): For those looking to dive deeper, this bundle grants additional Seedling slots, in-game Pollen currency, and exclusive limited-edition launch bomber jacket cosmetics.
    • Steam Version Coming Fall: If you prefer keeping all your games in your Steam library, Klang Games confirmed that SEED will hit Steam later this Fall, and your progress will transfer seamlessly!
    • Mobile Companion App: A mobile version is currently in development to allow players to check in on their always-online Seedlings on the go.

    Whether you choose to lead a thriving metropolis, pioneer trading routes, or simply guide a single family through the wilderness, every choice you make ripples across the world of Avesta forever.

    Are you ready to shape a civilisation from scratch? Head over to the launcher and claim your plot of land today!

    Find out more here

    #SEED #KlangGames #LifeSim #MMO #GamingNews #TechMash #PCGaming #EarlyAccess #IndieGames #Avesta

  • Drop Loot Announced: The Loot-Matching, Monster-Exploding Roguelite Dungeon Crawler You Need on Your Wishlist

    Drop Loot Announced: The Loot-Matching, Monster-Exploding Roguelite Dungeon Crawler You Need on Your Wishlist

    Indie gaming fans, get ready to clear your schedules! Solo developer Reno and publisher Human Qube Games have officially announced Drop Loot—a fast-paced, loot-matching, synergy-chaining, monster-exploding roguelite dungeon crawler coming to PC via Steam.

    If you love the thrill of inventory management, puzzle-matching mechanics, and pure chaotic dungeon destruction, Drop Loot is shaping up to be your next roguelite obsession.

    What is Drop Loot?

    In Drop Loot, you descend into the heart of a perilous well packed to the brim with monsters. Rather than standard grid movement or real-time hack-and-slash combat, Drop Loot brings tactical puzzle action to the table: you drop pairs of loot directly onto a board crawling with enemies.

    By matching swords and bombs right beside monsters, you deal massive damage. Need to stay alive? Match hearts to heal up or stack shields to absorb incoming attacks. Need to fuel your journey? Collect coins to buy run-altering upgrades in between drops.

    Every single drop turns into a tactical puzzle. Do you make a quick match to survive another turn, or do you set up a massive gold-tinted critical hit that triggers a screen-wiping chain reaction?

    Key Features to Get Hyped For:

    • Drop, Match, Chain, Explode! Drop pairs of loot, clear space, and build game-breaking chain reactions. Match swords to slash nearby foes, throw explosive spells across the board, or fire bows to hit distant targets.
    • Stack It Until It Breaks: Spend your hard-earned gold between drops on dozens of stackable powers and shop upgrades. Combine complementary abilities to turn a simple puzzle strategy into an engine that clears the entire board automatically.
    • The Dungeon Hits Back: Monsters aren’t just targets; they attack with their own health, armour, and signature abilities. Boss fights will test your build on the fly and force you to rethink your spatial strategy.
    • Chunky Pixel Art & Reactive FX: Brought to life by Brisbane-based designer Reno, Drop Loot combines retro hand-drawn pixel art with a reactive particle system. Elemental reactions like lighting wet tiles or setting off bomb chains create a gloriously messy, screen-filling spectacle.
    • Endless Descent: Conquer the main dungeon boss to unlock Endless Mode—where the monsters get nastier, the depths go deeper, and the challenge never stops.

    Made by Passionate Creators

    Drop Loot is the debut title from Reno, an Australian graphic designer and retro gaming fanatic who also serves as the creative director of a Brisbane design agency. Partnering with publisher Human Qube Games (the team behind hits like Megaloot, Lootbane, and My Little Life), this project is built from the ground up to give roguelite lovers a deeply satisfying gameplay loop.

    Add Drop Loot to Your Steam Wishlist!

    Ready to paint the well red? You can watch the official announcement trailer on YouTube and head over to Steam today to add Drop Loot to your wishlist so you don’t miss out when it launches!

    Find out more here

    #DropLoot #IndieGames #Roguelite #SteamGames #PCGaming #GamingNews #IndieDev #PixelArt #HumanQubeGames #TechMash

  • Break the Loop: Time-Loop Metroidvania Echo Weaver Hits Consoles & PC This October!

    Break the Loop: Time-Loop Metroidvania Echo Weaver Hits Consoles & PC This October!

    Get ready to tangle with time itself! Developer Moonlight Kids and publisher Akupara Games have officially announced that their upcoming time-loop Metroidvania, Echo Weaver, is launching on October 8.

    The game will be available across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2.

    Accompanying the announcement is a brand-new release trailer showcasing the game in action. Players will take control of Weaver, a nimble protagonist tasked with navigating a fractured world where reality is constantly shifting and time is always running out.

    Check out the trailer highlight and see what makes Echo Weaver one of the most intriguing indie releases of the year!

    What is Echo Weaver?

    In Echo Weaver, you step into the shoes of Weaver—a hero equipped with impressive traversal abilities who must jump, glide, and race through a shattered timeline. But there’s a catch: the timeline threatens to rewind at a moment’s notice, forcing you to master both speed and strategy to progress.

    Key highlights of what to expect include:

    • Time-Loop Metroidvania Mechanics: Learn from every reset! Use knowledge gained from past loops to unlock new pathways, solve environmental puzzles, and defeat formidable foes.
    • Fluid Traversal: Combine jumping, gliding, and momentum-based movement to navigate intricate environments before the temporal clock resets.
    • A Shattered Timeline: Explore a hauntingly beautiful, broken world filled with mysterious lore, hidden secrets, and dynamic world states.
    • Next-Gen & Handheld Ready: Fully optimised to take advantage of current-gen hardware on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, alongside PC and Nintendo’s Switch 2.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Whether you’re a fan of atmospheric indie platformers or love the high-stakes thrill of time-manipulation gameplay, Echo Weaver is shaping up to be a must-play experience this autumn.

    Echo Weaver releases on October 8 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2. Wishlist it today on your preferred platform to stay updated!

    Find out more here

    #EchoWeaver #MoonlightKids #AkuparaGames #IndieGames #GamingNews #Metroidvania #PS5 #Xbox #Switch2 #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Create the Next Fortnite? ‘BROMS: Battle Royale Management Simulator’ Demo Drops July 30!

    Create the Next Fortnite? ‘BROMS: Battle Royale Management Simulator’ Demo Drops July 30!

    Ever watched a high-stakes Battle Royale match and thought, “I could build a better island than this”? Well, it’s time to put your strategy where your mouth is.

    Indie developer MIZO CLEATE and publisher PlayWay SA have officially announced that a free demo for their upcoming game, BROMS: Battle Royale Management Simulator, will launch on July 30!

    Instead of parachuting into the arena as a contestant fighting for survival, BROMS flips the script and puts you in the control room as the mastermind behind the entire operation.

    What is BROMS?

    BROMS: Battle Royale Management Simulator is a unique management simulation game where you take charge of your very own battle royale show.

    Forget just shooting—your job is to handle the logistics, design the gameplay loop, and keep millions of viewers glued to their screens. As the showrunner, you’ll be responsible for:

    • Designing the Arena: Build and customise deadly, action-packed battlegrounds tailored to maximise drama and chaos.
    • Managing Competitors: Draft fighters, set rules, and balance the playfield to keep matches intense.
    • Loot & Economy Control: Drop in the best weapons, adjust spawn rates, and strategically position supply crates to force epic firefights.
    • Ratings & Revenue: Keep the audience entertained! Satisfy sponsor demands, boost viewership ratings, and manage your budget to expand your battle royale empire.

    Mark Your Calendars: July 30!

    If you’re a fan of management sims like Game Dev Tycoon, Two Point Hospital, or RollerCoaster Tycoon—but with a modern, esports-centric twist—this demo is definitely worth adding to your Steam wishlist.

    The free demo launching on July 30 will give players their first hands-on experience with arena building, show management, and spectator dynamics.

    Are you ready to build the ultimate battle royale? Head over to Steam, wishlist BROMS today, and get ready to jump into the control room on July 30!

    Find out more here

    #BROMS #BattleRoyale #GamingNews #IndieGames #PlayWay #MIZOCLEATE #PCGaming #GamingDemo #SteamGames #TechMash

  • Dust Off Your Tambourine! Dome Keeper Devs Reveal ‘Bandwagon’ – Open Playtest Live Now

    Dust Off Your Tambourine! Dome Keeper Devs Reveal ‘Bandwagon’ – Open Playtest Live Now

    If you have a soft spot for rhythm, chaotic survival games, and smashing through waves of enemies, it’s time to warm up your vocal cords. Bippinbits—the brilliant indie development team behind the critically acclaimed hit Dome Keeper—has officially announced their next title, and it’s a musical, action-packed thrill ride: Bandwagon!

    Described as a bullet heaven survivors-lite, Bandwagon swaps out traditional gritty fantasy weapons for musical instruments, catchy tunes, and pure, rhythmic mayhem.

    Here is everything you need to know about this upcoming title and how you can jump in and play right now.

    What is Bandwagon?

    In Bandwagon, you don’t just survive the swarm—you put on a show! Step into the shoes of a wandering musician driving a literal bandwagon through dangerous, monster-infested lands.

    Instead of swords and guns, your arsenal consists of tambourines, triangles, guitars, and brass instruments. As you battle across vibrant stages, you gather fellow musicians to join your rolling stage, creating a massive musical ensemble that unleashes deadly, beat-driven attacks on incoming hordes.

    Combining the addictive, pick-up-and-play nature of Vampire Survivors with Bippinbits’ signature pixel art style and strategic gameplay depth, Bandwagon promises a unique twist on the horde-survival genre.

    Key Features to Get Excited For:

    • Musical Mayhem: Upgrade and synergise different instruments to unleash screen-clearing musical attacks.
    • Build Your Band: Recruit unique band members on the fly, each bringing their own distinct sound and offensive capabilities to the team.
    • Unmistakable Bippinbits Style: Expect top-tier pixel graphics, crisp sound design, and incredibly satisfying progression loops.
    • High Replayability: Experiment with endless combinations of instruments, routes, and upgrades to keep every run fresh.

    Join the Open Playtest on Steam Right Now!

    Can’t wait to start jamming? You don’t have to! Bippinbits has launched an Open Playtest on Steam, giving players an early taste of the action.

    • Platform: PC via Steam
    • Playtest Dates: Running NOW until August 3

    To join, simply head over to the Bandwagon Steam store page, click “Request Access” for the playtest, and you’ll be ready to hit the road and make some noise.

    Final Thoughts

    Bippinbits already proved they can revolutionise roguelite mining with Dome Keeper, and Bandwagon looks poised to bring that same level of polish and innovation to the bullet heaven genre.

    Grab your headset, dust off your triangle, and jump into the playtest before it ends on August 3!

    Find out more here

    #Bandwagon #Bippinbits #DomeKeeper #IndieGames #Steam #PCGaming #GamingNews #BulletHeaven #SurvivorsLike #Playtest #TechMash

  • Axe at the Ready: Build a Furniture Empire in Chop Chop Inc., Launching August 7th!

    Axe at the Ready: Build a Furniture Empire in Chop Chop Inc., Launching August 7th!

    If you’ve ever looked at a massive corporate furniture store and thought, “I could build better furniture than this with just a log and a dream,” then get your safety goggles ready.

    Chop Chop Inc., a charming new first-person woodcutting and craft-simulation game from NullRef Entertainment (formed by developers who previously worked on Endzone: A World Apart), is officially chopping its way onto PC via Steam on August 7th for just €12.99. Published by rokaplay, this indie gem invites you to declare all-out war on corporate mega-retailers using nothing but sharp tools, raw grit, and plenty of timber.

    Revenge is a Dish Best Served Wooden

    In Chop Chop Inc., your adventure begins after an unexpected layoff from Furnox Corp, a cold and uncaring furniture conglomerate. Left with no job, a trusty axe, and a doorstep overflowing with trees, you decide to turn spite into profit.

    What starts as a modest, one-man woodworking shop quickly scales into an automated manufacturing empire. You’ll chop down trees, process raw timber into usable planks, assemble furniture, and sell your creations to local townsfolk—all while steadily climbing the ladder to become the ultimate indie furniture tycoon.

    What Makes Chop Chop Inc. Stand Out?

    1. Total Lumber Freedom

    If it’s made of wood, it can be felled. Whether you’re harvesting a tiny sapling or tackling a giant ancient trunk, every piece of nature in front of you is fair game for your production line.

    2. Deeply Questionable (and Impressive) Designs

    Who says furniture needs to be traditional? In Chop Chop Inc., you aren’t limited to standard coffee tables and bookshelf units. As you progress, you’ll unlock blueprints for gloriously absurd creations:

    • The Wooden PC: Because wood has fantastic thermal properties… right?
    • The Wooden Weight Bench: Splinters build character, and bench presses build strength!

    3. Expand, Automate, and Conquer

    Manual labour will only get you so far. As your profits grow, you’ll reinvest in heavy machinery, fast-paced processing stations, and automated conveyor setups that turn rough handcrafted items into sleek, high-value designer collections.

    4. Weird Biomes & Mysterious Trees

    Your woodworking venture won’t stay local for long. Expanding your territory opens up strange new regions containing unexpected tree species, including stone, metal, and electric trees. Their origins remain a mystery—but your axe doesn’t care. Chop first, ask questions later!

    5. Stat Upgrades & Suspicious Ducks

    Your character isn’t just a static camera. You can work out on gym equipment to improve your strength and stamina, or cook stat-boosting meals over an open fire. Plus, you’ll meet a cast of eccentric local characters who can assist your production line… though you’ll definitely want to keep a close eye on the local duck population. They know something, and they aren’t talking.

    Launch Date & Details

    • Game: Chop Chop Inc.
    • Developer: NullRef Entertainment
    • Publisher: rokaplay
    • Release Date: August 7th, 2026
    • Platform: PC via Steam
    • Price: €12.99

    Whether you’re a fan of satisfying automation games, cosy crafting sims, or just want to chop down trees and build an empire out of pure spite for corporate giant Furnox, Chop Chop Inc. looks like a cut above the rest.

    Head over to Steam today to add Chop Chop Inc. to your wishlist before it launches on August 7th!

    Find out more here

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