TECHMASH

Tag: #CoopGaming

  • Get Ready to Raid: Sweet Surrender Creators Announce DRIFTERS: Blackout Crew for Meta Quest and SteamVR

    Get Ready to Raid: Sweet Surrender Creators Announce DRIFTERS: Blackout Crew for Meta Quest and SteamVR

    The extraction shooter craze is officially hitting deep space in virtual reality. Munich-based independent studio Salmi Games—the brilliant minds behind the hit VR roguelite Sweet Surrender—has officially pulled back the curtain on their next major project: DRIFTERS: Blackout Crew.

    Revealed during the Summer VR Games Showcase, this upcoming title is a 4-player, PvE co-op VR extraction shooter built from the ground up for tactile, high-stakes immersive gameplay. It is officially headed to Meta Quest and SteamVR.

    Check out everything we know about your next favourite VR obsession below.

    The Premise: Raid, Steal, and Survive

    In DRIFTERS: Blackout Crew, you and your squad play as a desperate crew stranded in the dark corners of deep space. Running on emergency backup power, your survival depends entirely on what you can scavenge and steal.

    Your mission? Drop into heavily guarded, ancient alien temples to scavenge rare resources, fight off relentless robotic defence systems, and extract vital energy to keep your dying mothership alive.

    High-Stakes Risk vs. Reward

    True to the extraction genre, the core hook of DRIFTERS revolves around classic push-your-luck decision-making. Do you and your crew risk pushing deeper into the facility for rarer, high-tier loot? Or do you call it a day and extract early before the automated security systems completely overwhelm you? One wrong move, and you lose everything.

    Built for Immersion: Tactile VR Gunplay & Jetpacks

    Salmi Games isn’t just making a standard shooter; they are tailoring every single mechanic to the unique strengths of VR.

    • Physical Interactions: Expect incredibly tactile weapon handling, manual reloading, and physical looting that makes every firefight feel chaotic and immediate.
    • Dynamic Movement: Players will be equipped with jetpacks, adding verticality to the combat and allowing them to boost across environments to flank enemies or escape danger.
    • Sci-Fi Visuals: The game features a distinct, highly stylised sci-fi aesthetic. It’s hand-crafted to run smoothly on standalone VR headsets like the Meta Quest while offering extra visual headroom to truly shine on high-end Desktop PC VR setups.

    “With Sweet Surrender, we spent years refining responsive VR combat alongside our community,” says Yacine Salmi, founder of Salmi Games. “With DRIFTERS, we are taking that experience into a bigger co-op game built around teamwork, physical VR gunplay, and extraction decisions players have to make together under pressure.”

    Crafting and Progression

    The loop doesn’t end when you make it back to the ship. Successful extractions feed directly into a long-term progression system. Back on your mothership, you’ll use your hard-earned loot to:

    • Craft powerful new weapon parts and gear.
    • Upgrade your suits and toolkits for the next drop.
    • Unlock cosmetics to make your drifter stand out.
    • Build out and improve your home base.

    Join the Crew: Community-Driven Development

    Salmi Games has a stellar track record of supporting their titles post-launch with massive, community-shaped updates (as seen with Sweet Surrender). They plan to bring that same collaborative approach to DRIFTERS.

    The team has already announced plans for private playtests, inviting players to give feedback early in the cycle to help shape development before the official release.

    While a solid release date hasn’t been locked in just yet, you can head over to Steam and the Meta Store right now to add DRIFTERS: Blackout Crew to your wishlist. You can also jump into the official Salmi Games Discord to sign up for upcoming playtest opportunities.

    What do you think, TechMashers? Are you ready to grab your squad, strap on your jetpack, and raid some alien temples? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #VRGaming #MetaQuest #SteamVR #DriftersBlackoutCrew #SalmiGames #ExtractionShooter #CoOpGaming #TechMash #GamingNews

  • Into the Deep: Squido Studio and Spectral Games Partner Up for Lovecraftian VR Adventure ‘The Lightkeepers’

    Into the Deep: Squido Studio and Spectral Games Partner Up for Lovecraftian VR Adventure ‘The Lightkeepers’

    The virtual reality landscape is about to get a whole lot darker—and a lot more exciting. Squido Studio, the brilliant minds behind the critically acclaimed VR adventure platformer No More Rainbows and the chaotic sandbox universe of DigiGods, have officially announced a major publishing partnership with Spectral Games.

    Spectral Games, widely recognised for their impressive work on the immersive Medieval Dynasty, is teaming up with Squido Studio to bring their highly anticipated upcoming title, The Lightkeepers, to life.

    The announcement, which dropped alongside a thrilling new gameplay trailer at the VR Games Showcase, also locked in a global release date: September 10th, 2026, on the Meta Quest Store for Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S.

    Surviving the Night: What is The Lightkeepers?

    The Lightkeepers is a cooperative action-survival VR game set in a haunting, beautifully realised 1920s world heavily inspired by the cosmic horror works of H.P. Lovecraft. In it, players assume the role of the ultimate line of defence between humanity and the insatiable nightmares lurking beneath the ocean waves.

    The gameplay loop splits into a frantic, strategic race against time across day and night cycles:

    • By Day (Explore & Plunder): Take to the volatile seas by boat to explore mist-shrouded, hand-designed islands. Players will venture into forgotten undergrounds, solve environmental puzzles, and clear out dark dungeons to gather vital resources and treasures.
    • By Twilight (Prepare & Craft): Back at the lighthouse, the team must work together to distribute responsibilities. You’ll use your hard-earned resources to craft mines and grenades, set up tactical fortifications, patch up wounds, and gear up for the coming onslaught.
    • By Night (Fight Until Dawn): When the cursed moon rises, the sea spews out terrifying cosmic horrors. With a massive arsenal of over 20 diverse weapons—ranging from firearms to melee gear—you and your crew must fight tooth and nail. The goal is simple but brutal: keep the lighthouse flame burning at all costs. If the light goes out, darkness consumes everything.

    A Powerhouse Partnership for VR

    This partnership represents a massive step forward for both studios. Squido Studio has built a fierce reputation for defying VR boundaries with intuitive movement mechanics and player freedom. By stepping into the publishing ring with Spectral Games—a team that excels at mechanical depth and rich atmospheric world-building—they are positioning The Lightkeepers to be one of the premier VR cooperative experiences of the year.

    Beyond the frantic combat, the game will feature a deep meta-progression system, allowing players to permanently unlock character cosmetics and upgrade starting weapons between missions, giving the title plenty of replayability.

    Sign the Contract

    If you think you have what it takes to brave the depths, the wait won’t be too long. The Lightkeepers arrives on Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S this autumn. You can currently wishlist the game on the Meta Store or sign up for upcoming playtests by joining the official Spectral Games Discord.

    Get your crew ready. When September 10th comes, any strategy is a good strategy—as long as the light doesn’t go out!

    Find out more here

    #TheLightkeepersVR #VRGaming #SquidoStudio #SpectralGames #MetaQuest3 #VirtualReality #CoOpGaming #LovecraftianHorror #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Shiro Games Unveils ‘The Nightling Invasion’: First Major Update Preview For Fantasy ARPG Farever Is Live!

    Shiro Games Unveils ‘The Nightling Invasion’: First Major Update Preview For Fantasy ARPG Farever Is Live!

    The team at Shiro Games (the brilliant minds behind Northgard and Wartales) has just thrown open the gates to the first massive update for their open-world multiplayer action RPG, Farever.

    Currently making waves in Steam Early Access, the expansive fantasy realm of Siagarta is about to get a lot bigger—and a whole lot more dangerous. Titled The Nightling Invasion, this major milestone is officially available to preview today via an open beta phase, ahead of its full, free launch for all players at a later date.

    If you’ve been looking for an excuse to dive back into its gorgeous vistas or want to join the fray for the first time, here is everything you need to know about the invasion.

    Face the Forces of Niflel in Demonic Rifts

    The core of The Nightling Invasion introduces a dark new threat to the world. Mysterious portals known as Rifts are tearing through the landscapes of Siagarta, linking the realm to the wicked underworld of Niflel.

    Brave adventurers who choose to step through the veil will face escalating waves of demonic entities. This isn’t a solo suicide mission, either—the update introduces massive, replayable world events where up to 15 players can band together in a single instance to challenge minor, major, and primordial terrors.

    The Spoils of War: Overcoming these hellish encounters rewards players with Demonic Souls, a new currency that can be traded for exclusive high-tier loot, including unique mounts, powerful weapons, rare runes, and hidden treasures.

    Breach the Gates of Ramburg

    Looking for new lands to conquer? The update officially unlocks Ramburg, the imposing stronghold of the Crimson Rams faction.

    Players will be able to navigate the treacherous streets of the Lower City, fight past zealous monks, soldiers, and inquisitors, and traverse the rooftops to uncover the dark secrets surrounding the feared High Inquisitor Chakram. Ramburg also introduces:

    • Two Brand-New Dungeons: Tailor-made to test your class builds and co-op synergies.
    • A Towering Cathedral: A focal point for exploration and deep lore discovery.

    Increased Level Cap & Steam Summer Sale Discount

    To help players cope with the demonic spike in difficulty, Shiro Games is raising the character level cap to 25. Alongside the extra levels, you can expect a fresh influx of new quests, valuable armour sets, activities, and Steam achievements to hunt down.

    According to Quentin Lapeyre, Game Director at Shiro Games:

    “The Nightling Invasion major update introduces a new city, world events, dungeons, achievements and progression systems, but this is only the beginning. We have ambitious plans for Farever throughout 2026, and we can’t wait to share more with our community.”

    Got Your Eye On It?

    If you haven’t picked up Farever yet, timing is on your side. To celebrate the update preview, the game will be featured in the Steam Summer Sale with a 15% discount. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab a few codes for your co-op crew.

    The Nightling Invasion preview is live today on PC via Steam Early Access. Sharpen your blades, gather your allies, and step into the Rifts!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #Farever #ShiroGames #ARPG #PCGaming #SteamEarlyAccess #IndieGames #TheNightlingInvasion #CoOpGaming #MMORPG

  • “The Weirdest Camping Trip You’ve Ever Been On”: Icelandic Ocean Survival Game ‘Nokai’ Drops Playable Demo

    “The Weirdest Camping Trip You’ve Ever Been On”: Icelandic Ocean Survival Game ‘Nokai’ Drops Playable Demo

    The survival genre is filled with games that ask you to chop down a forest, build a massive fortress, and stay put. But what if a survival game forced you to keep moving through a beautiful, decaying world?

    Icelandic solo developer Hrafnkell “Keli” Þrastarson and indie studio Pretty Potato Games have just dropped a playable Steam demo for Nokai, a gorgeous, eerie, open-world ocean survival adventure that flips the script on traditional survival tropes.

    What is Nokai?

    Set 700 years after a mysterious calamity drowned the world, Nokai washes you ashore with no memory in a world ruled by violent storms, twisted wildlife, and rusted machinery rotting beneath the waves.

    To survive, you must rebuild a ship, sail through treacherous waters, and hunt an ancient evil that is actively poisoning the ocean.

    According to Þrastarson, the game is meant to channel a very specific vibe:

    “I wanted to make something that feels like the weirdest camping trip you’ve ever been on with your friends, with something in the water that is constantly watching and pushing you or your group to keep moving through the world.”

    Survival with Forward Momentum

    Unlike games where you settle down permanently, Nokai is entirely focused on forward momentum and exploration.

    Your ship acts as your primary vehicle and mobile base, requiring constant repairs, customisations, and crucial upgrades to reach more distant, dangerous islands. Instead of a mega-base, you’ll establish temporary camps across the world to gather resources, recover, and prepare for the perilous journey north.

    Key Features to Check Out in the Demo:

    • Solo or 5-Player Co-op: Take on the unforgiving ocean alone or crew a ship with up to four friends in online co-op.
    • Handcrafted Exploration: Discover diverse, uncharted islands packed with unique resources, hidden secrets, and environmental storytelling.
    • Intense Maritime Combat: Fight off unique, bizarre creatures and enemies across different oceanic regions.
    • Ship Progression: Upgrade and customise your vessel to survive harsher weather and deadlier waters.

    Supported by Innovation, Heading to Steam Next Fest

    Development on Nokai began back in 2021, backed by Iceland’s prestigious Rannís innovation grant. The game is currently gearing up for a major showcase at the Steam Next Fest in October 2026, ahead of its planned Early Access launch.

    If you want a taste of this hauntingly beautiful oceanic odyssey, the playable demo is available to download right now on PC via Steam. Go grab your crew, upgrade your ship, and see how long you can survive what lurks beneath the waves.

    Have you played the Nokai demo yet? Let us know what you think of this fresh take on ocean survival in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #Nokai #PrettyPotatoGames #IndieGames #SurvivalGames #GamingNews #CoOpGaming #PCGaming #SteamNextFest #TechMash

  • Prepare for Battle: Tears of Metal Slashes Onto Steam and Microsoft Store This July!

    Prepare for Battle: Tears of Metal Slashes Onto Steam and Microsoft Store This July!

    Great news for roguelike fans and hack-and-slash enthusiasts! Montreal-based indie studio Paper Cult—the brilliant minds behind the critically acclaimed action game Bloodroots—has officially announced the Early Access release date for their highly anticipated title, Tears of Metal.

    Mark your calendars: the medieval co-op hack-and-slash roguelike is set to launch on July 22 on both Steam and the Microsoft Store.

    Lead Your Battalion to Victory

    In Tears of Metal, players are thrown into a gorgeous, war-torn landscape where they must carve through massive hordes of enemies to reclaim their island home. Following a mysterious “Dragon Stone Meteor” event that brought ruthless occupiers to their shores, you are tasked with leading a formidable Scottish battalion into the trenches.

    The game successfully blends intense, large-scale hack-and-slash combat with the unpredictable, high-stakes progression of a roguelike.

    What to Expect in Early Access

    Paper Cult isn’t holding back for this launch. The Early Access build is arriving with a substantial amount of content right out of the gate:

    • Three Full Acts: Each act introduces distinct environments, unique enemy types, elite encounters, and punishing boss fights.
    • Playable Heroes & Combinations: Choose between multiple unique heroes and combine your skills with over 100 different artefacts to create devastating, custom builds.
    • Persistent Upgrades: Between campaigns, return to your settlement to expand it, unlock new vendors, and permanently upgrade your soldiers so they grow stronger with every run.
    • Solo or Co-op Play: Team up with friends or take on the enemy hordes alone across more than 45 handcrafted environments.

    Xbox Game Pass & Launch Details

    For PC players using the Microsoft Store, there’s an extra treat: Tears of Metal will be available on PC Game Pass from day one. If you prefer console gaming, Paper Cult has confirmed that an Xbox Series X|S version is currently slated to land before the end of the year.

    Last Chance for the Demo: If you want a free taste of the combat before the official release, act fast! Paper Cult will be retiring the current Steam demo on July 6 to prepare for the massive Early Access launch.

    Official pricing details will be fully dynamic upon the storefronts going live on launch day, so keep your eyes peeled to your preferred platform.

    With over 400,000 wishlists already accumulated on Steam since its initial reveal, Tears of Metal is shaping up to be one of the biggest indie hits of the summer. Head over to Steam or the Microsoft Store to add it to your wishlist now!

    Are you ready to lead your battalion into the fray? Let us know if you’ll be playing solo or teaming up in co-op this July!

    Find out more here

    #TearsOfMetal #PaperCult #IndieGames #GamingNews #SteamEarlyAccess #PCGamePass #HackAndSlash #Roguelike #CoOpGaming #TechMash

  • The Boss’s Birthday Bash: Crime Boss: Rockay City Drops Massive Free Update 21!

    The Boss’s Birthday Bash: Crime Boss: Rockay City Drops Massive Free Update 21!

    When the Boss invites you to his birthday party, you’d better be there!

    Today, Global Publisher 505 Games and developer INGAME Studios are thrilled to share that Update 21—a massive, free update for their bombastic co-op FPS heist game Crime Boss: Rockay City—is officially available across all platforms.

    Whether you are a seasoned crew member or looking to dive into the neon-soaked underworld for the very first time, this latest update brings a treasure trove of content, optimisations, and chaotic fun to celebrate the game’s milestone.

    What’s Waiting for You in Update 21?

    The developers have been hard at work refining the criminal underworld, and Update 21 is a thank-you note written in spent casings and duffel bags of cash. Here is a quick look at what you can expect when you log in today:

    • Fresh Content & Heists: New scenarios and challenges to test your crew’s synergy.
    • Gameplay Refinements: Smoother mechanics, smarter AI, and balanced progression that make the high-stakes robberies feel more rewarding than ever.
    • Quality of Life Upgrades: Interface improvements and bug fixes across PC and consoles to ensure your criminal operations run without a hitch.

    Crime Boss: Rockay City has consistently evolved since its launch, blending a star-studded 90s action-movie aesthetic with intense, cooperative heist gameplay. Update 21 proves that the party is far from over, and the empire is only getting bigger.

    Gear Up, Crew

    Don’t leave the Boss waiting. Grab your crew, choose your crew’s loadout, and claim your share of the turf today. Update 21 is live right now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    Have you jumped into Update 21 yet? Let us know your favourite new features or your craziest heist stories in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #CrimeBossRockayCity #505Games #INGAMEStudios #GamingNews #CoOpGaming #FPS #TechMash #GamingCommunity #FreeUpdate

  • World War Z “Limitless Strain” Update: New Mutators, Perks, and Xbox Play Anywhere Support!

    World War Z “Limitless Strain” Update: New Mutators, Perks, and Xbox Play Anywhere Support!

    The horde is getting smarter, meaner, and completely unpredictable. Saber Interactive has just dropped the highly anticipated Limitless Strain Update for World War Z, and it’s a massive free drop designed to push even the most veteran zombie-slaying squads to their absolute breaking point.

    Whether you’re playing on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, your standard survival strategies are about to be thrown completely out the window. Here is a breakdown of everything packed into this latest update.

    Watch the game trailer here

    Cross-Progression Just Got Better: Xbox Play Anywhere

    Before diving into the gameplay chaos, Microsoft ecosystem players have a major reason to celebrate. World War Z now officially supports Xbox Play Anywhere.

    If you own a digital copy of the game on the Microsoft Store for either Xbox or PC, you now get access to both versions at no extra cost. Even better? It supports full cross-saves, achievements, and universal access to all your purchased DLC, allowing you to switch between console and PC seamlessly.

    Game-Changing Chaos: 6 New Mutators

    If standard Swarm Engine madness wasn’t enough, the Limitless Strain update introduces six brutal new mutators. These are guaranteed to force your squad to rethink its loadout:

    • Lethal Fumes: Eliminating a Booster isn’t the end—they will now infect all nearby zombies post-death.
    • Still Alive (Private Lobbies Only): Think you’re good at crowd control? Zekes will only die from headshots.
    • Deafening Scream: The Screamer’s sound waves are now deafening at any distance on the map.
    • Power Cut: Say goodbye to your defences. Electric grids will completely shut down during waves.
    • Overheat: Stationary machine guns can now overheat, leaving you temporarily defenceless if you’re trigger-happy.
    • Copycat: Only one specific type of special zombie will spawn during an entire wave. Prepare for walls of Bulls or cloaks of Lurkers.

    Firepower Upgrades: 7 New Weapon Perks

    To help you counter the new threats, Saber has injected seven deadly new weapon perks into the game to let you customise your build even further:

    1. Triple Shot
    2. Home Stretch
    3. Dance Till The End
    4. (Un)natural Magnetism
    5. Bullets Cashback
    6. To Your Health
    7. Delayed Explosion

    Alongside these perks, Horde Mode has received a much-needed UI facelift. The store now uses clear colour coding to show why items are locked (like resource shortages), and the scoreboard now dynamically tracks the gold and blue coins you’ve earned for the current and upcoming waves.

    New Challenges & Custom Portrait Frames

    For the completionists out there, seven new Daily Challenges have been added specifically for Horde Mode challenge maps (including objectives like Goalkeeper, where you must protect the final gate from taking damage through 4 waves).

    Beating these milestones will help you unlock three brand-new custom portrait frames to flex in the lobby:

    • Among the Dead: Complete any chapter of The Walking Dead episode on Extreme difficulty without being pinned.
    • Ninja: Kill 1,000 unsuspecting zombies.
    • Head Hunter: Score 10,000 headshot kills.

    Premium DLC: Chibi Weapon Skins

    If you want to slay the undead with a bit of flash, two new premium weapon skin packs have launched alongside the update for £3.99 GBP / €4.99 EUR each:

    • Chibi Bunko Weapon Skin Pack: Vibrant, character-inspired skins for the 1911 Protector Pistol, TMP5 SMG, HAMR-17 Battle Rifle, ACW-20 Grenade Launcher, and RPG4.
    • Chibi Daniela Weapon Skin Pack: Flashy aesthetics for the Mini-21 Scout Rifle, Dunali SxS Shotgun, LAR Battle Rifle, BSS-2 Shotgun, and the SchreiTech Forest Warrior Chainsaw.

    Verdict: The Limitless Strain update proves that Saber Interactive is committed to keeping World War Z fresh, frantic, and punishingly fun. Grab your squad, update your game, and watch out for those over-heating turrets!

    Find out more here

    #WorldWarZ #WWZGame #LimitlessStrain #SaberInteractive #ZombieShooter #GamingNews #CoOpGaming #XboxPlayAnywhere #PCGaming #PlayStation #HordeMode

  • Two Players, One Mech: Knifing Mantis Unveils Chaos-Driven ‘Split Circuit Arena’

    Two Players, One Mech: Knifing Mantis Unveils Chaos-Driven ‘Split Circuit Arena’

    If your co-op gaming sessions don’t involve enough screaming, arguing, and unintentional sabotage, indie developer Knifing Mantis has just the antidote. The studio has officially unveiled Split Circuit Arena, an early-stage, physics-driven co-op arena combat game heading to PC via Steam—with official Steam Deck support locked in as a development target.

    Forget sweaty competitive metas and toxic matchmaking. Split Circuit Arena is a PvE experience entirely built around shared chaos, communication, and completely uncoordinated mechanical warfare.

    Two Drivers, One Wheel (Literally)

    The central hook of Split Circuit Arena is beautifully simple yet deliberately infuriating: two players must pilot a single combat robot together.

    Instead of splitting roles by driver and gunner, the controls are split right down the middle of the machine. One player commands the left side of the robot (including its wheel and left-mounted weapons), while the other player has sole control over the right side.

    Want to drive in a straight line? You and your partner need to apply the exact same amount of gas. Want to turn left? Your partner needs to back off while you accelerate. Want to jump or execute an attack? You both need to hit the button at the exact same millisecond. Even the most basic navigation turns into a frantic boardroom meeting in the middle of a warzone.

    Pure Physics-Driven Mayhem

    Once you manage to move, you’ll have to survive. The game dumps players into hostile arenas to face off against smart, aggressive AI-controlled rival bots.

    Rather than relying on artificial stats or gear scores, combat is entirely physics-driven. Players will have to coordinate in real time to ram, shove, flip, and smash through opponents. The environment itself is just as lethal, packed with hazards like rotating weapons, slamming traps, and fire pits that you can either push your enemies into, or accidentally drive yourself into because your partner panicked.

    Couch Co-Op and Handheld Play

    Knifing Mantis is building the game with flexibility in mind. Players will be able to team up locally for classic couch co-op or connect online to test the limits of their friendships remotely.

    Crucially for handheld enthusiasts, the developers have already stated that Steam Deck support is a core target for development, meaning you’ll be able to take this beautifully uncoordinated death machine on the go.

    The project is currently in its early prototype stage, with the dev duo continuing to refine the physics, damage models, enemy behaviour, and level hazards. If you want to check out the initial trailer or add the game to your wishlist, the official Steam page is live now.

    Find out more here

    #SplitCircuitArena #KnifingMantis #IndieGames #CoOpGaming #PCGaming #SteamDeck #GamingNews #TechMash

  • King of the Hill: 150,000 Players Tear Up Funselektor’s ‘Over the Hill’ Steam Demo Over the Weekend

    King of the Hill: 150,000 Players Tear Up Funselektor’s ‘Over the Hill’ Steam Demo Over the Weekend

    If you spent your weekend getting bogged down in the mud, rescuing your friends with a portable winch, and taking polaroids of bald eagles, you definitely weren’t alone.

    Funselektor, the brilliant indie studio behind the critically acclaimed art of rally and Absolute Drift, just dropped the debut Steam demo for their highly anticipated 4×4 off-road adventure, over the hill. The response? Absolutely massive. Over 150,000 players traded the race tracks for the untamed wilderness over the weekend, proving that there is a massive appetite for a slower, more mindful kind of driving game.

    Moving at Nature’s Pace

    Unlike traditional racing games that demand white-knuckle speed and perfect apexes, over the hill shifts into low gear. This is a digital outdoor expedition simulator where the real enemy isn’t a timer or an aggressive AI driver—it’s the terrain itself.

    The Steam demo drops players directly into Emerald Lake, the opening area of the game’s Canada region. Inspired by the rugged, breathtaking beauty of British Columbia’s Valhalla mountain range, the map is a gorgeous blend of dense woodlands, tranquil lakesides, and treacherous, rocky alpine trails.

    Instead of hammering the throttle, players have to focus on:

    • Methodical Route Planning: Choosing the safest path through unpredictable environments.
    • Authentic Physics: Managing throttle control, momentum, and wheel placement across mud, rock, and steep inclines.
    • Resource Management: Utilising vital off-road gear like Repair Kits, Portable Winch Anchors, and Planks to cross dangerous gaps.

    “Over the hill lands closer to real love of the wheel: Funselektor understands it in a way that an awful lot of studios miss.” – PC Gamer

    4×4 Customisation and Co-Op Cruising

    The demo lets you test drive three classic off-road vehicles inspired by the golden age of cross-country expeditions (the 1960s through the 1980s). Each rig features its own distinct weight distribution, traction profile, and handling quirks. As you explore, you gather an in-game currency called “pebbles” and recover fallen meteorites to unlock cosmetic upgrades, roof racks, and fresh coats of paint at the local merchant.

    But the real magic happens when you bring a crew. Over the hill supports up to four-player cooperative multiplayer. You and three friends can venture out into the wild together, tackle gruelling Challenge Trails, or help pull each other out of a tight spot when someone invariably flips their rig trying to show off.

    When you need a break from the mechanical stress, the game features a built-in Camera Mode. Players have been flooding social media with gorgeous snapshots of the local wildlife—including moose, wolves, and black bears—to populate their in-game Compendiums.

    Community Feedback & What’s Next

    With 150,000 drivers hitting the trails simultaneously, the demo served as a massive stress test for the small indie studio. While the feedback on the game’s “cozy SnowRunner” vibes has been overwhelmingly positive, some players noted performance hitches on certain PC configurations.

    True to form, Funselektor has already been incredibly proactive. They’ve rolled out a hotfix patch addressing multiplayer bugs, fixing camera issues, and opening up a beta branch on Steam specifically aimed at testing early optimisation tweaks.

    Don’t Miss Out: The Clock is Ticking!

    If you haven’t played it yet, you need to act fast. This exclusive look at over the hill is part of Steam Next Fest and is only available until June 22nd.

    The full game is scheduled to launch on Steam later this year, with versions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch 2 to follow.

    Head over to Steam, grab your winch, and go see what’s waiting just over the hill.

    Find out more here

    #OverTheHill #Funselektor #SteamNextFest #IndieGames #PCGaming #OffRoading #GamingNews #CoOpGaming #ArtOfRally #TechMash

  • Test Your Friendship in Retro-Futurism: We Were Here Tomorrow Drops Free Steam Next Fest Demo!

    Test Your Friendship in Retro-Futurism: We Were Here Tomorrow Drops Free Steam Next Fest Demo!

    Co-op fans, grab your walkie-talkies and find your most reliable gaming partner. Total Mayhem Games is back to test the absolute limits of your communication skills. The highly anticipated next entry in their critically acclaimed cooperative puzzle series, We Were Here Tomorrow, has officially dropped a playable demo on Steam as part of Steam Next Fest!

    If you and your player two are looking for your next obsession, the gates to the mystery are open right now.

    Welcome to the Norcek Facility

    Breaking away from the icy, medieval terrors of Castle Rock from the previous games, We We Here Tomorrow plunges players into a striking, retro-futuristic setting.

    In the Steam Next Fest demo, you and your partner wake up trapped in separate pods inside the enigmatic Norcek Facility. Surrounded by strange, unfamiliar machinery and high-tech puzzles, your only guide is a calm, confident, yet deeply mysterious voice pushing you through a series of assignments. Why are you here? What is the purpose of this facility? That is for you to find out.

    The Golden Rule: Just like its predecessors, communication is your ultimate lifeline. You are split up, meaning you each see completely different clues, rooms, and mechanics. With only a walkie-talkie connecting you, progress completely relies on how well you can describe what you see.

    What’s New in We Were Here Tomorrow?

    Total Mayhem Games is shaking up the formula while keeping the core teamwork mechanics that fans love. Here is what you can expect from the demo and the upcoming full release:

    • Distinct Character Abilities: For the first time, you aren’t just relying on your walkie-talkie. Both explorers are equipped with unique tools and distinct abilities that must be combined to bypass obstacles.
    • Asymmetrical Brain-Teasers: Success requires complete synergy. Because your screens show entirely different perspectives, you literally have to become each other’s eyes and ears.
    • A Narrative-Driven Mystery: The sci-fi, retro-future setting brings a fresh narrative depth to the franchise, trading dark fantasy for advanced, uncharted technology and hidden corporate secrets.

    Play the Demo Now, Full Launch Coming Later This Year!

    The We Were Here Tomorrow demo is available to play for free on Steam from June 15 to June 22 during Steam Next Fest. Total Mayhem Games has spent the last few weeks polishing the experience based on community feedback, making this the perfect time to dive in.

    Don’t worry if you aren’t a PC player—the full game will feature full cross-platform multiplayer when it launches. The full version of We Were Here Tomorrow is scheduled to launch later this year and is officially available to wishlist right now across Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    Go grab your partner, download the demo, and see if your friendship can survive the Norcek Facility!

    Find out more here

    #WeWereHereTomorrow #SteamNextFest #TotalMayhemGames #CoOpGaming #PuzzleGames #IndieGames #GamingNews #SteamDemos #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #TechMash

  • Get Ready to Dilly-Dally: Big Walk Officially Confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2 with New Release Date Trailer!

    Get Ready to Dilly-Dally: Big Walk Officially Confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2 with New Release Date Trailer!

    The brilliant, chaotic minds behind the viral sensation Untitled Goose Game are back, and they’re trading in the pesky goose honks for something a little more cooperative. Melbourne-based developer House House, alongside publisher Panic, has dropped a brand-new release date trailer for their highly anticipated multiplayer adventure, Big Walk.

    Even better news for Nintendo fans? The game has been officially locked in for the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s hitting the next-gen hybrid console on August 4, 2026!

    Check out everything we know so far about this gorgeous, communication-driven indie darling.

    What is Big Walk?

    If competitive, sweat-inducing multiplayer shooters have left you burnt out, Big Walk is the exact antidote you need. Described by the developers as a cooperative game about “teamwork and talking,” Big Walk drops you and a group of absurdly round, charming characters into a lush, wide-open island.

    The goal? There isn’t a massive rush. It’s a hand-crafted, 10-to-15-hour adventure meant to be played from start to finish with friends. You’ll tackle cerebral puzzles, figure out how to navigate the terrain, and—most importantly—just hang out.

    Watch the Release Date Trailer

    The new trailer highlights the absolute joy of doing a whole lot of nothing (and a whole lot of everything) with your mates. From navigating vibrant, mysterious structures to literally stealing your friend’s binoculars and kicking them into the ocean, the trailer perfectly captures House House’s signature brand of effortless charm and lighthearted mischief.

    Key Features We’re Excited For

    • Proximity Voice Chat is King: The game relies heavily on a brilliant in-game chat system. Voices fade across distances, echo down corridors, and muffle through walls. (They even recommend not being in the same physical room as your real-life friends to get the full experience!).
    • Hilarious Communication Tools: When voice chat cuts out or you find yourself separated, you can use binoculars, walkie-talkies, megaphones, laser pointers, whiteboards, or even a giant golden head to get your point across.
    • Flail Those Arms! If all else fails, you can wave, point, or flail your character’s arms around wildly to communicate.
    • Flexible Party Sizes & Crossplay: You can play as a focused duo or gather a massive crew of up to 12 players for absolute, beautiful chaos. Best of all, Big Walk supports full crossplay, meaning you can explore with friends on PC, Mac, and PS5 right from your Switch 2.

    A Perfect Match for the Nintendo Switch 2

    Big Walk is exactly the kind of game that showcases why we love Nintendo’s ecosystem. It thrives on community, accessible fun, and pure aesthetic joy. The fact that House House and Panic confirmed it as a cornerstone indie title for the Nintendo Switch 2 proves that the upcoming hardware is going to be a fantastic home for gorgeous, stylised indie worlds.

    Mark your calendars, round up your gaming crew, and prepare to get thoroughly lost when Big Walk launches on August 4, 2026.

    Are you excited to take a hike with your friends on the Switch 2? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #BigWalk #NintendoSwitch2 #Switch2 #HouseHouse #PanicGames #IndieGames #CoOpGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Clock In, Grunts: ‘Goblin Company’ is Officially Out on Steam!

    Clock In, Grunts: ‘Goblin Company’ is Officially Out on Steam!

    Attention all prospective subterranean labourers! WHAAG MINING INC. has issued its final corporate update, and it’s time to pick up your shovels. Goblin Company, the chaotic co-op mining survival game from BitBorne Studio, has officially launched on Steam.

    If you’ve been coasting by on the free demo, we have some good news and some bad news. The bad news? The demo has officially closed its doors. The good news? The full, unhinged corporate mining experience is ready for you and your crew right now.

    The Corporate Hype is Real

    Management is thrilled to report that over 115,000 goblins wishlisted the game ahead of launch. That is a lot of expendable workforce ready to delve into the deep, dark, and dangerous caves for the glory of the company.

    To those who participated in the alpha and beta phases, WHAAG MINING INC. Management has released a brief, mandatory statement:

    “Thank you for your service. Now get back to work.”

    What to Expect on the Shift

    If you’re new to the team, Goblin Company blends the frantic resource-gathering of survival games with the absolute chaos of cooperative multiplayer. You and your friends will dig deep, fend off subterranean horrors, and try to make it out alive with enough loot to satisfy your corporate overlords.

    Grab your copy on Steam today and start your shift!

    Find out more here

    #GoblinCompany #BitBorneStudio #SteamGames #CoOpGaming #IndieDev #GamingNews #PCGaming #TechMash #WHAAGMining

  • Get a Grip! Heave Ho 2 Swings Onto PC and Nintendo Consoles This July

    Get a Grip! Heave Ho 2 Swings Onto PC and Nintendo Consoles This July

    If you and your friends haven’t finished arguing over who ruined your last couch co-op session, it’s time to patch things up. Publisher Devolver Digital and developer Le Cartel are absolutely buoyant to announce that Heave Ho 2—the highly anticipated sequel to the smash-hit, physics-based party game—is bounding onto PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 on July 16 for a wallet-friendly $9.99.

    More Hands, More Chaos, and Online Play!

    The original Heave Ho won our hearts by tasking up to four players with a simple, yet agonisingly funny goal: grab onto each other, stretch, swing, and absolutely do not fall to your death.

    Heave Ho 2 takes that brilliant, slapstick formula and cranks the dial to eleven. The headline feature this time around? Online multiplayer support. For the very first time, you’ll be able to take the absolute pandemonium of your living room couch and bring it online to test friendships across the globe.

    What’s New in Heave Ho 2?

    Le Cartel isn’t just serving up a re-skin. The sequel introduces a whole host of gravity-defying upgrades:

    • Eight Wild Themed Worlds: From the floaty mechanics of weightless space to absolute cookery chaos in the kitchen, each world introduces unique hazards.
    • Fresh Mechanics and Gadgets: Players can expect new scenarios that require pushing, pulling, shooting, and squeezing through fiendish obstacles.
    • Nintendo Switch GameShare Support: Switch 2 players can take advantage of local or online GameShare, meaning only one person needs to own the game to share the madness with up to three additional players.

    Try the PC Demo Right Now

    Can’t wait until July 16 to start dangling over a bottomless void? You’re in luck. A playable demo is live right now on Steam, giving you a taste of the precise timing and terrible teamwork that awaits.

    Whether you’re looking for the ultimate party night experience or just want a reason to scream at your friends via Discord, Heave Ho 2 is shaping up to be the summer’s essential multiplayer title. Grab your copy on PC or Nintendo consoles this July for just $9.99!

    Are you ready to lose your grip all over again? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #HeaveHo2 #DevolverDigital #LeCartel #IndieGames #NintendoSwitch #NintendoSwitch2 #SteamGames #PCGaming #CoOpGaming #PartyGames #GamingNews #TechMash

  • All Aboard the Nightmare: Co-Op Horror ‘Forest Escape: Last Train’ Drops Free Steam Demo!

    All Aboard the Nightmare: Co-Op Horror ‘Forest Escape: Last Train’ Drops Free Steam Demo!

    If you and your gaming squad have been looking for a fresh excuse to scream at each other in the dark, your next obsession just arrived.

    Developer FragLab and publisher Two Cakes Studio have officially unleashed the free playable demo for Forest Escape: Last Train. If you’ve spent any time lost in the eerie, yellow-walled liminal spaces of The Escape Backrooms, this upcoming 1–4 player co-op horror exploration game needs to be firmly on your radar.

    What is Forest Escape: Last Train?

    Imagine being stranded in an endless, shifting woodland where the trees feel alive, the atmosphere is suffocating, and your only hope of survival is a mysterious train.

    The demo offers a terrifying first taste of the game’s core mechanics. You can brave the woods entirely alone, or team up with up to three friends in online co-op. Your objective? Explore the haunting environment, solve environmental puzzles, manage your resources, and avoid whatever entities are hunting you down in the brush—all while trying to catch the last train out.

    Key Features to Expect in the Demo:

    • 1–4 Player Co-Op: Safety in numbers? Not necessarily. While having friends makes puzzle-solving easier, it also means more people to panic when things go sideways.
    • Liminal Horror Atmosphere: Heavily inspired by modern internet urban legends and The Backrooms aesthetic, the game trades endless office corridors for a deeply unsettling, infinite forest.
    • Proximity Voice Chat: (Highly recommended!) There is nothing quite like hearing your friend’s voice suddenly cut out mid-sentence as they are dragged into the shadows.
    • High Replayability: Shifting layouts and unpredictable AI mean that no two escape attempts feel exactly the same.

    Try It Yourself For Free

    The indie horror scene has been on an absolute tear lately, and Forest Escape: Last Train looks to be a brilliant, anxiety-inducing addition to the genre. FragLab has nailed the sense of dread, and Two Cakes Studio is making sure everyone can test their nerve early.

    The free demo is available to download right now on PC. Grab your flashlights, rally your bravest (or most easily scared) friends, and see if you can survive long enough to hear the whistle blow.

    Are you brave enough to venture into the woods alone, or are you dragging your co-op crew with you? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #ForestEscape #HorrorGames #IndieDev #CoOpGaming #PCGaming #SteamDemo #BackroomsInspired #FragLab #TwoCakesStudio

  • Double the Tail-Wagging Action: Dog Man: Bark in Action Announced for This Autumn!

    Double the Tail-Wagging Action: Dog Man: Bark in Action Announced for This Autumn!

    Move over, bad guys! Everyone’s favourite half-man, half-dog, all-hero is ready to leap back onto our screens. Following the massive international success of Dog Man: Mission Impawsible, publisher Mindscape and developer Floor 84 Studio have officially announced they are teaming up once again.

    Get ready, because Dog Man: Bark in Action is officially launching this autumn! The best part? It’s dropping worldwide across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam), and Xbox Series X|S.

    If you thought the first game was a treat, this sequel is pulling out all the stops to kick things into high gear.

    The Plot: Defeating Dr. Scum’s Sinister Scheme

    The city is in absolute chaos once again. The villainous Dr. Scum has deployed mind-controlling “Hypno Screens” all over town, turning innocent townsfolk into his mindless minions. It’s up to Dog Man, the Supa Buddies, and a few familiar faces to bust up the screens, smash Dr. Scum’s plans, and rescue their friends.

    What’s New in Bark in Action?

    Floor 84 didn’t just recreate the first game—they’ve expanded the universe in nearly every direction. Here is what players can look forward to:

    • A Roster of 10 Playable Heroes: You aren’t just limited to shifting between Dog Man, Li’l Petey, and 80-HD this time. You can phone in massive backup from characters like Commander Cupcake and Chief!
    • 60 Action-Packed Levels: Spread across 6 brand-new worlds, you’ll get to explore iconic series locations like Cat Jail and Robo-Time Industries, alongside hidden Mystery Levels.
    • Couch Co-op Multiplayer (Finally!): For the first time ever in a Dog Man game, a second player can jump right into the action. It’s the ultimate family-friendly, couch co-op setup where teamwork unlocks special character abilities to crack puzzles and beat bosses.
    • Supa Gadgets & Outfits: Collect sprockets to unlock wild new gadgets and harvest yarn to craft exclusive outfits for the Scarlet Shredder and Cat Kid.

    “Our goal was to take what made the first game special and kick it into high gear, and I think we put together a very strong result.” — Matthew Vroman, Creative Director at Floor 84

    The Verdict: A Must-Play for All Ages

    With Dav Pilkey’s signature comic-book art style beautifully animated, punchy sound effects, and laugh-out-loud dialogue, Bark in Action is shaping up to be an absolute joy for long-time readers and platformer fans alike.

    Keep your eyes peeled on TechMash for an exact release date as we crawl closer to the autumn launch window!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #DogManBarkInAction #Mindscape #Floor84 #DogManGame #SupaBuddies #DavPilkey #CoOpGaming #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #Xbox #Steam #TechMash

  • Build Big, Fall Hard: Chaotic Co-Op Sim ‘Salvation Denied’ Drops Free Steam Demo Ahead of Steam Next Fest

    Build Big, Fall Hard: Chaotic Co-Op Sim ‘Salvation Denied’ Drops Free Steam Demo Ahead of Steam Next Fest

    If you and your gaming crew think your communication skills are rock solid, indie developer Firevolt and publisher Digital Vortex Entertainment are about to put that theory to the ultimate test.

    The duo has officially released a free playable demo for Salvation Denied on Steam. Even better? The game has already locked in a prime spot for the upcoming Steam Next Fest, kicking off on June 15.

    If you’ve been looking for the next great multiplayer game to test your friendships, this might just be it.

    What is Salvation Denied?

    Salvation Denied is a chaotic, physics-driven co-op construction simulator for 1–4 players. Working as a crew of mischievous little yellow construction robots on a hostile alien world, you are tasked with assembling massive experimental structures for a mysterious, fanatical employer. The catch? Only your employer knows what these structures are actually for, and the planet really, really wants to destroy them.

    Unlike traditional building games, where physics are mostly cosmetic, everything in Salvation Denied has actual weight and inertia. One poorly reinforced beam, an overloaded support, or a split-second bad decision can cause your entire multi-story masterpiece to come crashing down in spectacular fashion.

    Check out the gameplay breakdown below:

    FeatureWhat to Expect
    Player Count1–4 players (Solo or Online Co-op)
    CommunicationChaotic proximity voice chat for frantic coordination
    Tools & GadgetsGravity guns, foam guns, jetpacks, and massive construction vehicles
    The ThreatActive, real-time environmental disasters like meteor showers and acid rain

    Play Two Massive Missions in the Demo Right Now

    Following feedback from an open playtest earlier this year, Firevolt completely overhauled the game’s locations and character mechanics to deliver a robust slice of gameplay for the demo. Instead of just a basic tutorial, the Steam demo features two full missions to give you a true taste of the architectural anarchy:

    • Mission 1: “Signal to Orbit” – Your objective is simple on paper: build a base of any shape or size high enough so an antenna can catch a signal. Your real enemy? Trying not to get flattened by incoming meteor showers while you build.
    • Mission 2: “Shield Breaker” – A newly added mission that ups the ante. Teams must level support heights across a massive canyon, drive heavy damper cores to power a mega impulse cannon, and destroy three security towers to breach an energy barrier.

    To help you manage the madness, the demo lets you pilot heavy machinery like The Fatboy—an all-in-one bulldozer, shredder, and 3D printer that can recycle debris into useful building blocks (or accidentally tear your own base apart if you aren’t careful).

    “Every piece of feedback went straight into this demo… We reworked the characters, overhauled the locations, and added a whole new mission with a mega impulse cannon. At some point, we really had to stop and actually ship it.” > — Ajven Pabiarzhyn, Creative Director at Firevolt

    Steam Next Fest & Beyond

    The free demo is fully localised in 14 languages and is available to download right now on PC. You can jump in today to practice your engineering skills before the game takes centre stage at Steam Next Fest on Monday, June 15.

    While PC players get the first crack at the chaos, console players won’t be left out in the cold for too long. Salvation Denied is scheduled for a full release on PC in Fall 2026, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions locked in for 2027.

    Head over to Steam, grab your hard hat, fire up the proximity chat, and see how long your structures can hold!

    Find out more here

    #SalvationDenied #SteamNextFest #IndieGames #CoOpGaming #PCGaming #GamingNews #TechMash