TECHMASH

Tag: #CoopGaming

  • Synchronise Your Jumps: ‘Brave Escape’ Brings Chaos and Co-op to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S This July!

    Synchronise Your Jumps: ‘Brave Escape’ Brings Chaos and Co-op to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S This July!

    Great news for co-op gaming fans! Independent developer Hit Start Studios has officially announced that its critically acclaimed, two-player co-op platformer Brave Escape is making the leap to next-gen consoles.

    Mark your calendars: the game is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on July 24th, 2026.

    If you’ve been looking for the perfect game to test the strength of your friendships (or find out just how bad your coordination really is), this is the one.

    What is Brave Escape?

    Originally released on PC to a “Very Positive” reception on Steam, Brave Escape is a 2D pixel-art precision platformer built entirely around two-player teamwork. You and a partner control Colin and Floyd—an unlikely duo trying to outrun relentless hazards, navigate tricky traps, and conquer handcrafted, puzzle-filled levels.

    To make things interesting, both characters bring entirely different tools to the table:

    • Colin utilises a climbing rope and grapple hook to navigate steep vertical terrain.
    • Floyd features a boost mechanism and handles unique level-specific gadgets like the Wind Gun, Freeze Gun, and Flashlight.

    Success demands communication, split-second timing, and perfect synchronisation. Whether you are perfectly executing a complex jump or screaming in panic as a mistimed boost sends your friend flying into a pit of spikes, it’s couch co-op gaming at its absolute finest.

    What’s New for the Console Release?

    Hit Start Studios isn’t just porting the game over; they are delivering the ultimate version of the adventure right out of the gate.

    Here is what console players can look forward to on day one:

    • Cross-Platform Play: Fully supports cross-platform co-op multiplayer between PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. No matter where your friends play, you can team up.
    • Packed with Content: Includes all major post-launch updates from the PC version, offering 45 additional levels and 70 bonus levels spread across 7 diverse, hazard-filled worlds.
    • Playable Your Way: Choose Standard/Casual Mode for a more approachable experience with more forgiving timings and fewer spikes, or tackle Brave Mode to push your platforming skills to their absolute limits.
    • Optimised Performance & Accessibility: Enjoy ultra-smooth gameplay with high-frame-rate options ($60\text{ fps}+$), alongside great accessibility features like character outlines and overlap transparency.

    “Cross-platform support was especially important for us because Brave Escape is all about playing together, regardless of platform.”

    — Steve Ciaramitaro, Game Designer at Hit Start Studios

    Get Ready to Escape!

    Whether you prefer playing local couch co-op or diving online, Brave Escape promises to be one of the summer’s most fun and chaotic cooperative experiences.

    You can already find the game on Steam, and it’s officially open for wishlisting on the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store ahead of its July 24th launch. Gather a partner, stretch those thumbs, and prepare for a wild ride!

    Are you ready to test your friendship in Brave Escape? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #BraveEscape #HitStartStudios #CoopGaming #IndieGames #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #GamingNews #Platformer #Techmash

  • The Unknown Is Coming: RIFTSTORM Drops Jaw-Dropping New Teaser Ahead of August Early Access Launch

    The Unknown Is Coming: RIFTSTORM Drops Jaw-Dropping New Teaser Ahead of August Early Access Launch

    The cosmic horror and high-octane co-op action of the Mythic Protocol universe is officially creeping closer. Confiction Labs has just unleashed a brand-new teaser trailer for their highly anticipated PvE action game, RIFTSTORM, and it’s safe to say the hype train has officially left the station.

    Titled “The Unknown Is Coming,” the eerie and action-packed teaser serves as the perfect appetiser for what’s shaping up to be one of the most thrilling co-op experiences of the year.

    Check out what we know so far and why you’ll want to rally your squad ahead of its Steam Early Access launch on August 11, 2026.

    What is RIFTSTORM?

    For the uninitiated, RIFTSTORM is a co-op top-down action RPG (with serious looter-shooter vibes) that casts players as Mythic Operatives. Your job? Defend the world from occult threats, cosmic monstrosities, and anomalies breaking through the fabric of reality.

    Think high-mobility combat, deeply customizable character builds, and intense threat management where teamwork isn’t just encouraged—it’s mandatory for survival.

    “The Unknown Is Coming” — Breaking Down the Teaser

    While Confiction Labs is keeping some of their cards close to their chest, the new teaser nails its mission statement: atmosphere and adrenaline. The trailer leans heavily into the signature sci-fi-meets-occult aesthetic of the Mythic Protocol universe. It showcases glimpses of the reality-bending threats players will face, dropping cryptic hints about the lore while promising chaotic, fast-paced tactical gameplay. It’s clear that “The Unknown” isn’t just a catchy tagline; it’s a warning of the massive, unpredictable boss fights and procedural challenges awaiting operatives.

    Why we’re hyped: Confiction Labs has consistently emphasized community-driven development. With the game heading into Early Access, players will have a direct hand in shaping the game’s evolving meta, weapons, and narrative rifts.

    Mark Your Calendars: August 11, 2026

    We don’t have long to wait to jump into the rifts ourselves. RIFTSTORM officially hits Steam Early Access on August 11, 2026.

    If you and your gaming crew have been looking for a fresh, challenging PvE grind to sink your teeth into this summer, this is absolutely one to wishlist immediately.

    Are you ready to face the unknown? Let us know in the comments if you’ll be dropping into RIFTSTORM next month!

    Find out more here

    #Riftstorm #ConfictionLabs #MythicProtocol #CoOpGaming #PvE #PCGaming #SteamEarlyAccess #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Watch Your Back: Critically Acclaimed Survival Horror MAZEBOUND Drops Massive Hardcore Update on Steam

    Watch Your Back: Critically Acclaimed Survival Horror MAZEBOUND Drops Massive Hardcore Update on Steam

    Indie developer and publisher Absam Studios has announced a major update to MAZEBOUND, its critically acclaimed survival horror hit on Steam. If you thought navigating the game’s relentless, procedurally generated labyrinth was stressful before, things are about to get a whole lot more brutal.

    For the uninitiated, MAZEBOUND delivers a frantic and unforgiving gameplay experience. Stranded with nothing but a towering wall ahead and the sea at your back, you are trapped in a nightmare maze with no option but to hunt, gather, and run to survive—either entirely alone or with friends in online co-op.

    But as the developers prominently warn: You’re not the only one watching, and you’re not the only one starving.

    Enter the Maze—If You Dare

    The headline addition to this major update is the highly anticipated Hardcore Mode, a punishing new way to play specifically designed for veteran players seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush. In this mode, every choice carries massive weight, and a single mistake will cost you everything.

    Here is a breakdown of what awaits you in the updated maze:

    • Permadeath Is Live: If you die, your run is over. Period.
    • Hardcore Leaderboards: See how your survival times stack up against the most fearless runners globally.
    • New Nighttime Dangers: The maze becomes significantly more hostile after dark, and all safety doors now slam shut at night in Hardcore Mode.
    • Scarcer Resources: Hunger depletes at a much faster rate, and there are fewer Waystones to rely on.
    • New Monsters: Terrifying new twisted entities have been added to the maze, and the spawning behaviour of existing creatures has been heavily adjusted.
    • Exclusive Rewards: Players who manage to beat the brutal Hardcore Mode will unlock a brand-new axe and a fresh Steam achievement.

    Race for the $1,000 Solo Cash Prize

    To celebrate the launch of Hardcore Mode, Absam Studios is hosting an official Hardcore Solo Competition with a $1,000 USD prize pool.

    The top 20 players who secure a spot on the Hardcore solo leaderboard by July 30th at 10 AM PDT will win Steam Gift Cards, with the ultimate survivor taking home the first-place grand prize of $250. Note that for transparency, any winning runs clocked under two hours will require video proof to claim the reward.

    Whether you’re looking to test your grit against the new permadeath mechanics or want a piece of that prize pool, there’s never been a better time to jump back in. MAZEBOUND is available right now on PC via Steam.

    Find out more here

    #MAZEBOUND #AbsamStudios #SurvivalHorror #IndieGames #SteamGames #GamingNews #CoOpGaming #PCGaming

  • Cast a Line! Cosy Camper Adventure ‘Outbound’ Drops Its Massive Free Fishing Update Across All Platforms

    Cast a Line! Cosy Camper Adventure ‘Outbound’ Drops Its Massive Free Fishing Update Across All Platforms

    If your dream road trip involves parking a highly customizable, solar-powered camper van next to a peaceful lake and shutting out the noise of the world, we have some fantastic news for you.

    Developers Square Glade Games and publisher Silver Lining Interactive have officially released the first major content update for Outbound, their smash-hit cosy open-world exploration adventure. The highly anticipated Fishing Update is officially OUT NOW as a free download across all platforms, including Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and next-gen Switch consoles!

    Check out what’s waiting for you on the open road below.

    Reel in the Good Vibes: What’s New?

    Following an incredibly successful launch in May that welcomed over a quarter of a million players, this free expansion expands on the game’s laid-back, sustainable rhythm without adding any unnecessary stress. Here is what you can expect when you boot up the update:

    • A Robust Fishing Ecosystem: You can now craft three distinct tiers of fishing rods to cast your line across the game’s colourful biomes. There are 32 unique, collectable fish species waiting to be discovered in the rivers, lakes, and oceans.
    • Build Your Own Aquarium: Caught an absolute beauty? Don’t worry about survival meters—the team specified that fish aren’t for food! Instead, you can craft 4 different types of Fish Tanks to display your prize catches right inside your mobile home.
    • Expanded Camper Customisation: Take your interior design to the next level. The update introduces 6 buildable sets of stairs (perfect for creating multi-level camper layouts) and 4 buildable doors so you can finally partition your van into cosy, private rooms.
    • New Spots to Explore: Keep an eye out for newly added fisherman’s huts and cabins scattered across the maps to kickstart your angling journey and track down your new blueprints.

    Whether you are exploring the utopian wilderness completely solo or embarking on an off-grid road trip with up to three friends in online co-op, this update gives you the perfect excuse to park up, slow down, and enjoy the scenery.

    Available Now!

    The Outbound Fishing Update is a completely free automatic download. You can jump right back into your existing save file or start a fresh journey to experience the new mechanics from scratch.

    Pack your bags, upgrade your solar panels, and get ready to catch ’em all from the comfort of your rooftop tent. See you on the road!

    Are you playing Outbound solo or in co-op? What does your dream camper van setup look like? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #Outbound #CozyGaming #IndieGames #SquareGladeGames #SilverLiningInteractive #GamingNews #CoopGaming #CamperLife #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #Xbox #Steam

  • Fore! Your Life: Why Zombie Battle Golf is the Co-op Chaos You Need Today

    Fore! Your Life: Why Zombie Battle Golf is the Co-op Chaos You Need Today

    Golf is usually a quiet, dignified sport. You wear polo shirts, speak in hushed tones, and politely applaud a good putt.

    Left Fore Dead: Zombie Battle Golf just ripped up that rulebook, doused it in lighter fluid, and set it on fire.

    Launched today on Steam by developer MapleTaco, this isn’t your traditional day on the links. It’s a chaotic, hilarious blend of arcade golf and arcade survival where the greens are crawling with the undead, and your biggest threat might actually be the person sitting next to you on the couch.

    The Pitch: Drive, Chip, and Destroy

    The premise is brilliantly simple: grab up to three of your bravest (or most chaotic) friends, line up your shots, and try to finish a round across a series of utterly outrageous courses.

    The catch? Everything is actively trying to ruin your scorecard.

    • The Undead: Zombies are roaming the fairways, ready to disrupt your swing.
    • The Courses: These aren’t your local country club setups. Expect wild hazards, ridiculous terrain, and layouts designed to punish mistakes.
    • Your “Friends”: With four-player multiplayer, expect sabotage to be par for the course. A perfectly aimed shot can easily be ruined by a well-timed nudge or a terrible decision from your teammates.

    The Verdict: It’s the ultimate “friendship-testing” party game. If you’ve ever wanted to whack a golf ball into a zombie’s face while simultaneously ruining your best mate’s birdie streak, this is your moment.

    Out Now on Steam

    Whether you’re looking for a fresh Friday night party game or a casual co-op game to lose a few hours in, Left Fore Dead delivers arcade-style fun with a brilliantly dark comedic twist.

    It is officially out now on Steam. Grab your clubs, gather your crew, and watch out for the water hazards… and the flesh-eaters.

    Find out more here

    #LeftForeDead #ZombieBattleGolf #MapleTaco #SteamGames #CoOpGaming #PCGaming #IndieGames #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Save 20% on Serpent’s Gaze: The Co-Op Soulslike Taking Over the Steam Summer Sale!

    Save 20% on Serpent’s Gaze: The Co-Op Soulslike Taking Over the Steam Summer Sale!

    If you and your gaming squad have been itching for a brutal new challenge, indie developer Feeble Minds has some incredible news. Their critically acclaimed 1-4 player Early Access co-op soulslike, Serpent’s Gaze, is officially joining the Steam Summer Sale with a fantastic 20% discount!

    For a limited time, you can dive into its punishing, sand-swept world for just $11.99 / €12.79 / £11.

    What is Serpent’s Gaze?

    Launched into Early Access just last month, Serpent’s Gaze has already locked down a 90% “Very Positive” user review rating on Steam. The game seamlessly blends the tactical, high-stakes combat of a classic third-person soulslike with the dynamic, unpredictable build-crafting of a roguelike.

    You play as a Scion brought to life by the withering tree god, Magnolia. Your mission? Venture out into an ancient, imposing desert filled with relentless bosses, rival factions, and deep-seated secrets, to take down the usurper gods who rule the lands.

    Whether you choose to face the brutal challenges alone or team up with up to three friends, Serpent’s Gaze demands smart stamina management, aggressive counter-attacks, and strategic build coordination.

    Custom Builds and Brutal Defeat

    No two runs through the game’s handcrafted levels feel the same. Along your pilgrimage, you can gather blessings from strange deities, gifts from your patron, and powerful relics to customise your playstyle:

    • Aspect of the Plague: Perfect for agile glass-cannon players, giving you temporary stat boosts every time you secure a quick kill.
    • Aspect of the Bold: Made for the ultimate avenger, scaling your damage output higher for every point of health you are missing. Pair it with a massive health pool and a health-sacrificing relic to turn your pain into your enemy’s punishment.

    However, the gods aren’t entirely generous. The game’s unique Curse system introduces random variables into every run—ranging from environmental hazards to terrifying mini-bosses hunting you down—ensuring that every single attempt stays fresh and deeply challenging.

    A Look at the Roadmap

    Feeble Minds isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Alongside the sale announcement, the team dropped a massive roadmap tracking the game’s journey toward its 1.0 launch:

    • Short-Term Goals: Focus on game stability, community-driven balancing patches, and a few surprise gameplay content additions.
    • Mid-Term Goals: Introducing a wider pool of weapons, classes, upgrades, curses, blessings, and unique quests.
    • The Journey to 1.0: A massive content drop that will introduce an entirely new domain featuring 4 new levels, 4 new bosses, plenty of fresh enemy archetypes, and dedicated Steam achievements.

    TechMash Verdict: If you love Elden Ring, Dark Souls, or Remnant, but want a rogue-lite twist you can tackle with your friends, Serpent’s Gaze is an absolute steal at this price point. Grab your discount before the sale ends and see if you have what it takes to make the desert bloom again.

    Head over to Steam to check out the Serpent’s Gaze Summer Sale Trailer and grab your copy today!

    Find out more here

    #SerpentsGaze #FeebleMinds #SteamSummerSale #Soulslike #IndieGames #CoOpGaming #GamingDeals #PCGaming #EarlyAccess #Roguelike

  • Ditch the Controller and Start Screaming: ‘Quack Quack Up’ Out Now on Steam!

    Ditch the Controller and Start Screaming: ‘Quack Quack Up’ Out Now on Steam!

    Get ready to test your lung capacity, your patience, and your closest relationships. Publishers 2P Games and developer FuncoreClub have officially released their highly anticipated, voice-controlled party game Quack Quack Up (formerly known as Over Duck’d) on Steam!

    If you are tired of standard controllers, mechanical keyboards, and sensible party games, this chaotic indie title wants you to put down the gamepad and use the ultimate tool: your actual voice.

    The Loudest Co-Op Game on PC

    Quack Quack Up is a physics-based, 4-player cooperative game where you and your friends are tasked with herding a flock of remarkably dense ducks to safety. The catch? Your microphone is the only controller.

    The mechanics are wonderfully simple yet inherently chaotic: the louder you yell into your mic, the faster your flock moves.

    But don’t get too carried away with your shouting. A single mistimed scream, an accidental loud laugh, or a stray sneeze can send your helpless ducks careening off a cliff, directly into a snowdrift, or straight into the jaws of a local crocodile.

    Key Features to Expect:

    • Microphone-Driven Gameplay: Forget standard keybinds. The intensity and volume of your voice directly dictate the speed and physics of your flock.
    • 4-Player “Friendship-Testing” Co-op: Join up to three friends online or via local couch co-op. Will you carefully coordinate your commands like a professional herding team, or will one rogue shout sabotage the whole mission?
    • Physics-Based Mayhem: Guide your unruly ducks across multiple biomes—ranging from peaceful valleys to treacherous, slippery snowy peaks and scorching deserts.
    • Hazardous Environments: It’s not just the terrain you have to worry about. You’ll need to use item interactions like whistles, smoke, and firecrackers to protect your flock from rogue yaks, greedy passersby, and falling boulders.
    • Wacky Customisation: Earn prestigious badges and unlock hilarious outfits to style your herder as the ultimate master of the flock.

    Grab It Now with a 2-Week Launch Discount

    If you want to dive into the madness, there’s no better time than right now. Quack Quack Up is available on Steam for $7.99 | €8,15 | £7.15.

    To celebrate the launch, the team is running a massive 38% discount for the first two weeks, making it incredibly cheap to get your entire co-op squad on board.

    Warm up your vocal cords, grab a glass of water, and head over to Steam to grab your copy before the discount flies the coop!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #QuackQuackUp #IndieGames #SteamReleases #CoOpGaming #PCGaming #2PGames #FuncoreClub #PartyGames

  • The Apocalypse Is Open for Business: Zombuds Launches First Public Playtest on Steam

    The Apocalypse Is Open for Business: Zombuds Launches First Public Playtest on Steam

    If you’ve ever looked at a zombie apocalypse and thought, “You know what this wasteland needs? A thriving black-market pharmaceutical empire,” then Gamecraft Studios has the perfect game for you.

    The indie developers behind Vampire Hunters have officially opened the gates to their next delightfully unhinged project. Zombuds has officially launched its very first public playtest on Steam, giving players an early, chaotic look at an open-world co-op sandbox where survival takes a backseat to pure entrepreneurial hustle.

    Turning Brain-Eaters into Brainless Workers

    Zombuds takes place 15 years after the collapse of civilisation, but instead of the usual grimdark, ammunition-scarcity depression, Gamecraft Studios is serving up a colourful, lighthearted comedy fantasy.

    In this sandbox simulator, you and up to three friends play as “Doompreneurs.” Your mission? Scavenge dangerous, abandoned locations, manufacture bizarre post-apocalyptic substances, and build an unstoppable underground enterprise.

    But a massive corporate empire needs a workforce. That’s where the local population comes in. In Zombuds, you can hire human survivors—or, better yet, brainwash the zombies to automate your production lines and keep operations running smoothly while you’re out dealing with rivals. If manual labour isn’t your vibe, you can always just blow them up in spectacularly cartoonish, bloody ways.

    “While others scramble to survive, you hustle to build your black market empire.”

    Built from Scratch for Maximum Chaos

    What makes Zombuds even more impressive is its development story. Built on a custom engine created completely from scratch by a dedicated two-man team, the game balances an incredibly heavy workload of complex mechanics, including full automation systems, an expansive open world, sandbox physics, and seamless 4-player co-op.

    The game’s stylised, low-poly aesthetic isn’t just a stylistic choice either; it allows the developers to focus squarely on delivering tight, chaotic gameplay, massive zombie counts, and deep management loops without sacrificing performance.

    How to Join the Playtest Right Now

    Gamecraft Studios plans to use this public playtest to gather crucial feedback on everything from economy balancing and co-op pacing to zombie pressure. Following this playtest, the game is headed toward a Steam Early Access launch, where it will remain for at least six months to add more quests, weapons, and automation items.

    Ready to get your hustle on? Getting into the action is incredibly simple:

    1. Head over to the Zombuds Steam Page.
    2. Click the “Request Access” button under the playtest banner (everyone who applies is automatically accepted!).
    3. Gather your crew, download the client, and start building your empire.

    Make sure to jump into their official Discord to drop your feedback, report bugs, and help the team fine-tune the apocalypse.

    TechMash Verdict

    Zombuds is a refreshingly wacky spin on a tired genre. Blending the management mechanics of a tycoon simulator with the chaotic fun of a co-op zombie shooter makes for an addictive formula. Go grab your friends, request instant access, and see if you have what it takes to corner the post-apocalyptic market!

    Find out more here

    #Zombuds #GamecraftStudios #SteamPlaytest #CoOpGaming #IndieGames #PCGaming #ZombieApocalypse #SandboxGames #GamingNews #TechMash

  • 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