TECHMASH

Tag: #CoopGaming

  • 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

  • RuneScape Goes Portable: Dragonwilds Locked In for Nintendo Switch 2 This September!

    RuneScape Goes Portable: Dragonwilds Locked In for Nintendo Switch 2 This September!

    Nintendo just wrapped up its latest Nintendo Direct showcase, and boy, did it deliver a massive bombshell for survival-crafting fans. Jagex—the masterminds behind the iconic RuneScape universe—dropped the official release date for their breakout multiplayer survival game, RuneScape: Dragonwilds.

    Grab your calendars, because the untamed lands of Ashenfall are coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 on 15th September, 2026!

    Bringing Gielinor to the Next-Gen Handheld

    Having already surpassed an impressive one million copies sold during its Steam Early Access run, RuneScape: Dragonwilds is ready to make its grand debut on Nintendo hardware for the very first time.

    The game shifts the classic high-fantasy lore of RuneScape into a completely fresh, open-world survival experience. Whether you choose to brave the wilds solo or squad up in co-op teams of up to four, you will find yourself exploring the continent of Ashenfall—a beautiful yet fractured land marred by unstable, wild magic and terrifying beasts.

    Jesse America, Executive Producer of RuneScape: Dragonwilds, shared the team’s excitement following the Nintendo Direct announcement:

    “RuneScape: Dragonwilds was built around player freedom allowing them to explore, grind skills, craft, and create unforgettable adventures together. Nintendo Switch 2 gives players a whole new way to experience the continent of Ashenfall, whether they’re jumping into co-op sessions with friends or continuing their journey on the move.”

    What to Expect in Dragonwilds

    If you’ve spent years grinding Woodcutting in Varrock, forget what you know. Dragonwilds blends iconic lore with hardcore survival mechanics, where magic is your ultimate tool for staying alive.

    • Survival Through Sorcery: The anima-rich landscape lets you use magic for everyday survival. Need materials? Summon a spectral axe to clear a forest instantly. In a tight spot? Snap your fingers to detonate ore veins or blink away in a cloud of smoke. Yes, you can even turn bones into peaches.
    • The Ultimate Dragon Hunt: Ashenfall is crawling with fierce dragons. Players must level up classic skills, brew vital potions, and forge custom equipment to battle their way toward the ultimate endgame threat: the Dragon Queen herself.
    • Familiar Foes & Fresh Faces: Prepare to battle classic RuneScape creatures like Zogres, challenge the Black Knights, and square off against an entirely new, fearsome threat known as the Garou.
    • A Nostalgic Soundtrack: Your journey will be scored by a sweeping soundtrack featuring beautifully re-orchestrated RuneScape classics alongside hours of brand-new music.

    Mark Your Calendars: 15th September

    The 15th September launch is shaping up to be a monumental day for Jagex. Not only is the game hitting the Nintendo Switch 2, but it will also leave Early Access for its full 1.0 launch on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Even better? Full cross-platform functionality means you can team up with your mates, no matter what platform they play on.

    With Nintendo’s next-gen hardware powering the adventure, gathering resources, building shelters, and slaying dragons on the go is about to look incredibly smooth.

    Are you ready to explore Ashenfall on the Switch 2? Let us know in the comments below if you’ll be playing solo or building a squad!

    Source – https://dragonwilds.runescape.com

    #RuneScapeDragonwilds #NintendoDirect #NintendoSwitch2 #Jagex #RuneScape #SurvivalGames #CoOpGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Unleash the Anime Action: LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS ‘Prologue’ Test Commences Today!

    Unleash the Anime Action: LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS ‘Prologue’ Test Commences Today!

    Anime action RPG fans, it is time to assemble. VIC GAME STUDIOS (with publisher NCSOFT) has officially kicked off its highly anticipated public gameplay test for LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS (formerly known as BREAKERS: Unlock the World).

    The global ‘Prologue’ Test goes live today, giving a lucky handpicked group of players their first real taste of the gorgeous floating archipelago of Seraphia. Running from June 10th to June 15th, this early gameplay test is cross-platform and available right now across PC (Steam), iOS, and Android (AOS).

    What is LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS?

    If you haven’t been keeping tabs on this title, you need to change that immediately. LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS is a cel-shaded, high-octane action RPG that blends cinematic storytelling with frenetic, real-time combat. As a “Breaker,” you’ll assemble a squad of uniquely skilled characters, each boasting distinct fighting styles, to track down the legendary Archive of the Gods.

    Think stunning anime visuals, tactical character swapping, and an intricate elemental system that lets you chain together devastating combo attacks.

    Inside the ‘Prologue’ Test: Solo Story & Co-op Raids

    VIC GAME STUDIOS isn’t holding back for this build. The ‘Prologue’ Test is designed to show off both sides of the game’s core loop:

    • Single-Player, Story-Driven Gameplay: Dive deep into the opening chapters of the lore. Experience the high-production cinematic cutscenes, meet the core cast of characters, and get a feel for the solo exploration and narrative depth.
    • Three-Player Cooperative Action: Team up with two other players in real-time online co-op. You’ll be able to bring your best builds into challenging, raid-style ancient dungeons to tackle massive, aggressive monsters that require precise dodging, parrying, and teamwork to take down.

    Essential Test Details

    Because this is an early public test, there are a few house rules to keep in mind before you jump in:

    • The Timeline: The test officially opened at 6:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, June 10, and will conclude at 7:00 AM PDT on Monday, June 15.
    • Access: This is a closed testing environment for pre-registered users. If you signed up prior to June 2nd, check the email address linked to your account (and your spam folder!) to see if you received a Steam Key or mobile download instructions.
    • Twitch Drops: Missed out on a key? Don’t panic. VIC GAME STUDIOS is running a Twitch Drops event throughout the duration of the test. Link your PlayNC and Twitch accounts and watch any drop-enabled LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS stream to earn exclusive rewards that will carry over to the official global launch.

    Note: This is a work-in-progress build. Expect occasional server instability, bugs, or emergency maintenance windows as the developers gather data to refine the final product. No progress will carry over to the main game.

    The Verdict

    With its fluid combat, gorgeous animation, and seamless cross-platform multiplayer, LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS is quickly shaping up to be a serious contender in the ARPG space. If you’re one of the lucky few testing the waters this weekend, grab your squad and get ready to break some limits.

    Are you playing the Prologue test this weekend? Let us know your thoughts on the combat and visuals in the comments below!

    Source – https://s.team/a/3764400

    #LimitZeroBreakers #VicGameStudios #NCSOFT #AnimeRPG #ActionRPG #GamingNews #SteamGaming #MobileGaming #iOS #Android #CoOpGaming

  • Magical Girls vs. Biblical Monsters: Kernel Hearts Slams Onto Consoles and PC This September

    Magical Girls vs. Biblical Monsters: Kernel Hearts Slams Onto Consoles and PC This September

    Indie developer Ephemera Games has dropped a massive double-whammy of news for anime action fans. Not only has their highly anticipated debut title, Kernel Hearts, locked in an official release window for September 2026, but players won’t have to wait until autumn to get another taste of the action. An updated, feature-packed demo is officially heading to Steam Next Fest on June 15th.

    Published by Whitethorn Games, this unique multiplayer co-op roguelike action RPG tasks players with a rather ambitious to-do list: eliminate legions of angels, scale the Tower of Babel, and transform into a magical girl to literally dethrone God.

    If you like your hack-and-slash gameplay mixed with deep customisation and high-stakes teamwork, this is definitely one to keep on your radar.

    Slay God, Upgrade Your OS, and Bond with Allies

    In Kernel Hearts, you control a member of the M.A.H.O.U. Unit, fighting to save a post-apocalyptic world currently drowning in ashes. The game effortlessly blends fast-paced, combo-heavy action with classic roguelike mechanics.

    Here is what you can look forward to when the full game drops later this year:

    • Co-Op Chaos: Team up with up to four friends in online multiplayer co-op to take down massive biblical monsters and intense domain guardians.
    • Magical Transformations: Dispel the Heavenly Curse to temporarily unlock your true, devastating magical girl form and turn the tide of battle.
    • 256KB of Customisation: Between runs, return to your lab holdout on the outskirts of humanity to spend your hard-earned rewards, equipping up to 256KB of custom stat-altering chips to your Unit’s MAHOU.OS.
    • Forge Deep Bonds: It’s not all endless fighting; you can interact with the unique inhabitants of the tower and give them gifts to deepen your relationships.

    Catch the Fresh Demo at Steam Next Fest

    If you missed the initial playtests or the early alpha builds, the upcoming Steam Next Fest on June 15th is your perfect entry point. Game Director Akira recently shared that the development team has been working hard to address player feedback from earlier versions. The upcoming Steam Next Fest build promises a heavily updated demo featuring crucial quality-of-life improvements, tighter mechanics, and a much cleaner look at what the final product will offer.

    The full game is shaping up to be an absolute treat for anime fans and roguelike veterans alike. Mark your calendars for the demo next week, and get ready for the full launch this autumn!

    Kernel Hearts will officially launch in September 2026 across PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

    Source – https://kernelhearts.com/

    #KernelHearts #EphemeraGames #WhitethornGames #SteamNextFest #IndieGames #GamingNews #CoOpGaming #ActionRPG #Roguelike #AnimeGames #MagicalGirl

  • Brave the Tempest: Stormforge Announces Public Playtest and Drops Stunning New Trailer

    Brave the Tempest: Stormforge Announces Public Playtest and Drops Stunning New Trailer

    The survival crafting genre is about to get a serious jolt of magical energy. Roboto Games, the brilliant minds behind the highly anticipated fantasy open-world survival crafter Stormforge, has officially announced that its first public playtest will kick off this July.

    If you’ve been itching to test your mettle against a world literally being torn apart by mystical weather, your time has come.

    To make the announcement even sweeter, the studio unveiled a gorgeous new gameplay trailer during the Women-Led Games Showcase (part of the Summer Game Fest lineup). The trailer gave fans a dazzling look at Stormforge’s vibrant, cel-shaded art style, deadly new biomes, and the terrifyingly chaotic elemental storms that define the game.

    Check out everything we know so far about the upcoming playtest and why this title needs to be firmly at the top of your Steam wishlist.

    Surviving the Squall: What is Stormforge?

    Stormforge drops up to eight players into a procedurally generated high-fantasy world overrun by malevolent, magical storms. These aren’t just moody skyboxes with a bit of rain; the tempests in Stormforge are living, breathing hazards.

    We’re talking about tornadoes that literally rip buildings apart and hurl rocks, trees, and enemies through the air, and brutal dust storms that blind you while draining your health. But where there is danger, there is power. Players must venture directly into the eyes of these storms to harvest the rare, magical resources needed to craft top-tier gear and build fortified bases.

    ? Quick Stats: 
• Players: 1–8 player co-op (or solo play)
• Available Skills: 100+ unlockable abilities
• Release Window: Early Access in 2026
• Playtest Window: July 2026

    Play It Your Way: Class-Blending Combat

    One of the most exciting reveals alongside the trailer is Stormforge’s incredibly flexible class system. You’ll start your journey as a classic Warrior, Mage, or Ranger. However, as you explore the world of Sorana and defeat formidable bosses, you’ll unlock entirely new classes.

    Instead of locking you into a rigid role, Roboto Games is giving players total freedom. You can mix and match skills from any unlocked tree to create wild, hybrid playstyles. Want to play a sneaky Warrior with stealth mechanics? Or a Mage who crushes crowd control with a heavy jump attack? The choice is entirely yours.

    “Giving players the freedom to decide how to play Stormforge has been our top priority since the very beginning. If you would like to play as a warrior with sneaking abilities, you can… You can mix and match abilities and skills from your classes, and play Stormforge your way.” — Mathilde Pignol, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Roboto Games

    What to Expect in the July Playtest

    Roboto Games has confirmed that the upcoming July playtest will offer a meaty chunk of gameplay (roughly 5 to 10 hours, or even more if you get hopelessly addicted to the base-building mechanics).

    Testers will get a first-hand look at:

    • 8-Player Multiplayer Co-op: Team up with your squad to divide and conquer the storm-ravaged landscape.
    • Terrifying New Flora & Fauna: Keep an eye out for magically enhanced predators like Mistwolves, which can phase into a mist-like state to ambush you.
    • Extreme Weather: Face off against three distinct types of item-hurling, base-destroying tornadoes.
    • Epic Boss Battles: Test your hybrid builds against two challenging boss encounters.

    How to Sign Up

    Ready to brave the storm? Registration for the public playtest is live right now. Head over to the Stormforge Steam Page and hit the “Request Access” button to throw your hat in the ring for the July build.

    Don’t forget to wishlist the game to stay up to date ahead of its planned Steam Early Access launch!

    #Stormforge #RobotoGames #SurvivalCrafting #CoOpGaming #IndieGames

  • Sugar Rush, Ammo Flush: ‘Sugar Madness’ Explodes Onto Meta Horizon Store Today!

    Sugar Rush, Ammo Flush: ‘Sugar Madness’ Explodes Onto Meta Horizon Store Today!

    Get your headsets charged and your reflexes dialled in, because a sweet new chaos has just dropped. Sugar Madness, the highly anticipated high-intensity VR shooter, officially launches today on the Meta Horizon Store.

    If you think a game named after confectionery is going to be a walk in the park, you’re in for a chaotic, adrenaline-fueled awakening.

    Solo Sweat or Co-op Chaos? You Choose.

    Sugar Madness isn’t here to hold your hand. The game thrusts players into a vibrant but lethal world where the action is relentless, and the room for error is absolute zero.

    Here is what you can expect when you dive in today:

    • Pulse-Pounding Solo Missions: Test your mettle against waves of unforgiving enemies. It’s just you, your blasters, and your physical endurance.
    • Tactical Co-op Play: Team up with friends where mindless shooting won’t cut it. To survive the sweet apocalypse, you’ll need real-time squad communication and synchronised strategy.

    Survival of the Quickest

    What sets Sugar Madness apart in a crowded VR shooter market is its emphasis on fluid movement and lightning-fast reactions.

    Pro Tip: Standing still is a death sentence. You’ll need to utilize full room-scale movement, dodging, ducking, and weaving through incoming fire while managing your ammunition and cooldowns.

    It’s the kind of game that doubles as a legitimate cardio workout. If you aren’t sweating five minutes into a match, you’re probably doing it wrong.

    Lock and Load

    The game is available right now. Whether you’re looking to top the global leaderboards by your lonesome or establish dominance with your ultimate co-op squad, Sugar Madness promises to be a staple in your VR rotation.

    Head over to the Meta Horizon Store today, grab your copy, and let us know in the comments below: How long did you survive your first run?

    Source

    #VRGaming #SugarMadness #MetaHorizon #VRShooter #CoOpGaming

  • From the Shadows to 1.0: Co-Op Horror Hit ‘Storebound’ Fully Launches This July

    From the Shadows to 1.0: Co-Op Horror Hit ‘Storebound’ Fully Launches This July

    After eight months of terrifying players, gathering feedback, and dodging monsters in the dark, the wait is almost over. Independent developer Embers has officially announced that their hit community-driven, co-op puzzle horror title, Storebound, will graduate from Steam Early Access and launch into its highly anticipated Version 1.0 on July 16, 2026.

    If you thought the retail shifts were bad before, brace yourselves—the full launch is about to make clocking in a whole lot deadlier.

    A Community-Driven Nightmare

    Since its initial Early Access debut, Storebound has carved out a unique, terrifying niche in the co-op horror space. It turns the mundane anxiety of working a retail shift into a high-stakes, puzzle-solving survival nightmare.

    What has made the game truly special, however, is how Embers handled its development. Instead of retreating into a bunker, the solo developer worked hand-in-hand with the community. Over the last eight months, player feedback has directly shaped:

    • Smarter, more aggressive AI that adapts to your team’s communication.
    • Polished puzzle mechanics that require actual coordination (and inevitably lead to screaming at your friends).
    • Quality-of-life updates that balanced the atmospheric dread with smooth, satisfying gameplay.

    “The community has been the heartbeat of this game,” Embers shared in the announcement. “Without the thousands of players who braved the early builds, reported bugs, and shared their genuine scares, Storebound wouldn’t be the polished nightmare it is today. Version 1.0 is as much theirs as it is mine.”

    What to Expect in Version 1.0

    While Embers is keeping some secrets locked in the backroom until launch day, players can expect a massive influx of content when the clock strikes 1.0. The full release is set to bring:

    • New Levels & Environments: Explore areas of the store that were previously barricaded, each with its own twisted lore and layout.
    • Expanded Puzzle Logic: Fresh, randomised puzzles to keep even the most seasoned Early Access veterans on their toes.
    • The Ultimate Finale: A definitive conclusion to the eerie narrative underlying the store’s haunted existence.
    • More Monsters: New entities with unique hunting mechanics designed to divide and conquer your squad.

    Grab Your Squad and Prep Your Flashlights

    Whether you’ve been pulling shifts since day one or you’ve been waiting for the full package before diving in, July 16, 2026, is the day to mark on your calendar.

    Storebound proves that indie horror is at its best when developers listen to the people playing in the dark. Gather your bravest friends (or the ones who scream the loudest) and get ready for the ultimate shift.

    Storebound 1.0 launches July 16, 2026. Are you ready to clock in?

    Find out more here

    #HorrorGames #IndieDev #Storebound #CoOpGaming #GamingNews