TECHMASH

Tag: #CoopGaming

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

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

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

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

    What is Zombuds?

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

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

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

    Ready to Rule the Wasteland?

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

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

    Find out more here

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

  • Huntin’ Buddies Unleashes a Terrifyingly Hilarious New Trailer Ahead of Next Week’s Steam Launch!

    Huntin’ Buddies Unleashes a Terrifyingly Hilarious New Trailer Ahead of Next Week’s Steam Launch!

    Get your gear ready and watch your back, because the ultimate wilderness excursion is just around the corner! Developers Huntin’ Buddies Wildlife Management have officially dropped a brand-new release date trailer to mark the final countdown for their highly anticipated game, Huntin’ Buddies.

    Arriving on Steam in just one week on July 24th, 2026, this 4-player co-op horror-comedy is about to change the way you look at the great outdoors.

    Welcome to the Forbidden National Park

    Set deep within the eerie boundaries of a strictly forbidden national park, Huntin’ Buddies blends chaotic multiplayer teamwork with spine-chilling scares and laugh-out-loud comedy. You and up to three friends will step into the boots of a wildlife management crew tasked with tracking down elusive—and terrifying—creatures.

    The newly released trailer offers a chaotic, action-packed sneak peek at the bizarre anomalies, atmospheric environments, and monstrous threats lurking in the shadows of the park. From botched stealth attempts to hilarious friendly-fire accidents, it’s clear that surviving this expedition will require quick thinking, serious firepower, and a lot of luck.

    Survival is Optional, Laughs are Guaranteed

    Whether you are setting up traps, tracking mysterious footprints, or running for your absolute life when things inevitably go sideways, Huntin’ Buddies promises a perfect blend of genuine tension and comedic gaming nights.

    Mark your calendars for July 24th, round up your squad, and head over to Steam to wishlist the game today. As the developers themselves put it: Good luck. You’ll need it.

    Find out more here

    #HuntinBuddies #CoOpGaming #HorrorComedy #SteamGames #PCGaming #GamingNews #IndieGames #Multiplayer #Gaming

  • 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