TECHMASH

Tag: #Gaming

  • Hellspawn, Meet Your Match: Grind Survivors Announced for 2026!

    Hellspawn, Meet Your Match: Grind Survivors Announced for 2026!

    The “Survivors-like” genre is about to get a serious injection of adrenaline. Ukrainian developer Pushka Studios and publisher Assemble Entertainment have officially pulled back the curtain on Grind Survivors, a high-octane action roguelite that promises to blend the addictive “one-more-run” loop of bullet-hell survival with the deep, dopamine-hitting progression of a looter-shooter.

    If you’ve ever felt like the genre needed more legendary loot and even bigger explosions, this is the title to keep on your radar.

    What is Grind Survivors?

    Set on a post-apocalyptic Earth overrun by demonic corruption, players step into the heavy-duty boots of a towering armoured demon hunter. Your mission is simple: survive endless swarms of hellspawn, grow exponentially stronger, and turn every demon you slay into a potential loot box.

    Key Features to Get Excited About:

    • Loot-Driven Combat: Unlike many games in the genre that focus solely on passive upgrades, Grind Survivors features procedurally generated weapons. We’re talking unique stats, affixes, and “origins” that can completely change your playstyle.
    • The Forge: High-stakes crafting is at the heart of the game. Between runs, you can head to The Forge to merge weapons, reroll stats, or risk destroying your gear in the pursuit of “game-breaking” power.
    • Diverse Biomes: From scorched cities to burning forests, you won’t just be fighting in an empty field. Each biome brings new threats and atmospheric, brutal visuals.
    • Endless Scaling: For those who think they’ve built the perfect slayer, the Infinity Mode offers a leaderboard-driven challenge where the enemies never stop getting tougher.

    A Debut with Pedigree

    While Grind Survivors is Pushka Studios’ first original title, the team is far from green. With years of experience in porting and co-development, they are channelling that technical expertise into a project that Kirill Mukhin of Pushka Studios describes as “more action, more chaos, more everything.”

    Assemble Entertainment, the award-winning publisher behind hits like Endzone and Roadwarden, is bringing this demonic carnage to PC and consoles in 2026.

    “Every weapon is a chance to break the game—in your favor.” — The Pushka Studios Team

    Join the Fight Early

    Can’t wait until 2026? You don’t have to. Steam Playtests have already been rolling out, allowing the community to help shape the balance of the game. Based on recent updates, the devs are already fine-tuning the difficulty curve and adding new weapon archetypes based on player feedback.

    Wishlist Grind Survivors on Steam today to stay updated on the next playtest phase!

    Find out more here – https://www.pushkastudios.com/

    #PushkaStudios #AssembleEntertainment #action #roguelite #GrindSurvivors #playtest #steam #SteamNextFest #indiegames #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Defy the Heavens: SoulQuest Debuts Its “God Boss” in New Steam Next Fest Demo

    Defy the Heavens: SoulQuest Debuts Its “God Boss” in New Steam Next Fest Demo

    Defy the Heavens: SoulQuest Debuts Its “God Boss” in New Steam Next Fest Demo

    The heavens are about to get a lot more crowded—and a lot more chaotic. If you’ve been tracking SoulQuest, the high-octane 2D hack-and-slash from SoulBlade Studio, it’s time to sharpen your blade. As part of the February 2026 Steam Next Fest, a brand-new demo has dropped, and it’s finally giving us a taste of what the game’s title truly promises: a chance to fight the gods.

    A Widow’s Wrath Against Celtic Myth

    SoulQuest follows the story of Alys, a knight whose world is shattered when her husband, Gwydre, is taken by the gods. Refusing to accept a “divine verdict,” Alys embarks on a relentless journey through a world steeped in Celtic mythology. Her goal? To tear her husband’s soul back from the hands of Morrigan, the Goddess of Death.

    While previous builds showcased the game’s fluid movement, this latest demo takes the stakes to a celestial level.

    What’s New in the Next Fest Demo?

    This isn’t just a rehash of old levels. SoulBlade Studio and publisher indie.io have packed this version with significant updates designed to test your mastery of their “stylish action” system:

    • The First God Boss Fight: For the first time, players can go toe-to-toe with a divine adversary. This encounter is designed to be the ultimate skill check, demanding precision parries and perfectly timed aerial combos.
    • A Brand-New Zone: Explore a lore-rich environment that takes place shortly after the game’s opening. It features new enemy types and tighter platforming challenges that bridge the gap between “traversal” and “combat.”
    • Stylish Combat Ranks: Taking a page from the Devil May Cry playbook, the demo introduces SS and SSS ranks. Chaining together diverse attacks, magic abilities, and ultimates is the only way to reach the top.
    • Dynamic Music: The soundtrack now reacts to the intensity of your performance, shifting as you transition from basic mobs to the epic boss encounter.

    Precision Platforming Meets 2D Mayhem

    What sets SoulQuest apart from your average Metroidvania is its focus on expressive combat. Alys isn’t just a tank in heavy armour; she’s incredibly mobile. The demo highlights her ability to use vertical surfaces for sliding and wall-jumping, which are just as vital for outmanoeuvring a god’s AOE attack as they are for finding hidden secrets in the environment.

    The pixel art is another standout. The “forgotten island” setting feels moody and oppressive, yet the combat animations are crisp and vibrant, making every slash of Alys’s sword feel impactful.

    How to Play

    The SoulQuest demo is live right now on Steam as part of Next Fest (running through March 2nd, 2026). With the full game slated for a Q2 2026 release on PC and Nintendo Switch, this is likely the most polished look we’ll get before launch.

    Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on the “Abanus Wardrobe” feature in the demo—it’s a great way to customise Alys’s appearance and pets while you’re busy defying the afterlife.

    Find out more here – https://soulbladestudio.com/

    #SoulQuest #Kickstarter #2Daction #hackandslash #SoulBladeStudio #demogame #SteamNextFest #IndieFanFest #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • The Last Flag capture-the-flag shooter out in April

    The Last Flag capture-the-flag shooter out in April

    It’s official: the “not too sweaty” shooter of your childhood dreams finally has a release date.

    Night Street Games announced today that Last Flag, their quirky 5v5 capture-the-flag (CTF) shooter, will officially launch on April 14, 2026.

    Founded by brothers Dan and Mac Reynolds (of Imagine Dragons fame), the studio is aiming to reclaim the magic of neighbourhood games played in the woods at night—minus the actual poison ivy and plus a whole lot of 1970s game show style.

    Why “Last Flag” is Turning Heads

    While the market is crowded with “hero shooters,” Last Flag pivots away from the typical “deathmatch-with-a-flag” formula. Instead, it focuses on the literal hide-and-seek mechanics that make the classic game fun.

    Key Features at Launch:

    • The “Hide” Phase: At the start of every match, one player hides the flag while the rest of the team prepares. You have 60 seconds to find the perfect sneaky spot.
    • 70s Retro Aesthetic: The game is framed as a high-stakes televised competition hosted by the mysterious Victor Fex, complete with disco-era vibes and original music recorded on vintage gear.
    • Strategic Radar Towers: Teams battle over three towers (A, B, and C). Capturing them doesn’t just grant territory; it slowly eliminates areas on your minimap, narrowing down exactly where the enemy hid their prize.
    • A Roster of “Contestants”: At launch, you’ll have a colourful cast of characters with distinct kits, like Alejandro and his Bunker Buster Bazooka or Camila’s Quantum Entanglement Ray.
    • Short, Punchy Matches: Designed to be played in under 20 minutes, making it the perfect “one more round” game.

    Where and When Can You Play?

    The game is hitting PC first, with console players having to wait just a little longer.

    PlatformRelease Date
    PC (Steam & Epic Games Store)April 14, 2026
    PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|SLate 2026

    Pro Tip: You don’t actually have to wait until April to try it. An Open Beta is running now through March 2 as part of Steam Next Fest. If you play now, you can earn exclusive “Lunar Gold” skins that carry over to the full launch.

    The Vision: “Fun First”

    CEO Mac Reynolds notes that the game was inspired by the brothers’ adventures growing up. The goal was to build a competitive game that rewards strategy and exploration as much as it does twitch-reflex aiming.

    With a modest one-time purchase price and a promise that future contestants and maps will be included for free, Last Flag is positioning itself as a breath of fresh air in an era of microtransaction-heavy live services.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://bit.ly/lastflagonsteam

    #NightStreetGames #lastflag #PCGamingShow #PCGamer #steamnextfest #steam #epicgames #capturetheflag #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #5v5 #shooter

  • Shipwrecked and Spellbound: The ‘Dark Cards of Candlewood’ Demo is Officially Here!

    Shipwrecked and Spellbound: The ‘Dark Cards of Candlewood’ Demo is Officially Here!

    The world of Candlewood is on the brink of an endless night, and unfortunately for you, your legendary deck just went down with the ship.

    If you’ve been craving a game that captures the “just one more turn” magic of modern roguelites but keeps the cosy, pixelated heart of a 90s JRPG, your wait is over. Developed by solo-dev Lunoland (Chris Smith) and published by Joystick Ventures, the demo for Dark Cards of Candlewood has officially landed on Steam, just in time for the 2026 Steam Next Fest.

    The Pitch: Loop Hero meets Final Fantasy VI

    Imagine waking up on a beach with nothing but a few basic cards and a town in shambles. That’s the setup. You aren’t just building a deck; you’re rebuilding a community. As you venture into randomised dungeons to reclaim your lost cards, you’ll recruit a party of misfits and funnel your spoils back into the town of Candlewood to unlock new perks and abilities.

    What Makes the Combat Different?

    The “deceptively simple” engine is what makes this game stand out. Most card games overwhelm you with a hand of ten cards and a dozen status effects. Dark Cards of Candlewood simplifies the moment-to-moment choice to a binary two-card system, but then adds layers of depth through:

    • Chain Attacks: Weave multiple cards together to create devastating combos.
    • Momentum & Timers: A speed-based system inspired by classic ATB (Active Time Battle) mechanics—faster characters act more often, and keeping your momentum high is key to survival.
    • Backpack Management: It’s not just about the cards; the items you draft into your limited inventory can be the difference between a successful run and another shipwreck.

    Inside the Demo

    Luno and the team haven’t held back for this preview. Here is what you can expect when you hit “Download” today:

    FeatureDetails
    ContentThe entire opening chapter of the story.
    Card PoolOver 150 unique cards to collect (of the 300+ planned for full release).
    Party MembersThe first 3 recruitable characters to test out synergies.
    Adventures4 distinct locations with increasing difficulty tiers.

    Pro-Tip: If you manage to beat the hardest adventure in the demo, head over to the official Discord—there’s a special role waiting for players who master the darkness early!

    No Microtransactions, Just Vibe

    In an era where digital card games are often synonymous with “booster pack subscriptions,” Dark Cards of Candlewood is taking a stand. Every card is earned through gameplay—drops, drafts, and crafting. It’s a pure, single-player experience designed by an indie developer who actually loves the genre.

    How to Play

    The demo is available right now on Steam. Whether you’re a veteran of Slay the Spire or someone who just misses the golden age of 16-bit adventures, Candlewood is worth the trip.

    Find out more here – https://www.joystickventures.com/

    #DarkCardsofCandlewood #roguelite #Lunoland #JoystickVentures #SteamNextFest #Luno #cardcollecting #JRPG #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #demogame #videogames

  • Gear Up: Phantom Squad Hits Steam Daily Deal with Massive Updates!

    Gear Up: Phantom Squad Hits Steam Daily Deal with Massive Updates!

    Calling all tactical operatives! Super Rare Originals and developer Ctrl Freak are absolutely thrilled to announce that their high-stakes tactical shooter, Phantom Squad, has officially landed a Steam Daily Deal.

    If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to assemble your team and dive into the breach, this is it. This deal marks the game’s lowest price ever, but like a flashbang in a dark room, it won’t last long!

    More Than Just a Discount: The Journey Since Launch

    Since its release in July 2025, Phantom Squad hasn’t just sat still. Ctrl Freak has been hard at work following their post-launch roadmap, turning the game into a definitive top-down tactical experience. Whether you’re a lone wolf or a team player, there is a mountain of new content to explore:

    • Three New Game Modes: * T-Hunt: Classic tactical combat with a twist—randomised enemy and door placements ensure no two runs on familiar maps feel the same.
      • Hostage Rescue: High-pressure extractions where precision is the difference between a hero and a headline.
      • Bomb Defusal: Race against the clock to secure sites and neutralise threats under extreme duress.
    • Online Public Matchmaking: No squad? No problem. The newly implemented matchmaking system lets you jump into games with others. Choose between “Tactical” or “Action” focused groups to find the playstyle that fits your vibe.
    • Difficulty for Everyone: * Rookie Mode: Perfect for solo players or those looking to master gadgets and maps in a more forgiving environment.
      • Hardcore Mode: For the elite. Expect lethal enemies, zero room for error, and a mandatory requirement for tight communication.

    Strategy Meets Chaos

    For those new to the field, Phantom Squad is a 1-4 player tactical shooter that pays homage to the greats. It blends the frenetic, split-second decision-making of Hotline Miami with the deep, methodical planning of SWAT 4.

    With the A.C.E. system, you can use interactive blueprints to mark paths, highlight blind spots, and coordinate breaches in real-time. It’s all about the plan—until the first shot is fired and you have to adapt on the fly.

    Deploy Now!

    The Steam Daily Deal is live right now. Head over to the Phantom Squad Steam Page to grab the game at its best price yet and see why critics have called it a “stiff challenge for tactic-heads in the best way.”

    Pro Tip: Check out the free demo if you want to run a training op before committing to the full mission!

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/b42sk

    #SuperRareOriginals #CtrlFreak #PhantomSquad #SteamDailyDeal #combat #tactics #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #demogames #videogames

  • Mission Briefing: Get Ready for Puzzle Spy International!

    Mission Briefing: Get Ready for Puzzle Spy International!

    Strap on your go-go boots and polish your magnifying glass—Travel-Friendly Cake is officially bringing the swingin’ ’60s back to your screen. Their highly anticipated indie title, Puzzle Spy International, is set to launch on March 30, 2026.

    If you’ve been craving a game that combines the wit of a Bond film with the brain-bending satisfaction of the Sunday crossword, your mission has arrived.

    A Retro-Cool Caper

    Developed by the Oakland-based husband-and-wife duo Michael and Talia Dashow, Puzzle Spy International isn’t just a game; it’s a vibe. You step into the stylish shoes of Agent Epsilon, tasked with tracking down a ring of diamond thieves across the globe.

    The game is a love letter to mid-century modern aesthetics. Expect:

    • Vibrant 1960s Art: Think bold colours, sharp silhouettes, and retro-future tech.
    • A Jazzy Soundtrack: Original spy-music scores that make every code-crack feel like a high-stakes heist.
    • Witty Banter: You aren’t just solving puzzles; you’re navigating conversations. Whether you’re interrogating suspects or engaging in a bit of “tactical flirting,” your choices shape the journey.

    Thinky Puzzles for Savvy Sleuths

    As the name of the studio suggests, this is “Travel-Friendly” entertainment—designed to be engaging whether you’re playing solo or collaborating with a partner on the couch. The developers were inspired by the social, variety-heavy challenges of Puzzled Pint and classic newspaper brainteasers.

    You won’t find generic “fetch quests” here. Instead, you’ll encounter:

    • Unique Logic Challenges: Every puzzle is a bespoke obstacle, from decoding cryptograms to discovering hidden rules.
    • No Frustration, All Fun: A robust hint system ensures that if you get stumped, you won’t stay stuck for long.
    • Collaborative Play: The team encourages players to grab a friend—different eyes see different clues, making it a perfect social experience.

    Join the Agency Early

    Can’t wait until March 30? You’re in luck. A standalone demo is currently live on Steam. It features a completely separate story and set of puzzles from the main game, making it the perfect “prelude” to whet your appetite without spoiling the main event.

    Puzzle Spy International was recently a finalist for Most Anticipated Game of 2026 at the Thinky Awards, and it’s easy to see why. It’s smart, it’s stylish, and it’s just the right amount of cheeky.

    Ready to accept the mission? Head over to the Steam page to play the demo and add it to your wishlist!

    Find out more here on Steam – http://s.team/a/3406690

    #TravelFriendlyCake #PuzzleSpyInternational #AgentEpsilon #spies #espionage #wordplay #logic #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #steam #demogames

  • The Quiet After the Storm: Introducing What Surrounds Us

    The Quiet After the Storm: Introducing What Surrounds Us

    In an industry often dominated by high-octane spectacle and relentless pacing, Florent “Salty” Martinais is inviting players to take a deep breath.

    After months of dedicated development, Salty is thrilled to finally pull back the curtain on his debut title: What Surrounds Us. This isn’t just a game; it’s an atmospheric journey into the delicate relationship between a protagonist and their environment.

    A Vision of Atmosphere

    For Salty, the path to release has been one of meticulous craft. Known in the community for his keen eye for detail and tonal consistency, he has built What Surrounds Us to be an experience that lingers long after the screen goes dark.

    “I wanted to create something that felt lived-in,” Salty says. “A world where the silence speaks as loudly as the dialogue.”

    What to Expect

    While many details remain for the player to discover, the core pillars of the experience are clear:

    • Environmental Storytelling: Every shadow and discarded object tells a piece of a larger, haunting puzzle.
    • A Distinct Aesthetic: A hand-crafted visual style that balances beauty with a sense of underlying tension.
    • Reflective Gameplay: Mechanically, the game rewards those who slow down and observe rather than those who rush to the finish line.

    The Road Ahead

    This announcement marks a major milestone for Martinais. Moving from concept to a tangible, playable reality is a gruelling process for any developer, but the passion behind What Surrounds Us is evident in every frame.

    The debut of this project signals the arrival of a new voice in the indie scene—one that isn’t afraid to let the player sit in stillness.

    FeatureHighlight
    DeveloperFlorent “Salty” Martinais
    GenreAtmospheric Adventure / Exploration
    FocusNarrative depth and environmental immersion
    StatusOfficially Announced

    Stay Tuned

    As development enters its next phase, expect more deep dives into the mechanics and the lore that defines this world. Salty is just getting started, and if What Surrounds Us is any indication, we’re in for something truly special.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/P0yMi

    #FlorentSaltyMartinais #WhatSurroundsUs #SteamNextFest #playabledemo #puzzles #adventure #floraandfauna #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #demogames

  • The Silence in the Cornfield: Why “They Are Here” is Every Ufologist’s Nightmare

    The Silence in the Cornfield: Why “They Are Here” is Every Ufologist’s Nightmare

    If you’ve ever looked up at a flickering light in the night sky and felt a sudden, inexplicable chill, They Are Here: Alien Abduction Horror is designed specifically to turn that chill into a full-blown panic attack. Developed by the husband-and-wife duo at DEKLAZON, this indie title has been simmering in the horror community for a few years, and with its full release slated for Q4 2026, the hype is reaching a fever pitch.

    Forget space marines and high-tech blasters. This is a game about the vulnerability of being human in the face of the truly “Other.”

    The Premise: A Journalist’s Worst Assignment

    You step into the boots of Taylor Fox, a journalist who arrives at Grayswood Farm to investigate reports of strange phenomena. The Sherman family has been seeing lights, their animals are losing their minds, and the children claim someone—or something—is watching them through the windows.

    What starts as a routine photo-report for a local paper quickly descends into a fight for survival. There is no combat here; you are armed only with:

    • A Flashlight: Your best friend and your worst enemy, cutting through the oppressive rural dark.
    • A Camera: To document the evidence… if you can stop your hands from shaking.
    • Your Instincts: Because when the blue light fills the room, running is usually the only option.

    Atmosphere Over Action

    The most striking thing about They Are Here is its DNA. DEKLAZON has cited classics like Signs, The X-Files, and Dark Skies as primary inspirations. You can feel it in the gameplay:

    1. The “Slow Burn” Terror: The game doesn’t rely on constant jump scares. Instead, it builds a thick, suffocating atmosphere of paranoia.
    2. Classic Grey Design: There is something deeply unsettling about the “Greys” in this game. They are lanky, bug-eyed, and move with a predatory stillness that makes your skin crawl.
    3. The Soundscape: The crackle of a walkie-talkie and the rustle of cornstalks are used to perfection, making you dread every sound that isn’t your own breathing.

    “I love alien stuff, and I cannot wait for more of this game. The sounds the aliens make are legitimately terrifying.” — Early Demo Player

    What to Expect in the Full Release

    While the Prologue (available on Steam) gave us a glimpse of a military encounter years prior to the main story, the full 2026 release promises to expand the scope significantly:

    • Multiple Locations: Move beyond the farmhouse to explore a mysterious military base and the surrounding woods.
    • Investigation Mechanics: Digging through notes, audio tapes, and VHS recordings to piece together a conspiracy that goes deeper than a simple abduction.
    • Platform Reach: Originally a PC-focused project, the game is now coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S via publisher PQube.

    Final Thoughts

    In a horror landscape often dominated by ghosts and slashers, They Are Here feels like a refreshing return to “cosmic” dread. It taps into that primal fear of being watched by something that doesn’t follow our rules. If you’re a fan of 90s sci-fi horror or just want a reason to never visit a farm again, this is one to keep on your radar for 2026.

    The truth isn’t just out there—it’s in the cornfield.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://bit.ly/3OQbgxU

    #DEKLAZON #TheyAreHere #aliens #ufo #scifi #horror #investigative #farm #classicscifi #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #abducted #closeencounters

  • The time-bending underwater adventure Echoes of Mora will launch on April 29th

    The time-bending underwater adventure Echoes of Mora will launch on April 29th

    The 2026 Convergence Games Showcase just gave us a deep dive into one of the most atmospheric indie titles on the horizon: Echoes of Mora. Developed by the Berlin-based all-female team at Selkies Interactive, this title is being described as the “emotional lovechild of Subnautica and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture.”

    If you missed the stream, here is the breakdown of the story and world revealed during the showcase.

    The Premise: A Village Lost to the Waves

    The story of Echoes of Mora centres on a tragedy already in motion. You play as an investigator diving into the depths of a mysterious lake that has swallowed a once-vibrant village. Your primary goal is to assist a young girl named Mora, whose brother disappeared near a “cursed violet lake” just before the waters rose.

    Key Story Elements Revealed:

    • The Sibling Bond: The emotional core of the game is Mora’s desperate quest to find her brother. You aren’t just a silent observer; you are her partner across time.
    • The Rising Tide: As the lake’s water level rises, the village is slowly obliterated. The showcase revealed that your actions might actually hold the key to averting the flood entirely.
    • The Echoes: These are time portals that allow you to witness the village before the tragedy. You’ll overhear villagers’ conversations, find hidden objects, and gather the clues necessary to understand what happened to the missing boy.

    Mechanics: Ripples Through Time

    The showcase emphasised that Echoes of Mora isn’t a “survival” game in the traditional sense—there are no oxygen meters to stress over. Instead, the focus is on narrative investigation.

    FeatureDescription
    Time-BendingUse “Echoes” to jump between the sunken present and the vibrant past.
    Shaping FateShare clues with Mora in the past to influence her decisions and the village’s future.
    VR ImmersionFeatures a natural, arm-based swimming mechanic (though it is fully playable on flatscreen too).
    Environmental PuzzlesSolve mysteries by interacting with the architecture of the village in both time periods.

    Why It’s Buzzing

    The trailer highlighted a “dreamy, simulated realism” style that contrasts the eerie, murky depths of the sunken ruins with the warm, sun-drenched beauty of the village’s past. By bridging these two eras, the game creates a haunting sense of nostalgia and urgency.

    “Every interaction in the past ripples forward. You aren’t just uncovering the truth; you’re deciding the ultimate fate of the village.” — Convergence Showcase Narrative Highlight

    Release Info

    Mark your calendars: Echoes of Mora is officially launching on April 29, 2026.

    It will be available on PC and PC-VR (supporting Meta Quest and SteamVR). If you can’t wait until April, a playable demo is currently available on Steam, covering about one-third of the game’s world, including the forest and Mora’s house.

    Find out more here – https://www.selkiesinteractive.com/

    #SelkiesInteractive #underwateradventure #EchoesofMora #ConvergenceShowcase #playabledemo #Steam #PC #PCVR #SteamNextFest #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #VRGames #videogames

  • The Pendulum Swings Back: The Occultist Refines Its Terror for Steam Next Fest 2026

    The Pendulum Swings Back: The Occultist Refines Its Terror for Steam Next Fest 2026

    If you’re a fan of psychological horror that prioritises atmosphere over cheap jump scares, your February plans just got a lot more interesting. The Occultist, the highly anticipated first-person narrative thriller from DALOAR and Daedalic Entertainment, has returned to Steam Next Fest with a “refined and polished” demo that proves why it’s one of the most-watched horror titles of 2026.

    After making waves during the Steam Detective Fest earlier this year, the developers haven’t just rested on their laurels. This updated slice of the game reflects weeks of optimisation and fine-tuning, offering a smoother, even more unsettling look at the opening chapter of Alan Rebels’ journey.

    Who is Alan Rebels?

    In The Occultist, you don’t play a warrior or a typical survivalist. You play as Alan Rebels, a paranormal investigator with a unique, sombre calling: helping restless spirits cross over to the “other side.”

    His latest case is personal. It leads him to Godstone, a desolate British island abandoned since 1950. Once home to a macabre cult, Godstone is now a place where the air feels heavy with the weight of unburied secrets—and it’s where Alan’s father was last seen.

    Key Features: What’s New in the Refined Demo?

    The refined demo isn’t just a re-upload; it’s a focused showcase of the game’s core mechanics in their most polished state yet.

    • The Mystic Pendulum: This isn’t just a prop. The pendulum features five unique mechanics that allow Alan to interact with and modify the environment. Whether you’re revealing hidden symbols or uncovering blood-stained traces of the past, the pendulum is your lifeline.
    • A “Living” Environment: The developers released a new Dev Diary alongside the demo, detailing how they designed Godstone to feel “observant” and “hostile.” It’s a masterclass in environmental storytelling where every creaking floorboard suggests you aren’t as alone as you think.
    • Stealth over Combat: True to the “Occultist” identity, Alan avoids direct confrontation. The demo highlights the game’s stealth mechanics, emphasising vulnerability and the tension of slipping past entities that simply cannot be fought.
    • Unreal Engine 5 Visuals: The leap in fidelity is noticeable. The fog-drenched streets of Godstone and the hauntingly detailed interiors benefit from the latest optimisations, making this one of the most visually striking indie horror titles of the year.

    Why You Should Play It This Week

    Steam Next Fest (running from February 23 to March 2, 2026) is the perfect time to see if you have the stomach for Godstone’s mysteries. With the full game slated for a Q2 2026 release, this is likely the last major update we’ll see before the final launch.

    “What begins as a careful investigation gradually escalates into psychological horror, where silence and the fear of being watched become as threatening as any supernatural entity.” — Daedalic Entertainment

    Ready to step into the fog? You can download the refined demo of The Occultist right now on its Steam Store Page.

    Find out more here – https://theoccultist.com

    #DaedalicEntertainment #horror #DALOAR #TheOccultist #SteamNextFest #demogame #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #steam #gameplay

  • The Workshop is Open Once Again: Bendy and the Ink Machine Enhanced Physical Edition Hits Nintendo Switch!

    The Workshop is Open Once Again: Bendy and the Ink Machine Enhanced Physical Edition Hits Nintendo Switch!

    The ink is flowing, the gears are turning, and the nightmare you thought you escaped is back for another round. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to return to the eerie, sepia-toned halls of Joey Drew Studios, the wait is officially over. Bendy and the Ink Machine is back with a brand-new Enhanced Physical Edition for the Nintendo Switch, and it’s a must-have for horror fans and collectors alike.

    Whether you’re a seasoned survivor of the Ink Demon or a curious newcomer ready to “believe,” this physical release brings more than just a cartridge—it brings a piece of indie horror history to your shelf.

    What’s New in the Enhanced Edition?

    This isn’t just a simple re-release. Joey Drew Studios and Silver Lining Interactive have teamed up to give this cult classic a significant facelift for 2026. This version is designed to leverage the Switch’s hardware for the most immersive experience yet.

    • Remastered Visuals: Experience the studio with improved graphics that make the ink look thicker and the shadows even more menacing.
    • Technical Optimisations: Say goodbye to stutter. This edition features performance tweaks for smoother gameplay in both handheld and docked modes.
    • The Complete Story: All five terrifying chapters are included on a single cartridge, from Henry’s first arrival in Moving Pictures to the pulse-pounding finale of The Last Reel.
    • Bonus Goodies: Physical copies (specifically through Silver Lining Direct) often include an exclusive collector’s pin and a digital download code for the official soundtrack, so you can take the haunting tunes of the Music Department with you anywhere.

    Why Physical?

    In an age of digital libraries, there is something uniquely satisfying about owning a physical copy of a game that defined a genre. For Bendy, the tactile nature of a physical box art fits the “vintage” aesthetic perfectly. Plus, with the recent news of the Bendy Double Pack (including The Dark Revival) coming later this May, starting your physical collection now is the best way to prepare for the full ink-drenched lineup.

    “Dreams come true, Henry. Dreams come true.” — Joey Drew

    Grab Your Axe

    The physical edition of Bendy and the Ink Machine is available now at major retailers like Argos and GameStop, as well as the Silver Lining Direct store.

    Don’t let the Ink Demon catch you empty-handed. It’s time to head back to where it all began, solve the puzzles, and uncover the dark secrets of the studio one more time. Just remember: Beware the Ink Demon.

    Find out more here – https://direct.silverliningint.com/search?q=ink+machine&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

    #SilverLiningInteractive #JoeyDrewStudios #BendyandtheInkMachine #physicaledition #NintendoSwitch #gamestop #argos #puzzles #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Get Into the Groove: GRIDbeat! Hackers its Way to Switch and Steam This March

    Get Into the Groove: GRIDbeat! Hackers its Way to Switch and Steam This March

    Ready to turn your hacking skills into a headline act? Acclaim and Ridiculous Games have officially announced that their neon-soaked rhythm dungeon crawler, GRIDbeat!, will be dropping on Nintendo Switch and Steam on March 26, 2026.

    Announced during The Mix: Indie Fan Fest, this isn’t your typical stroll through a digital mainframe. In GRIDbeat!, the music isn’t just a background track—it’s your heartbeat, your tactical advantage, and your only way out of the most fortified network on the planet.

    The Premise: Sync or Get Deleted

    You play as a high-stakes hacker who has just successfully breached Knoss.OS, a legendary corporate network. You’ve got the data, but the exit door has slammed shut. Now, you’re trapped in a sprawling digital labyrinth known as the Mainframe.

    To escape, you’ll need to outmanoeuvre security protocols, battle military-grade AI simulations, and avoid viral code—all while moving in perfect synchronisation with an electrifying soundtrack.

    Key Features to Watch For:

    • Beat-Based Dungeon Crawling: Every step, attack, and interaction is tied to the rhythm. If you miss a beat, you risk a total system shutdown.
    • Tactical Maze Exploration: Navigate data labyrinths filled with “Server Formats”—deadly hazards that can wipe a level clean if you aren’t careful.
    • Evolving Software Tools: Install powerful software upgrades and power-ups to unlock secrets and bypass system threats.
    • Cyber.Mind Boss Battles: Face off against massive AI gatekeepers in high-intensity rhythm showdowns that serve as the ultimate test of your timing.

    Can’t Wait Until March?

    If the wait until March 26 feels like an eternity, there’s good news. A free demo is currently available on Steam!

    The demo offers a substantial look at the game, featuring:

    • 9 Selectable Hackers to suit different playstyles.
    • 13 Stages, including Training Sims, Campaign levels, and even unlockable Challenge stages.
    • 3 Difficulty Modes to ensure that rhythm novices and beat-masters alike can find their flow.

    “GRIDbeat! is built around rhythm as a core mechanic. Every movement, every pulse, every enemy encounter is powered by an electric soundtrack.” — Jaime Bencia, Senior Producer at Ridiculous Games

    Mark Your Calendars

    Prepare to jack into the grid and let the music guide your escape. Whether you’re a fan of Crypt of the NecroDancer or you just love a good synth-wave aesthetic, GRIDbeat! is looking like a must-play for the Spring season.

    GRIDbeat! launches digitally on March 26, 2026, for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://bit.ly/GRIDbeatYT

    #Acclaim #RidiculousGames #GRIDbeat #NintendoSwitch #Steam #hacker #KnossOS #music #demogame #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #gameplay