TECHMASH

Tag: #indiedev

  • 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

  • Drive to Survive: AWAY Creators Reveal ‘Venus: The Last Ascent’ with a Playable Steam Demo

    Drive to Survive: AWAY Creators Reveal ‘Venus: The Last Ascent’ with a Playable Steam Demo

    Remember AWAY: The Survival Series, the gorgeous game that let you glide through a living, breathing nature documentary as a tiny sugar glider? Well, the developers at Breaking Walls are back, and they are trading the lush earthly canopy for the crushing, toxic atmosphere of our closest planetary neighbour.

    The studio has officially announced its next big project: Venus: The Last Ascent.

    If you love hard sci-fi, high-stakes engineering, and the constant threat of atmospheric implosion, this is one to put on your radar immediately. Best of all? You don’t have to wait to try it.

    Your Base is Your Ride

    Venus: The Last Ascent turns the traditional survival-crafting genre on its head with a killer hook: your base is also your vehicle. Instead of building a stationary cabin and wandering away to gather wood, you are piloting a massive, customizable mobile rig across the brutal, unforgiving Venusian landscape. To survive, you’ll need to master realistic, physics-based driving mechanics while managing your rolling fortress.

    Here is what we know so far about the gameplay loop:

    • Physics-Based Hazards: Venus isn’t just hot; it’s a crushing pressure cooker. Navigating treacherous terrain while managing the weight and momentum of your mobile base is a core challenge.
    • Upgrades on the Move: You’ll need to scavenge for resources to reinforce your hull, upgrade your life support, and modify your vehicle to climb higher and escape the planet’s deadly surface.
    • The Ultimate Ascent: The goal is right there in the title. You are fighting against time and gravity to climb out of the Venusian hellscape.

    It sounds like a brilliant mix of Subnautica’s tense atmospheric survival and Pacific Drive’s intimate vehicle-management mechanics.

    Play the Demo Right Now!

    Breaking Walls isn’t making us wait for a distant release date to see how this feels in action. Ahead of the game’s official showcase at Steam Next Fest (which kicks off on June 15, 2026), the studio has dropped a playable demo on Steam today.

    If you want to get an early taste of the physics, the sci-fi atmosphere, and the anxiety of keeping a giant metal box running in a toxic wasteland, head over to Steam and download it now.

    TechMash Verdict: Breaking Walls proved they can nail atmosphere and immersive perspective with AWAY. Moving into physics-based sci-fi survival feels like an ambitious, exciting leap forward. Don’t sleep on this demo!

    Source – https://s.team/a/2640150

    #SciFiGaming #SteamNextFest #IndieDev #SurvivalGames #VenusTheLastAscent

  • Fists, Sci-Fi, and Fighting Spirit: Play the ‘A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara’ Steam Prototype & Back the Kickstarter Today!

    Fists, Sci-Fi, and Fighting Spirit: Play the ‘A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara’ Steam Prototype & Back the Kickstarter Today!

    Indie fighting game fans, wake up. If you’ve been craving a fresh, mechanically deep, and narratively rich experience to test your combos on, BadRez Games just dropped a massive double-whammy of news.

    The independent studio has officially announced that their highly anticipated title, A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara, is playable for the very first time. You can jump into the action right now via a freshly launched Steam prototype, and simultaneously help bring the full vision to life by backing their newly launched Kickstarter campaign.

    Here is everything you need to know about this cosmic brawler and how you can get your hands on it today.

    What is A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara?

    Developed by the passionate team at BadRez Games, A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara is a love letter to classic fighting games, infused with a distinct sci-fi aesthetic, compelling character lore, and modern gameplay fluidities.

    The game promises to deliver:

    • Deep Tactical Combat: Whether you are a casual button-masher or a frame-data fanatic, the mechanics are being built to offer high skill ceilings while remaining accessible.
    • Rich World-Building: Step into a universe where cosmic forces, unique alien biomes, and fierce warriors collide.
    • A Distinct Indie Flavour: BadRez Games is pouring pure, unfiltered creativity into this project, free from corporate constraints—and it shows in the gritty, stylistic art direction.

    Play It Right Now on Steam!

    Too often, we see cool indie games tucked away behind closed doors for years. BadRez Games is doing things differently. They want the community involved from the ground floor.

    By dropping a playable prototype on Steam, they are giving players a literal taste of the combat engine, character movement, and art style.

    Why you should play it: This isn’t just a teaser trailer; it’s a living, breathing proof-of-concept. The studio is actively looking for community feedback to refine the balancing, controls, and feel before the final release. Your feedback could literally shape the future of the game.

    Fuel the Nova: The Kickstarter is LIVE

    Developing an ambitious indie fighting game takes a lot of resources, which is why BadRez Games has officially launched their Kickstarter campaign alongside the Steam prototype.

    This is your chance to support independent game development and secure some awesome, exclusive rewards. Depending on your pledge tier, backers can look forward to:

    • Digital copies of the game upon release.
    • Exclusive in-game cosmetics and digital artbooks.
    • A chance to get your name in the credits.
    • Alpha/Beta access to future builds of the game.

    If you play the Steam prototype and love what BadRez Games is cooking, heading over to their Kickstarter page to drop a pledge (or even just sharing the link) is the best way to ensure A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara reaches its ultimate form.

    How to Get Involved

    Ready to throw hands in the cosmos? Here is your action plan:

    1. Download the Prototype: Search for A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara on Steam and download the demo today.
    2. Join the Discussion: Leave your feedback on the Steam community hubs and social media.
    3. Back the Project: Head over to Kickstarter to check out their funding goals and stretch rewards.

    Stay tuned to TechMash.co.uk for more updates, character breakdowns, and exclusive interviews as A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara continues its development journey!

    Source – https://s.team/a/4198610

    #AFightersNova #BadRezGames #IndieDev #FightingGames #Kickstarter

  • Street Justice Just Got Upgraded: The Takeover 2 Demo is Out Now!

    Street Justice Just Got Upgraded: The Takeover 2 Demo is Out Now!

    Dust off your knuckles and stretch those combo fingers, because the streets are calling.

    Pelikan 13 has officially dropped an upgraded demo for its highly anticipated, intense sideways-scrolling beat ’em up, Takeover 2. If you’ve been itching for some classic, adrenaline-fueled arcade action, today is your lucky day.

    The full game is locked, loaded, and set to smash its way onto Steam on 10 September 2026. But why wait until September to start cracking skulls? The new demo is live right now, and it’s packing a serious punch.

    What’s New in the Upgraded Demo?

    This isn’t just a minor patch; it’s a statement of intent. Pelikan 13 has fine-tuned the mechanics to ensure the combat feels heavier, faster, and more rewarding than ever.

    Here is what you can expect when you boot it up today:

    • Hit Harder, Combo Longer: The combat system has been refined to allow for smoother, more devastating combos. Juggle enemies, chain your specials, and watch the hit counter soar.
    • Weaponise Everything: The environment is your ultimate ally. In Takeover 2, if you can pick it up, you can smash someone with it. We’re talking buckets, traffic cones, stray tyres—whatever is lying around can and will give you that lethal edge.
    • Classic Vibes, Modern Polish: It’s a gorgeous love letter to the golden era of 90s beat ’em ups, but with the fluid 60fps presentation and responsive controls modern gamers demand.

    The Verdict: If you love the thrill of clearing out a street filled with punks, Takeover 2 is shaping up to be your next obsession. The upgraded demo proves that Pelikan 13 knows exactly what makes this genre great: impact, style, and absolute chaos.

    How to Play

    Head over to Steam right now to download the upgraded demo for free. Play through the updated build, master the environment, and get your skills sharp before the full retail release drops on 10 September 2026.

    Are you ready to take back the streets? Let us know your highest combo count in the comments below!

    Source – https://s.team/a/4423270

    #BeatEmUp #Takeover2 #Pelikan13 #SteamGames #IndieDev

  • Unreal Nightmare: Lucid Falls Drops Jaw-Dropping Second Trailer at The MIX Summer Showcase

    Unreal Nightmare: Lucid Falls Drops Jaw-Dropping Second Trailer at The MIX Summer Showcase

    Horror fans, brace yourselves. If you thought your dream journal was weird, Eldamar Studio is about to show you what a true nightmare looks like.

    Today, during The MIX Summer Showcase, the developers officially unleashed the second trailer for their highly anticipated atmospheric horror adventure, Lucid Falls. And if the initial internet chatter is anything to go by, we are in for a visually stunning, utterly terrifying ride.

    Unreal Engine Visuals That Defy Reality

    We first caught a glimpse of Lucid Falls late last year during its debut at the Day of the Devs Game Awards showcase. That initial teaser left everyone floors with its photorealistic, deeply unsettling art direction.

    Today’s brand-new trailer doubles down on those jaw-dropping Unreal Engine visuals. Eldamar Studio is clearly leveraging the engine’s power to create a psychological horror landscape that feels painfully real. The lighting, the shifting shadows, and the grotesque, reality-bending environments look incredibly crisp, delivering a sense of dread that jumps right off the screen.

    What is Lucid Falls? Trapped inside a vivid, lucid dream, players must fight to survive in a surreal world. The game tasks you with navigating impossible spaces, battling horrifying creatures, and solving reality-bending puzzles by literally shifting gravity, space, and time.

    A New Level of Atmospheric Dread

    While the first teaser gave us a taste of the game’s tone, this second trailer gives us a much better look at how Lucid Falls plays with the player’s perception. Gravity flips seamlessly, corridors stretch into infinity, and the creatures lurking in the dark look as if they crawled straight out of a collective night terror.

    Eldamar Studio has made it clear that this isn’t just about jump scares; it’s about the mood. The way the environment moves, reacts, and breathes around the player is central to the experience.

    Check out the breakdown of what to expect:

    • Gravity Manipulation: Change the laws of physics to explore impossible geometry and solve mind-bending puzzles.
    • Visceral Combat: Face off against grotesque, nightmare-born entities.
    • Atmospheric Storytelling: A deeply cinematic narrative where every corner of the dream holds a dark truth.

    There is no definitive release date locked in just yet, but Lucid Falls is currently targeting a PC release. If today’s trailer at The MIX is any indication, this is absolutely one indie horror title you need to keep on your radar.

    Stay tuned to TechMash for more updates from The MIX Summer Showcase and all things indie gaming!

    Source – https://s.team/a/4026510

    #LucidFalls #HorrorGames #IndieDev #UnrealEngine #TheMIX

  • From Holy Water to Toxic Wastelands: Forgive Me Father Devs Reveal New FPS ‘DIOXIDE’

    From Holy Water to Toxic Wastelands: Forgive Me Father Devs Reveal New FPS ‘DIOXIDE’

    Retro shooter fans, breathe it in. Byte Barrel, the brilliant minds behind the critically acclaimed, comic-book-inspired Forgive Me Father series, have just pulled back the curtain on their next project—and it looks wonderfully toxic.

    Revealed during the MIX Summer Showcase, the studio’s brand-new first-person shooter is officially titled DIOXIDE.

    If you’ve played Forgive Me Father, you already know Byte Barrel has a knack for tight gunplay, striking art styles, and an atmosphere you could cut with a knife. While they are trading the Lovecraftian madness and holy water for what promises to be a gritty, high-octane sci-fi thrill ride, their signature adrenaline-fueled DNA is front and centre.

    What We Know So Far

    Details are still emerging from the wasteland, but here is what has the community buzzing:

    • A New Playground: Moving away from gothic horror, DIOXIDE plunges players into a dystopian, atmospheric world where survival means shooting first and asking questions never.
    • The Byte Barrel Pedigree: Expect the same fluid movement, devastating weaponry, and satisfying combat loops that made their previous titles indie hits.
    • Built for PC: The game is being built from the ground up to take full advantage of PC hardware, ensuring fast reflexes are met with buttery-smooth performance.

    “The team at Byte Barrel is thrilled to finally share what we’ve been cooking up. DIOXIDE is a bold new step for us, and we can’t wait for players to see more.”

    Wishlist It Now on Steam!

    While DIOXIDE is currently deep in development, you don’t have to wait to show your support. The game’s official page is live right now.

    Head over to Steam today to add DIOXIDE to your wishlist, stay up to date on development logs, and be the first to know when the playtests drop. Trust us, this is one countdown you won’t want to miss.

    Source – https://s.team/a/4540840

    #DioxideGame #ByteBarrel #IndieDev #FPS #SteamWishlist

  • Anima: Song from the Abyss Locks In 2027 Release Window For Consoles, And PC

    Anima: Song from the Abyss Locks In 2027 Release Window For Consoles, And PC

    Great news for fans of deep, narrative-driven dark fantasy. Indie developer Anima Project has officially broken its silence, confirming that its highly anticipated action RPG, Anima: Song from the Abyss, is scheduled to launch in 2027.

    The studio has locked down a current-gen release, revealing that the game will land on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

    Diving Deep Into The Abyss

    Set within the acclaimed universe of the Anima: Beyond Fantasy tabletop RPG books, Song from the Abyss promises a gripping blend of traditional pen-and-paper depth mixed with fluid, high-octane hack-and-slash action.

    The story kicks off with pure chaos: an imperial zeppelin plunges into catastrophe when its crew mysteriously vanishes. Players will step into the shoes of Soren, the lone surviving knight left guarding a powerful, ancient relic. In a desperate bid to save the airship, Soren inadvertently frees a legendary entity named Noein trapped within the artifact.

    Following a spectacular crash into the depths of a strange realm known as the Abyss, Soren and Noein must strike an unlikely alliance to uncover the truth behind an enigmatic song that brought down a forgotten civilisation.

    Key Features to Look Forward To:

    • Dual Protagonist System: Seamlessly control and swap between two unique characters with distinct gameplay styles and abilities.
    • Fast-Paced Combat: Fluid real-time combat that draws inspiration from action heavyweights, blending magic, blade-work, and deep RPG customisation.
    • An Interconnected World: A handcrafted, non-linear environment packed with secrets, puzzles, and massive boss encounters ranging from colossal wyrms to legendary monsters.

    Notably, while the game was originally conceptualised with previous-gen consoles in mind during its initial announcement years ago, Anima Project has streamlined its focus exclusively to current-gen hardware and PC to ensure the vision for this sprawling dark fantasy adventure is fully realised.

    Keep your eyes peeled to TechMash for more updates as we edge closer to the 2027 release window!

    Source – https://s.team/a/2287370

    #AnimaSongFromTheAbyss #IndieDev #ActionRPG #GamingNews #Airship

  • Forge Your Destiny: Terahard Studios Reveals ‘Runesmith’ – The Ultimate Dwarven Tactical RPG

    Forge Your Destiny: Terahard Studios Reveals ‘Runesmith’ – The Ultimate Dwarven Tactical RPG

    Grab your hammer, count your gold, and pour a massive pint of ale—there’s serious work to be done.

    The team over at Terahard Studios has just officially announced their latest project, and it sounds like an absolute dream for fans of gritty, strategic fantasy. Enter Runesmith, a turn-based tactical RPG that proves a dwarf’s work is never truly done, especially when there are monsters to smash and magical elements to manipulate.

    Here is a breakdown of what we know so far about this incredibly promising indie title.

    1. Master the Forge: Deep Rune-Crafting

    At the heart of Runesmith is, unsurprisingly, the art of the forge. This isn’t just a basic menu-driven crafting system; players will actively forge custom runes to slot into their weapons and armour. These runes dictate your abilities, stats, and how you interact with the environment. If you’ve ever wanted to engineer the perfect warhammer that shatters armour while freezing enemies solid, Runesmith is going to be your new obsession.

    2. Tactical Tavern Brawls

    What is a proper dwarven game without a little rowdiness? While the main quest will undoubtedly feature epic landscapes and dangerous dungeons, Terahard Studios is leaning heavily into dwarven culture. Expect tavern brawls to serve as a core gameplay pillar—ranging from localised pub skirmishes to high-stakes tactical combat where the environment (and a stray stool) can be used to your advantage.

    3. Catastrophic Status Effects

    If you love games like Divinity: Original Sin, where the battlefield becomes a chaotic playground of elemental reactions, you’re in for a treat. Runesmith promises “catastrophic status-effect combinations.” Melting armour with acid, electrifying puddles of spilt ale, and creating chain-reaction explosions using your forged runes are all part of a standard workday.

    “We wanted to capture the true essence of dwarven grit—the meticulousness of crafting paired with the absolute chaos of a bar fight. Runesmith is all about giving players the tools to break the battlefield in creative, explosive ways.” – Terahard Studios

    The TechMash Verdict

    Terahard Studios has a track record of injecting unique flavours into their games, and Runesmith looks to be their most ambitious title yet. By blending deep tactical positioning with volatile magic mechanics and a heavy dose of dwarven charm, this is definitely one RPG to keep firmly on your radar.

    We’ll be keeping a close eye on release dates, platforms, and early gameplay trailers as they drop. Until then, keep your anvils hot!

    Source – https://s.team/a/3716320

    #GamingNews #Runesmith #TerahardStudios #TacticalRPG #IndieDev

  • Corporate Lies, Cybernetic Nightmares: Synchro is the Next Tactical Horror RPG You Need to Watch

    Corporate Lies, Cybernetic Nightmares: Synchro is the Next Tactical Horror RPG You Need to Watch

    The tactical RPG genre is about to get a whole lot darker.

    Publisher Crytivo and developer Komisoft have officially pulled back the curtain on Synchro, an upcoming tactical horror RPG that sounds like a delicious, terrifying blend of XCOM-style squad management and pure, unadulterated cosmic body horror. If you’ve ever thought, “I love turn-based strategy, but it really needs more corporate conspiracies and skin-crawling mutations,” then this one is squarely for you.

    Welcome to a Dystopia Built on Deception

    In Synchro, you aren’t just fighting a war; you’re fighting a massive, systemic lie. Players will take the reins of a gritty resistance squad navigating a bleak, dystopian world where the ruling elite hold all the cards.

    But the regime’s darkest secret isn’t just surveillance or wealth inequality. It’s worse. Much worse.

    As your squad digs deeper into the shadows, you uncover a horrific corporate conspiracy: the monolithic forces in charge are actively experimenting on the populace, transforming ordinary citizens into grotesque, nightmarish monsters.

    Tactical Combat Meets Pure Terror

    While full gameplay loops are still being kept under wraps, the pairing of Crytivo’s publishing track record with Komisoft’s development vision promises a tense, high-stakes experience. Expect:

    • Perilous Squad Tactics: Every move matters when you’re outgunned by corporate enforcers and outmatched by biological monstrosities.
    • Atmospheric Horror: This isn’t your vibrant, neon-soaked cyberpunk dystopia. Synchro leans heavily into a bleak, oppressive atmosphere where danger lurks in every unlit corridor.
    • Deep Narrative Intrigue: Unravelling the thread of why and how these transformations are happening looks to be a core driving force of the campaign.

    The Verdict: Keep This on Your Radar

    Crytivo has a knack for backing projects with unique hooks, and Synchro feels like a bold step into much darker territory. By marrying the cerebral satisfaction of a tactical RPG with the psychological dread of survival horror, Komisoft might just be brewing a sleeper hit for sci-fi and strategy fans alike.

    We’ll be keeping a close eye on trailers, release dates, and alpha footage as they drop. Stay tuned to TechMash for more updates on this corporate nightmare.

    Source – https://s.team/a/2814880

    #GamingNews #Synchro #TacticalRPG #HorrorGames #IndieDev

  • Lost on the Loop: ‘Anomaly Road’ Brings Driving Horror to Steam

    Lost on the Loop: ‘Anomaly Road’ Brings Driving Horror to Steam

    Indie horror fans, it is time to plan your next terrifying road trip. If you’ve spent the last year obsessed with spot-the-difference psychological thrillers like The Exit 8, there is a brand-new nightmare tracking your every move.

    As of May 23, the official Steam Store Page for Anomaly Road is officially live, and it’s preparing to take us on a deeply unsettling drive through the isolated mountains of Japan.

    Don’t Look Back: What is Anomaly Road?

    Developed by Liner Studio, Anomaly Road takes the incredibly popular “anomaly-hunting loop” genre and puts you behind the wheel.

    The premise is deceptively simple: you are driving deep in the mountains when you suddenly realise you are completely lost. As you round a dark, tight corner with a sinking feeling in your stomach, you find yourself trapped on a looping road.

    The Rules of the Road

    To escape, you can’t just floor the accelerator. You have to survive the chaos of bizarre, looping phenomena by observing your surroundings with absolute precision. The game challenges you with:

    • Unusual oncoming traffic: Cars that just aren’t right.
    • Infinite tunnels: Roads that seem to stretch into absolute nothingness.
    • Unexplainable roadblocks: From random roadside bananas to sudden, aggressive supernatural creatures.
    • The psychological toll: A mix of genuine tension and bizarre occurrences that are so surreal, you might laugh—right before you scream.

    If you spot something wrong, you’ll need to react immediately. One wrong turn or missed anomaly, and the loop resets.

    Why the Anomaly Genre is Driving Us Crazy

    Ever since The Exit 8 popularised the “spot the anomaly or turn back” mechanic, indie developers have been finding brilliant ways to reinvent the formula. Moving the setting from a liminal underground subway station to an oppressive, pitch-black Japanese mountain pass is a stroke of genius.

    Driving naturally limits your vision and forces a forward momentum, making the sudden appearance of a glitching creature or an endless tunnel feel infinitely more claustrophobic.

    TechMash Verdict: If you love psychological tension, driving simulators, and games that reward a sharp eye, Anomaly Road is absolutely one to watch.

    Wishlist It Now

    While the game is listed as “Coming Soon,” the arrival of the Steam page means we won’t have to wait too long to test our observational skills on the asphalt. Head over to Steam, check out the eerie teaser trailer, and get Anomaly Road added to your wishlist today.

    Have you got what it takes to spot the anomalies, or will you be stuck on the mountain forever? Let us know in the comments below!

    Source – https://s.team/a/4631310

    #HorrorGames #IndieDev #AnomalyRoad #SteamGames #GamingNews

  • Return to the Woods: The Updated Pumpkin Woods Demo Drops Just in Time for Magic and Mischief!

    Return to the Woods: The Updated Pumpkin Woods Demo Drops Just in Time for Magic and Mischief!

    Dust off your broomsticks and polish your cauldrons, cosy gamers! Today, indie developer Enchanted Pumpkin Co. officially announced the return of the updated Pumpkin Woods playable demo.

    Whether you’re a practising witch or just love the vibe of a crisp autumn evening, there is no better day to dive back into this magical world. The updated demo is launching as part of Steam’s Witches, Wizards, and Warlocks Sale, giving players a perfect sneak peek right ahead of Steam Next Fest (running June 15–22).

    What is Pumpkin Woods?

    If you haven’t had this gem on your radar yet, Pumpkin Woods is a beautifully dark, cozy, witch-themed open-world survival craft game. Set in an atmospheric autumn woodland, it perfectly blends the tense mechanics of survival with the comforting aesthetics of a seasonal sandbox.

    You play as a witch, finding your way through an unforgiving forest. You’ll spend your days gathering rare ingredients, brewing magical potions, decorating your secluded cabin, and customising your witchy attire.

    What’s New in the Updated Demo?

    Enchanted Pumpkin Co. isn’t just re-releasing the old build; they’ve given the game a massive glow-up. According to lead developer Nicholas Lorenzi, this is the most complete and definitive look at the game yet.

    Here is what you can look forward to:

    • A Full Visual Overhaul: The dark, cosy woodlands look sharper, richer, and more atmospheric than ever before.
    • Expanded Content & Exploration: Take your traveller wagon out for a spin or soar high above the trees on your enchanted broom.
    • New Interactive Systems: Interact with the world in deeper ways. And yes—the developers have officially confirmed you can now pet the cats!
    • Magical Companions: Beyond the local villagers, you can work toward adopting your own companion cat or unicorn to keep you company in the deep woods.

    “We’ve improved the visuals, expanded the experience, and added new ways for players to interact with the world… It’s the best version of the demo so far, and we’re excited to share it ahead of Steam Next Fest.” — Nicholas Lorenzi, Lead Developer

    Mark Your Calendars

    With Pumpkin Woods slated for an Early Access release in late August 2026, this demo is your best chance to get your hands dirty in the soil and help shape the game’s future. Download the demo today on Steam, add it to your wishlist, and prepare to lose yourself in the magic!

    Source – https://s.team/a/2729830

    #PumpkinWoods #CozyGames #IndieDev #SteamNextFest #WitchyVibes

  • From Passion Project to Paris Games Week: The Rise of Secrets of the Burrow

    From Passion Project to Paris Games Week: The Rise of Secrets of the Burrow

    In the fast-paced world of indie development, “moving fast” usually means cutting corners. But for the three-person UK team at FOXBOY Productions, the last six months have been a masterclass in focused, high-octane ambition.

    Without a massive studio infrastructure or a publisher’s safety net, the team has just unveiled a fully playable vertical slice of their debut title, Secrets of the Burrow: Vixoria’s Quest. This 3D platformer isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the golden age of the genre—it’s a bold attempt to rewrite its mechanical DNA.

    Two Heroes, One Seamless Adventure

    At the heart of Vixoria’s Quest is the relationship between the rebellious Princess Vixoria and the begrudgingly loyal Sir Foxalot. While many games treat secondary characters as mere “AI luggage,” FOXBOY has implemented a seamless character-switching system that keeps both heroes relevant at all times.

    Key Traversal Features:

    • Cooperative AI Parkour: When you aren’t controlling one character, they don’t just stand around. The AI follows through complex parkour sequences with fluid, acrobatic intelligence.
    • Distinct Skillsets: Vixoria leads the way with agile, puzzle-solving finesse, while Foxalot brings the heavy-hitting utility needed to survive the fallen Kingdom of Sylvandell.
    • The “Disney” Aesthetic: Visually, the game feels like a 1990s animated classic brought to life in Unreal Engine 5.6, featuring painterly environments that range from waterfall basins to crystalline labyrinths.

    The RPM System: Combat with Momentum

    The standout feature of the vertical slice—and perhaps the game’s “X-factor”—is the RPM Combat System. FOXBOY is pitching this as a “signature” mechanic, unlike anything currently seen in 3D platforming.

    “Combat in Secrets of the Burrow revolves around the innovative RPM system, where maintaining momentum is everything.”

    Inspired by the tension of bullet-hell design, the RPM system requires players to dodge waves of projectiles and build kinetic energy through movement. As Sir Foxalot, you unleash a whirlwind spinning attack. The goal? Build your “RPM” to a fever pitch. If you collide with an obstacle or mistime a move, you lose that momentum. It’s a rhythmic, high-stakes loop of evasion and release that rewards mastery without alienating newcomers.

    The Road to 2027

    The journey from a three-person concept to a standout showcase at Paris Games Week is no small feat. Led by Creative Director Kevin Asla, Programmer Elliot Atkins-Turkish, and Animator Alex Thapar, the team has managed to condense years of “big studio” polish into a six-month development sprint.

    With a target release window of 2027 for PC and consoles, Secrets of the Burrow: Vixoria’s Quest is already proving that a clear vision and a bit of “woodland mischief” can go a long way.

    Want to see it in action? You can already find playtest walkthroughs appearing online, or head over to Steam to add this whimsical adventure to your wishlist.

    For the latest indie spotlights and deep dives into the UK dev scene, stay tuned to TechMash.

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3729660

    #SecretsOfTheBurrow #FOXBOYProductions #IndieGame #ActionAdventure #3DPlatformer #CuteGame #UnrealEngine5 #IndieDev #PlatformerGame #PuzzlePlatformer #GameTrailer #ComingSoon