TECHMASH

Tag: #indiedev

  • Electrifying Terror: Meet Eleanor “Nervous Nellie” Ashford in Rock, Paper, Severed

    Electrifying Terror: Meet Eleanor “Nervous Nellie” Ashford in Rock, Paper, Severed

    Content Warning: The following character background contains themes of domestic violence, psychological trauma, child abuse, and murder.

    Indie developer Buzzin’ Games has released the fourth and final entry in The Damned Files—their sinister character reveal series for the upcoming psychological horror tabletop strategy game, Rock, Paper, Scissors, Severed.

    Joining the previously revealed roster of tortured souls summoned by the mysterious entity known as The Old Sire, players are now introduced to Eleanor “Nellie” Ashford, better known to horror fans and police files alike as “Nervous Nellie.”

    The Final Sinner: Who is Nervous Nellie?

    Eleanor Ashford’s past reads like a tragic, blood-curdling nightmare. Raised in Liverpool under the strict control of an abusive father—an unlicensed electrician who believed pain equalled discipline—Nellie was subjected to unimaginable cruelty. As a child, crude electrical nodes were permanently fitted to her temples, used to punish her whenever she displeased him.

    Her escape seemed possible when she met her fiancé, David. However, when her father attempted to stop the marriage by dragging Nellie back to his cellar chair, something snapped. Nellie fought back, seizing the live wiring and forcing the deadly current through her father, killing him and permanently fusing the electrical nodes into her skull.

    Though she initially thought she had secured her freedom, her marriage to David spiralled into familiar domestic violence. When she ultimately killed David in self-defence, her broken mind witnessed a tall, menacing figure standing in the room: The Old Sire.

    Driven insane by trauma and newly birthed fanaticism, Nellie became “The Black Widow of Liverpool.” Believing her killings were ritualistic sacrifices to her new God, she left a trail of victims across Liverpool covered in electrical burns before vanishing without a trace.

    Now, driven by manic zealotry, Nellie has answered The Old Sire’s final call.

    High Stakes and High Tension: What is Rock, Paper, Severed?

    Rock, Paper, Severed takes the innocent, universal hand game of Rock, Paper, Scissors and plunges it into a horrifying, high-stakes tabletop nightmare inspired by British folklore and the dark tradition of Sin-Eating.

    The rules of the game are ruthlessly simple:

    • The Rules: Face off against desperate opponents around The Old Sire’s table in single-player or multiplayer modes.
    • The Stakes: Every round you lose doesn’t just lower your score—it costs you a finger.
    • The Strategy: Players must read their opponents, utilise strategic items to bend the odds, and survive each brutal throw as options slowly dwindle.

    With Nellie Ashford joining Dr. Amy Chen (“Lobot-Amy”) and Edward Mullen (“Metal ‘Ed”), the four playable sinners are officially locked in. Each character brings their own tragic history, guilt, and distinct psychological edge to the table.

    Playable Debut at Gamescom 2026

    For gamers attending Gamescom 2026, Buzzin’ Games will be showcasing hands-on playable demos of Rock, Paper, Severed in the B2B area, allowing press and players alike to step up to The Old Sire’s table for the first time.

    Rock, Paper, Severed is currently in development for PC. You can head over to Steam today to add it to your wishlist and prepare your hand for the ultimate gamble.

    Find out more here

    #RockPaperSevered #BuzzinGames #NervousNellie #TheDamnedFiles #IndieGames #HorrorGaming #IndieDev #Gamescom2026 #PCGaming #SteamGames

  • Leap Into Comfort: ‘Frog Island’ Brings Ultra-Cozy Creature Collecting to Steam Today!

    Leap Into Comfort: ‘Frog Island’ Brings Ultra-Cozy Creature Collecting to Steam Today!

    Cosy gaming enthusiasts, assemble! If your ideal gaming session involves soothing vibes, adorable critters, and decorating a personal paradise, there is a brand-new title you need to put at the top of your wishlist—or better yet, jump right into.

    After more than three years in passionate development, indie developer DevFrog (published alongside Shovel Sprout Games) has officially launched Frog Island on PC via Steam!

    Billed as a spiritual successor to beloved classics like Neko Atsume, Frog Island combines point-and-click mechanics, creature collecting, and island customisation into a wholesome, relaxing adventure that cosy gamers are guaranteed to fall in love with.

    What is Frog Island All About?

    The adventure begins with a mystery. After waking up stranded on a secluded, deserted island, you are greeted by an enigmatic woman who asks you to look after her frogs while she steps away. The next morning, she vanishes—leaving you behind with nothing but a handwritten note, basic tools, and a bunch of curious amphibian companions.

    From there, you’re left with a choice and a goal: accept your role as the island’s caretaker, build the ultimate frog sanctuary, and piece together the forgotten history of your past life to discover a way home.

    Key Features You’ll Love

    Whether you want to spend hours decorating or relaxing with mini-games, Frog Island offers plenty to sink your webbed feet into:

    • Collect 60+ Unique Frogs: Discover over 60 adorable frog species, each possessing distinct personalities, favourite foods, and styles. Keep an eye out—there are secret, legendary frogs waiting to be found!
    • Endless Customisation: Transform the deserted sanctuary using over 250+ customizable decorations and toys. Complete with free-form placement, you can build the haven of your dreams.
    • Deep Interaction & Dress-Up: You don’t just look at your frogs; you interact with them! Sing songs, chat, feed, clean, and dress them up using more than 60 cute unlockable accessories.
    • Forage, Fish, and Farm: Explore 10+ handcrafted biomes—ranging from lush flower fields to fiery volcanic zones—while catching over 60 species of bugs, critters, and fish.
    • Photo Album Memories: Snap photos of your favourite moments using the in-game camera and preserve memories of your growing sanctuary.
    • Engaging Lore & Story: Unravel the island’s deep lore, tackle whimsical side quests, and form lifelong bonds with the island’s magical inhabitants.

    A Passion Project Three Years in the Making

    For solo dev DevFrog, today marks a massive milestone. What started as a labour of love back in 2023 has blossomed into a feature-packed life sim that delivers maximum charm without any high-stress demands. It’s the ultimate “snuggle-up-with-a-cup-of-tea” game.

    Frog Island is available right now on PC via Steam for an accessible standard price of $7.99 USD (with launch discount bundles available).

    If you’re ready to trade in high-stakes combat for cosy amphibian companionship, head over to Steam and begin your new life as an island caretaker today!

    Find out more here

    #FrogIsland #DevFrog #CozyGames #IndieDev #SteamGames #CreatureCollector #CozyGaming #IndieGameRelease #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Tickets, Please! Post-Apocalyptic Bullet Heaven ‘Endless Rails’ Steam Release Date Revealed

    Tickets, Please! Post-Apocalyptic Bullet Heaven ‘Endless Rails’ Steam Release Date Revealed

    Get ready to check your tickets and lock your loadouts. Developer Studio Monoblok has officially announced that Endless Rails, its high-octane, isometric bullet heaven roguelite, will be rolling onto PC via Steam on September 30th.

    If you’re a fan of Vampire Survivors-style horde survival mixed with strategic tower defence and customisation, this post-apocalyptic ride promises absolute chaos.

    Watch the Official Trailer Below:

    Check out the brand-new release date trailer showcasing the isometric monster-slaying mayhem in action:

    Survive the Wasteland at All Costs

    In Endless Rails, players are dropped into a wasteland swarming with bloodthirsty monsters. Your ultimate goal? Survive the impossible mission and escape.

    Rather than controlling a single hero on foot, you’re tasked with defending an armoured, high-speed train as it barrels through dangerous tracks. To survive the onslaught, you’ll command a fleet of auto-firing drones, bolt heavy artillery onto your train cars, and keep the tracks clear of monstrous threats.

    The game balances fast, action-packed sprints between train stations (each lasting around 20 to 30 seconds) with deep tactical strategy between runs.

    Key Features Coming to Endless Rails:

    • Custom Train Building: At every station stop, use your hard-earned gold to buy new wagons, weapons, drone slots, and survival buffs.
    • Car Merging System: Merge and reorder your train cars to increase their durability and unlock extra module slots for even more firepower.
    • Auto-Firing Drones: Deploy specialised, auto-firing drones that automatically rain down destruction on incoming swarms while you manage train defence and strategy.
    • Permanent Roguelite Progression: Spend meta-currency between runs on a robust permanent upgrade tree, giving you a fighting chance as the wasteland pushes back harder.
    • High-Octane Combat: Designed for quick, addictive play sessions with that classic “just one more run” energy. Studio Monoblok even cheekily promises you can “keep rolling until you or the game crashes.”

    Endless Rails launches September 30th on Steam. A playable demo is currently available for players looking to test their tracks early.

    Find out more here

    #EndlessRails #StudioMonoblok #BulletHeaven #Roguelite #IndieGames #Steam #GamingNews #PCGaming #TowerDefense #IndieDev

  • Reshape the Battlefield: Dark Sci-Fi Tactical Tower Defense ‘DROP ORDER’ Officially Revealed for PC

    Reshape the Battlefield: Dark Sci-Fi Tactical Tower Defense ‘DROP ORDER’ Officially Revealed for PC

    Independent developer and publisher Duckskill has officially unveiled its next major project, launching the Steam Coming Soon page and debuting the dynamic announcement trailer for DROP ORDER.

    Blending dark sci-fi aesthetics with a hybrid of deckbuilding, roguelite mechanics, and tactical tower defence, DROP ORDER throws out the old-school rules of rigid tower slots. Instead, it invites players to completely control the flow of combat by reshaping the map itself.

    Redefining Tower Defence: A Spatial Puzzle

    In DROP ORDER, defence is far more than just upgrading pre-placed turrets. Combat functions as an evolving spatial puzzle where strategy and adaptability are paramount:

    • Player-Controlled Enemy Pathfinding: Throw away fixed paths. Using deckbuilding mechanics, you deploy turrets and tactical support structures anywhere on the grid to actively alter enemy routeing. Construct deadly chokepoints, extend incoming routes, and turn open arenas into lethal, custom-made kill boxes.
    • Deckbuilding & Synergy: Utilise a growing deck of cards to drop firepower, construct defences, and chain together high-lethal synergies designed to crumble invading alien hordes.
    • Direct Combat Control: You aren’t just sitting back and watching the chaos unfold. When enemy waves intensify, players can jump straight into the fray by taking direct control of an active combat drone—firing directly at weak points and shoring up vulnerable breach spots in real time.

    Reclamation Operations Aboard UNION-9

    Set against a bleak, atmospheric backdrop, DROP ORDER places humanity on the brink of survival. Operating aboard UNION-9, a vast orbital station hovering above a ruined Earth, players deploy remote operations to reclaim the planet from the terrifying alien organisms that took over.

    Each mission isn’t just a battle—it’s a reclamation push. Successful operations reward players with vital resources and feed into a persistent progression system aboard UNION-9. As you unlock new technologies, expand your card pool, and refine your deck, future runs yield stronger tactical possibilities.

    Watch the Trailer & Wishlist Today

    With its unique fusion of real-time drone combat, tactical grid manipulation, and deckbuilding progression, DROP ORDER promises a fresh, highly replayable spin on the tower defence genre for PC strategy fans.

    You can check out the official announcement trailer now to see the pathfinding manipulation and combat in action. Head over to the Steam Store to add DROP ORDER to your wishlist and stay updated on upcoming playtests and development milestones.

    Find out more here

    #DropOrder #Duckskill #IndieDev #GamingNews #Steam #TowerDefense #SciFiGames #PCGaming #Deckbuilder #IndieGame

  • Master the Grid: Tactical Roguelike ‘Deadlock Station’ Launches on Steam

    Master the Grid: Tactical Roguelike ‘Deadlock Station’ Launches on Steam

    Tactical strategy fans and roguelike enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate. Developer and publisher Luxorix Games has officially launched its highly anticipated tactical roguelike RPG, Deadlock Station, on Steam. Available now for $9.99 / £7.99 / €7.99, the title promises to deliver a deep, brain-bending strategy experience where brainpower far outweighs sheer brute force.

    Think Before You Move: Indirect Control & Environmental Combat

    In Deadlock Station, victory isn’t achieved by simply mashing attack buttons. Instead, the game puts heavy emphasis on preparation, positioning, and clever decision-making. Set against a sci-fi backdrop featuring hostile alien threats and mysterious factions, players are tasked with guiding a squad through dangerous, high-stakes encounters.

    The game utilises an indirect control system: while squad members act on their own, your job as commander is to manipulate the battlefield, manage tactical timing, and set up devastating synergies. Players can turn the environment into their ultimate weapon—constructing spike walls, placing landmines, manipulating interactive mechanisms, and luring extraterrestrial invaders into deadly choke points.

    Squad Management and Base Development

    Beyond the tactical battlefields, long-term survival hinges on solid preparation at your home base. Deadlock Station challenges players to:

    • Assemble a Custom Squad: Choose from a roster of distinct characters, each offering unique skills, upgrade paths, and equipment layouts.
    • Experiment with Builds: Combine sci-fi tech like energy shields, time-altering weaponry, and specialised modules to discover game-breaking build synergies.
    • Develop Your Station: Invest hard-earned resources into upgrading base facilities. Expanding your hub unlocks essential perks, new weapons, research implants, and fresh quests to aid future runs.

    Every run offers dynamic tactical challenges, making adaptability and precise execution the difference between pushing back the alien horde or watching your squad fall.

    Price and Availability

    Deadlock Station is available to download today on PC via Steam for $9.99 / £7.99 / €7.99.

    If you are looking for a fresh, punishingly satisfying tactical RPG that rewards strategy over button-mashing, Deadlock Station is well worth adding to your Steam library.

    Find out more here

    #DeadlockStation #LuxorixGames #IndieGames #TacticalRPG #Roguelike #PCGaming #SteamRelease #GamingNews #IndieDev #StrategyGames

  • Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition! ‘The Lunacy: That Game About a Cult’ Officially Revealed

    Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition! ‘The Lunacy: That Game About a Cult’ Officially Revealed

    Above the Desk, the indie developer behind the well-received narrative management game Above the Snow, has officially announced its next project alongside a sinisterly funny debut trailer: The Lunacy: That Game About a Cult.

    Ditching the cosy, snow-capped Alps for the ruthless streets of Inquisition-era Spain, the studio’s latest title blends dark comedy, stealth, and cult management into a sharp, satire-filled strategy experience.

    Delusional Prophet or True Messiah? You Decide.

    In The Lunacy: That Game About a Cult, players take on the role of a questionable prophet who might just have hit their head a little too hard. After experiencing “divine” visions, you are tasked with founding a religious movement devoted to ancient cosmic entities. The catch? Even you, the player, can’t be entirely sure if these ancient gods actually exist or if your prophet is simply suffering from a massive case of delusion.

    Set during one of history’s most dangerous eras for religious dissent, surviving the watchful gaze of the Spanish Inquisition is the ultimate challenge.

    Build Your Underground Shrine in the Shadows

    To keep your fledgling movement alive, you’ll need to work from the darkness—literally. Players must construct and manage a hidden Underground Temple located directly beneath the city streets.

    Using a gridless building system, you can customise your holy hideout to fit your followers’ needs—and your own bizarre aesthetic:

    • Sacred or Sinful Furniture: Adorn your sanctuary with altars, relics, cursed libraries, and skull piles… or build secret taverns packed with endless barrels of wine to keep morale high.
    • Cult Maintenance: Assign work to acolytes, manage resources, and perform blasphemous rituals to unlock new abilities and expand your influence.
    • Preach and Perform: Keep your congregation devout through sermons, making sure their faith remains absolute as you prepare for an eventual city-wide rebellion.

    Sneak, Spy, and… Fish? Urban Expeditions Await

    Managing your base is only half the battle. To gain power, you’ll need to send acolytes out on dangerous RPG-style expeditions into the city above.

    Acolytes will sneak through busy streets to preach the word, spy on high-ranking officials, steal vital resources, and manipulate local factions. You’ll navigate hundreds of handcrafted comic events featuring unexpected twists and dark humour. And if you need a break from spreading heresy, you can always send a follower down to the docks to go fishing—because even apocalyptic cults need a holy catch of the day!

    As your secret network expands, information becomes far more valuable than gold. What starts as a desperate bid for survival beneath the cobblestones can grow into an all-out revolt to liberate entire districts from the Inquisition’s grip.

    A Fresh Spin on Cult Simulators

    With The Lunacy: That Game About a Cult, Above the Desk continues to prove its knack for original concepts and sharp writing. By combining base building, stealth mechanics, and emergent narrative storytelling, the studio delivers a fresh, comedic take on a genre that often takes itself too seriously.

    Keep your eyes peeled and your altars hidden—the rebellion is coming!

    Find out more here

    #TheLunacy #TheLunacyGame #AboveTheDesk #IndieGames #PCGaming #GamingNews #CultSim #IndieDev #SpanishInquisition #GamingTrailer #GamingCommunity

  • Sky-Gazing Without Staying Outside: Train Your Brain with DevilishGames’ New Cosy Simulator ‘Cloudgazer’

    Sky-Gazing Without Staying Outside: Train Your Brain with DevilishGames’ New Cosy Simulator ‘Cloudgazer’

    Have you ever looked up at the sky and thought, “That’s obviously a dinosaur”?

    Congratulations, you already know how to play.

    Indie developer DevilishGames is inviting players to step away from high-stakes action and take a deep breath with their upcoming cosy sky-gazing simulator, Cloudgazer: A Game About Watching Clouds. Set to launch on September 3, 2026, across Steam, iOS, and Android, this digital oasis invites gamers to train their pareidolia—the psychological phenomenon where human minds see recognisable shapes or faces in random patterns—while unwinding from the fast pace of daily life.

    Zero Pressure, Infinite Skies

    Modern gaming is often filled with tight timers, unforgiving boss fights, and relentless action. Cloudgazer strips all of that away in favour of absolute calm.

    There is no rush, no enemies, and no explosions. Instead, your only goal is to sit back, let your imagination take the wheel, and spot hidden figures drifting across a dynamic sky. Whether it’s an everyday object, a mythical beast, or a cloud that insists on looking remarkably like a cat, the game encourages players to slow down and observe.

    Key features included at launch:

    • Hundreds of Hidden Shapes: Spot animals, mythical creatures, objects, and surprising secrets nestled within the clouds.
    • Realistic Dynamic Simulations: Powered by natural cloud generation, ensuring no two skies ever look completely identical.
    • Full Day-Night Cycle: Relax through golden hour sunrises, vibrant sunsets, and serene, starry nightscapes.
    • Play Anywhere At Your Pace: Tailored for both desktop relaxation on PC and pocket-sized tranquillity on mobile platforms.

    Why Virtual Sky-Gazing?

    The developers at DevilishGames readily admit that watching the actual sky is hard to beat—joking that real-world graphics are “amazing, and most of the time, they work pretty well.” However, real life doesn’t always cooperate. Cloudless skies, dark rainy days, urban environments facing brick walls, or simply wanting to unwind on the couch after dark can leave you without a view. Cloudgazer bridges that gap, offering a serene, personal sky whenever you need a mental reset.

    If you’re looking to flex your visual imagination and swap high-octane gaming for a bit of mindfulness, Cloudgazer: A Game About Watching Clouds will be ready to download on PC via Steam, iPhone, and Android devices starting September 3.

    Find out more here

    #Cloudgazer #DevilishGames #CozyGames #IndieGames #SteamGames #MobileGaming #Pareidolia #RelaxingGames #CozyGaming #IndieDev

  • Rewrite Reality or Resist the Regime: Orwellian Simulator Ministry of Truth: False Memory Is Out Now!

    Rewrite Reality or Resist the Regime: Orwellian Simulator Ministry of Truth: False Memory Is Out Now!

    Ever wondered what it’s like to hold absolute power over facts, history, and the truth itself? Ukrainian indie developer False Memory Dept. and publisher Two Cakes Studio have officially launched their deeply immersive, story-driven dystopian simulator: Ministry of Truth: False Memory.

    Drawing rich, unsettling inspiration from George Orwell’s masterpiece 1984, this gripping title throws players into the shoes of a bureaucratic official working inside the Party’s propaganda machine. Under the watchful eye of “The Great Father,” every pen stroke, redacted document, and altered memory you craft will ripple through society—ultimately shaping the fate of the state and your own morality.

    Obey the State or Burn the System Down?

    In Ministry of Truth: False Memory, you aren’t just reading propaganda—you are actively creating it. As an official of the Ministry, your duty is to suppress dangerous doubts, alter historical records, govern crowd emotions, and serve the Party’s endless thirst for total control.

    Key mechanics and gameplay highlights include:

    • The Daily Rituals: Participate in propaganda campaigns, including the chilling “Five Minutes Rage”—a daily ritual where citizens funnel their fear and frustration into collective fury against enemies of the Party.
    • Over 20 Mini-Games: From redacting sensitive files to manipulating headlines and controlling citizen sentiment, the game blends interactive narrative mechanics with over two dozen unique gameplay challenges.
    • 10+ Animated Comic Sequences: The story unfolds visually through stylised, darkly detailed animated comics that bring the heavy narrative atmosphere to life.
    • 6 Unique Endings: Every decision matters. Will you remain a submissive cog in the totalitarian machine, or will you risk your life to covertly resist the regime from within?

    Optimised for Handhelds & Global Audiences

    Whether you prefer playing at a desktop setup or taking your propaganda sessions on the go, Ministry of Truth: False Memory offers full controller and Steam Deck support right out of the box.

    To deliver a fully immersive storytelling experience, the game features complete voice acting in both Ukrainian and English, alongside text localisation in 22 languages, making its universal themes of censorship and power accessible to gamers worldwide.

    Born out of the Global Game Jam 2025 and recognised as a top finalist in the Ctrl+Alt+Disinfo game competition, this debut project from False Memory Dept. delivers a tight, high-impact narrative experience designed to leave players questioning the nature of power, information, and personal agency.

    Price and Availability

    Ministry of Truth: False Memory is available now on PC via Steam for $6.99 (with a special limited-time introductory discount at launch). A Supporter Pack—featuring the official soundtrack, exclusive wallpapers, digital comics, and a full developer diary—is also available for fans wanting to dive deeper into the making of the game.

    Find out more here

    #MinistryOfTruth #FalseMemory #IndieGames #SteamDeck #PCGaming #TwoCakesStudio #FalseMemoryDept #Orwellian #GamingNews #IndieDev

  • A New Nightmare Awakens: Thai Horror Epic ‘Kumarn: The Wandering Spirit’

    A New Nightmare Awakens: Thai Horror Epic ‘Kumarn: The Wandering Spirit’

    Get ready to turn on all the lights in your room—there’s a terrifying new cinematic horror adventure heading our way, and it’s deeply rooted in rich, haunting Thai folklore.

    Indie publisher Wired Productions has officially expanded its Gamescom line-up with a major announcement: a global publishing partnership with Thailand-based developer WereBuff Studio for their highly ambitious debut title, Kumarn: The Wandering Spirit.

    Set to launch on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store in 2027, Kumarn: The Wandering Spirit promises to deliver an atmospheric, narrative-driven horror experience unlike anything Western gamers have seen before.

    What is Kumarn: The Wandering Spirit?

    For horror fans, atmosphere is everything—and Kumarn brings it in spades. Grounded in authentic Thai mythology, the game revolves around the eerie legend of the Kuman Thong (or Kumarn), a revered divine child spirit in Thai folk religion believed to bring good luck, protection, or—if mistreated or invoked through dark rituals—incur severe misfortune and horror.

    WereBuff Studio is taking this fascinating spiritual concept and weaving it into a high-stakes, cinematic horror adventure. Players can expect:

    • Deep Narrative & Thai Lore: A story steeped in cultural myth, tradition, and psychological terror.
    • Cinematic Visuals: Powered by modern rendering techniques to create unsettling environments, terrifying spirit encounters, and visceral tension.
    • Immersive Gameplay: A focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and survival mechanisms while navigating eerie, mythic landscapes.

    A Match Made in Indie Heaven

    Wired Productions has built a stellar reputation for backing bold, narrative-driven, and unique gaming experiences (having published acclaimed hits like The Falconeer, Martha Is Dead, and Deliver Us The Moon). Partnering with WereBuff Studio—a rising talent in Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding gamedev scene—signals a major step forward for cultural representation in mainstream horror gaming.

    Leo Zullo, Managing Director at Wired Productions, and the team at WereBuff Studio expressed tremendous excitement for bringing authentic regional folklore to a worldwide audience, highlighting that Kumarn represents a fresh, untapped direction for the psychological horror genre.

    When Can You Play It?

    Gamers attending Gamescom will be able to catch a closer look at Wired Productions’ full slate of upcoming titles, with Kumarn: The Wandering Spirit standing out as one of the most intriguing dark horses on the roster.

    While the release window is set for 2027 on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), horror aficionados should definitely add this to their wishlists early. If you’re a fan of atmospheric storytelling, Asian horror cinema, or spine-chilling lore, Kumarn: The Wandering Spirit is one nightmare you won’t want to miss.

    Find out more here

    #Kumarn #WiredProductions #WereBuffStudio #Gamescom #HorrorGames #Steam #EpicGamesStore #IndieDev #GamingNews #PCGames

  • Step Into a Storybook: ‘Tukoni: Forest Keepers’ Brings Wholesome Cosy Gaming to PC

    Step Into a Storybook: ‘Tukoni: Forest Keepers’ Brings Wholesome Cosy Gaming to PC

    If your ideal gaming evening involves a warm mug of herbal tea, relaxing lo-fi vibes, and charming hand-drawn worlds, indie developer Dream Operator has something special in store for you.

    The developer has officially released Tukoni: Forest Keepers, a delightful, puzzle-filled cosy adventure now live on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. To mark the launch, the game is available for just $9.99, accompanied by a generous 25% launch discount for its first two weeks, bringing the price down to a wallet-friendly $7.49.

    A Magical World Brought to Life

    Based on the beloved children’s picture books by Ukrainian artist and author Oksana Bula (who also served as the game’s art director), Tukoni: Forest Keepers expands on the wildly successful 2020 short game Tukoni: Prologue.

    In this heartwarming adventure, you play as Traveller, a forest spirit tasked with helping the woodland creatures prepare for the incoming winter. The “Month of the Mushroom” has arrived, and there is plenty to do before the first frost settles over the Sycamore woods. From sewing cosy pillows and blankets for hibernating animals to organising supplies and crafting warm herbal drinks, every corner of the forest needs a helping hand.

    What Makes Tukoni: Forest Keepers a Must-Play Indie?

    • Gorgeous Hand-Drawn Aesthetic: Every frame looks as though it was lifted straight from a watercolour storybook. The visual direction won Excellence in Visual Art at the DevGAMM Awards and Best Upcoming Game Art Style at the Digital Vikings Awards.
    • Universal Storytelling: The game relies entirely on smooth animation, expressive character gestures, and intuitive hand-drawn pictograms—meaning there are no language barriers to stop players of any age or background from diving in.
    • Handcrafted Puzzles & Mini-Games: Explore four distinct locations packed with secret paths, locked cupboards, and gentle brain teasers. Unravelling the forest’s small mysteries feels rewarding without ever becoming frustrating.
    • The Art of Tea Brewing: Meet Tea Tukoni, gather wild herbs, unlock unique recipes, and share hot, fragrant brews with around 20 quirky forest residents along your journey.
    • Cosy Rest Spots: There’s no need to rush. Take a break from your tasks to sketch in your moss-covered notebook, sit beside a peaceful stream, or simply listen to the gentle ambient sounds of nature.

    Grab It While It’s Hot (Like Tea!)

    Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or want a wholesome game to share with family, Tukoni: Forest Keepers delivers pure warmth and charm.

    Don’t wait too long—the 25% introductory discount ends in two weeks, making this the perfect time to add this storybook gem to your digital library.

    Tukoni: Forest Keepers is out now on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.

    Find out more here

    #TukoniForestKeepers #DreamOperator #CozyGames #IndieGames #PCGaming #GamingNews #IndieDev #WarmAndCozy #PointAndClick #SteamGames

  • Forget Pension Plans: ‘GRAMPAGE: LIFE AT 67’ Is Bringing Elderly Heist Chaos to Steam!

    Forget Pension Plans: ‘GRAMPAGE: LIFE AT 67’ Is Bringing Elderly Heist Chaos to Steam!

    If you thought retirement meant quiet afternoons tending to the garden, sipping tea, and working on crossword puzzles, independent German developer StickyStoneStudio is here to shatter that delusion.

    The team behind the upcoming title today officially announced GRAMPAGE: LIFE AT 67, a chaotic 1–4 player “coopetition” heist comedy scheduled to hit PC via Steam. The premise? A group of broke, desperate seniors realise their meagre pensions won’t afford them the luxurious golden years they deserve. The solution? Form an elderly criminal syndicate and burgle local neighbourhoods, obviously.

    Break In Together, Retire Alone

    GRAMPAGE: LIFE AT 67 blends the frantic energy of physics-driven party games with high-stakes social deduction and heist mechanics. Each match takes place across 30–60 minute runs composed of bite-sized, 5–9 minute break-ins.

    However, calling this a simple co-op game would be a mistake—this is coopetition at its finest. While you and your fellow retirees need to work together to crack heavy safes, pick locks, or lug oversized valuables out the front door, only one player actually gets to win and retire.

    Every player receives a randomised “shopping list” at the start of a run. You might be hunting for priceless antique art, dinosaur eggs, or simply hoarding six-ply toilet paper. To secure the top spot, you’ll have to balance brief moments of teamwork with shameless betrayal:

    • Trust is a liability: Help your buddy carry a heavy safe to the getaway van, then shove them right into an oncoming police officer to take the loot for yourself.
    • Physics-first slapstick: Physics dictate how loot, furniture, and players interact. Trip over a coffee table, and your hard-earned stolen goods will scatter across the floor.
    • Tactical entry options: Choose whether to quietly pick locks and climb through windows, or kick down doors and smash through with crowbars.

    Proximity Voice Chat: “Talking is Gameplay”

    One of the game’s standout mechanics is its noise-driven AI and proximity voice chat powered by ODIN Voice. Residents and local authorities react dynamically to every sound your crew makes—including what you say aloud over your microphone.

    If your heist goes sideways, expect chaotic screaming, flying furniture, and total anarchy as police arrive on the scene while your team scrambles back to the escape van.

    Quick Game Facts:

    • Developer / Publisher: StickyStoneStudio (Freiburg, Germany)
    • Genre: 1–4 Player Coopetition Heist Comedy / Social Deduction
    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Release Window: Planned for 2027 (Playable preview shown at Gamescom 2026)
    • Engine / Tech: Unity 6, Photon Fusion 2, ODIN Voice

    Whether you’re looking for a hilarious new game night title with friends or just want to steal high-end toilet paper as a 67-year-old menace, GRAMPAGE: LIFE AT 67 is definitely one to add to your Steam Wishlist.

    Find out more here

    #Grampage #GrampageLifeAt67 #StickyStoneStudio #SteamGames #PCGaming #CoopGames #IndieGames #GamingNews #IndieDev #HeistGame #TechMash

  • Levelling Up Indies: Industry Veterans Launch New Game Publisher ‘Inner Pocket’

    Levelling Up Indies: Industry Veterans Launch New Game Publisher ‘Inner Pocket’

    The indie game scene is busier and more competitive than ever. While brilliant ideas are constantly emerging, standing out in a crowded digital marketplace requires far more than just compelling gameplay. Enter Inner Pocket, a brand-new publishing and services label officially launching today to help indie developers bridge the gap between creative vision and commercial success.

    Co-founded by a group of seasoned industry veterans, Inner Pocket brings together former talent from CRITICAL REFLEX, Gaijin Entertainment, and the independent team at Nozomu Games. By combining deep expertise across game development, marketing, publishing services, and business strategy, the label aims to offer a fresh, well-rounded approach to supporting independent studios.

    A Full-Spectrum Approach to Indie Publishing

    Navigating the modern gaming landscape can be a minefield for small, passionate teams. Many indie creators find themselves stretched thin—juggling coding, art design, community management, PR, and platform negotiations all at once.

    Inner Pocket was built specifically to solve this issue. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all model, the team leverages its collective experience to provide tailored support across the entire game development lifecycle:

    • Development Insight: With roots tracing directly back to active development (via Nozomu Games), Inner Pocket understands the technical and creative hurdles developers face daily.
    • Publishing & Strategy: Drawing on years of experience from established publishers like Gaijin Entertainment and CRITICAL REFLEX, the team provides market analysis, release planning, and platform strategy.
    • Marketing & PR: Tailored campaigns designed to cut through the noise and build genuine engagement with players across Steam, consoles, and social media.

    Empowering the Next Generation of Creators

    Instead of taking creative control away from developers, Inner Pocket’s mission centres on empowerment. By taking on the heavy lifting of business operations and promotion, they allow developers to focus on what they do best: making great games.

    Whether a studio needs a full-service publishing partner or targeted assistance with marketing and launch strategy, Inner Pocket’s versatile structure allows them to meet developers at any stage of their journey.

    With industry veterans at the helm and a clear focus on developer-first collaboration, Inner Pocket is definitely a label to keep on your radar as they begin unveiling their debut portfolio.

    For more news on upcoming indie titles and gaming hardware, stay tuned to TechMash.

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #IndieDev #InnerPocket #IndieGames #GameDev #TechMash #PCGaming #GamingIndustry #IndieGamePublisher #GamedevCommunity