TECHMASH

Tag: #IndieGames

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

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

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

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

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

    Slay God, Upgrade Your OS, and Bond with Allies

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

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

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

    Catch the Fresh Demo at Steam Next Fest

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

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

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

    Source – https://kernelhearts.com/

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

  • Boot Up the Nostalgia: Village Studios Unveils ‘Hack ’95’ at PC Gaming Show—And the Demo is Live!

    Boot Up the Nostalgia: Village Studios Unveils ‘Hack ’95’ at PC Gaming Show—And the Demo is Live!

    Hold onto your floppy disks and fire up your dial-up modems, because the golden age of computing is making a massive, neon-soaked comeback.

    In a worldwide exclusive at the PC Gaming Show, developer Village Studios officially announced Hack ’95—a computer hacking RPG that brilliantly mashes up retro desktop simulation with tactical card-battling mechanics. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like an elite Hollywood hacker from a 90s thriller, this is your ticket back to yesteryear.

    Even better news? You don’t have to wait until the late nineties to play it. A free demo is live on Steam right now!

    Dialling Into the Plot: Geeks, Freaks, and Big Tech Conspiracy

    Set in a fictionalised, pixel-perfect reimagining of 1995, the game drops you into the shoes of an employee at the shady Axis Megasystems. Your elite hacker best friend, mega_hurtz, has gone missing under incredibly suspicious circumstances, and it’s up to you to navigate the corporate desktop infrastructure to uncover the truth.

    To solve the mystery, you’ll have to hack your way from underground IRC chatrooms straight to the heart of an evil tech startup and a shadowy government agency. The writing team features some serious industry pedigree, with the script overseen by veteran games journalist and bestselling author Keith Stuart, and game direction by Will Luton (formerly of SEGA and Rovio).

    According to Stuart:

    “The culture of the internet and videogames in this era was so weird and dark, yet wildly optimistic. And although it’s set in ’95, the story is really about rebelling against big tech and regaining the freedom of the net. It couldn’t be more timely.”

    Cyberpunk Meets Yu-Gi-Oh: How It Plays

    Instead of forcing you to memorise actual command lines or C++ strings, Hack ’95 translates cyber warfare into a highly addictive, pick-up-and-play deck-builder. Heavily inspired by 90s trading card games like Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh, you’ll draw scripts, viruses, and hijacked computer protocols to overpower the firewall defences of target devices.

    Outside of the card battles, the game is an immersive love letter to old-school operating systems. You’ll be browsing the web on “Navigate ’95,” dodging flaming GIFs, listening to licensed 90s dance bangers from artists like N-R-G and Nookie, and taking advice from Assistant Bert—an incredibly helpful, mildly incontinent virtual pug who acts as your Microsoft Clippy-style companion for federal cybercrimes.

    Jack In From Today

    Hack ’95 perfectly captures the thrill of exploring someone else’s desktop, discovering forbidden folders, and sticking it to the man—all while a CRT filter warms your eyes.

    The full game is coming to PC, but you can download the Hack ’95 Demo on Steam today to play through the opening sequence, test out your deck-building skills, and meet Assistant Bert.

    Let us know in the comments below: What’s your favourite piece of 90s tech nostalgia?

    Source

    #Hack95 #PCGamingShow #IndieGames #Deckbuilder #RetroGaming

  • Cults & Creatures: Why Monster Zoo Tycoon is the Darkly Comedic Management Sim We Need

    Cults & Creatures: Why Monster Zoo Tycoon is the Darkly Comedic Management Sim We Need

    Remember the golden era of management sims? You’d spend hours carefully placing paths, designing the perfect habitats, and making sure your guests had enough burger venues to stay happy.

    Well, throw out the cotton candy and grab your ritual robes. Revealed fresh out of the IGN Live Indie Loop showcase, Monster Zoo Tycoon is taking the classic tycoon formula and dragging it kicking and screaming into the underworld. Developed by Overpowered Team and published by indie.io, this upcoming title tasks you with building a bustling monster park… that doubles as a front for a literal secret cult.

    Talk about a corporate pivot.

    The Ultimate Two-Front Management Chaos

    On the surface, your job is simple: build a family-friendly destination featuring the world’s most spectacular supernatural entities. We’re talking vampires, zombies, werewolves, and full-blown world-ending horrors.

    But behind the scenes, you aren’t just managing ticket prices. You’re running a subterranean organisation dedicated to the Dark Lord.

    ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
?               MONSTER ZOO TYCOON LOOP                  ?
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                            ?
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              ?                           ?
      [ THE SURFACE FRONT ]     [ THE UNDERGROUND CULT ]
      • Exhibit Vampires & Co.  • Brainwash Unsuspecting Guests
      • Manage Diet (Blood/Souls)• Sacrifice for "Faith" points
      • Prevent Containment Chaos• Unlock Dark Lord's Favors

    Guest Management Takes on a Whole New Meaning

    In a normal tycoon game, an unhappy guest leaves a bad review. In Monster Zoo Tycoon, a guest is a resource. You can lure unsuspecting visitors through your gates and use devious traps—disguised as harmless park props—to capture them. Once you have them, you face some choices:

    • Feed them: Some of your high-tier monsters require a steady diet of brains or souls to stay happy.
    • Brainwash them: Turn them into loyal cultists to expand your behind-the-scenes workforce.
    • Sacrifice them: Offer them up to generate Faith, which unlocks powerful Dark Lord’s Favours, new facilities, and worse hazards.

    Navigating PR Disasters and Blood Rituals

    Naturally, keeping a lid on this operation isn’t going to be easy. If you thought a broken-down roller coaster was a headache, try managing a werewolf breakout during peak park hours.

    If containment fails, your escaped creatures will attack visitors, spreading absolute chaos and triggering disastrous chain reactions. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also have to actively dodge nosy reporters, government investigators, and rival saboteurs who smell something fishy in the gift shop.

    “Between monster breakouts, suspicious disappearances, public relations disasters, and the occasional blood ritual, keeping the zoo running is easier said than done.”

    From sending cultists on wild expeditions to hunt down new legendary monsters to upgrading your roadside attraction into a global hub of supernatural terror, the gameplay loop looks incredibly addictive, deeply funny, and beautifully chaotic.

    Wishlist It Now

    If you’re ready to trade in your panda enclosures for vampire crypts and blood sacrifices, Monster Zoo Tycoon is officially available to wishlist on Steam. Keep your eyes on TechMash for more updates, trailers, and release date announcements as they drop.

    Are you going to run a clean park, or are you diving straight into the dark arts? Let us know in the comments below!

    Source

    #Gaming #MonsterZooTycoon #IndieGames #TycoonGames #Vampires

  • Booting Up the Horror: 90s-Inspired Digital Mystery ‘Desktop Explorer’ Confirms July Release Date

    Booting Up the Horror: 90s-Inspired Digital Mystery ‘Desktop Explorer’ Confirms July Release Date

    The Summer Game Fest hype train is officially leaving the station, and it’s already delivering some massive wins for indie horror fans. Announcing today during the Latin American Games Showcase: SGF Edition, developer Recurring Dream revealed that their highly anticipated retro-inspired, eerie point-and-click mystery, Desktop Explorer, is officially arriving on July 17 for PC and Mac via Steam.

    If you love digging through vintage operating systems, solving fragmented puzzles, and uncovering deeply unsettling digital secrets, this is one timeline you won’t want to clear from your cache.

    What is Desktop Explorer?

    In Desktop Explorer, you inherit an old, bulky 90s PC from your uncle. To your surprise, it boots up, but tucked away inside the outdated software is a letter tasking you with investigating a missing person’s case.

    Your gateway to the truth? A cryptic, pre-installed puzzle game that gives the project its name.

    To solve the mystery, you’ll have to rummage through abandoned user profiles, dig into corrupted applications, read through old chat logs, and play classic built-in computer games. The aesthetic perfectly captures that liminal, nostalgic tech vibe—but underneath the pixelated charm lies a heavy, psychological horror narrative.

    Backed by Indie Royalty

    If the premise alone doesn’t hook you, the powerhouse team backing the project certainly will. Desktop Explorer is co-funded by Outersloth (the massive indie fund launched by Among Us creator Innersloth) alongside Casey Yano, the co-founder of Mega Crit (Slay the Spire). With that kind of creative backing, expectations are understandably sky-high for this retro nightmare.

    Play the Demo Right Now!

    Can’t wait until July? You don’t have to. Ahead of the upcoming Steam Next Fest, Recurring Dream has dropped a free playable demo right now on Steam. It gives players a chance to explore the opening chapter, test out classic OS tools, and solve the first 10 puzzles to get a taste of the eerie atmosphere.

    TechMash Tip: Grab your headphones for this one. The demo features a brilliantly nostalgic, unsettling soundtrack filled with old-school computer whirs and clicks that elevate the tension beautifully.

    More News Coming This Week

    The showcase hype doesn’t stop here. Desktop Explorer is also locked in to make an appearance during Fellow Traveller’s Story-Rich Showcase.

    • When: June 6 at 10 AM PT / 6 PM BST.
    • What to expect: A deeper dive into the narrative and mechanics of this digital mystery.

    Make sure to head over to Steam, try the demo, and hit that wishlist button ahead of its July 17 launch!

    #IndieGames #DesktopExplorer #HorrorGaming #SGF2026 #SteamNextFest

  • Dark Rituals and Autobattles: Order Automatica Haunts the ID@Xbox Summer Showcase

    Dark Rituals and Autobattles: Order Automatica Haunts the ID@Xbox Summer Showcase

    The shadows are lengthening, the gears are turning, and an eerie mechanical hum is filling the air. If you tuned into the recent ID@Xbox Indie Selects Summer Edition showcase, you likely caught a glimpse of something wonderfully sinister.

    Order Automatica, the highly anticipated dark auto-battler, officially took centre stage—and it’s safe to say the mysterious rituals are about to begin.

    Enter the Machine Age of Dark Magic

    Developed by the twisted geniuses at New Beings and published by the indie champions at better. publishing, Order Automatica is not your average strategy game. It strips away the colourful, bright aesthetics often found in the auto-battler genre and replaces them with a grim, atmospheric world governed by arcane machinery and occult rites.

    In Order Automatica, players assemble a grotesque syndicate of mechanised minions and cultist constructs. Your job? Program their behaviours, position them strategically, and watch them execute your dark will in automated, high-stakes combat.

    Watch the Brand-New Trailer

    To celebrate its feature in the ID@Xbox showcase, the developers dropped a gorgeous, spine-chilling new trailer. It gives players a deeper look into the game’s grimdark aesthetic, its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and the complex tactical layers awaiting those brave enough to command the automatons.

    Check out the eerie vibe and tactical depth on display:

    “The ritual requires precise calibration. One wrong gear, one misplaced rune, and the machine turns on its master.”

    Play the Demo on Xbox Today!

    Can’t wait to start your own mechanical cult? You don’t have to.

    Xbox players can dive into the darkness right now. A brand-new playable demo is officially live on the Xbox Store, allowing you to get a hands-on feel for the game’s unique blend of strategy, resource management, and haunting atmosphere.

    Whether you are a seasoned auto-battler veteran or a sucker for a great gothic sci-fi aesthetic, this is one demo you shouldn’t sleep on. Download it today, test your strategies, and prepare yourself for the full ritual.

    Find out more here

    #OrderAutomatica #IDatXbox #IndieGames #XboxGaming #AutoBattler

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Surviving the Squall: What is Stormforge?

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

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

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

    Play It Your Way: Class-Blending Combat

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

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

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

    What to Expect in the July Playtest

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

    Testers will get a first-hand look at:

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

    How to Sign Up

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

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

    #Stormforge #RobotoGames #SurvivalCrafting #CoOpGaming #IndieGames

  • Descend into Madness: Indie Roguelike ‘HELLEVATORS’ Drops Free Steam Demo on June 8th

    Descend into Madness: Indie Roguelike ‘HELLEVATORS’ Drops Free Steam Demo on June 8th

    If you’ve ever thought your daily commute was a nightmare, solo developer Kohl Meek is about to show you just how good you actually have it.

    Get ready to swap your Oyster card for a shotgun, because HELLEVATORS—a blistering, fast-paced bullet hell action-roguelike—is officially letting players board its infernal public transit system for the very first time.

    Next Stop: Bullet Hell

    In HELLEVATORS, Hell isn’t just a pit of fire; it’s a chaotic, ever-shifting transit network. Players will have to fight their way through waves of demonic entities, dodging a relentless barrage of projectiles while navigating the tight, claustrophobic confines of the underworld’s elevators and subway cars.

    As a roguelike, death is just part of the schedule. You can expect to die, upgrade your arsenal, and jump right back in for another frantic commute.

    Catch the Demo at Steam Bullet Fest

    The exciting news lands just ahead of Steam’s Bullet Fest, a week-long celebration of all things high-velocity and bullet-heavy running from June 8th through June 15th.

    • What: A free, playable public demo of HELLEVATORS.
    • When: Launching June 8th.
    • Where: Exclusively on Steam.

    This will be the first time the public can get their hands on the game’s tight mechanics and experience the adrenaline-fueled chaos firsthand.

    When is the Full Release?

    While the demo will give us a delicious, stress-inducing taste of the action this month, we’ll have to wait a little longer for the full itinerary. Kohl Meek has slated the full release of HELLEVATORS for Q4 2026.

    Judging by the premise, it looks well worth the wait for any fan of Enter the Gungeon, Vampire Survivors, or classic arcade bullet hells.

    TechMash Verdict: Mark your calendars for June 8th, head over to Steam, and make sure you don’t miss your stop. This is one public transit system you’ll actually want to get stuck in.

    Source

    #Hellevators #IndieGames #SteamBulletFest #BulletHell #PCGaming

  • Tiny Mice, Big Exorcisms: Odencat’s Mousebusters Scampers Onto Steam This June!

    Tiny Mice, Big Exorcisms: Odencat’s Mousebusters Scampers Onto Steam This June!

    Indie game fans and pixel art aficionados, look alive. The brilliant minds over at Odencat Inc. have just dropped some fantastic news: their hit “cute and spooky” horror adventure, Mousebusters, is officially making the leap to PC via Steam on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

    If you’ve been looking for a game that perfectly balances charming aesthetics with eerie, supernatural vibes, this pint-sized thriller is about to take over your wishlist.

    What is Mousebusters?

    Imagine moving into a new apartment complex, only to immediately get transformed into a mouse. Rough start, right? But it gets weirder.

    In Mousebusters, you are tasked with teaming up with a squad of seasoned rodent ghost-hunters to save your eccentric human neighbours from the literal inner demons infecting their apartments. It’s a narrative-driven, point-and-click adventure wrapped in stunning, nostalgic pixel art.

    You’ll be sneaking around under the radar, finding clues, and zapping spooky spirits—all while trying to figure out how to get your human body back.

    Good News for Content Creators: Streaming Guidelines Announced

    Odencat knows how much the indie community relies on Let’s Plays and live streams, so they’ve graciously published their official streaming guidelines right alongside the release announcement.

    If you’re a streamer or YouTuber, here is what you need to know to stay in the clear:

    • Monetisation is A-OK: Both individual creators and corporate channels are fully permitted to stream the game and turn on monetisation.
    • Show the Whole Story: Unlike some studios that block the endgame, Odencat is letting you stream any and all parts of the game.
    • Keep it High Effort: The developers kindly ask that you add value to the footage. Raw, unedited playthroughs with no voiceover or commentary are a no-go.
    • Link Back: You are requested to include the URL to the Mousebusters website or prominently mention where your viewers can purchase the game.

    It’s refreshing to see a developer lay out such creator-friendly rules ahead of launch, making it incredibly easy for the community to rally behind the game.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Mousebusters will be available on Steam for $12.99 starting June 11, 2026. If you can’t wait until next week to start busting some ghosts, a free demo is available on their Steam page right now.

    Will you be picking up your proton pack (or whatever it is mice use) to save the apartment complex? Let us know in the comments!

    #Mousebusters #Odencat #IndieGames #SteamRelease #PixelArt

  • Type to Terminate: Solo Developer J.N.0.1 Reveals Frantic Typing-Shooter ‘KILLPHRASE’

    Type to Terminate: Solo Developer J.N.0.1 Reveals Frantic Typing-Shooter ‘KILLPHRASE’

    The classic typing game formula is getting a cyberpunk, mechanical makeover. New Zealand-based solo indie developer J.N.0.1 has officially pulled back the curtain on KILLPHRASE, an intense, high-stakes 2D typing-shooter. Alongside the announcement, the game’s Steam store page is officially live, and a brand-new announcement trailer has dropped to give players a taste of this frantic mechanical hell.

    Check out the official announcement trailer below to see your keyboard turned into a weapon:

    The Premise: Mowing Down Machines with Words

    In KILLPHRASE, a malignant AI is ravaging the world. As a human survivor, you are trapped on a hacked freight elevator descending into a heavily corrupted robotics facility. Your goal? Reach the very bottom to execute the final Killphrase.

    Standing in your way is a metal tide of deranged machines. To survive, you’ll need to rely entirely on your typing speed and accuracy.

    Key Features

    • Type to Terminate: Every correct keystroke fires your weapon. Complete the full word or phrase to obliterate the target robot in front of you.
    • GUN JAMMED!!: Precision is just as important as speed. If you make a typo, your gun will jam. You’ll need to clear the jam immediately before an aggressive machine self-destructs directly in your face.
    • Tactical EMP: Successful typing streaks charge a powerful EMP device. When unleashed, it freezes incoming enemies and completely disintegrates smaller, fast-moving units.
    • Branching Elevator Paths: As you descend, elevator junctions will force you to choose your path. You can risk a high-difficulty route for better resources and leaderboard scores, take a breather on a safer floor, or brave themed word zones like the Triage Sector—where medical rogue robots attempt to “cure” you by terminating you.
    • Bite-Sized Runs: Designed with short, intense gameplay loops in mind, a standard run lasts about 30–40 minutes.

    For the hardcore typing enthusiasts, the game features an unlockable Infinite Mode, leaderboards to track your fastest words, and an Ironman mode for the ultimate test of digital dexterity.

    Wishlist Now on Steam

    With a distinct, atmospheric hand-drawn art style, dark humour, and an energetic electronic soundtrack, KILLPHRASE is shaping up to be a standout title for fans of arcade score-attack games and frantic indie action.

    KILLPHRASE is slated to launch on PC in Q4 2026. You can check out the official KILLPHRASE Steam Store Page right now to read up on the full lexicon and add it to your wishlist.

    #IndieGames #KILLPHRASE #TypingGame #PCGaming #SteamWishlist

  • Secrets Out! dotAGE: Trade Secrets DLC Launches on Steam with Massive New Mechanics

    Secrets Out! dotAGE: Trade Secrets DLC Launches on Steam with Massive New Mechanics

    Indie strategy fans, it’s time to call a village meeting. Solo developer Michele Pirovano has officially released the highly anticipated second DLC for his hit rogue-lite village builder, dotAGE. Titled Trade Secrets, the massive new expansion is available right now on Steam, bringing a wealth of features that completely reshape how you survive the apocalypse.

    According to Pirovano, some of the core mechanics introduced in this expansion have been on his wishlist to implement for nearly a decade.

    What’s New in Trade Secrets?

    If you thought managing your Pips was intense before, Trade Secrets blows the village gates wide open by encouraging your clan to finally look beyond their borders.

    • Brave New World (Expeditions): For the first time, your Pips can conquer their fears and venture into the wilderness. With over 100 unique expeditions to discover, sending out teams can yield rare resources, lost blueprints, or—in classic dotAGE fashion—unfamiliar new diseases and ailments.
    • Trading Places: A mysterious group known as the Goldlings has noticed your village. By building roads, markets, and warehouses, you can now trade your stockpiled goods for a brand-new resource: Coins.
    • Born to Ride (Equipment Mechanic): Pips have discovered transportation! You can now craft boats, build carts, harvest resources more efficiently, and tame horses to rapidly expand your reach across the map.
    • Three New Elders: Ready to change up your playstyle? The DLC introduces three new leaders with distinct mechanics: Wanna the Merchant, Darwin the Explorer, and the elusive Granny.

    Celebrate with a Massive Discount

    To mark the launch, the base game of dotAGE is currently featured as a Steam Daily Deal. If you or a friend have been waiting to jump into this mercilessly addictive turn-based survival simulator, you can grab the base game right now at its highest discount ever—40% off—for the next couple of weeks.

    Whether you’re looking to hoard coins with Wanna or risk the wildlands with Darwin, Trade Secrets promises to inject an incredible amount of depth (and fresh ways to trigger Doomsday) into one of indie gaming’s best hidden gems.

    Head over to Steam, update your game, and go see what secrets the outside world is holding for your Pips!

    Find out more here

    #IndieGames #dotAGE #StrategyGames #SteamDeals #PCGaming

  • Slingshots, Swords, or Sci-Fi? Sime Returns Drops Its First Public Steam Demo Ahead of Steam Next Fest!

    Slingshots, Swords, or Sci-Fi? Sime Returns Drops Its First Public Steam Demo Ahead of Steam Next Fest!

    The countdown to Steam Next Fest is officially on, but indie fans just got an early Christmas present.

    The developer behind the highly anticipated Sime Returns has just unleashed its first-ever public demo on Steam! Dropping on June 3, 2026, this sneak peek gives players a head start on the Next Fest madness, offering a hands-on look at what promises to be one of the summer’s breakout hits.

    Here is everything you need to know about why you should stop what you’re doing and hit that “Download Demo” button right now.

    What is Sime Returns?

    If you haven’t had this one on your wishlist yet, let’s get you up to speed. Sime Returns has been turning heads in the indie community for its unique art style, tight mechanics, and immersive world-building.

    While details on the full narrative have been kept under wraps, early teasers suggest a perfect blend of nostalgic gameplay and modern, polished execution. Whether you are a fan of punishing boss fights, intricate puzzle-platforming, or rich lore, Sime Returns is shaping up to deliver exactly what modern gamers crave: a game built with passion, not corporate checklists.

    Why Drop the Demo Early?

    Steam Next Fest is an absolute wonderland for gamers, but let’s be real—it can also be a massive tidal wave of content. With hundreds of playable previews dropping at once, it’s easy for brilliant indie titles to get lost in the noise.

    By launching the demo, the team behind Sime Returns is making a brilliant tactical move:

    • Beat the Rush: Players can dive in, test the mechanics, and fall in love with the game before their Steam libraries get overwhelmed.
    • Community Feedback: An early demo gives the devs a crucial window to gather player feedback, squash sudden bugs, and optimise performance before the massive Next Fest crowd arrives.
    • Building the Hype: Word-of-mouth is an indie game’s best friend. Expect your social feeds to be flooded with clips of Sime Returns speedruns and initial reactions over the next few days.

    What to Expect in the Demo

    While it is a slice of the final product, the dev team hasn’t skimped on the content. The public demo offers a substantial chunk of gameplay designed to showcase the core loop, introduce you to the main characters, and give you a taste of the game’s atmosphere.

    TechMash Tip: Keep an eye out for hidden secrets and easter eggs. Indie devs love rewarding thorough players, and Sime Returns seems like exactly the kind of game that hides goodies in the corners of the map!

    Get Ready for Steam Next Fest

    The Sime Returns demo is just the opening act for what promises to be a massive week for PC gaming. Make sure your drivers are updated, your controller is charged, and your wishlist is ready to expand.

    Head over to Steam, search for Sime Returns, and download the demo today to see if the hype is real. Don’t forget to leave your feedback for the developers—your input could help shape the final version of the game!

    Have you played the demo yet? Let us know your thoughts, theories, and favourite moments in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #SimeReturns #SteamNextFest #IndieGames #PCGaming

  • Get Ready to Stack, Hack, and Lose Your Mind: Hack ’n’ Stack Hits Steam Next Fest This June!

    Get Ready to Stack, Hack, and Lose Your Mind: Hack ’n’ Stack Hits Steam Next Fest This June!

    If you’ve been looking for the next chaotic party game to test the absolute limits of your friendships, look no further. The folks over at indie studio Dodo Tako have officially announced that their upcoming multiplayer frenzy, Hack ’n’ Stack, is sliding into Steam Next Fest from June 15 to 22, 2026—and they’re bringing a massive free demo along for the ride.

    Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of couch co-op disasters or just looking for something fresh to scream at your screen with, this demo is packing some serious heat.

    What’s on the Menu?

    Unlike some bite-sized previews that leave you hanging after five minutes, Dodo Tako is serving up a full meal. Here is exactly what you can expect when you download the demo:

    • Four Playable Levels: Jump straight into the action with four distinct, beautifully chaotic stages designed to test your coordination (and your patience).
    • A Complete Tutorial: Because let’s face it, you’ll need to learn the ropes before you start accidentally throwing your teammates off the map.
    • Online & Local Co-Op: Want to yell at your friends on the couch? Perfect. Want to yell at them from across the globe? You got it.
    • Over an Hour of Content: This isn’t just a quick teaser—there is easily over 60 minutes of gameplay here to sink your teeth into.

    Why You Should Care

    Steam Next Fest is always a goldmine for hidden gems, but Hack ’n’ Stack is shaping up to be a standout crowd-pleaser for the summer. It combines the fast-paced, high-stakes communication of games like Overcooked! with its own unique physics-based puzzle mechanics. It’s colourful, it’s frantic, and it’s the exact kind of digital mayhem TechMash readers live for.

    Mark your calendars for June 15, rally your crew, and get ready to stack your way to victory (or utter failure).

    The Details:

    • Event: Steam Next Fest
    • Dates: June 15 – June 22, 2026
    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Price: Free Demo

    Are you ready to ruin some friendships this June? Let us know in the comments if you’ll be downloading the Hack ’n’ Stack demo!

    Find out more here

    #HackNStack #SteamNextFest #IndieGames #PartyGames #DemoGame

  • Lost in Magic: Atmospheric Maze Adventure ‘Go North’ Locks In Summer Release Date

    Lost in Magic: Atmospheric Maze Adventure ‘Go North’ Locks In Summer Release Date

    The recent Black Voices in Gaming Showcase just dropped a major highlight for indie game lovers. Go North, the highly anticipated, atmospheric maze adventure, officially has a release date.

    Crafted by the talented one-man studio gazuntype (developer Tade Ajiboye), this striking title invites players to brave a gorgeous, tranquil wilderness where ancient magic and technology are intricately woven together.

    What is Go North?

    In Go North, you guide an adventurer named Dara through a series of beautifully unique, immersive labyrinths. The goal is simple yet profound: find the exit due north to meet the elusive Maze God, who grants a single wish to anyone clever enough to find him.

    Unlike traditional puzzle games that stress you out with timers and penalties, Go North prioritises peace over progress. It’s designed to be a “cosy calamity”—a tranquil representation of being lost, encouraging players to mindfully meander, unwind, and enjoy a slower pace of life.

    Key Features to Look Forward To:

    • A World of Magic & Tech: Utilise unique relics to navigate, from the moth-shaped Lunaboard hoverboard to a levitating bubble that grants a bird’s-eye view of the maze.
    • Intricate Level Design: Explore stunning third-person environments ranging from twisted forest thickets and sky islands to grand bookshelf corridors.
    • Quaint Customisation: Discover secret Golden Compasses hidden in each maze to unlock cute cosmetics like hats, scarves, and goggles for Dara.
    • Multiplayer Modes: When you want to pick up the pace, you can compete against friends in cross-platform online multiplayer races or dive into an endless loop of mazes via Arcade Mode.

    Demo Arriving for Steam Next Fest!

    Can’t wait until mid-summer to start exploring? You won’t have to wait long. A brand-new demo is arriving ahead of Steam Next Fest.

    The upcoming demo will debut four brand-new levels, introduce never-before-seen puzzles, and showcase a newly added Camera mechanic. Players will also get a first glimpse at the game’s stunning new opening cinematic to set the mood.

    Release Date and Platforms

    Mark your calendars! Go North officially launches on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

    • Launch Platforms: PC (via Steam) and Xbox Series X|S.
    • In Development: A Nintendo Switch version is also actively in the works for a later release.

    If you’re looking for a breathtaking indie title that trades high-stakes stress for beautiful, atmospheric exploration, make sure to head over to Steam and add Go North to your wishlist today!

    Find out more here

    #IndieGames #GoNorth #SteamNextFest #XboxSeriesX #CozyGaming

  • Answer the Call: Titan Roc Reveals Release Date for Handcrafted ARPG ‘Vahrin’s Call’

    Answer the Call: Titan Roc Reveals Release Date for Handcrafted ARPG ‘Vahrin’s Call’

    RPG fans, it’s time to mark your calendars. The wait for a deeply immersive, narrative-driven fantasy experience is almost over. UK-based indie developer Titan Roc has officially locked in the release date for their highly anticipated debut title, Forsaken Realms: Vahrin’s Call, arriving on PC via Steam on July 27, 2026.

    If you’ve been craving a rich, single-player adventure that channels the muddy, brilliant atmosphere of classic RPGs like Fable and The Elder Scrolls, this is definitely one to keep on your radar.

    Welcome to the Vale of Vahrin

    Vahrin’s Call is a single-player, story-driven action-RPG set within a completely handcrafted, high-fantasy world. Stepping away from the trends of procedural generation and AI assistance, Titan Roc has painstakingly built every corner of the world of Leyda by hand.

    You will step into the boots of a mercenary exploring a war-torn city on the absolute verge of collapse. As you navigate the gritty, dangerous streets, you’ll be tasked with:

    • Fending off vicious creatures and clearing the threats plaguing the Vale.
    • Aiding survivors by immersing yourself in their personal tales of grief, love, and—true to its Fable inspirations—plenty of dark humour.
    • Uncovering hidden secrets, dynamic puzzles, and world-building challenges scattered across a brutal yet hopeful landscape.

    “We wanted to create a brutal, muddy, war-torn world where threats lie around every corner, but one in which humanity, humour, and hope can still endure and even thrive.” — Craig Smith, Director at Titan Roc

    Forge Your Own Playstyle

    One of the most exciting aspects of Vahrin’s Call is its entirely classless progression system. You aren’t locked into a rigid archetype from the start. Want to play as a nimble-footed archer who slings fireballs between arrow shots? Or would you rather go toe-to-toe with monsters as a dual-axe-wielding whirlwind of death?

    With deep customisation options across weapons, armour, spells, traps, and alchemy, you can adapt your playstyle entirely on the fly.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Developed by a passionate, self-funded team, Vahrin’s Call represents a massive labour of love that promises full English voice acting, complete controller support, and a premium, complete experience straight out of the gate (no Early Access period here!).

    Forsaken Realms: Vahrin’s Call launches on PC on July 27, 2026, for £27.99 / $34.99. Head over to Steam right now to add it to your wishlist, check out the brand-new release date trailer, and get ready to answer the call this summer!

    Source – https://s.team/a/951770

    #IndieGames #VahrinsCall #ActionRPG #GamingNews #TitanRoc

  • Ditch the Swords: ‘Sealbreakers’ Reveals Fists-Only Roguelite Action at MIX Summer Game Showcase

    Ditch the Swords: ‘Sealbreakers’ Reveals Fists-Only Roguelite Action at MIX Summer Game Showcase

    The MIX Summer Game Showcase just gave indie game fans something to throw hands about. Ukraine-based developer Fire Sparrow Studio has premiered a brand-new gameplay trailer for their debut title, Sealbreakers, and it’s looking like a breath of fresh air for the roguelite genre.

    If you are tired of the usual loop of looting swords, bows, and legendary axes, Sealbreakers has a completely different proposition for you: leave the weapons behind and let your knuckles do the talking.

    The Fists-Only Philosophy

    In Sealbreakers, you step into the boots of a warrior-monk from the Faceless Order—a disgraced brotherhood sworn to a life of weaponless combat. Sent into a collapsing, fractured reality, your mission is to take down four immortal tyrants and break the Chaos Seals holding the universe together.

    But instead of looting increasingly powerful gear as you clear rooms, your character’s progression is entirely combo-driven. You start each run with a basic fighting stance and organically build a custom martial arts moveset as you progress.

    Room-by-Room Martial Arts Mastery

    The gameplay trailer highlights exactly how this unique mechanic alters the traditional roguelite loop. Instead of hoping for a rare sword drop, you’ll unlock dynamic combat components:

    • Dynamic Strikes: Seamlessly chain punches and kicks.
    • Launchers & Grabs: Send enemies airborne or smash them through walls.
    • Parries & Finishers: Land perfectly timed counters and unleash cinematic, devastating final blows.

    Because every run offers a different pool of moves, players are encouraged to experiment and build an entirely unique fighting style on the fly. It combines the unpredictable, high-stakes nature of a roguelite with the deep, rhythmic execution of a traditional beat ’em up.

    Playtest Incoming! Alongside the flashy new trailer, Fire Sparrow Studio confirmed that a public playtest is scheduled for later this summer. If you want to test your iron fists early, press and content creators can already request early access ahead of public registration.

    Pure Indie Passion

    Sealbreakers is the first original IP from Fire Sparrow Studio, a talented three-person team of AAA veterans who went independent to create the kind of games they grew up loving. Between the gorgeous top-down 3D visuals, brutal fluid animations, and a promise of persistent roguelite upgrades between runs, this is definitely one to watch.

    Sealbreakers is currently headed to PC via Steam and consoles. Head over to Steam to check out the new gameplay trailer and add it to your wishlist today!

    Source – https://s.team/a/4244460

    #Sealbreakers #FireSparrowStudio #IndieGames #Roguelite #MIXSummerShowcase

  • The Mansion is Alive: Haunted Bloodlines Drops Terrifying New Cinematic Trailer at The Horror Game Awards

    The Mansion is Alive: Haunted Bloodlines Drops Terrifying New Cinematic Trailer at The Horror Game Awards

    Horror fans, brace yourselves. If you thought your gaming backlog was safe, think again. During The Horror Game Awards Showcase, publishers Iphigames and Serafini Productions, alongside developer Horrified Triangles, unleashed a brand-new, spine-chilling cinematic trailer for their upcoming first-person psychological horror title, Haunted Bloodlines.

    If the initial teaser dropped last year left you unsettled, this latest look is about to plunge you entirely into a state of pure psychological dread.

    Check out the breakdown of what we know so far and what makes this upcoming release an absolute must-watch for horror enthusiasts.

    A Living, Breathing Nightmare

    At the core of Haunted Bloodlines is a premise that will feel deeply enticing to fans of P.T. and Silent Hill, while offering its own twisted, modern spin mixed with elements of Greek mythology.

    The story kicks off after the sudden death of your father. You inherit a sprawling, decaying estate hidden deep within a dark forest. Standard horror setup, right? Wrong. The moment you step inside, the traditional haunted house tropes are thrown out the window.

    “The mansion breathes. It shifts. It watches. Its history isn’t hanging on the walls—it is the walls.”

    In Haunted Bloodlines, the environment is an active antagonist. As you explore the ever-expanding halls, rooms literally rearrange themselves behind your back. Memories that don’t belong to you begin to surface, forcing you to question your sanity and piece together a deeply disturbing family legacy.

    Survival is Your Only Option

    If you like fighting your way out of tight spots, you won’t find comfort here. This is a survival horror experience in its purest form.

    • No Weapons: You have zero ways to defend yourself. When the hidden horrors of the mansion come looking for you, your only options are to run or hide.
    • Overlapping Realities: To solve the mansion’s twisted puzzles, you’ll have to manipulate time and slip between the living world and its haunted, nightmare reflection.
    • Sanity is a Resource: The further you dig into the past, the louder the whispers grow, blurring the lines between reality and delusion. One wrong move, and the mansion decides just how much of your own past it’s going to take.

    Coming to PS5 and PC

    The gorgeous, atmospheric cinematic trailer didn’t just showcase the game’s psychological dread—it also locked in the platforms. Haunted Bloodlines is officially creeping its way onto PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam).

    While an exact release date hasn’t been nailed down just yet, the demo is currently available on Steam if you are brave enough to sample the madness early. Go ahead and add it to your wishlist—just don’t blame us if you need to leave the lights on tonight.

    Source – https://s.team/a/2725610

    #HauntedBloodlines #TheHorrorGameAwards #PsychologicalHorror #IndieGames #PS5Gaming