TECHMASH

Tag: #PAXEast

  • Wyldheart gets massive Wishlists on Steam after Kickstarter’s early success

    Wyldheart gets massive Wishlists on Steam after Kickstarter’s early success

    The indie scene is currently buzzing with the rise of Wyldheart, a “rustic fantasy” co-op RPG that is rapidly becoming one of the most anticipated titles of 2026. Developed by Wayfinder Studios—a team comprised of veterans from EA DICE, Mojang, and Embark—the game has just smashed through a major milestone, surpassing 140,000 wishlists on Steam.

    But the momentum doesn’t stop at wishlists. The game’s Kickstarter campaign is currently on fire, having already hit 80% of its funding goal in record time. With the finish line in sight, the studio is eyeing a roadmap that could see the game land in Early Access before the year is out.

    What Is Wyldheart?

    If you haven’t been tracking this one, imagine the chaotic, high-fives-and-accidental-betrayals energy of a tabletop D&D session blended with modern action RPG mechanics. Unlike the massive, 100-hour slogs that dominate the genre, Wyldheart focuses on “bite-sized” campaigns designed to be completed in roughly 10 hours.

    It’s a smart move for the “busy gamer” demographic, allowing friends to actually finish a story together without needing to clear their calendars for six months.

    Key Features Include:

    • Classless Progression: No more “who forgot to roll a healer?” debates. You can mix and match skills across five branches: Adventuring, Survival, Dungeoneering, Weaponry, and Magic.
    • Tactical Chaos: Friendly fire is always on. Whether it’s a misplaced fireball or a swinging mace, you’ll need to coordinate with your 4-player party to avoid “accidental” casualties.
    • Unique Ancestries: Play as the Freefolk, the plant-like Mosslings, or the sturdy Grimhorns.
    • Tabletop Spirit: From voting on dialogue choices to cooking meals at camp, the game prioritises the social experience of adventuring.

    The Road to Early Access

    The surge in Steam wishlists is a massive indicator of market fit. For an indie studio, 140k wishlists is a “golden ticket” that often translates into a top-tier launch on the Steam charts.

    “We are overwhelmed by the support,” says the team at Wayfinder Studios. “The community feedback from our Alpha tests has been instrumental in shaping the world of Caerwyn, and this Kickstarter progress ensures we can deliver the polished Early Access experience players deserve.”

    How to Get Involved

    If you want to get your hands on the game early, there’s still time to back the project. Wayfinder Studios recently announced that they are opening 4,000 Beta Access keys for Kickstarter backers.

    • Beta Start Date: Friday, May 15, 2026.
    • Early Access Goal: Late 2026.
    • Full Release (1.0): Expected in 2027.

    The game is currently confirmed for PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), with console versions being explored for the post-1.0 launch.

    Are you ready to risk a fireball to the back of the head for some loot? Head over to the Wyldheart Steam Page to wishlist it now or check out their Kickstarter to help them cross that final 20%!

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

    #WayfinderStudios #Wyldheart #Kickstarter #coop #rpg #steam #paxeast #crowdfunding #games #gaming #gamers

  • ShantyTown Set to Shine at PAX East 2026: A Cozy City-Builder in the Spotlight

    ShantyTown Set to Shine at PAX East 2026: A Cozy City-Builder in the Spotlight

    London-based publisher Kinephantom Games and solo developer Erik Rempen (the mind behind the acclaimed strategy title Kainga) have officially announced that their upcoming project, ShantyTown, has been hand-selected for the prestigious PAX Rising Showcase at PAX East 2026.

    Taking place from March 26th to 29th at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Centre in Boston, the PAX Rising Showcase highlights a curated selection of the most promising indie titles of the year. For ShantyTown, this selection follows a massive surge in momentum; during February’s Steam Next Fest, the game doubled its wishlist count and saw over 30,000 players dive into its urban dioramas.

    What is ShantyTown?

    Developed under Rempen’s studio, Silk Softworks, ShantyTown is a “casual diorama-builder” that celebrates the beauty of dense, messy, and lived-in urban environments. Unlike traditional city-builders that focus on rigid grids and resource management, ShantyTown is a meditative experience.

    Vertical Creativity: Players build upwards in tight spaces, filling every nook and cranny with light, utility, and over 150 unique decorations.

    A Relaxing Journey: Featuring a handcrafted soundtrack by vaporwave artist Macroblank, the game encourages a “no wrong answers” approach to architecture.

    The Surveyor’s Dossier: Players travel across 20 distinct locations, from floating tea shops to industrial warehouse markets, photographing their finished towns to fill a personal portfolio.

    Catch it at PAX East

    Attendees heading to Boston this week can find ShantyTown at Booth 13097. Visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to:

    Play the full game ahead of its official release.

    Meet solo developer Erik Rempen in person.

    Snag ShantyTown-specific goodies and physical swag.

    Can’t make it to Boston?

    The celebration isn’t limited to the show floor. A brand-new update for the ShantyTown demo is now live on Steam, introducing the highly anticipated Creative Mode. This sandbox state allows players to revisit any surveyed location with unrestricted access to all unlocked buildings and decorations.

    The community is also buzzing on Discord, where the third weekly build competition is currently underway. Winners of these contests even have the chance to be “immortalised” within the game’s puzzles.

    “ShantyTown is inspired by my love for densely built cities—the kind of places where every wall, alley, and rooftop tells a story,” says developer Erik Rempen.

    ShantyTown is scheduled to launch in full on April 16, 2026, for PC via Steam.

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

    #KinephantomGames #SilkSoftworks #ShantyTown #PAXRisingShowcase #PAXEast #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Creature-Catcher ‘Aniimo’ Confirms PS5 and Epic Games Store Launch

    Creature-Catcher ‘Aniimo’ Confirms PS5 and Epic Games Store Launch

    If you’ve been keeping an eye on the burgeoning “Pokémon-meets-Zelda” genre, you’ve likely seen Aniimo popping up in your feed. Developed by Pawprint Studio and published by Kingsglory, this free-to-play open-world RPG has already generated significant buzz on Xbox and Steam. Now, the developers have officially confirmed that the world of Idyll is getting even bigger: Aniimo is officially coming to PlayStation 5 and the Epic Games Store.

    Expanding the Horizons of Idyll

    Previously announced for Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and mobile, this latest move ensures that almost every modern gamer will have a chance to dive into its vibrant ecosystem. For PlayStation fans who felt left out of the recent beta tests, this is the news you’ve been waiting for—wishlisting is now live on the PlayStation Store.

    What Makes Aniimo Stand Out?

    While the creature-catching loop feels familiar, Aniimo introduces a “next-gen” twist that sets it apart from its contemporaries.

    The “Twine” Mechanic: This is the game’s primary hook. Instead of just commanding your creatures from the sidelines, you can “Twine” with them. This allows you to essentially become the Aniimo, using their specific abilities (flying, swimming, burrowing) to solve environmental puzzles and navigate the massive continent of Idyll.

    A Living World: Creatures appear based on the time of day, weather patterns, and specific environmental phenomena.

    Beyond the Battle: When you aren’t hunting or battling in the sky-floating metropolis, you can retreat to your personal RV. This acts as a portable hub where you can access your “Homeland”—a cozy, customizable space to plant crops and decorate with your favourite Aniimo.

    Competitive Play: The game features a unique PVEVP mode called “Egg Heist,” where three-player teams compete in real-time battles in the Lost Isles.

    Play it Early at PAX East 2026

    For those heading to PAX East in Boston (March 26–29), Pawprint Studio will have a playable demo at Booth #16055.

    Attendees will be among the first to test out the latest build, which introduces a brand-new creature: Hoptail. This energetic spark-plug of an Aniimo stores electrical energy in its tail to trigger massive, explosive leaps—perfect for scaling Idyll’s vertical landscapes.

    The Verdict: With cross-platform progress and a launch window set for later in 2026, Aniimo is shaping up to be a serious contender in the creature-collection space. Its jump to PS5 and EGS proves that Pawprint Studio is aiming for a massive, unified player base from day one.

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

    #PawprintStudio #Aniimo #RPG #freetoplay #PAXEast #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Poly Fighter Steals the Show: Roguelike Brawler Hits PAX East with New Demo

    Poly Fighter Steals the Show: Roguelike Brawler Hits PAX East with New Demo

    The fighting game genre is often associated with the high-pressure environment of online ranked ladders and frame-perfect execution. But Montreal-based HeartLoop Games is looking to change the narrative. Their debut title, Poly Fighter, is heading to PAX East (March 26-29) with a fresh demo that proves you don’t need an internet connection to have a “broken” amount of fun.

    Combining the tight mechanics of a 2D arcade fighter with the addictive “just one more run” progression of a roguelike, Poly Fighter is shaping up to be a solo player’s dream.

    Fight, Steal, and Evolve

    The core hook of Poly Fighter is simple yet brilliant: Every victory allows you to steal a move from your opponent. Instead of being locked into a static moveset, you spend your run evolving your character. You might start as a standard balanced fighter, but after a few rounds, you could transform into:

    The Zoning Tactician: Filling the screen with projectiles you’ve scavenged from defeated rivals.

    The Grappling Powerhouse: Combining high-speed dashes with devastating command grabs.

    The Rushdown Menace: Chaining together lightning-fast strikes to keep your opponent pinned.

    With over 40 unlockable characters and thousands of possible move synergies, the goal isn’t just to win—it’s to build a fighter so overpowered they’d be banned in any competitive tournament.

    Accessibility Meets Depth

    While veteran “lab monsters” will find plenty of depth in the move interactions, HeartLoop Games has prioritised accessibility. The game features modern, approachable controls alongside traditional motion inputs. This ensures that even those new to the genre can pull off flashy combos while they focus on the strategic roguelike elements.

    “What excited us was the idea of giving players maximum agency and expression. Creating wild, overpowered builds that feel fun and broken in the best way.” — Osama Dorias, Creative Director at HeartLoop Games.

    What’s New at PAX East?

    If you’re heading to Boston for PAX East, the updated demo at the HeartLoop booth is a must-play. Here is what to expect:

    New Playable Characters: Test out unique perks and base styles.

    The City Map: Navigate your way through the underground league, choosing your battles and hunting for specific moves.

    Enhanced Visuals: Experience the “retro-cool” aesthetic with snappy animations and a high-energy soundtrack.

    For those who can’t make it to PAX East, you can still get in on the action. The demo is currently available on Steam, and you can sign up for future playtests to help the team fine-tune the balance (or lack thereof) before the full release.

    Find out more here – http://heartloopgames.com

    #HeartLoopGames #PAXEast #PolyFighter #retro #roguelike #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Top Secret Section 13 will be out on the 26th of May

    Top Secret Section 13 will be out on the 26th of May

    When it comes to science fiction games you will find it hard to go one better than Section 13. In this game players can go it own their own or work in team to get across the roguelite-style paranormal containment facility that has all sorts of monsters awating for you and your team. Section 13 will be launching on the 26th of May.

    To find out more about the Section 13 game, go to the official game website here https://www.oceandrive.studio or go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/zpYVf

    #Section13 #games #gaming #scifi #shooter #PAXEast #KakaoGames #OceanDrive #agents #paranormal #roguelite #twinstickshooter #actionshooter #investigate #multiplayer