TECHMASH

Tag: #PCGaming

  • Contain, Clean, Conquer — Quarantine Lab Sort Opens Its Doors October 28

    Contain, Clean, Conquer — Quarantine Lab Sort Opens Its Doors October 28

    The gloves are on, the checklist is ready, and nothing is where it should be. Tovarishch Games — the minds behind the acclaimed Bunker Tidy Up — and simulation specialists PlayWay S.A. have officially announced that Quarantine Lab Sort will launch on Steam this 28th October 2026. It’s time to suit up, step inside, and restore order to a facility where every shelf is chaotic, every sample is mysterious, and every jar is best left… well, handled very carefully.

    What Is Quarantine Lab Sort?

    If you’ve ever stared at a mess and thought, “I can fix this,” prepare to meet your ultimate challenge. Where Bunker Tidy Up tasked you with organising a fallout shelter, this follow-up drops you into a high-security research lab that’s fallen into total disarray. Your mission: sort, catalogue, clean, and secure over 7,000 items across the facility — turning towering piles of clutter into pristine, labelled, perfectly ordered shelves.

    But this isn’t just colour-coding and alphabetising. The lab holds dangers and discoveries in equal measure:

    • Sort 250+ distinct item types — no endless duplicates; every category brings new shape, new logic, and new satisfaction
    • Analyse mysterious samples — load the centrifuge, run tests, and uncover what’s actually inside those sealed test tubes
    • Recapture escaped subjects — the lab’s residents have wandered loose; track them down and return them safely
    • Handle hazardous materials — radioactive waste requires caution, proper gear, and the right disposal procedure; cut corners and you’ll pay the price
    • Grow your skills — earn upgrade points for every item correctly placed; unlock faster workflows, better equipment, and new wings of the facility
    • See your progress — from disarray to discipline; watch rooms transform before your eyes

    From Bunkers to Laboratories — The Tovarishch Formula

    Tovarishch Games struck a chord with players through Bunker Tidy Up, proving that satisfying organisation, calm pacing, and meaningful progression could draw huge audiences. Quarantine Lab Sort builds on that foundation with fresh mechanics, greater variety, and a setting brimming with personality:

    “This isn’t just a bunker with new decorations. There are new mechanics to explore — examining test tubes in a centrifuge, catching escaped animals, and handling radioactive waste.”

    — Tovarishch Games

    Crucially, the team has listened to feedback: no grinding through hundreds of identical objects. Every item matters, every placement advances your skills, and the satisfaction of seeing an empty shelf fill with exactly what it needs remains front and centre.

    A Partnership Built on Simulation

    PlayWay S.A. has become synonymous with immersive simulation experiences — from Car Mechanic Simulator to House Flipper. Quarantine Lab Sort fits perfectly within their portfolio: a simple premise executed with depth, care, and genuine respect for the player’s time.

    DetailInfo
    DeveloperTovarishch Games
    PublisherPlayWay S.A.
    PlatformPC (Steam)
    Release Date28 October 2026
    GenreSimulation / Casual / Indie
    Steam PageLive now — wishlist today

    What’s More — Bunker Tidy Up Isn’t Done Yet

    Fans of the first game have even more to look forward to. Tovarishch has confirmed two updates for Bunker Tidy Up:

    • 23 October — New Game+ mode and quality-of-life refinements
    • 6 November — A free major update adding an entirely new room to sort

    Step Into the Lab

    The Steam store page is live right now — add Quarantine Lab Sort to your wishlist and be first in line when the doors open 28th October. Order has never felt this good.

    More Info: Quarantine Lab Sort

    #QuarantineLabSort #TovarishchGames #PlayWaySA #SimulationGame #IndieDev #OrganisationGame #Techmash #BunkerTidyUpFollowUp #PCGaming #Steam #CozyGaming

  • Shape Minds, Rule the Stars — Stellaris: Willpower Expansion Launches November 23

    Shape Minds, Rule the Stars — Stellaris: Willpower Expansion Launches November 23

    Borders define territory. Ideas define empires. Paradox Interactive and co-developer Abrakam have today unveiled Willpower, the next major expansion for their landmark sci-fi grand strategy game Stellaris — and it’s arriving sooner than you think. Launching Monday 23rd November 2026 on PC, this game-changing pack turns your empire’s deepest beliefs into your most powerful weapon: spread your values across the galaxy, reshape civilisations from within, and lead not just through conquest, but through conviction.

    What Is Willpower? — Belief as a Galactic Force

    Every empire in Stellaris is built on Ethics — the core principles that guide your society. Willpower elevates those convictions into living, breathing Ideologies — movements with the power to cross borders, sway foreign populations, and destabilise rival empires without firing a single shot.

    Here’s what awaits:

    Build Your Ideology

    • Evolve your core Ethics into a formal Ideology with unique Tenets and strengths
    • Spread your influence via Starbases, Hyper Relays, and Ideological Beacons that project your values deep into neighbouring space
    • Watch as foreign worlds adopt your beliefs, spawning Fanatic Factions that campaign for alignment with your empire — from the inside out
    • Maintain Momentum — stray too far from your own Tenets, and disillusionment may turn your own population against you

    Monuments to Your Values

    • Deploy the Galactic Hall — a mobile orbital megastructure that amplifies your ideological influence across entire star systems
    • Customise modules to boost production, spread propaganda, or reinforce loyalty
    • Construct Cathedrals and other grand monuments to cement your legacy on colony surfaces

    New Paths, New Beginnings

    • Three new Origins to launch your campaign:
      • Golden Generation — raise leaders in a dedicated academy, nurturing talent from youth to greatness
      • Lost Makers — a machine intelligence seeking the long-forgotten creators who built you
      • Great Mosaic — begin with an extra Civic, a society woven from diverse threads
    • Five new Fanatic Civics to sharpen your society’s identity
    • New Force of Will Ambition — pursue galactic supremacy through influence rather than warfare
    • Over 40 Ideology events and 8 ideologically aligned Paragons to recruit

    Price & Availability

    Willpower is the second major release in Season 10, following the earlier Nomads expansion. You can grab it in two ways:

    Table

    OptionDetails
    Season 10 Expansion PassWillpower is included — no extra purchase needed
    Standalone Pre-OrderAvailable now — £20.99 / $24.99 / €24.99
    Release Date23 November 2026 — PC (Steam, Paradox Store, Epic)

    Pre-purchasers get immediate confirmation, with all content unlocking on launch day alongside the free Corona Borealis (v4.6) game update.

    Why It Matters — A New Way to Conquer

    For nearly a decade, Stellaris has let players explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate. Willpower adds a fifth, subtler path: persuasion. You can still conquer every system — but now, you can also wait for worlds to join you of their own accord. It’s grand strategy reimagined: influence is the new border, and loyalty is the ultimate resource.

    Of course, ideas can also tear empires apart. Let your Ideology radicalise unchecked, and those same Fanatic Factions could turn on you. Stay true to your values, and the galaxy might just follow.

    Wishlist & Prepare

    Pre-orders are live right now — secure your copy today and be ready to lead when the stars align on November 23rd.

    More Info: Stellaris

    #Stellaris #Willpower #ParadoxInteractive #Abrakam #Techmash #GrandStrategy #SciFi #PCGaming #Steam #EpicGamesStore #ParadoxPlaza #Season10 #4X #SpaceStrategy #November2026

  • Grab Your Helmet — Pratfall Plummets to Consoles Early 2027, PS5 / Xbox Series X|S / Switch 2 Confirmed

    Grab Your Helmet — Pratfall Plummets to Consoles Early 2027, PS5 / Xbox Series X|S / Switch 2 Confirmed

    Your best friend has vanished down a suspiciously large hole. There are traps, crumbling ledges, and one very unforgiving force waiting below: gravity. Publisher Daedalic Entertainment and Leverkusen-based indie studio Quad Head have officially announced that their breakout co-op cave adventure Pratfall is making the leap from PC to consoles — landing on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2 in early 2027. Pre-orders are scheduled to open late 2026.

    What Is Pratfall? — Dig, Fall, Rescue, Repeat

    Launched on Steam back in April 2026, Pratfall quickly won over players with its simple, irresistible premise: every dog owner would dive into the unknown for their best friend. Here, you do exactly that — and it’s chaotic, physics-heavy, and utterly hilarious.

    • Explore a massive, procedurally generated cave system — no two runs are identical across three distinct biomes
    • Dig, blast, and build your own path using pickaxes, drills, bombs, ziplines, and more
    • Team up — play solo or gather up to 4 players in smooth online co-op; catch friends as they fall, revive them when they don’t stick the landing… or just toss them into hazards if you’re feeling chaotic
    • Find all the missing dogs — it turns out yours isn’t the only one who vanished; rescue pups, earn rewards, and unlock cosmetic treats from the park’s gumball machines
    • Voice proximity chat — hear your teammates echo as they drift apart into the dark; panic sounds even better when it’s distant
    • Destructible terrain — walls, floors, and bridges can be broken, blown up, or mined away; the world is as fragile as your balance

    From Steam Hit to Full Console Launch

    Originally self-published by Quad Head on PC, Pratfall caught Daedalic’s eye with its infectious blend of approachable fun and genuine challenge. The result? A publishing partnership that brings the game to every major console platform. For Quad Head — a small team based in Leverkusen, Germany — this marks their biggest milestone yet, turning a beloved indie hit into a cross-platform favourite.

    Table

    PlatformRelease WindowPre-Orders
    PlayStation 5Early 2027Late 2026
    Xbox Series XSEarly 2027
    Nintendo Switch 2Early 2027Late 2026
    PC (Steam)Available Now—

    Why It Works — Gravity Is the Real Villain

    Pratfall’s genius lies in its refusal to let you feel safe. Ledges crumble, jumps miss, and one mistimed step can send you tumbling through multiple screens of dark cavern. Yet it never feels unfair — just gloriously funny. You’ll laugh at your own clumsiness, cheer when a teammate catches you, and groan when someone’s explosive enthusiasm takes out the floor beneath everyone. It’s co-op designed to bring you closer — mostly so you can grab each other before plummeting.

    Ready to Jump?

    PC players can already grab Pratfall right now on Steam. Console keepers — mark your calendars: pre-orders open late this year, and the descent begins early 2027. Whether you’re rescuing your pup or just rescuing your friends from themselves, this is one cave expedition you won’t want to miss.

    More Info: Pratfall

    #Pratfall #DaedalicEntertainment #QuadHead #CoOpGaming #IndieDev #PhysicsGame #CaveAdventure #NintendoSwitch2 #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #PCGaming #Steam #RescueTheDog #Early2027 #Techmash

  • Half a Million Strong — Fatekeeper Smashes 500,000 Sales Milestone… While Still in Early Access

    Half a Million Strong — Fatekeeper Smashes 500,000 Sales Milestone… While Still in Early Access

    You don’t usually see numbers like this before version 1.0 drops. Developer Paraglacial and publisher THQ Nordic have confirmed today that their action-RPG Fatekeeper has officially crossed 500,000 copies sold — and the game is still in Early Access. Launched back in June 2026 on Steam, this swords-and-sorcery standout has carved out an enormous audience in just months, powered by word of mouth, glowing player feedback, and a rock-solid foundation that keeps getting better.

    What Is Fatekeeper?

    Built by a 13-strong team at indie studio Paraglacial and published under the THQ Nordic banner, Fatekeeper blends fluid, reactive melee combat with devastating magical abilities — all wrapped in a system designed to let you play your way. Whether you favour heavy blades and plate armour, lightning-fast strikes and precision, or raw elemental power that shatters the battlefield, the game supports genuinely distinct, viable builds that evolve as you uncover new gear.

    At a glance:

    • Reactive melee combat — timing, positioning, and weapon choice matter as much as raw stats
    • Spell-sword synergy — weave magic into combos, augment strikes with elements, or lean entirely into sorcery
    • Flexible progression — no locked classes; grow your character through what you equip and how you fight
    • Loot to master — discover hundreds of weapons, armours, and artefacts that don’t just boost numbers but fundamentally change how you play
    • Challenging encounters — enemies demand adaptation; patterns, weaknesses, and approaches shift across every region

    The Milestone — Why 500K Means Something Special

    Hitting half a million sales before full launch is rare. It speaks to something deeper than marketing hype: players are voting with their wallets to support a game that is growing alongside them. The team has explicitly credited the community — every review, every piece of feedback, every shared build — with shaping the journey so far. Priced at €9.99 / $9.99, Fatekeeper has also made itself accessible, turning affordability into one of its greatest strengths.

    Steam community reaction has been swift and warm: “Absolutely deserved,” “Patience will be rewarded — it delivers well in Early Access,” and “You already have enough support to finish strong” are typical of the sentiment flooding in across discussions.

    What’s Next? The Road to 1.0

    The big number is a milestone, not a finish line. Paraglacial continues expanding the world, refining balance, and adding fresh content — all while keeping dialogue open with the player base that got it here. Every update tightens combat, broadens build options, and deepens the adventure. The message from the team is clear: this is just the beginning.

    For anyone waiting to dive in — or holding off until later — there has never been a better time. With half a million fellow travellers already on board, Fatekeeper is shaping up to be one of the success stories of the year.

    Join the Journey

    Fatekeeper is available right now in Early Access via Steam for £8.50 / $9.99 / €9.99. Wishlist, jump in, and help forge the game as it grows. Your feedback won’t just shape your experience — it’ll shape the final release.

    More Info: Fatekeeper

    #Fatekeeper #Paraglacial #THQNordic #EarlyAccess #ActionRPG #IndieDev #PCGaming #Steam #HalfMillionSold #Techmash #SwordAndSorcery #GamingMilestone #BuildYourPath

  • Shred, Upgrade, Uncover — Paper Shredder Tears Through ID@Xbox Showcase, Winter Release Confirmed

    Shred, Upgrade, Uncover — Paper Shredder Tears Through ID@Xbox Showcase, Winter Release Confirmed

    Ever stared at a mountain of paperwork and wondered what would happen if you just… destroyed it? Independent studio Embers turned that satisfying daydream into a game — and today during the latest ID@Xbox Showcase, they confirmed their highly anticipated incremental title Paper Shredder is coming this Winter 2026 to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox for PC, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.

    The Deal — Shred Your Way to a Million

    You’ve accepted an offer too good to refuse: lock yourself away and eliminate every last sheet of confidential company documentation, and you walk away with $1,000,000. Start with nothing but your bare hands and a humble entry-level shredder — one sheet at a time — and watch that small, repetitive action explode into an industrial-scale operation.

    This isn’t mindless busywork, though — every pile hides something. As you chew through towering stacks of files, you’ll unlock new rooms, reveal hidden company machinery, and peel back layers of corporate secrets buried deep beneath the paper.

    Gameplay — From Chore to Catharsis

    Paper Shredder takes the incremental genre and wraps it in a deceptively simple premise that evolves dramatically:

    • Start small — feed individual sheets, sweep scraps, and earn merit points to spend on better gear
    • Upgrade everything — faster shredders, automated feeders, industrial brooms, and processing machinery turn slow drudgery into satisfying, chain-reaction destruction
    • Meet the Happiness Manager — your perpetually cheerful, ever-watchful overseer whose positivity feels increasingly menacing as the hours pile up
    • Dig deeper — what exactly is in these files? Why does the company want them gone? Progress reveals narrative threads, new areas, and darker truths about the operation
    • Scale up — solo effort becomes a facility-spanning production line; satisfaction grows alongside your efficiency

    From Cult Wishlist to Multi-Platform Launch

    Paper Shredder has already caught fire on Steam, climbing to become one of the platform’s most wishlisted upcoming indie releases — a phenomenon that even caught the team by surprise. Now, with the ID@Xbox reveal, Embers is bringing the experience to a far wider audience:

    PlatformRelease Window
    Xbox Series XS
    Xbox for PCWinter 2026
    Steam (PC)Winter 2026
    Epic Games StoreWinter 2026

    Cross-buy and Xbox Play Anywhere support ensures your progress travels between console and PC seamlessly.

    Why It Stands Out

    Incremental games often fall into the same familiar loops — Paper Shredder distinguishes itself by wrapping its systems in atmosphere, mystery, and a sharp undercurrent of satire. The Happiness Manager’s bright encouragement contrasts beautifully with the growing realisation that you’re destroying evidence. It’s satisfying, addictive, and quietly unsettling — a rare combination that sticks with you long after you’ve closed the game.

    Wishlist Now

    The Steam and Epic Games Store pages are live — add Paper Shredder to your wishlist today to catch development updates, countdown to launch, and be first in line when the shredding begins. This Winter, don’t just clear your desk — erase it from existence.

    More Info: Paper Shredder

    #PaperShredder #EmbersDev #IDXbox #IDXboxShowcase #IncrementalGame #IdleGame #IndieDev #PCGaming #XboxSeriesX #Steam #EpicGamesStore #IndieGame #Winter2026 #Techmash

  • Cold War, Cold Blood — Red Kiss Bares Its Fangs at IGN x ID@XBOX, Day One Game Pass Confirmed

    Cold War, Cold Blood — Red Kiss Bares Its Fangs at IGN x ID@XBOX, Day One Game Pass Confirmed

    Berlin. The 1980s. The Wall divides the city. But deeper shadows stir beneath the concrete — a house of undead spies prowls the tunnels, gathering secrets, feeding on the vulnerable, and playing both sides of a conflict older than the Iron Curtain itself. Wispfire and narrative game specialists Fellow Traveller have taken to the IGN x ID@XBOX Showcase to unveil that their striking tactical narrative RPG Red Kiss is heading to Xbox Series X|S — launching Day One on Xbox Game Pass alongside its previously confirmed PC release via Steam.

    A Kiss with Fangs — What Is Red Kiss?

    From the studio behind the acclaimed historical drama Herald and the publisher of beloved story-driven hits Citizen Sleeper and The Pale Beyond comes a supernatural thriller where every choice tastes of iron and consequence. You are the Augur — freshly turned, gifted with terrifying psychic sight, and installed as the dispatcher for a clandestine household of vampire operatives answering only to the charismatic, dangerous figure known as Daddy. Your mission: run the network, manage the blood supply, and send your agents out into a fractured, tense Cold War Berlin to uncover secrets, forge alliances, and further your house’s hidden agenda.

    The game unfolds as a mind-map of 1980s Berlin — each station, district, and alley a node on your growing psychic web. From the U-Bahn tunnels to shadowed meeting rooms, you’ll dispatch your team on Opportunities: investigations, gambits, and liaisons where skills, relationships, and careful resource management mean the difference between influence and exposure.

    Your Agents — Family, Fangs, and Fractured Pasts

    At the heart of Red Kiss lies your team — each vampire brought vividly to life with hand-painted art, Live2D animation, and full voice acting:

    • Linh — a thrill-seeking Vietnamese immigrant whose fierce appetite masks deep trauma
    • Sasha — quick-witted, flirty, and slippery; Daddy’s favourite and a master of back-street manoeuvring
    • Zita — weary of the ages, clinging to the fading glitz of a world that has long since moved on
    • Fritz — newly resurrected and introduced in the showcase reveal, whose return raises questions about Daddy’s true plans

    Deepen your bonds through personal story missions, and their loyalty becomes your greatest strength — or their resentment your undoing. Every relationship shapes their growth, their skills, and the destinies you help them claim.

    Strategy with Bite — Gameplay

    Red Kiss blends tactical decision-making, narrative weight, and resource management into something uniquely stylish:

    • The Wheel of Fate — a skill-check system tied to six distinct abilities; pick the right agent for every mission
    • Manage the essentials — blood, energy, and funds must be balanced carefully; scarcity is as much a threat as discovery
    • Win the city’s trust — build standing with Berlin’s factions to unlock boons, buffs, and deeper access
    • Choose your path — stand by Daddy’s grand design… or betray him to carve out a future your own way. No choice is without cost

    Showcase News — Xbox, Game Pass & Beyond

    The spotlight appearance confirmed:

    • Xbox Series X|S release alongside PC via Steam
    • Day One availability on Xbox Game Pass — console and PC
    • Xbox Play Anywhere support — buy once, play across console and Windows
    • Release window: 2027

    For Fellow Traveller — a publisher synonymous with thoughtful, distinctive storytelling — this marks yet another bold step forward. For Wispfire, a small three-person studio rooted in interactive theatre, it’s a chance to bring their signature blend of history, humanity, and daring themes to the widest audience yet.

    Wishlist & Watch This Space

    Red Kiss has no firm date beyond “coming 2027”, but you can already add it to your Steam wishlist to catch every development update as it lands. Between the vivid hand-painted aesthetic, morally grey narrative, and that unbeatable Day One Game Pass entry, this is one vampire story you won’t want to sleep on.

    More Info: Red Kiss

    #RedKiss #Wispfire #FellowTraveller #IDXbox #IGNxIDXbox #XboxGamePass #GamePassDayOne #TacticalRPG #Techmash #NarrativeGame #VampireRPG #ColdWar #IndieDev #PCGaming #XboxSeriesX #Steam

  • Magic, Mischief & Secrecy — The Witch Simulator Arrives from Serbian Indie Dev Altus Ludus, Steam Page Live Now

    Magic, Mischief & Secrecy — The Witch Simulator Arrives from Serbian Indie Dev Altus Ludus, Steam Page Live Now

    Live quietly among the villagers. Brew remedies that heal and tonics that transform. Fly across moonlit forests on your broomstick — and vanish without a trace the moment the Inquisition comes knocking. Independent Belgrade studio Altus Ludus has today lifted the veil on The Witch Simulator, a fantasy life-adventure that blends cosy co-op, spellbinding alchemy, and genuine peril in a medieval world where magic is both your greatest gift and your deadliest secret. Launch is targeted for mid?2027 on PC via Steam, and the store page is live right now to wishlist.

    Life as a Witch — Work Together or Walk the Path Alone

    The game invites you to live the full, fragile existence of a witch in a realm where superstition rules and the Inquisition hunts all who wield the arcane. You can go it solo, or team up with 1–4 players in online co-op — complete with built?in voice chat — to share the burden of hiding in plain sight while tending to the village’s most desperate needs.

    Your days follow a rich, living rhythm:

    • Forage and gather rare herbs, crystals, and monster components across varied biomes — forests, wetlands, mountains, and shadowed ruins
    • Brew potions with a fluid?based elemental system that rewards precision and experimentation; master fire, frost, storm, and arcane effects to craft everything from healing draughts to defensive elixirs
    • Serve the community — solve quests, mend ailments, and trade your wares at a market stall where haggling and charm matter as much as coin
    • Stand your ground — hunt beasts, face powerful bosses, and defend yourself when words fail
    • Take to the skies — fly, race, and battle atop your broom, navigating weather and terrain as well as foes
    • Hide in plain sight — conceal your magic instantly with a gesture; survive Inquisition patrols, raids, and suspicion as your reputation grows

    A World That Watches — Choose Your Own Destiny

    What kind of witch will you be? Altus Ludus emphasises freedom of role: specialise as a revered Potion Master, a feared Bounty Hunter, a wandering Monster Slayer, or blend every path to suit your playstyle. As you help villagers and complete tasks, your standing rises — earning you passage deeper into the kingdom, new allies, and eventually the chance to confront and overthrow the Grand Inquisitor themselves.

    The world breathes, too: a full day/night cycle shifts dangers and opportunities, while controller support ensures comfort whether you’re casting spells or striking deals at the market stall. Localised into 14 languages, the game is built to welcome players everywhere. A free demo is already pencilled in for Steam Next Fest — February 2027, giving fans their first hands?on before launch.

    Crafted from Belgrade — Altus Ludus Unleashes Its Debut

    The Witch Simulator marks a major milestone for Altus Ludus, the self?publishing independent team based in Serbia. In a genre crowded with big?budget fantasy blockbusters, this is a deeply personal take: smaller in scale perhaps, but brimming with the kind of charm, care, and creative freedom only an indie studio can deliver. It’s less about conquering the world — at least, not at first — and more about living in it: tending a garden of nightshade, haggling over a vial of stamina draught, and vanishing into the mist the moment a patrol turns your way.

    Wishlist Today — Magic Awaits

    The Steam store page is live now — search The Witch Simulator or head straight there to add it to your wishlist and catch future updates as development progresses. Mid?2027 can’t come soon enough.

    More Info: The Witch Simulator

    #TheWitchSimulator #AltusLudus #IndieDev #SerbianGames #FantasyRPG #CoOpGaming #LifeSim #Steam #SteamNextFest #PCGaming #IndieGame #WitchGame #Techmash

  • Rivals in the Sky — Castle Away Demo Soars With Asynchronous Multiplayer & Relics for Steam Next Fest

    Rivals in the Sky — Castle Away Demo Soars With Asynchronous Multiplayer & Relics for Steam Next Fest

    Your fortress has a new horizon. Renegade Games, the independent studio based in Utrecht, The Netherlands, has deployed a massive feature update to the playable demo of Castle Away — the hand-drawn roguelite autobattler where you build, arm, and pilot a flying stronghold toward an epic showdown with the Archdemon — just in time for Steam Next Fest. The update is live right now, free for all players.

    Build Your Fortress. Defy the Archdemon.

    Castle Away reimagines the autobattler by placing you in command of a custom-designed flying castle. You place rooms, defences, and units across your keep, then watch as your creation takes to the skies — fighting through waves of foes, gathering resources, and growing in power with every run. It’s part sky-city builder, part tactical autobattler, part roguelite — and every journey is different.

    This Steam Next Fest update doesn’t just polish the experience — it fundamentally expands what you can do.

    What’s New — The Full Breakdown

    Rivals — Asynchronous Multiplayer

    The headline addition: Rivals mode lets you clash with castles built by real players — live, no matchmaking required. Instead of facing only demon bosses, you’ll now encounter other people’s fortresses in flight. And Renegade warns: “Some of these player-built castles are so tough, they’ll make the Archdemon look like a mid-boss.” It’s a chance to test your design against the community’s best — and see what truly unbreakable looks like.

    Relics — A New Layer of Strategy

    At the start of every run, the mysterious merchant Fishy now grants you a Relic — a powerful unique item that reshapes your entire approach to building. One Relic might favour aggressive, high-damage layouts; another rewards dense, impenetrable defence; a third might unlock wild experimental strategies. Collect more Relics as you progress and suddenly no two journeys — or two castles — will ever feel the same.

    Customise Your Commander

    Your avatar now stands out with unlockable cosmetic options, letting you personalise the face of your flying fortress. Stand tall, look the part, and match your style to your strategy.

    Speed Controls — Your Pace, Your Call

    Tired of waiting through drawn-out battles? New speed toggles let you crank up the tempo — blaze through skirmishes or slow things down to study every tactical detail.

    Quality of Life Everywhere

    From clearer UI to smoother animations and behind-the-scenes polish, the whole demo feels tighter, friendlier, and more satisfying to play.

    Hand-Drawn Heart, Deep Strategic Soul

    Every asset in Castle Away is lovingly hand-illustrated — giving the world a warm, storybook charm that contrasts beautifully with the high-stakes tactical warfare. Beneath that gentle look lies serious depth: room placement, unit synergy, and Relic selection all combine to create systems that reward experimentation and clever planning.

    Wishlist & Play Now — Full Release Coming 2027

    The updated demo is free to download and play right now via Steam during Next Fest. The full version of Castle Away is scheduled to launch in Q1 2027, published by Renegade Games in partnership with WhisperGames. Join the Discord, share your toughest castle designs, and help shape the game as it evolves toward release.

    Build high. Fly far. Defy the Archdemon — and any rival that dares cross your path.

    More Info: Castle Away

    #CastleAway #RenegadeGames #SteamNextFest #Roguelite #Autobattler #IndieDev #DutchDev #PCGaming #StrategyGame #HandDrawn #Techmash

  • Neon Nights — Sunset Heat Ignites Fortnite With Miami Vibes & Free Cross-Platform Play

    Neon Nights — Sunset Heat Ignites Fortnite With Miami Vibes & Free Cross-Platform Play

    Trade the storm for the shore. Strategic Entertainment has officially unveiled Sunset Heat, a sun-drenched, neon-lit island built entirely in Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) — and it’s live right now, completely free, across every platform Fortnite supports.

    Ocean Drive Comes to Fortnite

    Sunset Heat drops players into a sprawling coastal city inspired by Miami’s most iconic stretches — where pastel Art Deco hotels glow under neon, palm trees line sweeping boulevards, and a wide-open beachfront stretches toward the horizon. By day, it’s golden sunshine and ocean breezes. By night, the city ignites — clubs pulse, signs blaze, and the vibe shifts from relaxed to electric.

    This isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a living, breathing playground built with UEFN’s full power: richer geometry, custom lighting, original audio, and secrets tucked into every alley and rooftop.

    Cruise, Explore, Compete — What Awaits

    • Original Soundtrack — An exclusive Latin-synthwave score featuring tracks like “Buena Clave” and “Calor de la Noche” sets the mood from the moment you arrive
    • Cruise the Strip — Hop into vehicles and race down the boulevard; keep an eye out for the mysterious white limousine that appears at random — track it down for special rewards
    • Free-For-All Action — Up to 24 players can battle it out across the city — from crowded beachfronts to neon-lit hotel rooftops
    • Hidden Quests & Easter Eggs — Every district holds secrets. Look closely, explore off the beaten path, and you might uncover more than just victory

    How to Jump In — Instant Access, Zero Cost

    Sunset Heat is 100% free and playable right now on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile — no purchase, no battle pass required:

    1. Open Fortnite
    2. Go to Discover or select the magnifying glass
    3. Enter Island Code: 6341-9644-0924
    4. Drop in and turn up the heat

    A New Era of Fortnite Worlds

    UEFN continues to blur the line between “game mode” and fully realised digital destination. Sunset Heat stands as one of the most ambitious projects from Strategic Entertainment — a studio dedicated to bringing premium, cinematic-quality experiences to the platform. Whether you’re here to battle, explore, or just soak in the neon glow, the doors are open.

    The sun has set. The city is alive. See you on the boulevard.

    More Info: Sunset Heat Fortnite

    #SunsetHeat #Fortnite #UEFN #StrategicEntertainment #FreeToPlay #CrossPlatform #MiamiVibes #Neon #PCGaming #ConsoleGaming #MobileGaming #Techmash

  • Ogre Again — DreamWorks Shrek 2 Remastered Returns November 10 Across All Platforms

    Ogre Again — DreamWorks Shrek 2 Remastered Returns November 10 Across All Platforms

    The swamp calls once more. Aspyr, in partnership with Universal, has officially unveiled DreamWorks Shrek 2 Remastered — the definitive revival of the beloved 2004 action-adventure — and it’s arriving November 10, 2026 on nearly every platform you can play on.

    Back to Far Far Away — Better Than Ever

    Originally released for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, and PC, Shrek 2 became a staple of couch co-op and family gaming. Two decades later, this remastered edition rebuilds the experience from the ground up while keeping the fun, charm, and chaotic four-player energy fans adore:

    • Visual Overhaul — Enhanced textures, remastered cutscenes, refined UI, and 4K resolution on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2 (docked), and PC
    • Photo Mode — Freeze the fun, frame your favourite characters, and capture Far Far Away at its prettiest
    • On-the-Fly Character Swapping — Switch between Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and more instantly on all platforms. Each hero has unique strengths — use them to solve puzzles, crush foes, and tackle bosses your way
    • Cheat Mode — Unlock fun extras and make the journey smoother for younger or casual players

    Co-Op For Everyone — Local, Online, or Both

    The biggest upgrade? Four-player co-op however you want it:

    • Couch Co-op — Gather round a single screen, just like 2004
    • Online Multiplayer — Join friends from anywhere
    • Mixed Play — Combine local and online players across platforms — cross-play supported
    • Solo Play — Experience the adventure on your own, swapping characters as needed

    Every Kingdom, Every Console

    Shrek 2 Remastered launches simultaneously on:

    • PlayStation 5
    • Xbox Series X|S
    • Nintendo Switch 2
    • Nintendo Switch
    • PC via Steam & Epic Games Store

    Pre-Order Now — 10% Off

    Price: $29.99 / £24.99 / €26.99 — with a 10% launch discount live right now across all platforms

    The journey stretches from the swamp through potion factories to the gates of Far Far Away itself — packed with movie-faithful moments, hidden Easter eggs, and the kind of pick-up-and-play fun that works for every generation.

    Whether you’re returning to the swamp or visiting for the very first time — the door is open.

    Grab your friends. Don’t forget the onions. Shrek is back.

    More Info: Shrek 2 Remastered

    #Shrek2Remastered #DreamWorks #Aspyr #Universal #CoopGaming #FamilyGaming #Remastered #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #NintendoSwitch #PCGaming #Techmash

  • Pinball Prince — Croak Leaps to Xbox & PC March 2027, Day One on Game Pass

    Pinball Prince — Croak Leaps to Xbox & PC March 2027, Day One on Game Pass

    Get ready to stick the landing. WoodRunner Games unveiled Croak during the ID@Xbox Showcase, confirming this gorgeously hand-drawn 2D precision platformer will hop onto Xbox Series X|S and PC in March 2027 — and it arrives day one with Xbox Game Pass, including Xbox Play Anywhere support across console and PC.

    A Prince, Turned Amphibian — With a Very Useful Tongue

    Once a prince, now a round and lovably chubby frog, our hero has one extraordinary tool: his stretchy, springy tongue. This isn’t just for catching flies — it’s your grappling hook, your bungee cord, and your flipper all in one. Launch yourself, latch onto surfaces, bounce off walls, and ricochet through hundreds of hand-crafted rooms like a living pinball. Master the SuperBonk ability and you’ll chain tongue-grabs into high-speed, hair-raising flows where momentum is everything.

    Hand-Drawn Magic From Industry Talents

    Every frame of Croak is a labour of love, brought to life by animators whose previous credits include Cuphead and Rick & Morty. The result is a vibrant, storybook world brimming with personality — fluid, expressive, and packed with charm that feels alive in every hop and bounce.

    Biomes, Bosses, and BMX Beavers

    Your journey takes you across distinct, whimsical realms — each with its own visual style, traversal quirks, and standout encounters:

    • Meet unusual bosses — including a beaver showing off BMX tricks
    • Collect coins, uncover secrets, and hunt for hidden paths tucked away in every corner
    • Ultra-hard challenge stages await those who conquer the main route — perfect for speedrunners and perfectionists
    • Global speedrunning leaderboards — race your friends and the world to claim the fastest frog crown

    Game Pass Day One — Platforms & Perks

    Croak launches March 2027 across:

    • Xbox Series X|S — included in Game Pass
    • PC via Steam & Microsoft Store — also Game Pass on day one
    • Xbox Play Anywhere — buy once, play on console and PC at no extra cost

    Wishlist it now on Steam to be notified the moment it leaps into view.

    A Fractured Fairy Tale With Heart

    Croak isn’t just about reflexes — it’s a warm, whimsical adventure through a kingdom cursed and rewritten. The cast is quirky, the story is full of surprises, and beneath every bouncy, breathless moment lies a tale about finding your way home.

    Stick, bounce, and leap — the Frog Prince is coming.

    More Info: Croak

    #Croak #WoodRunnerGames #IDXbox #GamePass #IndieDev #Platformer #HandDrawn #Xbox #PCGaming #Speedrunning #Techmash

  • Rituals, Not Decks — Evocation Reimagines Card Battling With Node-Connecting Magic

    Rituals, Not Decks — Evocation Reimagines Card Battling With Node-Connecting Magic

    Forget everything you know about card games. Evocation, the striking new title from solo developer vodkakaa and published by GCORES PUBLISHING, is rewriting the rulebook — literally. This isn’t about drawing a hand and playing it. This is about weaving patterns, channelling energy, and performing rituals — and it’s heading to Steam in December 2026.

    The Ritual Is Your Playfield

    The core idea is breathtakingly different: your cards aren’t stacked in a deck — they’re distributed across six nodes arranged in a magical circle. To play a card, you don’t just click it — you connect nodes in specific patterns to complete rituals and unleash their power. Lines become spells. Circles become summons. The shape you draw decides what magic you weave.

    “Completing these ancient rituals generates energy, allowing you to command abyssal demons capable of turning the tide of battle.”

    It’s a visual and tactical layer no other card game offers: the layout matters as much as the cards themselves, and mastering the flow of connections is just as vital as building your collection.

    Two Paths — One Purpose

    Evocation serves every kind of card player with two fully featured modes:

    Single-Player Roguelike — The Pilgrimage

    • 3 unique starting paths and distinct card pools to master
    • Over 300 cards and 40+ enemies across a journey through a dark, fallen world — the Holy City lies in ruins, faith is outlawed, and you walk the road of purification alone
    • Deep equipment system: craft, swap, and trade gear freely — no locked relics, no dead ends
    • Every run reshapes your strategy. Every choice changes what you find.

    PvP — Pure Skill, No Pay-to-Win

    • No in-app purchases, no loot boxes, no pay-to-win — competitive play built entirely on mastery and deck craft
    • Climb, duel, test your rituals against real opponents
    • A level playing field where the best strategist wins, not the biggest wallet

    Made by One, Backed by Many

    Evocation is the vision of solo dev vodkakaa, now partnered with GCORES PUBLISHING to bring this labour of love to the world. The game blends a haunting dark-fantasy aesthetic with mechanics that feel both ancient and entirely new — where the board is a spell circle and every move is a ceremony.

    Coming This December — Wishlist Now

    Evocation arrives on Steam December 2026, supporting Windows and macOS. The internal playtest is underway — follow the game, wishlist today, and be ready when the rituals awaken.

    Draw your lines. Summon your power. Evoke what lies beneath.

    More Info: Evocation

    #Evocation #vodkakaa #GCORESPUBLISHING #CardGame #IndieDev #Roguelike #PvP #DeckBuilder #Steam #PCGaming #DarkFantasy #Techmash