TECHMASH

Tag: #Playtest

  • Welcome to Hell Incorporated: Diving into the Sintopia Playtest

    Welcome to Hell Incorporated: Diving into the Sintopia Playtest

    If you’ve ever looked at a spreadsheet and thought, “This would be much more satisfying if I were also punishing the damned,” then Sintopia is the game you’ve been waiting for. Developed by Piraknights Games and published by Team17, this quirky title is currently holding a public playtest (running from February 10th to February 16th, 2026), and it is every bit as chaotic and darkly comedic as promised.

    Sintopia isn’t just a management sim; it’s a “God Game” Tycoon where you play the Administrator of Hell. Your job? Re-educate the sinful, turn a profit, and keep the Overworld from collapsing under its own corruption.

    The Dual-Layer Grind: Hell vs. The Overworld

    The most striking feature of Sintopia is its asymmetrical gameplay loop. You are constantly balancing two very different worlds:

    • The Overworld: Here, you watch over the Humus—sentient, slightly dimwitted chickpeas who go about their lives building civilisations. As a god-like figure, you can influence them with spells (like a well-placed lightning bolt or a “nudge” off a cliff) to encourage sin or thin the herd.
    • The Underworld (Hell): When a Humus dies, they head to your domain. This is where the tycoon elements kick in. You build elaborate “re-education” facilities—think Two Point Hospital meets Dungeon Keeper—to process their sins and prepare them for resurrection.

    Pro Tip: Managing your “Imployees” is half the battle. They need break rooms and fair wages, or they’ll go on strike, leaving a massive backlog of souls at the gates.

    What’s New in the February Playtest?

    The February 2026 build introduces some high-stakes mechanics that change the late-game drastically:

    FeatureDescription
    Atonement CrisesWhen sin levels get too high, “Pillars of Atonement” trigger apocalyptic events like Zombie Apocalypses or Demonic Invasions.
    Hiring DemonsInstead of just banishing demons, you can now hire them. They offer massive building boosts but demand a hefty “Hero” upkeep.
    Role ModelsNew starting archetypes that allow you to customize your management style (Merciful, Efficient, or Petty).
    The Liber AdministratumAn expanded tech tree where you unlock everything from specialist punishment rooms to more powerful god-spells.

    The Verdict: Is it Worth the Sins?

    The playtest reveals a game with a surprising amount of depth. While the early game can feel a bit like a grind—waiting for your first few Purgadollars to roll in—the complexity ramps up once you start filtering souls based on specific sins (Wrath, Greed, Gluttony) to maximise efficiency.

    The 1980s pop-culture aesthetic is a triumph. Everything from the UI to the character designs feels vibrant and tongue-in-cheek, softening the blow of, well, eternal torment.

    The Challenges:

    • UI Scaling: Steam Deck users might find the text a bit small (though the 2026 build has improved this significantly).
    • Balance: Managing the “Break Room” death spiral, where all your Imps go on break at once, is still a hurdle for new players.

    How to Join

    If you want to try your hand at bureaucratic damnation, head over to the Sintopia Steam page before February 16th. The playtest is open to everyone, featuring unlimited Prestige and no in-game time restrictions.

    Find out more here – https://sintopia-game.com/

    #Sintopia #playtest #denogame #SintopiaTheOverworld #ManageHELL #PlayGOD #PunishSINS #Steam #Team17 #PiraknightsGames #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Farmer’s Dynasty 2 Playtest Coming To Steam

    Farmer’s Dynasty 2 Playtest Coming To Steam

    Ready to trade your keyboard for a pitchfork? The Farmer’s Dynasty 2 Playtest is officially on the horizon, and Toplitz Productions is inviting you to help shape the future of Green Thorn Valley.

    Here is everything you need to know to get your hands on the soil before the official Early Access launch later this year:

    Playtest Schedule

    • Start Date: February 12, 2026 (4:00 PM CET)
    • End Date: February 23, 2026 (9:00 AM CET)

    What’s in the Harvest?

    This isn’t just a tech demo—it’s a deep dive into the rural life simulation that fans of the first game loved. In this playtest, you can:

    • Renovate & Build: Take that run-down family farm and restore it to its former glory.
    • Generational Farming: Use equipment ranging from vintage 1960s classics to modern high-tech machinery.
    • Community Life: Meet neighbours, complete side quests, and even explore romantic interests.
    • Diverse Activities: Try your hand at beekeeping, forestry, and livestock management alongside traditional crop farming.

    How to Join

    1. Head over to the Farmer’s Dynasty 2 Steam Page.
    2. Look for the “Join the Farmer’s Dynasty 2 Playtest” box.
    3. Click “Request Access.”
    4. Keep an eye on your inbox! The developers are adding participants in waves to gather as much feedback as possible.

    Pro Tip: The devs are looking for active feedback to fine-tune the balancing before the Early Access release. If you find a bug or have a suggestion, make sure to head to their Discord or Steam forums!

    Find out more here – https://bit.ly/WishlistFarmersDynasty2

    #farmersdynasty #playtest #farmingsimulator #simulationgames #indiegames

    #farmersdynasty2 #UMEOStudios #ToplitzProductions #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Utopia: Birth of the Heroes playtest out now

    Utopia: Birth of the Heroes playtest out now

    In January 2026, Mana Core Game Studios officially pulled back the curtain on its debut title, Utopia: Birth of the Heroes. This dark, medieval fantasy visual novel is making waves for its ambitious narrative structure and focus on the heavy moral weight of leadership and idealism.

    The Core Premise: A War of Ideals

    Set in a realm fractured by relentless war and arcane magic, the story follows three distinct protagonists: Diomedes Morgan, Frederick Marcus, and Eskil Ilhamy. Unlike many fantasy titles that focus on a simple “Good vs. Evil” struggle, Utopia centres on the concept of the “Perfect Society.”

    Each protagonist is driven by a unique vision of what a utopia looks like. As their stories intertwine, players are forced to navigate:

    • Political Tensions: Managing the fragile alliances of war-torn kingdoms.
    • Arcane Mysteries: Exploring a world where magic is both a tool for creation and a weapon of destruction.
    • Sacrifice: Deciding what—and who—must be given up to achieve a “perfect” world.

    Key Gameplay Features

    While the game follows the visual novel format, it emphasises player agency and high replayability through several key pillars:

    • Branching Perspectives: Players experience the narrative through three different lenses, seeing how one character’s “heroic” decision might be another’s tragedy.
    • Consequence-Driven Choices: Decisions ripple across the world, affecting not just personal relationships but the literal survival of entire nations.
    • Immersive Atmosphere: The game features an evocative musical score by Peter Reid Jones, designed to heighten the emotional stakes of the political and moral dilemmas.
    • Mature Storytelling: Mana Core has leaned into “dark and arcane” themes, featuring mature depictions of war, loss, and the bloody reality of medieval conflict.

    Development and Release

    Utopia: Birth of the Heroes is the debut project from Dante and Daniel Arjona, brothers and co-founders of the Monterrey-based Mana Core Game Studios.

    “We wanted to build a world where you can agree or disagree with the characters but still feel like you are part of their world,” says Dante Arjona. “Every choice feels personal because it mirrors something bigger than just the character.”

    How to Play Now

    While the full game is slated for a 2026 release on Steam, players don’t have to wait to see the world of Beia for themselves:

    • Steam Playtest: A playtest is currently live, offering immediate access to Chapters 0 through 2.
    • Steam Next Fest: An expanded demo is scheduled to debut during the February 2026 Steam Next Fest.

    Find out more here – https://manacoregs.com/utopia/

    #UtopiaBirthoftheHeroes #FantasyVisualNovel #Steam #Playtest #Utopia #ManaCoreGameStudios #pc #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • The Collective Dream Calls… Are You Ready to Wake Up?

    The Collective Dream Calls… Are You Ready to Wake Up?

    The wait is over, Dreamers. The Being and Becoming open playtest is LIVE NOW on Steam!

    Dive into a world where gorgeous, handcrafted pixel art meets a nightmare that warps reality itself. As a rare lucid dreamer, you are the only hope to defy the prophecy of The Word and consume the spirits of the corrupted to save what remains of a dying kingdom.

    What’s waiting for you in the Playtest?

    • The Beginning of the Nightmare: Play through the game’s intro and explore multiple hauntingly beautiful locations.
    • Master Your Arsenal: Experiment with a redesigned combat system featuring stamina mechanics and both light/heavy weapon archetypes (like the Exalted Axe and Cleaver).
    • Face the Corruption: Challenge two epic bosses and a variety of regular enemies, including the swarm-heavy “Ghosts.”
    • New Movement Abilities: Test out the new Slide move, ledge-clinging, and improved platforming responsiveness.

    How to Join:

    1. Head over to the Being and Becoming Steam page.
    2. Look for the “Join the Being and Becoming Playtest” banner.
    3. Click “Request Access” and dive into the Collective Dream!

    Release Window Update: We are also thrilled to announce that the full journey begins in 2026!

    Don’t let the beauty of the forest or the grandeur of the cathedral lull your vigilance—the deeper you descend, the more treacherous it becomes.

    Play the Playtest & Wishlist on Steam: https://s.team/a/1917990

    #BeingAndBecoming #Ichthys #Metroidvania #Playtest #PixelArt #Soulslike #CRITICALREFLEX #CRChannel #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Distant Isles playtest now available

    Distant Isles playtest now available

    Getting ready to explore the unknown? The Distant Isles playtest for Worldform is officially here, and it’s time to see what kind of world-builder you really are.

    Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer to the Worldform universe, this is your chance to shape the game’s evolution.

    What to Expect in the Playtest

    • Uncharted Territory: Explore unique island mechanics and resource management.
    • Shape the Meta: Your feedback directly influences balance and future features.
    • Community First: Join a dedicated group of testers to share strategies and discoveries.

    How to Join

    1. Sign Up: Head to the official Worldform portal.
    2. Download: Grab the playtest build.
    3. Report: Use the in-game feedback tool or join our Discord to let the devs know what you think!

    “The best worlds aren’t just built; they’re discovered through trial, error, and community.”

    Don’t wait—slots for this phase are limited!

    Find out more here – https://worldform.dev/

    #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #DistantIsles #IndieDev #GamingCommunity #Playtest #PCGaming #Worldform

  • The gates to Duo Quest are opening for an exclusive Playtest

    The gates to Duo Quest are opening for an exclusive Playtest

    CALLING ALL ADVENTURERS!

    The world of Duo Quest is officially opening its gates for the upcoming Playtest, and the game’s developers want YOU (and your favourite Player 2) to help them shape the journey.

    • The Mission: Test the game
    • The Perk: Get a first look at the world and leave your mark on development.
    • The Catch: Slots are limited!

    Don’t go alone! Tag your partner-in-crime and grab your spot before they’re gone.

    Sign up here: https://1plus1gamestudios.com/duo-quest-digital-game/

    #DuoQuest #IndieDev #Playtest #GamingCommunity #players #CoopGaming #1plus1gamestudios #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Astromine: Blast, Build, and Conquer a Voxel Solar System

    Astromine: Blast, Build, and Conquer a Voxel Solar System

    The universe of survival games is about to get a whole lot more explosive. Get ready to have your engineering skills—and your thirst for destruction—put to the ultimate test with Astromine, a co-op survival game that promises a fully destructible voxel solar system. Developed by Alientrap, this isn’t just another crafting-and-surviving experience; it’s a cosmic faction war where every piece of the environment is yours to exploit or obliterate.

    What is Astromine All About?

    Astromine throws you into a vast, procedurally generated solar system as a robot engaged in a brutal war for control. Your mission is simple, yet daunting: scavenge, build, and fight your way across alien worlds to conquer the system.

    Forget non-interactive terrain. In Astromine, everything is made of voxels and adheres to real physics.

    • Scavenge and Mine: Need resources? Tunnel straight through a mountain. Want to reach a core deposit? Collapse the entire crust. The ability to completely destroy and reshape the environment is not just a feature; it’s the core mechanic of resource gathering and survival.
    • True Physics Survival: This is where Astromine truly stands out. Weak foundations will crumble, fire will spread realistically, and the structural integrity of your base is a constant factor. Survival isn’t just about managing meters; it’s about smart, realistic engineering.
    • Robot vs. Robot Warfare: You’ll be going up against rival robot factions that have fortified bases across the planets. Combat is strategic and destructive. You don’t just “take over” a base—you literally have to breach walls, disable power sources, and tear the entire structure down piece by piece.

    Build, Expand, and Defend

    The materials you gather aren’t just for rudimentary tools. Astromine pushes the building aspect to the extreme:

    • Custom Structures: From simple shelters to massive, fortified orbital fortresses, you can construct detailed bases, knowing that every voxel you place has a physical presence and structural weight.
    • Design Your Spaceships: Building extends to interstellar travel! You can construct and customize your own spaceships, which you will then pilot between planets to expand your territory and engage in orbital battles.

    Co-Op Chaos and Conquest

    While the solar system is your sandbox, you don’t have to face the rival factions and alien creatures alone. Astromine is designed for co-op play, allowing you and your friends to team up to pool resources, divide labor, and coordinate massive assaults on enemy outposts. Whether you’re building a massive starship together or simultaneously tunneling under an enemy base, teamwork is key to conquering the stars.

    The Bottom Line

    Astromine promises a refreshing take on the survival-sandbox genre by putting physics and total destructibility at the forefront. If you’re looking for a game that rewards clever engineering, offers intense co-op combat, and lets you reshape the very planets you stand on, keep this title on your radar.

    Astromine is currently scheduled for an Early Access release in 2026. You can find more information and sign up for playtests on the game’s Steam page. https://shorturl.at/OqPA7

    Astromine – https://www.alientrap.com/

    #Astromine #steam #pcgames #AlientrapGames #coopgame #survival #scifi #aliens #spacecraft #playtest #demogame #gametrailer #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Ora et Labora: Pray, Work, and Build Your Monastic Empire!

    Ora et Labora: Pray, Work, and Build Your Monastic Empire!

    The bell tolls, signaling the start of a new day for your burgeoning monastic community. Welcome to Ora et Labora (Latin for “Pray and Work“), a complex and deeply satisfying board game from the master of heavy worker placement, Uwe Rosenberg.

    If you enjoy games where you start with almost nothing and end up with a sprawling, intricate engine of resource conversion, then grab your cowl and a worker meeple—this game is for you!

    What is Ora et Labora?

    At its heart, Ora et Labora is an engine-building and worker placement game for 1-4 players (though many enthusiasts argue it shines brightest at 3 or 4). Each player takes on the role of the head of a medieval monastery, tasked with acquiring land, constructing vital buildings, and producing prestigious goods to earn the most Victory Points (VPs).

    • Designer: Uwe Rosenberg (known for Agricola, Le Havre, and A Feast for Odin).
    • Theme: Medieval monastic life, focusing on building, resource production, and crafting high-value items like books, relics, and ceramics.

    The Brilliant Mechanics That Set It Apart

    While it shares DNA with Rosenberg’s other “big” games, Ora et Labora introduces a few unique elements that give it a distinctive feel:

    1. The Dynamic Resource Rondel

    Instead of adding resources to the board piece by piece, the game uses a rondel (a rotating wheel) that dictates the availability of core resources like wood, stone, and clay.

    • At the start of each round, the rondel rotates one segment.
    • This rotation instantly adjusts the supply of every basic resource, adding an elegant, global timing mechanism that all players must track. It’s a beautifully smooth way to handle resource generation.

    2. The Personal & Shared Landscape

    Every player has their own personal game board where they construct buildings. However, unlike some other games where your board is entirely isolated, Ora et Labora features a fascinating layer of player interaction:

    • Building Your Engine: You use resources to build enterprises on your land, such as a Brewery, a Scriptorum, or a Workshop.
    • Borrowing Buildings: The key twist is that you can use your opponent’s unoccupied buildings! To do so, you must pay them a fee (usually a coin or a high-value good), and they, in turn, use one of their workers to perform the action for you. This creates a delightful tension, forcing you to monitor what your rivals build and deciding if paying the tariff is worth the powerful action.

    3. Spatial Puzzle and Settlements

    The placement of your buildings matters! Your monastery grows by acquiring land tiles and clearing out Moors or Forests (which grant a one-time resource bonus).

    • You need to carefully manage the spatial arrangement on your board, as certain high-scoring Settlements require specific adjacency to other buildings and terrain. This adds a compelling polyomino-like puzzle to the resource conversion chain.

    Building Your Path to Victory

    The ultimate goal is to convert basic goods (like wood and grain) into prestigious, high-VP items (like Whiskey, Ornaments, or Books). The game is a true sandbox, offering multiple paths to victory:

    • The Brewhouse Route: Focus on converting grain into malt, then ale, and finally high-scoring whiskey.
    • The Manuscript Route: Prioritize wood and parchment to produce manuscripts and books in the Scriptorium.
    • The Real Estate Magnate: Invest heavily in acquiring land and building large settlements and monuments for substantial end-game points.

    With two different variants included in the box (France and Ireland), which use different sets of building cards, the game offers excellent long-term replayability, inviting you to explore new synergistic building combos every time you play.

    Final Verdict

    Ora et Labora is a dense, brain-burning, and incredibly rewarding experience. It successfully blends resource management with worker placement and a spatial puzzle, all wrapped in the peaceful (if economically cutthroat) theme of a medieval monastery.

    While the sheer number of conversion chains and buildings can feel overwhelming during your first play, sticking with it will reveal an elegant design and a vast decision space that keeps you coming back for more. It stands tall as one of Uwe Rosenberg’s finest achievements.

    Time to put your hands to work and your mind to the prayer of point maximization!

    Monastery: Ora et Labora – https://www.dragonkinstudios.com

    #MonasteryOraetLabora #monks #medieval #monastery #brewale #craftmanuscripts #brotherhood #spiritual #DragonkinStudios #playtest #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Dive In: Our Drowned Lake Public Playtest is LIVE!

    Dive In: Our Drowned Lake Public Playtest is LIVE!

    The water is still, dark, and promises secrets—and not the pleasant kind. Drowned Lake, developed by Monumental Collab and published by Critical Reflex, is emerging from the depths as one of the most intriguing upcoming horror games, blending survival mechanics, deep narrative, and unique Brazilian folklore.

    If you enjoy games like Dredge or Darkwood but crave a more unsettling, documentarian horror experience, then it’s time to cast your line into the waters of Drowned Lake.

    What is Drowned Lake?

    Set in the coastal forests of Brazil, Drowned Lake is a fishing survival horror game with an emphasis on investigation and narrative. The central mystery revolves around the disappearance of an amateur documentarian named Bento. His vanishing acts as the catalyst, drawing three strangers to the sinister location:

    • Carolina: The intrepid reporter.
    • Rafael: The first responder (firefighter).
    • Leonardo: The old fisherman.

    You play as these three individuals, with the story unfolding in a non-linear fashion from their distinct perspectives. Each character brings their own secrets, motivations, and desires to the lake, which is haunted by a dark presence and the whisper of a mysterious entity known as “Our Lady.”

    A New Breed of Horror: Folklore and Atmosphere

    What truly sets Drowned Lake apart is its deep well of inspiration: Brazilian folklore, religious syncretism, and social discontent.

    Instead of relying on common horror tropes, Monumental Collab—a small collective spread throughout Brazil—weaves local myths and cryptic creatures into the game’s fabric. This creates an atmosphere that is not just scary, but genuinely unfamiliar and oppressive.

    • The Setting: The game takes place in an isolated, dark environment where safety is a dream. Every abandoned wreck and quiet stream is pervaded by a sense of dread.
    • Documented Horror: The game employs a unique blend of perspectives, shifting between first-person for up-close investigation and puzzles, and a more distant, almost isometric view for exploration and fishing. This dual perspective reinforces the “documentary found footage” style of the horror.

    Fishing with Consequences

    The core survival loop revolves around fishing, but here it’s far more than a relaxing mini-game. You are literally fishing for evidence and crucial resources needed to survive and solve the mystery.

    However, the lake is a living, malevolent entity. You never know what your hook might snag: a piece of salvation, or something that awakens the horrors below. Making “Noise” is explicitly dangerous and can summon the dark presences that lurk in the depths. You have to balance the desperate need for resources with the ever-present threat of being caught yourself.

    Latest News: The Playtest is Live!

    The excitement for Drowned Lake is building, and the developers recently released a significant update:

    • Public Playtest: The game is currently in a public playtest phase on Steam (published by CRITICAL REFLEX’s horror label, CR Channel). This is a fantastic opportunity for players to get an early look at the core mechanics and atmosphere.
    • Feedback Focus: The playtest is designed to gather feedback on the movement, resource management, and overall pacing of the unique fishing/investigation blend.

    Drowned Lake promises a unique experience that combines the tension of survival horror with the methodical process of investigation, all wrapped in a rich and rarely explored cultural tapestry. It’s a game that demands you dive deep, but be warned: the deeper you go, the darker the secrets you’ll find.

    Drowned Lake on Steam – https://s.team/a/2601540

    #DrownedLake #playtest #CRITICALREFLEX #MonumentalCollab #horror #mystery #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Duty or Dollars? Diving into the Airport Contraband Playtest!

    Duty or Dollars? Diving into the Airport Contraband Playtest!

    The world of simulation games is about to get a whole lot more morally grey. If you’ve ever imagined the high-stakes life of a customs officer, get ready to experience it firsthand—and decide if you’re going to be a hero, a villain, or a little bit of both.

    The buzz is real: DRAGO entertainment has just announced the playtest for their upcoming title, Airport Contraband, and we’re ready to pack our bags and report for duty!

    What is Airport Contraband?

    This isn’t your average simulation game. Airport Contraband is described as a roguelike-simulation experience that puts you in the uniform of a customs officer at the tropical, yet chaotic, Caldora Airport.

    Your core mission is to maintain order: inspecting documents, questioning passengers, scanning luggage, and sniffing out illegal goods—from drugs and weapons to counterfeit documents.

    The Moral Dilemma: Law vs. Loot

    Here’s where the game truly sets itself apart. While you can be the upstanding officer who enforces every rule, the game heavily leans into a compelling moral choice:

    • Uphold the Law: Follow official security procedures, make correct seizures, and earn the trust that comes with a clean record.
    • Bend the Rules: Turn a blind eye to smugglers, accept cash bribes, or even actively cooperate with the local cartel to move contraband. Quick cash is tempting, but it comes with immense risk.

    Every shift is a fresh test of your instincts, and every choice builds the experience, tools, and reputation for your next officer in this roguelike structure. Do you sacrifice your ethics for a financial gain that could buy you better equipment or an easier future shift?

    Key Features We’re Excited to Test

    The playtest promises a chance to get hands-on with some exciting mechanics:

    • Detailed Inspection: Utilize X-ray scanners, chemical tests, and a variety of tools (knives, UV lamps, hammers) to uncover contraband hidden in false compartments, double-bottomed suitcases, and other cunning places.
    • Passenger Interrogation: You’ll need to rely on your people skills and gut feeling. Suspects won’t always cooperate, and you might need your taser and handcuffs to maintain order.
    • Beyond the Gate: Inspections aren’t limited to passengers. You’ll also be checking pilots’ documents and inspecting aircraft cargo—contraband can slip in through the most surprising places.
    • Roguelike Progression: Success and failure carry weight. Rewards, upgrades, and experience gained will shape the starting point of your next officer, making every playthrough unique.

    How to Join the Playtest

    If the thought of a life balancing duty and temptation sounds like your kind of simulation, you’ll want to get in on the playtest, which is planned for January 2026 on Steam.

    The developers, DRAGO entertainment, are encouraging players to get involved early, share their suggestions, and help shape the final game.

    To sign up, simply head over to the official Airport Contraband Steam page and click the green button to request access!

    The Verdict So Far

    Airport Contraband looks set to be much more than a simple sim. By blending the detailed procedures of a customs officer game with the high-stakes, consequence-driven nature of a roguelike, it promises a uniquely addictive gameplay loop.

    Will you be the airport hero, or will you build your fortune on the backs of smugglers? January can’t come soon enough!

    Are you signing up for the Airport Contraband Playtest? What’s the first illegal item you’re going to try and confiscate (or let through)? Let us know in the comments below!

    Airport Contraband – https://drago-entertainment.com/support/airport-contraband/

    #AirportContraband #Playtest #smugglers #contraband #customs #CustomsOfficer #DRAGOEntertainment #OTKWinterShowcase #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Lootbane Official Playtest: Risk, Reward, and the Pursuit of Power

    Lootbane Official Playtest: Risk, Reward, and the Pursuit of Power

    The dungeon-crawling community is buzzing! Solo Developer Milo Panta and Human Qube have officially opened the sign-ups for the first public Steam Playtest of Lootbane, an addictive roguelite RPG that puts the thrill of the gamble at the heart of every decision.

    If you’re a fan of the loot chase in Diablo, the tactical party-building of Darkest Dungeon, and the compelling, repeatable loops of Loop Hero, then it’s time to head to Steam and request access to a game that promises to scratch that insatiable itch for power.

    What is Lootbane?

    Lootbane is a challenging, loot-driven auto-battler where loot is power, and risk is everything. You start by choosing a hero and then embark on an unpredictable journey across shifting regions. The core of the gameplay isn’t about button-mashing, but about smart planning and daring choices as you build your ultimate warband.

    Key Features You’ll See in the Playtest:

    • Warband Building & Synergies: Recruit a band of followers, each with stacking passive auras and active abilities. The fun is in experimenting and finding explosive combinations to break the system.
    • Risk-Reward Dungeons: Dive into dangerous dungeons where every floor you descend multiplies the gold and the potential for rare loot—but also the danger. The central question is always: Do you cash out your haul and return to the city, or push deeper for legendary treasure?
    • Unidentified Loot: Gear remains a mystery until you survive the run and identify it, turning every successful extraction into a moment of true suspense.
    • Dynamic Regions: The playtest showcases the first Forest Lands region, which ensures every single run unfolds differently with randomized paths, merchants, healing shrines, and of course, perilous dungeons.

    Fortune Favors the Brave

    The magic of Lootbane lies in its simple rules and endless choices. It’s a game that respects your time with its repeatable, bite-sized runs, but punishes greed with the loss of your un-banked gear.

    The moment-to-moment gameplay has been described as a successful blend of high-level strategy and satisfying buildcrafting. You’re constantly tuning your roster, managing your resources, and making critical pathing choices: when to heal, when to shop, and when to challenge fate by descending one more floor. The power spike from a well-put-together synergy is your reward for daring to push the limit.

    Join the Community-Driven Development

    This first public playtest is a crucial step for solo developer Milo Panta. The goal is clear: gather honest community feedback on balance, pacing, UI clarity, and the overall satisfaction of the core design philosophy.

    If you jump in, you’re not just playing a game; you’re helping to shape it! Players are strongly encouraged to join the official Lootbane Discord to share their impressions, report bugs, and actively contribute to the game’s development.

    The community’s early feedback is already proving vital, focusing on areas like clearer stat explanations, quality-of-life improvements for inventory, and overall difficulty scaling—all essential steps for honing this addictive experience.

    How to Join the Playtest

    • When: The playtest runs from November 27th to December 4th, 2025 (a full week!).
    • Where: Head over to the official Lootbane Steam Page and click the “Request Access” button.

    Don’t miss your chance to be one of the first to build a legendary warband… or lose it all to your insatiable greed.

    Are you planning to dive into the Lootbane playtest? What kind of wild warband synergy are you hoping to create? Let me know in the comments!

    Lootbane – Official Playtest – https://suprender.com/

    #LootbaneOfficialPlaytest #Lootbane #Playtest #rpg #steam #pc #MiloPanta #HumanQube #gameplay #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Unleash Your Inner Architect: Dive into the GRAVELORD Level Editor!

    Unleash Your Inner Architect: Dive into the GRAVELORD Level Editor!

    If you’ve been blasting through the hellish, secret-laden levels of GRAVELORD, the retro “boomer shooter” from Fatbot Games, you already know the intoxicating mix of fast-paced action and intricate level design it offers. But what if you could put your own stamp on the world of Queedo the Gravedigger?

    Well, now you can! The GRAVELORD Level Editor is officially live, inviting players to go from being a slayer of darkness to a creator of it. This isn’t just a simple map maker—it’s the very same TrenchBroom-inspired tool that the developers and veteran Quake mappers used to build the game’s official episodes.

    Why the GRAVELORD Editor is a Game-Changer

    Inspired by classic FPS mapping tools, the GRAVELORD editor manages to be both powerful for veterans and approachable for newcomers. The team at Fatbot Games has prioritized a rapid, creative, block-based workflow, making the journey from a simple idea to a fully realized, functional level surprisingly swift.

    • TrenchBroom-Inspired Workflow: If you have experience with older FPS editors like those for Quake, you’ll feel right at home. The block-based geometry tools are intuitive and built for speed, allowing you to rapidly sculpt your level’s structure.
    • “Hotspotting” for Quick Art: One of the editor’s unique features is “hotspotting” functionality. This genius feature allows for quick texturing and detailing, turning your basic blockouts into atmospheric, arted spaces without getting bogged down in tedious asset placement.
    • Spectral Surface & Breakable Integration: Level design in GRAVELORD relies heavily on the Spectral Shovel dash and traversal. The editor lets you easily implement GRAVELORD’s unique mechanics, like creating spectral surfaces for movement shortcuts or setting up breakables to create dynamic combat and platforming scenarios.
    • Scripting Freedom: Want a monster closet that only opens after a specific puzzle is solved? Need a complicated puzzle sequence? The built-in Scriptbox allows for scripting levels to your exact specifications, from simple triggers to complex, overarching mechanics.

    Join the Community & Start Creating

    The best part of an accessible level editor is the community content it fosters. Fatbot Games has fully integrated the editor with the Steam Workshop.

    This means sharing your creations is effortless, and exploring new community-made levels and even entire custom episodes is just a click away. The editor ensures a quick and seamless transition between the editing view and an instant playtest within the game, so you can rapidly iterate on your design.

    To celebrate the launch and encourage new talent, Fatbot Games has even hosted Map Jams with cash prizes—a fantastic incentive for both seasoned designers and those dipping their toes into level creation for the first time.

    If you love the challenging, secret-filled level design of classic ’90s shooters, the GRAVELORD Level Editor is your chance to stop just playing the game and start making the game. Grab your virtual shovel and start digging your way to level design glory!

    Ready to Build?

    The GRAVELORD Level Editor is included with the game’s Early Access version on Steam. Will you create a punishing death trap or a beautifully intricate, secret-filled labyrinth?

    What’s the first kind of level you’ll build?

    GRAVELORD Level Editor – https://fatbot-games.com/

    #GRAVELORDLevelEditor #GRAVELORD #LevelEditor #FatbotGames #pcgames #steam #playtest #games #gaming #gamers #videogames