TECHMASH

Tag: #SteamDeck

  • EVERSPACE 2 Gets Its Final Cross-Platform Update, Steam Deck Verification & Huge Franchise Sale!

    EVERSPACE 2 Gets Its Final Cross-Platform Update, Steam Deck Verification & Huge Franchise Sale!

    Space pilots, take your seats and lock in your coordinates. Following the recent shadow drop of EVERSPACE 2: Galactic Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2, developer ROCKFISH Games has officially capped off its ambitious eight-year journey.

    The studio has released a final, comprehensive technical update across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation platforms. Packed with performance optimisations, Steam Deck Verification, highly requested community bug fixes, and a massive celebratory franchise sale on Steam, this patch serves as the perfect victory lap for one of the most beloved single-player space action RPGs of recent years.

    Here is everything you need to know about the final chapter of EVERSPACE 2 and what’s next for ROCKFISH Games.

    A Worthy Send-off: What’s in the Final Technical Update?

    While the core story and expansion content for EVERSPACE 2 wrapped up with Wrath of the Ancients, the dev team didn’t want to fly off into the sunset without giving all existing platforms one last coat of polish.

    Much of the fine-tuning done behind the scenes to get EVERSPACE 2 running smoothly for its Nintendo Switch 2 launch has trickled down into this cross-platform update. Key highlights include:

    • Steam Deck Verified Status: On-the-go space combat just got a massive upgrade. The update introduces handheld-specific UI adjustments, making text, menus, and HUD elements far easier to read on smaller screens like the Steam Deck.
    • Console Optimisations: Players on console—especially Xbox Series S owners—will notice a smoother ride. Hardware optimisations developed alongside porting partner Engine Software bring improved frame pacing and overall performance stability.
    • Quality-of-Life & Bug Fixes: ROCKFISH Games combed through player feedback to squelch remaining bugs, adjust lighting anomalies, tweak UI responsiveness, and implement minor quality-of-life feature requests from the community.

    The End of an 8-Year Odyssey

    The release marks a poignant milestone for the Hamburg-based studio.

    “This technical update caps off an eight-year journey with EVERSPACE 2. Our vision for an open-world spaceship action RPG began alongside the founding of our studio more than a decade ago and was realized in this ambitious project,” said Michael Schade, CEO and Co-Founder of ROCKFISH Games.

    From its early Kickstarter days to its Early Access debut in 2021 and its massive full launch, EVERSPACE 2 has earned critical acclaim for its fast-paced dogfights, rich loot system, handcrafted star systems, and gripping campaign.

    Barring any emergency hotfixes, this patch marks the official conclusion of post-launch development for EVERSPACE 2.

    What’s Next for ROCKFISH Games?

    If you’re worried this is the end of the line for fans of deep space dogfighting, don’t unbuckle your flight harness just yet.

    ROCKFISH Games has confirmed that while EVERSPACE 2 is content-complete, the team is far from done with sci-fi adventures. Backed by a prestigious €8 million development grant from the German government, the 30-person independent studio has already shifted its primary focus to a brand-new project set within the EVERSPACE universe.

    While details remain strictly under wraps for now, fans can expect the team to deliver another action-packed space adventure down the road.

    Celebrate with the EVERSPACE Steam Sale!

    To mark the update and say thank you to their dedicated community, ROCKFISH Games has launched a limited-time Steam Franchise Sale.

    Whether you are looking to dive into EVERSPACE 2 for the very first time, pick up massive story expansions like Titans or the award-winning Wrath of the Ancients, or grab the rogue-lite original EVERSPACE, discounts across the entire franchise make now the ultimate time to jump into the cockpit.

    Check out the update patch notes on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation, grab your Steam Deck, and enjoy the definitive way to play EVERSPACE 2.

    Clear skies and good hunting out there, pilots!

    Find out more here

    #Everspace2 #RockfishGames #GamingNews #SteamDeck #SpaceRPG #GamingCommunity #IndieGames #SciFiGaming #Xbox #PlayStation #NintendoSwitch2

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

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

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

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

    Obey the State or Burn the System Down?

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

    Key mechanics and gameplay highlights include:

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

    Optimised for Handhelds & Global Audiences

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

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

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

    Price and Availability

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

    Find out more here

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

  • Prepare Your Brains: Jonathan Blow’s Massive Puzzle Adventure ‘Order of the Sinking Star’ Hits Platforms This October

    Prepare Your Brains: Jonathan Blow’s Massive Puzzle Adventure ‘Order of the Sinking Star’ Hits Platforms This October

    Puzzle genre fans, it’s time to dust off your thinking caps and clear your calendars.

    Arc Games and Thekla, Inc. have officially confirmed that Order of the Sinking Star—the colossal, highly anticipated puzzle adventure led by legendary game designer Jonathan Blow (Braid, The Witness)—is launching on October 8.

    The mind-bending journey will be landing across PC (via Steam and Steam Deck), PlayStation 5, and the Nintendo Switch 2.

    A Decade in the Making: The “Game Design Supercollider”

    In development for nearly 10 years following the critical acclaim of 2016’s The Witness, Order of the Sinking Star is positioning itself as a generational milestone for the puzzle genre.

    Rather than relying purely on a single set of mechanics, Blow and his team at Thekla have described the game as a “game design supercollider.” The title collides ideas from several brilliant indie puzzle games and designers into one grand, sprawling ecosystem.

    The game builds upon mechanics inspired by celebrated titles such as:

    • Skipping Stones to Lonely Homes & Mirror Isles (Alan Hazelden)
    • Heroes of Sokoban (Jonah Ostroff)
    • Promesst 1–3 (Sean Barrett)
    • Design contributions from Patrick Traynor (Patrick’s Parabox), Marc ten Bosch (Miegakure), Zach Polansky (Enigmash), and community members.

    When these distinct mechanics interact and overlap, players will witness simple early 2D rules evolve into breathtaking 3D challenges and deep layers of abstraction.

    Key Features to Expect:

    • Over 1,000 Hand-Crafted Puzzles: Featuring well over 1,400 challenges total, completionists can expect up to 250 to 500+ hours of unique, mind-bending gameplay.
    • Unlikely Playable Heroes: Control an ensemble cast including a queen, a thief, a warrior, a wizard, and even a talking boat—each possessing unique abilities that alter how you interact with the environment.
    • Four Interconnected Worlds: Explore diverse realms—such as The Mirror Isles, The Promise, and Hearty Heroes of Hauling—at your own pace with non-linear, open-ended progression.
    • An Entangling Mystery: As characters meet and mechanics collide, a rich narrative unfolds around a secret cult known as the Order of the Sinking Star.

    “By creating a kind of game design supercollider, we were able to bring together ideas from some of the most brilliant puzzle designers in the industry… We can’t wait for players to step into this world and discover just how deep and complex it really is.” — Jonathan Blow, Founder of Thekla, Inc.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Whether you’re looking to flex your brainpower on the desktop or take the brain-teasers on the go with the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch 2, Order of the Sinking Star is shaping up to be an unmissable adventure for strategy and puzzle lovers alike.

    You can wishlist Order of the Sinking Star today on Steam, the PlayStation Store, and Nintendo eShop ahead of its October 8 release!

    Find out more here

    #OrderOfTheSinkingStar #JonathanBlow #ArcGames #TheklaInc #IndieGames #GamingNews #SteamDeck #NintendoSwitch2 #PS5 #PCGaming #PuzzleGames

  • Eufloria 2 Is Official! Ambient RTS Sequel Heading to PC and Steam Deck

    Eufloria 2 Is Official! Ambient RTS Sequel Heading to PC and Steam Deck

    Indie strategy fans, rejoice! Independent label Omni Systems Publishing has officially announced that Eufloria 2 is currently in development for PC and Steam Deck. Helmed by original co-creator Rudolf Kremers, the highly anticipated sequel promises to build upon the mesmerising, ambient real-time strategy gameplay that captivated gamers over a decade ago.

    Return to the Dyson Swarm

    When the original Eufloria (originally spawned under the prototype title Dyson) debuted, it instantly carved out a unique space in the indie RTS scene. Blending minimalist, organic visuals with relaxing soundscapes and deep procedural strategy, Eufloria tasked players with exploring asteroid belts, growing Dyson trees, and guiding swarms of seedling lifeforms to conquer, cultivate, and defend outer space ecosystems.

    Eufloria 2 aims to take that distinctive bio-mechanical conquest to the next level. With original co-creator Rudolf Kremers at the steering wheel, the sequel will introduce expanded gameplay mechanics, richer strategy layers, and updated audiovisual presentation—all while preserving the hypnotic, chill atmosphere that made the original a cult favourite.

    Perfect Fit for PC & Steam Deck

    The announcement specifically highlights full optimisation for Steam Deck alongside its PC launch.

    Given the original game’s intuitive pathfinding, tactile controls, and visual clarity, bringing Eufloria 2 to portable PC hardware feels like a natural match. Whether you’re relaxing on the couch or conquering asteroid fields on the go, the Steam Deck integration promises smooth, pick-up-and-play strategic gameplay.

    What to Expect Next

    While Omni Systems Publishing is keeping specific release dates and detailed feature deep-dives under wraps for now, fans can expect:

    • Evolved Ecosystem Mechanics: Deeper strategic interplay between seedling stats, asteroid qualities, and defensive flora.
    • Modernised Visuals & Audio: Crisp, dynamic vector aesthetics paired with an ethereal, ambient score.
    • On-the-Go RTS Gaming: Seamless control setups tailored for both traditional mouse/keyboard play and handheld Deck controls.

    Keep your eyes on TechMash as more details, gameplay trailers, and release windows for Eufloria 2 emerge!

    Find out more here

    #Eufloria2 #IndieGames #SteamDeck #PCGaming #OmniSystems #RTSGames #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Return of an Arcade Legend: Tony Barnes Launches VectaGuard, His First Solo Game in Over 30 Years!

    Return of an Arcade Legend: Tony Barnes Launches VectaGuard, His First Solo Game in Over 30 Years!

    Retro gaming enthusiasts and indie action fans, take note! Industry veteran Tony Barnes—the creative mind behind classic hits spanning four decades and recipient of the prestigious Jerry Lawson Lifetime Achievement Award—has officially released VectaGuard.

    Marking the debut title from his independent studio RetroNinja Games, VectaGuard is Barnes’ first solo-developed title in more than thirty years. Now available on Steam (for Windows PC and Steam Deck), this fast-paced arcade shooter delivers a masterclass in high-octane, score-chasing nostalgia built with modern precision.

    Back to the Roots of Pure Gameplay

    Having contributed to over 100 shipped titles across major gaming giants like Electronic Arts, Rockstar Games, and Crystal Dynamics (with iconic credits including Desert Strike, Strider (2014), and Medal of Honor), Barnes stepped away from the blockbuster AAA grind to return to where it all began: pure, unadulterated arcade action.

    Solo-crafted over nine months—with Barnes hand-building everything from the code and game design to the glowing visuals and pulse-pounding synthwave soundtrack—VectaGuard is a love letter to the golden era of arcade gaming.

    “The games that inspired me as a kid were simple pure gameplay; easy to learn, hard to master, impossible to put down,” says Barnes. “Creating solo again has been incredibly rewarding, and VectaGuard is the product of that. It’s my tribute to the games that made me want to become a developer to begin with.”

    What is VectaGuard?

    Inspired by coin-op and retro classics like Defender, Gravitar, Uridium, and Caverns of Mars, VectaGuard puts players in the cockpit of a VectaGuard assault craft. Your mission? Navigate glowing subterranean caverns, rescue trapped colonists, and dismantle hostile space pirate outposts across the galaxy.

    Key Features Include:

    • Stunning 2.5D Vector Visuals: A sleek, glowing wireframe aesthetic that blends classic vector cabinet vibes with modern particle effects and fluid performance.
    • Stackable Weapon Upgrades: Power up your assault craft with devastating lasers, tri-fire shots, and screen-clearing firepower.
    • Pure Score-Chasing & Replayability: Built for the “just one more run” mentality, featuring cross-platform global leaderboards to test your skills against players worldwide.
    • Dynamic Synthwave Soundtrack: An energetic, thumping OST designed to sync seamlessly with the fast-paced action.
    • Steam Deck Verified Playability: Full controller support tuned for handheld and desktop arcade action alike.

    A New Chapter for RetroNinja Games

    Founded in 2020, RetroNinja Games was created to give Barnes an unrestricted creative playground focusing on mechanics-first, visceral action experiences. With VectaGuard, RetroNinja isn’t chasing fleeting mainstream gaming trends—it’s giving retro and action gamers exactly what they crave: hand-crafted, tightly tuned gameplay with genuine soul.

    Whether you’re a long-time fan of vector arcade classics or an indie shooter aficionado looking for your next high-score addiction, VectaGuard is a must-play.

    Grab It Today!

    VectaGuard is out now on Steam for PC and Steam Deck. A free playable demo is also available if you want to test your piloting skills before jumping into the fire.

    Head over to Steam, add VectaGuard to your wishlist, and jump into the leaderboard battle today!

    Find out more here

    #VectaGuard #RetroNinjaGames #TonyBarnes #IndieGame #ArcadeShooter #Shmup #RetroGaming #SteamDeck #PCGaming #TechMash #GamingNews #VectorGraphics

  • Slither Into Full Release: ‘Scales of Silence’ Leaves Early Access for Steam v1.0 Launch!

    Slither Into Full Release: ‘Scales of Silence’ Leaves Early Access for Steam v1.0 Launch!

    If you’ve ever missed the good old days of local couch multiplayer chaos, independent studio Aggro Games has just delivered the ultimate nostalgia trip with a modern twist. Following a swift and successful one-month stint in Early Access, Scales of Silence has officially shed its test skin and slithered into its full Version 1.0 launch on Steam!

    Developed solo by indie dev Cinder under Aggro Games, Scales of Silence takes the classic arcade formula of Snake and transforms it into an intense, action-packed local party game that’s equal parts competitive, strategic, and downright chaotic.

    Here is everything you need to know about the v1.0 milestone and why your next game night needs this title.

    What is Scales of Silence?

    At its core, Scales of Silence reimagines retro Snake mechanics into a high-stakes, shared-screen arena battle. But forget instant deaths upon collision—this game introduces a clever Shrink Mechanic where “length is your life.”

    Taking a hit doesn’t knock you out immediately; instead, it chips away at your tail. Your job is to stay longer than your opponents, grind them down, and steal the win. Shorter snakes are nimble and hard to corner, while massive snakes dominate the arena floor but make for bigger targets.

    Key Features Packed Into Version 1.0

    The 1.0 release expands the initial Early Access build into a feature-packed party title:

    • Massive 8-Player Local Multiplayer: Clear the couch! Up to 8 players can battle on a single screen with zero setup hassle. Support extends to gamepads, shared keyboards (WASD, arrows, numpads), or mixed setups so nobody gets left out.
    • 500 Campaign Levels: Play solo or team up in a 2-player local co-op story mode spanning 10 distinct biomes—from sight-choking forests and freezing tundras to dangerous, pitch-black volcanoes.
    • 30 Playable Serpents & 20 Boss Battles: Unlock a roster of distinct snakes categorised by speed, acceleration, and growth traits (from Speed Demons to heavy Tanks). Beat bosses in the campaign to recruit them into your playable lineup.
    • Four Diverse Battle Modes: Customise the action with Score Battle, Timed Match, Snake Royale, and Endless Classic.
    • Zero Microtransactions & Offline Play: Pay once and get the complete experience. No accounts, no online requirements, and full support for lower-spec PCs and Steam Deck.

    A Snake Game with… Lore?

    Surprisingly, Scales of Silence packs a dark, atmospheric story underneath its frantic arcade exterior. Players uncover an ancient conflict between two serpent factions—The Order and The Fangs—while fending off a mysterious creeping darkness known as The Writhing.

    Ready to Play?

    Whether you’re looking for a quick single-player high-score run or an eight-player couch showdown with friends, Scales of Silence is available right now on Steam for Windows, macOS, and Linux/Steam Deck.

    Grab your controllers, call your crew, and see who truly rules the arena floor!

    Find out more here

    #ScalesOfSilence #IndieGames #SteamRelease #CouchCoOp #AggroGames #IndieDev #GamingNews #TechMash #PCGaming #SnakeGame #LocalMultiplayer #SteamDeck

  • Time-Travel, Chinchillas, and Disney Magic: LIFTED Launches Today on Steam!

    Time-Travel, Chinchillas, and Disney Magic: LIFTED Launches Today on Steam!

    Get ready to hit the top floor of time travel! LIFTED, the whimsical and cinematic 2.5D puzzle-platforming adventure from Adventure Works and former Disney Imagineer Jeffrey Ashbrook, has officially landed on PC via Steam today!

    If you’ve been itching for a feel-good, ’80s-inspired buddy comedy that feels like a Saturday morning cartoon crossed with Indiana Jones and Back to the Future, your next gaming obsession has arrived.

    What’s LIFTED All About?

    In LIFTED, you take on the role of Ari Buktu—a high school slacker who just wanted a little bit of extra credit. Instead, he gets swept into an eccentric, love-fueled scheme cooked up by his physics teacher, Professor Raventhorpe.

    The Professor’s latest invention? The Anytime Elevator—a time-travel machine where floor numbers correspond to years in history. Want to visit pirate-infested Tortuga in 1712? Punch in Floor 1712! Want to search for lost ancient treasure in Ancient Egypt? There’s a button for that too.

    Joined by Julius, the Professor’s trusty (and arguably most competent) pet chinchilla, Ari must swing, climb, and puzzle his way across historic eras to retrieve lost artefacts—all while dodging rival tomb raiders and chaotic avalanches.

    Disney Pedigree Meets Classic Platforming

    Founder and game director Jeffrey Ashbrook brings years of experience as a Disney Imagineer (having worked on iconic attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run). That theme-park pedigree shines bright in LIFTED.

    Expect:

    • Cinematic Set Pieces: High-stakes chase sequences, dynamic environmental hazards, and ride-like action beats.
    • Wholesome Puzzle-Platforming: Fluid movement, clever physics puzzles, and satisfying exploration built for players of all ages.
    • Top-Tier Voice Acting: Featuring lively performances from Joe Gaudet (Ari), Ray O’Hare (Professor Raventhorpe), and Evan Widjaja (Julius).
    • Pure Nostalgia: A heartwarming homage to classic 1980s blockbuster cinema and golden-era sidescrollers.

    Platforms & Availability

    • Out Today (PC / Steam): Fully optimised for controllers and verified/great on the Steam Deck, Windows, and macOS!
    • Console Release: Gamers on Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 won’t have to wait long—console ports are currently in development and will arrive at a later date.

    Whether you’re looking for an upbeat solo adventure or a delightful game to play with the family, LIFTED delivers a fresh, charming escape from the gloom. Head over to Steam today, jump into the Anytime Elevator, and let the time-travelling heist begin!

    Find out more here

    #LIFTED #LiftedGame #IndieDev #GamingNews #SteamRelease #TechMash #PuzzlePlatformer #DisneyImagineer #AdventureWorks #PCGaming #SteamDeck #NintendoSwitch2 #PS5

  • Command Three, Survive Thousands: Luminas: Parasite Reign Hits Steam Early Access This July!

    Command Three, Survive Thousands: Luminas: Parasite Reign Hits Steam Early Access This July!

    The indie roguelite scene is about to get a massive dose of magical chaos. Athens-based developer SOTO Game Studio has officially announced that its highly anticipated debut title, Luminas: Parasite Reign, will launch into Steam Early Access on July 24th, 2026.

    If you’ve been craving a fresh spin on the “bullet heaven” horde-survivor genre, this voxel-art adventure is definitely one to add to your wishlist.

    When Vampire Survivors Meets Pokémon Strategy

    While the market has seen plenty of single-character auto-shooters recently, Luminas: Parasite Reign shakes up the formula by throwing party-based tactical squad building into the mix. Instead of controlling a solitary lone wolf, you’ll lead a team of up to three supernatural, magical creatures—known as Luminas—simultaneously.

    Your mission? Defend the vibrant, voxel world of Solaris Land from an onslaught of corrupting, monstrous parasites.

    Key Features Landing in Early Access:

    • Build Your Dream Team: Choose from 8 distinct Luminas at launch (including adorable powerhouses like Pyropeep the dragon and Shelly the turtle).
    • Synergy & Combos: With 64 unique elemental spells and over 90 items of treasure to equip, you can craft specific archetypes—from glass-cannon DPS squads to tanky, unkillable support builds. Certain Lumina pairs can even combine their abilities to unleash secret, devastating combo attacks.
    • Deep Meta-Progression: Each creature features its own dedicated skill tree, allowing you to fine-tune your playstyle between runs.
    • Control the Corruption: The Early Access launch features 3 distinct biomes and 8 unique bosses. Once you master the basics, you can jack up the “Corruption” levels to alter gameplay rules, expand enemy rosters, shift camera perspectives, and push your skills to the absolute limit.

    “We’re a small team of three friends working at an independent digital agency in Greece… Born from a mix of curiosity, late-night design talks, and a shared love for roguelites.” > — SOTO Game Studio

    Steam Deck Ready on Day One

    Great news for handheld gamers: SOTO Game Studio has confirmed that Luminas: Parasite Reign is already fully optimised for the Steam Deck. Handheld playtesters have reported a locked, buttery-smooth 90 FPS with perfectly scaled UI text.

    The developer notes that player feedback during the Early Access phase will actively shape the road map—directly influencing future modes, maps, new Luminas, and boss mechanics.

    Mark your calendars for July 24th, head over to Steam, and get Luminas: Parasite Reign wishlisted today!

    Find out more here

    #LuminasParasiteReign #SOTOGameStudio #IndieGames #SteamEarlyAccess #Roguelite #BulletHeaven #HordeSurvivor #GamingNews #PCGaming #SteamDeck

  • Don’t Touch That Dial: Tequila Works Veterans Reveal Spooky New Title ‘Tuned In’

    Don’t Touch That Dial: Tequila Works Veterans Reveal Spooky New Title ‘Tuned In’

    The indie gaming landscape just got a major jolt of adrenaline. Vercors Games, a newly formed boutique studio based in Madrid, has officially broken cover to announce its debut title: Tuned In.

    If the studio’s name doesn’t ring a bell yet, the pedigree behind it certainly will. Vercors Games features a powerhouse core team composed of senior staff from Tequila Works—the brilliant minds responsible for atmospheric hits like RIME, GYLT, and Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story. If that wasn’t enough star power, they’ve also recruited seasoned industry talent from Airship Syndicate and Blizzard Entertainment.

    With a pedigree like that, expectations were always going to be high, and their first teaser does not disappoint.

    A Shifting Anthology of Nightmares

    Vercors Games dropped the curtain on Tuned In via a mysterious, deeply unsettling short video hosted on their newly launched Kickstarter pre-campaign page. Check out the teaser below:

    The premise is pure, unfiltered psychological dread. In Tuned In, players find themselves trapped by a dark, malevolent entity inside a cursed television broadcast. To survive, you must navigate a sinister lineup of puzzles, endure shifting layers of horror, and make impossible, branching choices.

    The core gameplay centres around a fascinatingly tactile mechanic: mastering the controls of an old-school cathode-ray tube (CRT) television to alter the broadcast. As you play, the boundaries of reality and the television signal begin to warp and bleed into one another. You’ll manipulate the dials to encounter, embody, and attempt to save different survivors across an interconnected narrative.

    From Gritty Slashers to Folk Horror

    Rather than sticking to a single flavour of fear, Vercors Games is building Tuned In as an ever-shifting anthology. Each chapter draws from a completely different horror sub-genre, giving every segment a distinct visual and atmospheric identity.

    The studio has promised everything from the gritty, heavy-ink shadows reminiscent of classic 80s slasher films to the muted, grainy, slow-burn textures of atmospheric folk horror. The entire experience is bound together by a gorgeous, hand-drawn graphic novel art style.

    Want to Play It Early?

    While the full game is slated for a 2027 release on Steam and Steam Deck, you won’t have to wait that long to get a taste of the nightmare.

    Vercors Games has announced that anyone who signs up early on their [Kickstarter Pre-Campaign Page] will receive exclusive, free access to a playable prologue of the game, which is set to drop very shortly.

    Between the pedigree of the developers and the brilliant, retro-tv framing device, Tuned In is instantly rocketing to the top of our “ones to watch” list. Head over to their Kickstarter page to secure your prologue access before the broadcast goes live!

    Find out more here

    #GamingNews #TunedIn #VercorsGames #IndieDev #HorrorGames #TequilaWorks #SteamDeck #Kickstarter #GamingCommunity #TechMash

  • Full Steam Ahead: Rail Estate Pulls into Steam this July with Massive Upgrades!

    Full Steam Ahead: Rail Estate Pulls into Steam this July with Massive Upgrades!

    Tycoon fans, grab your conductor hats. Swiss indie studio Holonautic—the brilliant minds typically known for pushing boundaries in the VR space—has officially announced the release date for its highly anticipated first “flat-screen” title.

    Mark your calendars: Rail Estate is officially arriving on Steam on July 16th, 2026!

    If you’ve been following the game’s development, you know it was initially revealed earlier this year as a fast-paced, multiplayer-first experience. Think Ticket to Ride meets Power Grid, but live, cutthroat, and packed with high-stakes blind auctions. However, Holonautic hasn’t just been sitting back; they have used the time leading up to launch to massively expand the scope of the game.

    Here is a breakdown of the massive new features pulling into the station this July.

    What’s New in the Final Track?

    Holonautic has loaded the launch version with a massive haul of new content based on community feedback, transforming it into a complete real-time strategy package.

    • A Full Single-Player Campaign: No internet? No problem. If you want to hone your skills before taking on real opponents, the game now features a robust single-player mode. You’ll tackle a variety of strategic scenarios and face off against a merciless cast of AI rivals to claim your tycoon crown.
    • Top-to-Bottom Visual Redesign: The entire game has undergone a major graphical overhaul. Expect polished, vibrant visuals that bring your burgeoning transportation empire to life.
    • New Cargo Hauling System: Managing passengers is one thing, but the new cargo system adds a whole new layer of economic depth. You’ll need to carefully balance speed, capacity, and resource management to keep your profits climbing.
    • Fresh Biomes & Dynamic Terrain: You’ll be building across procedurally generated world maps featuring brand-new biomes. Every map forces you to adapt your strategy to the layout of the land, meaning no two matches will ever play the same.
    • Full Steam Deck Support: For tycoons on the move, Holonautic confirmed that you’ll be able to manage your multi-million-dollar rail network right from the palm of your hand.

    Cutthroat Capitalism on the Living Grid

    At its core, Rail Estate challenges you and up to seven other players to build the country’s most profitable transportation business. You will outbid opponents in tense blind auctions to secure lucrative routes, upgrade your trains and stations to maximise revenue, and intentionally create tactical bottlenecks to sabotage your rivals.

    As one early playtester famously put it, “It’s truly a capitalist’s wet dream game. It’s very cutthroat and so true to life.”

    The Verdict: Whether you are a hardcore fan of economic simulators or looking for a fast-paced 20-minute strategy showdown with friends, Rail Estate is shaping up to be an absolute must-play this summer.

    Wishlist It Today!

    The wait is almost over. Head over to Steam right now to add Rail Estate to your wishlist so you’re ready to dominate the rail economy the second it drops on July 16th.

    Find out more here

    #Techmash #RailEstate #Holonautic #SteamGames #PCGaming #IndieDev #TycoonGames #GamingNews #StrategyGames #SteamDeck

  • Seven Strangers, One Collapsed Cave: Sci-Fi Mystery Visual Novel ‘Advent: Dawn’ Drops This July

    Seven Strangers, One Collapsed Cave: Sci-Fi Mystery Visual Novel ‘Advent: Dawn’ Drops This July

    If your idea of a perfect gaming session involves psychological tension, intricate branching narratives, and questioning whether your closest companion is lying straight to your face, then add this to your wishlist immediately.

    Indie developer Spire Games (the brilliant minds behind SYNESTHESIA and The VII Enigma) has officially announced the release date for their highly anticipated psychological sci-fi mystery visual novel, Advent: Dawn. Mark your calendars: the descent begins on Monday, July 20, 2026.

    The Setup: Trust No One Underground

    Set in the year 2066, Advent: Dawn puts you in the shoes of Dr. Atlas Everly, a neuroscientist embarking on what should have been a routine research expedition on a remote island. Things go sideways fast when an unexpected cave collapse traps Dr. Everly deep underground with six complete strangers.

    As the group desperately searches for a way out, the situation spirals from a simple survival crisis into a psychological nightmare. Tensions fracture, paranoia mounts, and the cave itself begins to reveal signs of a deeper, far more disturbing truth. Within a labyrinth of living crystals, you’ll find ancient symbolism, mythological undertones, and a lingering, terrifying suspicion: this collapse was no accident.

    “Our goal was to create a mystery that stays with players long after they have completed the game. Every choice carries emotional weight, and the line between reality and perception slowly begins to fracture.” > — Spire Games

    Inspired by the Classics, Built for Mystery Solvers

    Fans of elite visual novels like Zero Escape, Steins;Gate, Umineko, and Ever17 will feel right at home here. Spire Games is leaning heavily into immersive, thought-provoking storytelling with a pure visual novel structure enhanced by interactive mechanics.

    Here is what you can look forward to when you dive in:

    • An Interactive Flowchart Map: No need to stress over missing a narrative branch. The game features an interactive flowchart that allows you to freely jump back to crucial turning points, test out new theories, and unlock hidden paths.
    • Decisions with Real Weight: Pursue multiple character routes, each uncovering a different piece of the overarching lie.
    • The “True” Ending: The game boasts a built-in narrative structure where the multiple endings layer upon one another, culminating in a final, climactic revelation.
    • Environmental Puzzles: Solve riddles and light puzzles completely woven into the core mystery of the cave.
    • Immersive Production: Key scenes feature voice acting (complete with mouth animations) and an original, atmosphere-drenched soundtrack by composer Caleb Coles.

    Depending on your reading style, you can expect a methodical playthrough to clock in around 16 to 22 hours, making it a meaty sci-fi mystery to sink your teeth into this summer. Plus, while it shares a universe with The VII Enigma, it is a completely standalone title—no prior homework required.

    Release Details

    Advent: Dawn officially launches on Monday, July 20, 2026. True to indie-friendly form, it will be available globally for PC via Steam, Linux, and Mac (and yes, it’s fully compatible with the Steam Deck for all your handheld, dark-room mystery-solving needs).

    Head over to Steam to check out the trailer and add it to your wishlist today. Will you unravel the mystery before the cave unravels you?

    Find out more here

    #VisualNovels #AdventDawn #SpireGames #SciFiGaming #IndieDev #PCGaming #SteamDeck #GamingNews #MysteryGames

  • Two Players, One Mech: Knifing Mantis Unveils Chaos-Driven ‘Split Circuit Arena’

    Two Players, One Mech: Knifing Mantis Unveils Chaos-Driven ‘Split Circuit Arena’

    If your co-op gaming sessions don’t involve enough screaming, arguing, and unintentional sabotage, indie developer Knifing Mantis has just the antidote. The studio has officially unveiled Split Circuit Arena, an early-stage, physics-driven co-op arena combat game heading to PC via Steam—with official Steam Deck support locked in as a development target.

    Forget sweaty competitive metas and toxic matchmaking. Split Circuit Arena is a PvE experience entirely built around shared chaos, communication, and completely uncoordinated mechanical warfare.

    Two Drivers, One Wheel (Literally)

    The central hook of Split Circuit Arena is beautifully simple yet deliberately infuriating: two players must pilot a single combat robot together.

    Instead of splitting roles by driver and gunner, the controls are split right down the middle of the machine. One player commands the left side of the robot (including its wheel and left-mounted weapons), while the other player has sole control over the right side.

    Want to drive in a straight line? You and your partner need to apply the exact same amount of gas. Want to turn left? Your partner needs to back off while you accelerate. Want to jump or execute an attack? You both need to hit the button at the exact same millisecond. Even the most basic navigation turns into a frantic boardroom meeting in the middle of a warzone.

    Pure Physics-Driven Mayhem

    Once you manage to move, you’ll have to survive. The game dumps players into hostile arenas to face off against smart, aggressive AI-controlled rival bots.

    Rather than relying on artificial stats or gear scores, combat is entirely physics-driven. Players will have to coordinate in real time to ram, shove, flip, and smash through opponents. The environment itself is just as lethal, packed with hazards like rotating weapons, slamming traps, and fire pits that you can either push your enemies into, or accidentally drive yourself into because your partner panicked.

    Couch Co-Op and Handheld Play

    Knifing Mantis is building the game with flexibility in mind. Players will be able to team up locally for classic couch co-op or connect online to test the limits of their friendships remotely.

    Crucially for handheld enthusiasts, the developers have already stated that Steam Deck support is a core target for development, meaning you’ll be able to take this beautifully uncoordinated death machine on the go.

    The project is currently in its early prototype stage, with the dev duo continuing to refine the physics, damage models, enemy behaviour, and level hazards. If you want to check out the initial trailer or add the game to your wishlist, the official Steam page is live now.

    Find out more here

    #SplitCircuitArena #KnifingMantis #IndieGames #CoOpGaming #PCGaming #SteamDeck #GamingNews #TechMash