TECHMASH

Tag: #steamgames

  • Unearth Mars’ Deepest Secrets in ‘Alien Archeologist’ – Coming Soon from Black Lantern Collective!

    Unearth Mars’ Deepest Secrets in ‘Alien Archeologist’ – Coming Soon from Black Lantern Collective!

    If you have ever caught yourself meticulously power-washing a driveway in PowerWash Simulator or endlessly carving out tunnels in A Game About Digging a Hole, get ready to find your next gaming obsession.

    Indie publisher Black Lantern Collective has officially announced Alien Archeologist, a quirky, satisfying, and mystery-laden incremental digging game that sends you off to the rusty red crust of Mars. Developed by TheClassifiedX, the title drops you into the boots of a solo spacefaring prospector tasked with excavating deep beneath the Martian surface to uncover what your mysterious employers are so desperate to find.

    Dig, Restore, Upgrade, Repeat

    Alien Archeologist takes the addictive loop of incremental progression and combines it with tactile, satisfying restoration mechanics.

    Here is what you can look forward to as you sink your shovel into the dirt:

    • Unearth Hidden History: Dig beneath the soil to discover relics and remnants from an ancient, lost alien civilisation.
    • Meticulous Restoration: Uncovering an artefact is only half the fun. Bring your finds back to the surface to spray off dirt, chip away grime, and polish each piece until it gleams. If you love the satisfying, dust-clearing gameplay of simulation titles, clearing away every last speck of dirt in Alien Archeologist will hit the spot.
    • Upgradeable Tech & Explosives: Fill your pack with raw ores, feed them into your grinder, and earn funds to upgrade your gear. Boost your shovel speed, brighten your headlamps, or use good old-fashioned dynamite to blast through tough Martian rock!
    • Meet GOOBER: You’re not entirely alone on the Red Planet. To keep you company, your employers have assigned you GOOBER—a spiffy little vacuum bot that helps gather materials, craft TNT, and provide companionship. Best of all? You can customise GOOBER with top hats, bow ties, and moustaches!

    A Deepening Martian Mystery

    Behind its cosy, relaxing digging and polishing mechanics lies an intriguing narrative. As you uncover crystal caverns, abandoned astronaut outposts, and sprawling alien installations, you’ll start piecing together why your corporate handlers sent you here in the first place—and what’s truly lurking at the planet’s core.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Alien Archeologist is set to launch on PC via Steam on October 12, 2026.

    If you are ready to put on your space suit, grab a shovel, and dig up the past, head over to Steam today and add Alien Archeologist to your wishlist!

    Find out more here

    #AlienArcheologist #BlackLanternCollective #IndieGames #GamingNews #PCGaming #SteamGames #SciFiGaming #IndieDev

  • Drop Loot Announced: The Loot-Matching, Monster-Exploding Roguelite Dungeon Crawler You Need on Your Wishlist

    Drop Loot Announced: The Loot-Matching, Monster-Exploding Roguelite Dungeon Crawler You Need on Your Wishlist

    Indie gaming fans, get ready to clear your schedules! Solo developer Reno and publisher Human Qube Games have officially announced Drop Loot—a fast-paced, loot-matching, synergy-chaining, monster-exploding roguelite dungeon crawler coming to PC via Steam.

    If you love the thrill of inventory management, puzzle-matching mechanics, and pure chaotic dungeon destruction, Drop Loot is shaping up to be your next roguelite obsession.

    What is Drop Loot?

    In Drop Loot, you descend into the heart of a perilous well packed to the brim with monsters. Rather than standard grid movement or real-time hack-and-slash combat, Drop Loot brings tactical puzzle action to the table: you drop pairs of loot directly onto a board crawling with enemies.

    By matching swords and bombs right beside monsters, you deal massive damage. Need to stay alive? Match hearts to heal up or stack shields to absorb incoming attacks. Need to fuel your journey? Collect coins to buy run-altering upgrades in between drops.

    Every single drop turns into a tactical puzzle. Do you make a quick match to survive another turn, or do you set up a massive gold-tinted critical hit that triggers a screen-wiping chain reaction?

    Key Features to Get Hyped For:

    • Drop, Match, Chain, Explode! Drop pairs of loot, clear space, and build game-breaking chain reactions. Match swords to slash nearby foes, throw explosive spells across the board, or fire bows to hit distant targets.
    • Stack It Until It Breaks: Spend your hard-earned gold between drops on dozens of stackable powers and shop upgrades. Combine complementary abilities to turn a simple puzzle strategy into an engine that clears the entire board automatically.
    • The Dungeon Hits Back: Monsters aren’t just targets; they attack with their own health, armour, and signature abilities. Boss fights will test your build on the fly and force you to rethink your spatial strategy.
    • Chunky Pixel Art & Reactive FX: Brought to life by Brisbane-based designer Reno, Drop Loot combines retro hand-drawn pixel art with a reactive particle system. Elemental reactions like lighting wet tiles or setting off bomb chains create a gloriously messy, screen-filling spectacle.
    • Endless Descent: Conquer the main dungeon boss to unlock Endless Mode—where the monsters get nastier, the depths go deeper, and the challenge never stops.

    Made by Passionate Creators

    Drop Loot is the debut title from Reno, an Australian graphic designer and retro gaming fanatic who also serves as the creative director of a Brisbane design agency. Partnering with publisher Human Qube Games (the team behind hits like Megaloot, Lootbane, and My Little Life), this project is built from the ground up to give roguelite lovers a deeply satisfying gameplay loop.

    Add Drop Loot to Your Steam Wishlist!

    Ready to paint the well red? You can watch the official announcement trailer on YouTube and head over to Steam today to add Drop Loot to your wishlist so you don’t miss out when it launches!

    Find out more here

    #DropLoot #IndieGames #Roguelite #SteamGames #PCGaming #GamingNews #IndieDev #PixelArt #HumanQubeGames #TechMash

  • Create the Next Fortnite? ‘BROMS: Battle Royale Management Simulator’ Demo Drops July 30!

    Create the Next Fortnite? ‘BROMS: Battle Royale Management Simulator’ Demo Drops July 30!

    Ever watched a high-stakes Battle Royale match and thought, “I could build a better island than this”? Well, it’s time to put your strategy where your mouth is.

    Indie developer MIZO CLEATE and publisher PlayWay SA have officially announced that a free demo for their upcoming game, BROMS: Battle Royale Management Simulator, will launch on July 30!

    Instead of parachuting into the arena as a contestant fighting for survival, BROMS flips the script and puts you in the control room as the mastermind behind the entire operation.

    What is BROMS?

    BROMS: Battle Royale Management Simulator is a unique management simulation game where you take charge of your very own battle royale show.

    Forget just shooting—your job is to handle the logistics, design the gameplay loop, and keep millions of viewers glued to their screens. As the showrunner, you’ll be responsible for:

    • Designing the Arena: Build and customise deadly, action-packed battlegrounds tailored to maximise drama and chaos.
    • Managing Competitors: Draft fighters, set rules, and balance the playfield to keep matches intense.
    • Loot & Economy Control: Drop in the best weapons, adjust spawn rates, and strategically position supply crates to force epic firefights.
    • Ratings & Revenue: Keep the audience entertained! Satisfy sponsor demands, boost viewership ratings, and manage your budget to expand your battle royale empire.

    Mark Your Calendars: July 30!

    If you’re a fan of management sims like Game Dev Tycoon, Two Point Hospital, or RollerCoaster Tycoon—but with a modern, esports-centric twist—this demo is definitely worth adding to your Steam wishlist.

    The free demo launching on July 30 will give players their first hands-on experience with arena building, show management, and spectator dynamics.

    Are you ready to build the ultimate battle royale? Head over to Steam, wishlist BROMS today, and get ready to jump into the control room on July 30!

    Find out more here

    #BROMS #BattleRoyale #GamingNews #IndieGames #PlayWay #MIZOCLEATE #PCGaming #GamingDemo #SteamGames #TechMash

  • Axe at the Ready: Build a Furniture Empire in Chop Chop Inc., Launching August 7th!

    Axe at the Ready: Build a Furniture Empire in Chop Chop Inc., Launching August 7th!

    If you’ve ever looked at a massive corporate furniture store and thought, “I could build better furniture than this with just a log and a dream,” then get your safety goggles ready.

    Chop Chop Inc., a charming new first-person woodcutting and craft-simulation game from NullRef Entertainment (formed by developers who previously worked on Endzone: A World Apart), is officially chopping its way onto PC via Steam on August 7th for just €12.99. Published by rokaplay, this indie gem invites you to declare all-out war on corporate mega-retailers using nothing but sharp tools, raw grit, and plenty of timber.

    Revenge is a Dish Best Served Wooden

    In Chop Chop Inc., your adventure begins after an unexpected layoff from Furnox Corp, a cold and uncaring furniture conglomerate. Left with no job, a trusty axe, and a doorstep overflowing with trees, you decide to turn spite into profit.

    What starts as a modest, one-man woodworking shop quickly scales into an automated manufacturing empire. You’ll chop down trees, process raw timber into usable planks, assemble furniture, and sell your creations to local townsfolk—all while steadily climbing the ladder to become the ultimate indie furniture tycoon.

    What Makes Chop Chop Inc. Stand Out?

    1. Total Lumber Freedom

    If it’s made of wood, it can be felled. Whether you’re harvesting a tiny sapling or tackling a giant ancient trunk, every piece of nature in front of you is fair game for your production line.

    2. Deeply Questionable (and Impressive) Designs

    Who says furniture needs to be traditional? In Chop Chop Inc., you aren’t limited to standard coffee tables and bookshelf units. As you progress, you’ll unlock blueprints for gloriously absurd creations:

    • The Wooden PC: Because wood has fantastic thermal properties… right?
    • The Wooden Weight Bench: Splinters build character, and bench presses build strength!

    3. Expand, Automate, and Conquer

    Manual labour will only get you so far. As your profits grow, you’ll reinvest in heavy machinery, fast-paced processing stations, and automated conveyor setups that turn rough handcrafted items into sleek, high-value designer collections.

    4. Weird Biomes & Mysterious Trees

    Your woodworking venture won’t stay local for long. Expanding your territory opens up strange new regions containing unexpected tree species, including stone, metal, and electric trees. Their origins remain a mystery—but your axe doesn’t care. Chop first, ask questions later!

    5. Stat Upgrades & Suspicious Ducks

    Your character isn’t just a static camera. You can work out on gym equipment to improve your strength and stamina, or cook stat-boosting meals over an open fire. Plus, you’ll meet a cast of eccentric local characters who can assist your production line… though you’ll definitely want to keep a close eye on the local duck population. They know something, and they aren’t talking.

    Launch Date & Details

    • Game: Chop Chop Inc.
    • Developer: NullRef Entertainment
    • Publisher: rokaplay
    • Release Date: August 7th, 2026
    • Platform: PC via Steam
    • Price: €12.99

    Whether you’re a fan of satisfying automation games, cosy crafting sims, or just want to chop down trees and build an empire out of pure spite for corporate giant Furnox, Chop Chop Inc. looks like a cut above the rest.

    Head over to Steam today to add Chop Chop Inc. to your wishlist before it launches on August 7th!

    Find out more here

    #ChopChopInc #IndieGames #SteamGames #GamingNews #SimulationGames #PCGaming #TechMash #IndieGameDev #WoodworkingSim #CraftingGames

  • Death Is Only the Beginning: RA Tabletop Formally Announces The Dungeon Club

    Death Is Only the Beginning: RA Tabletop Formally Announces The Dungeon Club

    Get ready to test your poker face and unleash your inner phantom, because developer RA Tabletop has officially revealed The Dungeon Club—a chaotic new multiplayer social bluffing card game where getting eliminated doesn’t mean your match is over. In fact, it might just be where the real fun begins!

    Set inside a lively medieval tavern, The Dungeon Club takes the beloved mechanics of social deduction, accusations, and strategic bluffs and turns them completely on their head. Instead of sending defeated players to the sidelines to watch everyone else have fun, eliminated players return to the table as vengeful ghosts. Armed with supernatural abilities, these spectral players can haunt the living, sabotage remaining turns, and even steal victory right from beyond the grave.

    Key Features to Keep Your Eye On

    • Death Is Only the Beginning: Elimination isn’t game over. Defeated players enter the Underworld, unlocking exclusive Underworld Cards to sabotage surviving opponents, battle rival spirits, and harvest souls in a bid to snatch victory from the living.
    • Bluff, Accuse, & Outsmart: Every turn is a tense game of psychological warfare. Will you play it safe with the truth, or risk everything on a high-stakes bluff?
    • Master Treachery Cards: Turn heated confrontations in your favour. Engage in tactical duels sparked by accusations, using offensive and defensive Treachery Cards to swing the balance of power.
    • Face the Curse Box: Lies come at a cost. Failed bluffs and false accusations force players to face the chaotic Curse Box, unleashing unpredictable threats ranging from terrifying dragons and hydras to catastrophic magical disasters.
    • Play Online or Solo: Jump into online multiplayer sessions with friends or sharpen your deception skills against challenging AI opponents.

    A Fresh Twist on Social Deduction

    One of the biggest pain points in elimination-based board and card games is sitting around waiting for a match to finish after getting knocked out early. The Dungeon Club completely solves this issue by making every elimination meaningful. Whether you’re defending yourself from living opponents with Treachery Cards or plotting spectral revenge as a ghost, every player remains engaged from the first deal to the final showdown.

    Whether you’re looking for your next casual game night favourite or a cutthroat online arena to test your bluffing skills, The Dungeon Club promises endless replayability, hilarious rivalries, and unforgettable comeback stories.

    The Dungeon Club is coming soon to PC via Early Access on Steam. Be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist today!

    Find out more here

    #TheDungeonClub #RATabletop #CardGames #BoardGames #IndieGames #GamingNews #PCGaming #SteamGames #SocialBluffing #TabletopGaming #TechMash

  • Clock In If You Dare: Indie Horror ‘Nightmare Shift’ Brings Motelling Madness to Consoles Soon!

    Clock In If You Dare: Indie Horror ‘Nightmare Shift’ Brings Motelling Madness to Consoles Soon!

    If you’ve ever worked a late-night shift, you already know how eerie quiet hallways and flickering fluorescent lights can be. But indie developer Binary Lunar and publisher Ultimate Games S.A. are taking that midnight paranoia to a whole new level with Nightmare Shift—a chilling indie psychological horror experience making its way to current-gen consoles this summer!

    Already creeping out PC players on Steam, this atmospheric thriller is officially expanding its reach. Mark your calendars: Nightmare Shift arrives on Xbox Series X|S on July 30, followed by a PlayStation 5 release on August 13.

    Routine Duties Meets Absolute Madness

    In Nightmare Shift, you step into the shoes of Emma Carter, a young woman embarking on late-night shifts at a remote motel. At first glance, the job seems straightforward enough—answering phone calls, stocking rooms, and dealing with late-night check-ins.

    However, routine quickly turns into a nightmare:

    • Unsettling Guests & Mysterious Visitors: Not everyone checking into the motel is looking for a restful night’s sleep. You’ll have to navigate encounters with erratic, eerie guests whose true motives remain dangerously unclear.
    • No Escape, Even at Home: The horror doesn’t stop when you clock out. Emma’s home life and apartment become just as claustrophobic and unsettling, leaving her—and you—wondering if she is truly alone or being watched.
    • Reality vs. Paranoia: Drawing stylistic inspiration from cinematic thrillers (such as the 2018 South Korean thriller Door Lock), the game weaves a slow-burn narrative where everyday tasks hide deep psychological terror. Is it stress, or is something sinister lurking in the shadows?

    Cinematic Storytelling and Multiple Endings

    Mechanically, Nightmare Shift combines walking simulator exploration with environmental puzzle-solving and atmospheric storytelling. Beyond its haunting visual atmosphere and immersive sound design, one of the standout elements is its branching narrative structure.

    Every choice you make and clue you uncover pushes Emma toward different conclusions. With multiple endings to unlock, the game offers high replayability for horror fans determined to uncover the whole truth behind the motel’s dark secrets.

    Release Dates & Availability

    Ready to see if you can survive the night shift? Here is when you can grab it:

    • Xbox Series X|S: July 30
    • PlayStation 5: August 13
    • PC (Steam / Itch.io): Available Now

    Whether you’re playing on PC or waiting to turn down the lights on console, Nightmare Shift promises a short, sharp dose of psychological dread that will make you rethink taking that graveyard shift.

    Will you be checking into the motel this summer, or are you staying far away from the night shift? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #NightmareShift #IndieHorror #HorrorGames #XboxSeriesX #PS5 #GamingNews #TechMash #PsychologicalHorror #SteamGames

  • Build Your Ultimate Feline Paradise: Cosy Management Game ‘Cat Isle’ Officially Launches on Steam!

    Build Your Ultimate Feline Paradise: Cosy Management Game ‘Cat Isle’ Officially Launches on Steam!

    If you are a fan of low-stress cosy builders, relaxing aesthetics, and cute animals, there is a brand-new indie gem waiting on your radar. Tiny Tail—a small, dedicated two-person indie development team—has officially launched their charming cosy pixel-art management game, Cat Isle, on Steam for PC and Mac!

    After nearly a year of passionate development, this heartfelt passion project is finally ready to welcome players worldwide to craft the ultimate island getaway for feline friends.

    What is Cat Isle?

    Inspired by Japan’s famous real-life Cat Islands and the warm, tranquil atmosphere of Studio Ghibli, Cat Isle transports you to a quiet train platform island out in the middle of the sea. What starts as a small, isolated stop slowly transforms into a bustling, vibrant haven for visiting cats.

    Unlike high-pressure management games, Cat Isle focuses heavily on relaxation, creativity, and simple moments of joy.

    Key Game Features:

    • Build & Manage: Construct and expand over 17 unique buildings, including shops, restaurants, shrines, and cosy cat houses. Balance stock and cater to the specific needs and quirks of your furry clientele as they dine and explore.
    • 100+ Hand-Drawn Pixel Art Items: Decorate your island to your heart’s content using over 100 cute decorations unlocked through a fun in-game Gashapon machine mechanic. You can even create custom decorations for that extra personal touch!
    • Multiple Ways to Play: Progress through 4 distinct levels with unique goals and themes, or switch over to Sandbox Mode if you prefer to build freely without any set objectives.
    • Chill Activities: Unwind by taking a break to go fishing, earning rewards and vouchers to use around town, or simply sitting back and watching the cats enjoy the paradise you’ve built.
    • Bite-Sized Cosy Experience: Offering roughly 2 to 4 hours of core gameplay, Cat Isle delivers a focused, comforting, and deeply satisfying session without feeling like an endless time sink.

    Global Launch with Multi-Language Support

    Tiny Tail designed Cat Isle with a global audience in mind right out of the gate. On day one, the game features full localisation support for Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean, alongside English—making it easily accessible to cosy gaming communities around the world!

    Available Now on PC & Mac

    Whether you want to unwind after a long day at work or need a cosy weekend pick-me-up, Cat Isle is the perfect retreat.

    You can grab Cat Isle on Steam right now for both Windows PC and Mac! Support this incredible two-person indie team and build your very own kitty haven today.

    Find out more here

    #CatIsle #IndieGame #CozyGames #PixelArt #SteamGames #PCGaming #MacGaming #TechMash #IndieDev #CatGames

  • Huntin’ Buddies Unleashes a Terrifyingly Hilarious New Trailer Ahead of Next Week’s Steam Launch!

    Huntin’ Buddies Unleashes a Terrifyingly Hilarious New Trailer Ahead of Next Week’s Steam Launch!

    Get your gear ready and watch your back, because the ultimate wilderness excursion is just around the corner! Developers Huntin’ Buddies Wildlife Management have officially dropped a brand-new release date trailer to mark the final countdown for their highly anticipated game, Huntin’ Buddies.

    Arriving on Steam in just one week on July 24th, 2026, this 4-player co-op horror-comedy is about to change the way you look at the great outdoors.

    Welcome to the Forbidden National Park

    Set deep within the eerie boundaries of a strictly forbidden national park, Huntin’ Buddies blends chaotic multiplayer teamwork with spine-chilling scares and laugh-out-loud comedy. You and up to three friends will step into the boots of a wildlife management crew tasked with tracking down elusive—and terrifying—creatures.

    The newly released trailer offers a chaotic, action-packed sneak peek at the bizarre anomalies, atmospheric environments, and monstrous threats lurking in the shadows of the park. From botched stealth attempts to hilarious friendly-fire accidents, it’s clear that surviving this expedition will require quick thinking, serious firepower, and a lot of luck.

    Survival is Optional, Laughs are Guaranteed

    Whether you are setting up traps, tracking mysterious footprints, or running for your absolute life when things inevitably go sideways, Huntin’ Buddies promises a perfect blend of genuine tension and comedic gaming nights.

    Mark your calendars for July 24th, round up your squad, and head over to Steam to wishlist the game today. As the developers themselves put it: Good luck. You’ll need it.

    Find out more here

    #HuntinBuddies #CoOpGaming #HorrorComedy #SteamGames #PCGaming #GamingNews #IndieGames #Multiplayer #Gaming

  • From Punk Riffs to Retro Pixels: Jeff Rosenstock Guitarist Mike Huguenor Announces Debut Game Boy & PC Game!

    From Punk Riffs to Retro Pixels: Jeff Rosenstock Guitarist Mike Huguenor Announces Debut Game Boy & PC Game!

    If you’ve listened to any of Jeff Rosenstock’s anthemic tracks, or spun records from indie-punk staples like Hard Girls and Shinobu, you already know Mike Huguenor. Celebrated for his razor-sharp riffsmanship and iconic guitar tone, Huguenor has spent years pushing the boundaries of what six strings can do.

    Now, he’s pushing a few different buttons.

    In an awesome twist for both music fans and retro gamers, Huguenor has officially announced his debut video game: Surfing the Web With the Alien: The Game!

    Scheduled to drop on August 20, the game serves as a playable, retro side-scrolling companion to his critically acclaimed 2025 sophomore solo album of the same name, arriving just in time to celebrate the record’s one-year anniversary.

    Here is everything you need to know about this incredibly unique DIY project.

    A Playable Love Letter to Indie Rock & Retro Gaming

    Surfing the Web With the Alien: The Game is a 10-level side-scrolling adventure where each stage corresponds to a track from the original album. The game follows a musician protagonist on a quest to put on an unforgettable performance, and the levels lean heavily into the chaotic, unpredictable energy of life on the road.

    Players will face obstacles that range from the painfully relatable to the completely absurd:

    • The Mundane: Dealing with gear mishaps, like a guitar breaking right during equipment load-in.
    • The Supernatural: Fending off a ravenous horde of killer zombies using nothing but the sheer power of rock and roll.
    • The Finale: A climactic rhythm-game showdown where you finally take the stage for the ultimate gig.

    Huguenor, a self-taught programmer who hadn’t touched coding since messing around with HTML in the year 2000, built the game entirely by hand. He treated the development process with the exact same DIY punk ethos that defines his music career—balancing the coding desk while touring with Jeff Rosenstock and writing his upcoming literary debut, Elvis is Dead, I’m Still Alive: The Story of Asian Man Records.

    “I find the element of surprise to be really important in art,” Huguenor shared, explaining that the game’s unpredictable detours mirror the real-life problem-solving of a touring musician. He views the medium as “another format for narrative… like sliding another frame into a projector.”

    Expect plenty of nostalgic nods throughout the levels, with gameplay and visual design drawing inspiration from classics like Castlevania, EarthBound, old-school skateboarding games, and Frogger.

    Real physical Game Boy Cartridges?!

    For the ultimate collectors, this isn’t just a digital download. While the game will be readily available for PC players on Steam and itch.io, Huguenor is also releasing hand-assembled, limited-edition physical Game Boy cartridges!

    The rollout follows his newly founded imprint, Infinite Baffle Records, which recently launched a full 8-bit recreation of the album (Surfing the Web With the Alien: 8-Bit) to perfectly score your retro playthrough.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Whether you’re a devout fan of the San Jose punk scene, a lover of instrumental post-punk, or a retro gaming enthusiast looking to dust off your old handheld, this is a crossover you won’t want to miss.

    Surfing the Web With the Alien: The Game launches on August 20. Head over to infinitebaffle.net to learn more, and get ready to shred your way through the apocalypse!

    Find out more here

    #MikeHuguenor #JeffRosenstock #SurfingTheWebWithTheAlien #RetroGaming #GameBoy #IndieGames #PunkRock #DIYGaming #SteamGames #ItchIo #InfiniteBaffle #TechMash

  • Prepare for Launch! High-Octane Space-Cat Shooter ‘Astro Burn’ Exits Early Access on July 30th

    Prepare for Launch! High-Octane Space-Cat Shooter ‘Astro Burn’ Exits Early Access on July 30th

    Indie game fans and cat lovers, assemble! The wait is nearly over. London-based developer Beyond The Pixels and publisher Pixel Doors have officially locked in July 30, 2026, as the official 1.0 launch date for Astro Burn on both Steam and GOG.

    After months of collaborative fine-tuning during its highly active Early Access cycle, this colourful, retro-inspired “cute-’em-up” is finally ready to show off its ultimate, feature-packed definitive edition.

    Here is everything you need to know about this adorable yet delightfully chaotic space adventure!

    What is Astro Burn?

    If you ever wondered what happens when you cross classic side-scrolling shooters like Parodius and Pop’n Twinbee with modern bullet-hell intensity and a genetically enhanced cat, you get Astro Burn.

    The game follows Astro, a sassy space cat who was lured into experimental alien technology upgrades with the promise of delicious fish treats. Stranded far from home, Astro (alongside her chatty robotic companion AL) must blast through waves of absurd, screen-filling creature overlords to find a way back.

    A Community-Crafted Masterpiece

    The journey to the 1.0 launch has been nothing short of spectacular. Thanks to an incredibly passionate community, the game’s recent Kickstarter campaign blew past its goals, landing at over 150% funded.

    Because of this massive support, physical media collectors can look forward to a premium retro physical release (courtesy of 33 Games), complete with custom USB cartridges, cassette tape soundtracks, and exclusive lore-filled trading cards.

    Director HaZ Dulull and the development team have worked hand-in-hand with players—gathering feedback from Discord, Steam reviews, TwitchCon, and IGN Live—to elevate Astro Burn from a passion project into a highly polished, modern-retro masterpiece.

    What’s New in Version 1.0?

    The 1.0 update is absolutely packed with content, adjustments, and some of the most delightfully unhinged features we’ve seen in an indie game:

    • The Epic Conclusion: Guide Astro through Levels 8 and 9 to finally experience the end of her narrative campaign.
    • Couch Co-op & Competitive Play: Take on the alien hordes with a friend in local co-op across seven distinct levels.
    • Weaponised Snacks & Kitten Rescues: Standard bullets have been swapped out for delicious flying treats so you can defeat giant bosses (like PooBear on the Party Bus) with food! Plus, rescue lost kittens mid-run to trigger custom animations and score massive bonus points.
    • “Cat TV” & ASMR Modes: In one of the most unique additions yet, real-life cats can watch three specialised “Cat TV” channels on-screen. Meanwhile, humans can wind down between chaotic bullet-hell runs with a relaxing “ASMR Mode” featuring ambient ocean waves and cat purrs.
    • Speedrunner Paradise: Master the game with new high-risk “Speed Zones” (including a Turbo setting) and test out upgraded weapon spreads.
    • Steam Deck Verified: The game is fully optimised for on-the-go play on the Steam Deck and Valve’s Steam Machine, featuring highly readable custom fonts and localisation across eight new languages (including Japanese, French, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese).
    • “Meowcromatic” Mode: Originally designed as an accessibility color-blind option, this highly requested community favourite turns the game into a gorgeous monochrome homage to Mad Max: Fury Road – Black & Chrome Edition.

    Get Ready for Lift-off!

    Mark your calendars for July 30th! Whether you want to climb the leaderboards, save adorable kittens, or just let your real-life pet enjoy some Cat TV while you dodge neon lasers, Astro Burn promises an unforgettable, action-packed retro experience.

    Head over to Steam and GOG to wishlist the game today!

    Find out more here

    #AstroBurn #BeyondThePixels #PixelDoors #IndieGames #CuteEmUp #SpaceCat #RetroGaming #SteamGames #GOG #GamingNews

  • Fast Food, Faster Racers: Wabisabi SushiDerby Launches on Switch and PC for Less Than a Salmon Roll!

    Fast Food, Faster Racers: Wabisabi SushiDerby Launches on Switch and PC for Less Than a Salmon Roll!

    If you have ever stared at a conveyor-belt sushi platter and thought, “I bet that piece of tuna nigiri could run a sub-ten-second sprint,” we have some brilliant news for you.

    Japanese publishing giant Kodansha Ltd. has officially launched Wabisabi SushiDerby today! Released under their esteemed Kodansha Game Lab indie game division and developed by the talented folks at ITAMAE Studio, this incredibly charming, wonderfully bizarre title is ready to take the gaming world by storm.

    Even better? It is available right now on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam for just $4.99 (that is literally less than a high-street Salmon Roll!).

    The Ultimate Sushi Training Simulation (Yes, Really!)

    In Wabisabi SushiDerby, you step into the flour-dusted shoes of an apprentice sushi chef. But you won’t just be prepping ingredients for hungry customers. Instead, your goal is to craft, customise, and train the ultimate sushi athletes to compete in high-stakes derby races.

    Your ultimate destination? Winning the highly coveted “S1” Galaxy Cup to prove you are the finest sushi master in the universe.

    Here is what you can look forward to on your journey:

    • Mould Your Champions: Choose from over 20 different toppings—from classic salmon to squid—each boasting unique stats, abilities and hilarious skills (like blinding opponents with squid ink or leaving sticky goo on the track).
    • A Crucial Training Regimen: Personalise your training sessions using cards that buff your racer’s acceleration, top speed and stamina. But be warned—sushi has a short shelf life! You only have a few in-game days to train your star athlete before it is time to retire them and roll a fresh competitor.
    • Dodge the Chopsticks! During the frantic races, you can’t just sit back. You must actively cheer on your sushi to give them explosive speed boosts. This is especially vital when giant, hungry customer chopsticks swoop down from the sky to snatch your racer off the track. If they get eaten, they are gone!
    • Sweet Indie Charm: With an adorable aesthetic and a lighthearted sense of humour, it’s no surprise the game bagged the prestigious “Kids Award” at BitSummit.

    A Bite-Sized Bargain

    Wabisabi SushiDerby is the perfect gaming comfort food. It combines the strategic depth of a light management simulator with the pure, chaotic joy of a casual racer.

    With its incredibly low price point of just $4.99, there is absolutely no reason not to dive in. Whether you are playing on the go with your Nintendo Switch or cosyed up at your PC, this is one delicious indie gem you do not want to miss.

    Head over to the Steam Store or Nintendo eShop today, prep your rice, and we will see you at the starting line!

    Find out more here

    #WabisabiSushiDerby #KodanshaGameLab #IndieGames #NintendoSwitch #SteamGames #PCGaming #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Trust No One: Jackbox-Style Party Game ‘Forest of Deceit’ Drops Today on PC and Consoles

    Trust No One: Jackbox-Style Party Game ‘Forest of Deceit’ Drops Today on PC and Consoles

    If you’ve ever watched The Traitors, stayed up late playing Werewolf, or simply thought, “I could absolutely trick my friends into a swift and sudden demise,” indie developer Ghost Camp has some fantastic news for you.

    Today officially marks the launch of Forest of Deceit, a Jackbox-esque social deduction party game built for 4 to 8 players. Best of all? It’s dropping almost everywhere—hitting Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S right now.

    A Cursed Woods, A Looming Storm, and Total Betrayal

    The setup is brilliantly simple: you and your friends are lost in a dark, cursed forest with a massive storm brewing on the horizon. If you don’t gather resources and build a solid shelter in time, everyone perishes.

    The catch? The forest is actively driving some of your friends mad. A few players will secretly be designated as Traitors, tasked with sabotaging the shelter, stealing resources, and getting innocent players lost in the woods. Every round concludes with a tense, finger-pointing discussion where players vote to exile whoever they think is acting a bit too shady.

    No Extra Controllers? No Problem.

    Borrowing the best page out of the Jackbox Party Pack playbook, Forest of Deceit eliminates the hassle of passing around multiple controllers. Only the host needs to own a copy of the game. Everyone else can jump right into the lobby using their own smartphones, tablets, or web browsers to receive secret information, check their roles, and cast their underhanded votes.

    This makes it an incredibly accessible casual party game, accommodating everyone from hardcore strategy enthusiasts to non-gamer family members. It also features fully customizable house rules, giving it endless replay value for local couch co-op sessions or remote Discord game nights via screen-share.

    Oh, and there is a massive cherry on top for sci-fi and fantasy fans: the entire game is narrated by the legendary Sylvester McCoy (the Seventh Doctor in Doctor Who and Radagast the Brown in The Hobbit trilogy), adding a delightfully eccentric atmosphere to your impending doom.

    Launch Details, Pricing, and Nintendo Switch Status

    Forest of Deceit is available today with the following launch details:

    • Platforms Available Now: PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
    • Steam Pricing: £8.99 / €9.99 (plus a 10% launch discount if you grab it early!).
    • Console Pricing: Expected to be essentially at parity with the Steam price, with minor regional adjustments.
    • What about Nintendo Switch? Ghost Camp has officially announced that the Switch version is on the way and is expected to release later this month.

    Gather your group, boot up your mobile browsers, and prepare to find out which of your friends is an absolute snake.

    Find out more here

    #ForestOfDeceit #GhostCamp #SocialDeduction #PartyGames #IndieGames #GamingNews #JackboxStyle #SteamGames #PlayStation #Xbox #NintendoSwitch