Techmash

Tag: #SteamNextFest

  • Going Hog Wild: Why HAM: The Game is the Chaotic Co-op We Deserve

    Going Hog Wild: Why HAM: The Game is the Chaotic Co-op We Deserve

    If you’ve ever looked at a factory production line and thought, “This needs more slapstick comedy and a higher risk of employee mutiny,” then Little Bird Studios has heard your very specific prayer.

    Released just yesterday (March 3, 2026), HAM: The Game has officially landed on Steam, and it’s already making a greasy, physics-based splash. Published by Cathedral Studios, this is a 1-4 player co-op experience that takes the “stressful teamwork” genre—pioneered by games like Overcooked—and throws it into a high-stakes ham cannery where the boss can literally be fired by their friends.

    The Corporate Grind (Literally)

    In HAM, players are tasked with running a production facility dedicated to delivering “Ready to Eat Ham” in tiny metal canisters. It sounds simple until you realise the factory is a deathtrap of breaking conveyor belts, overflowing hoppers, and exploding physics-based meat.

    What sets HAM apart is its asymmetrical gameplay:

    The Workers: They’re on the floor, dodging banana peels, repairing machinery, and trying to shove ham into boxes before the delivery van leaves.

    The Manager: One player sits in the office, controlling the flow of ingredients and shouting instructions over the intercom.

    The catch? The Manager has all the info, but the Workers have all the power.

    Democracy in the Workplace

    The standout feature is the “End of Shift” vote. If the manager is a tactical genius, they keep their job. If they’ve spent the last ten minutes screaming incoherently while the floor is flooded with pork, the workers can vote to kick them out of the office and promote someone else.

    It’s a social experiment disguised as a party game, and with built-in proximity voice chat, the “discussions” about workplace efficiency usually devolve into hilarious shouting matches that you can hear echoing across the factory floor.

    Why You Should Play It

    Physics-Based Chaos: The ham isn’t just a sprite; it’s a physics object that can and will go flying if a conveyor belt jams or someone slips.

    Escalating Difficulty: You start in a small local factory, but as you hit quotas, you’ll unlock increasingly bizarre locations—including jungle environments and even a space centre.

    High Stakes: Every wasted container eats into your daily profit. Fail to hit the corporate quota, and it’s “Game Over” for your budding ham empire.

    “We wanted to make a co-op game where the social dynamics matter as much as the gameplay,” says Branton Lansdale, Head of Game at Little Bird Studios.

    Verdict: A Meaty Addition to Your Library

    HAM: The Game is currently available on Steam for $7.99 (with a 20% launch discount if you move fast!). If you’ve got a group of friends who enjoy testing the limits of their friendship through high-pressure logistics and exploding lunch meats, this is an absolute must-play.

    Just remember: watch where you step. Those banana peels are no joke.

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

    #HAMTheGame #LittleBirdStudios #CathedralStudios #Steam #SteamNextFest #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • Taking to the Skies: Blue Isle Studios Drops Major Update for Guardians of the Wild Sky Demo

    Taking to the Skies: Blue Isle Studios Drops Major Update for Guardians of the Wild Sky Demo

    If you’ve been itching for a fresh take on the survival-crafting genre—one that swaps the usual forest floors for endless horizons and floating islands—it’s time to check back in with Blue Isle Studios.

    As part of the current Steam Next Fest (February 2026), the team has just rolled out a significant update to the Guardians of the Wild Sky demo. Whether you’re a returning explorer or a first-time pilot, there is a lot to see in the clouds this week.

    What’s New in the Updated Demo?

    Blue Isle Studios isn’t just letting the old demo sit; they’ve added features specifically aimed at the “creative builders” in the community. Here’s the breakdown:

    • New Building Materials: The update introduces wood and stone structural foundation pieces. These provide much-needed stability and aesthetic variety, allowing you to build everything from rustic sky-cabins to fortified stone outposts on your airship.
    • Exclusive Next Fest Reward: If you play the demo during the festival, you will unlock the Majestic Sea Whale commemorative plaque. This is an exclusive in-game item that will carry over to the final game, marking you as an “early explorer.”
    • The Building Contest: Think you’re the best engineer in the sky? A limited-time building contest is now live. Players can submit blueprints in categories like Best Flying Vessel and Most Creative Design. The Prize: Winning builds will be turned into permanent in-game schematics available to all players in the final release, and the creators will be credited and invited to future playtests.

    Why Should You Care?

    For those who missed the initial reveal, Guardians of the Wild Sky is being described as a mix of Skyrim’s RPG depth and No Man’s Sky’s freedom of movement. You aren’t just surviving; you’re capturing and bonding with magical creatures called Guardians.

    These aren’t just pets—they are your crew. They can help you harvest resources, defend your base, and even help pilot your customizable airship as you navigate a world of floating biomes.

    The updated demo is available right now on Steam. Since it’s part of Next Fest, the exclusive rewards and the building contest won’t last forever. If you want that whale plaque and a shot at having your ship immortalised in the game’s lore, you’ll want to drop anchor soon.

    Blue Isle Studios has confirmed the game is on track for an Early Access launch later in 2026, making this demo the best way to get a head start on your taming and building skills.

    Find out more here – https://www.playwildsky.com

    #BlueIsleStudios #GuardiansoftheWild #SteamNextFest #scifi #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames

  • Distant Shore: BRETAGNE — The Magnetic Parkour Demo You Can’t Miss

    Distant Shore: BRETAGNE — The Magnetic Parkour Demo You Can’t Miss

    If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Faith from Mirror’s Edge stumbled into an Aperture Science lab armed with Magneto’s gauntlets, your specific (and awesome) daydream has finally arrived.

    Distant Shore: BRETAGNE has officially dropped its debut demo on Steam as part of Steam Next Fest (February 23 – March 2, 2026). Developed by a veteran team of French indie devs, this first-person physics sandbox is already making waves for its “break the level” philosophy and high-octane traversal.

    Physics as Your Playground

    In BRETAGNE, you aren’t just following a glowing red path. While there is an intended parkour trail, the game’s core mechanic—Magnetic Gauntlets—invites you to throw the rulebook out the window.

    • Manipulate Everything: You can attract, repel, bend, and even break metal structures.
    • Creative Traversal: Use magnetic forces to catapult yourself across gaps or rip down a metal sheet to create a makeshift bridge.
    • Momentum-Based Movement: The parkour feels fluid and fast, rewarding players who can chain magnetic boosts with slides and wall-runs.

    A World Under Watch

    Set in a post-apocalyptic version of the French region of Brittany (specifically the “West Zone”), the atmosphere is thick with mystery. You play as an operative searching for your missing brother in a world ravaged by climate collapse.

    But you aren’t alone. Looming in the sky is The Cloud—a sentient, ominous weather entity that tracks your every move. It’s part survival, part puzzle, and entirely immersive.

    Quick Look: The Demo Stats

    FeatureDetails
    PlaytimeApprox. 1 hour of gameplay
    PlatformPC (Steam)
    Key MechanicMagnetic physics manipulation & Parkour
    EngineUnity 6 (featuring RTX support)
    Steam EventLive now through March 2nd

    Why You Should Play It Now

    The demo isn’t just a vertical slice; it’s a challenge. The developers have included a leaderboard system, inviting speedrunners to see how much they can “break” the environment to find the fastest routes. If you enjoy the freedom of Garry’s Mod mixed with the polished movement of a modern platformer, this is a must-download.

    “We want to give players the tools to turn physics into their ultimate creative tool.” — Distant Shore Development Team

    Download the Distant Shore: BRETAGNE demo on Steam today and start bending the world to your will.

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

    #DistantShore #BRETAGNE #SteamNextFest #DistantShoreBRETAGNE #Steam #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames

  • Clock In, Lock Up: The ‘Shift at Midnight’ Expanded Demo is Here

    Clock In, Lock Up: The ‘Shift at Midnight’ Expanded Demo is Here

    The graveyard shift at a rural 90s gas station is already a vibe, but in Shift at Midnight, it’s a death sentence if you aren’t paying attention. Developed by Bun Muen and published by Kwalee, this co-op detective horror title has just dropped an expanded demo for Steam Next Fest (February 2026), and it is packed with more than just stale coffee and lottery tickets.

    Whether you’re a returning “employee” or a fresh recruit, the updated demo introduces significant systems that transform the game from a simple “spot the monster” simulator into a deep, tense management-horror hybrid.

    What’s New on the Menu?

    The update isn’t just a polish; it’s a full-scale expansion of your “job responsibilities.” Here are the biggest shifts in gameplay:

    • Expanded Jurisdiction: You are no longer tethered to the cash register. You’re now required to head out to the pumps to fill gas tanks and search vehicles. But be careful—the driver might be watching you as closely as you’re watching them.
    • The “Vitals” System: Management has finally implemented a Health System. If you make a mistake and let a doppelganger slip through, you’ll need to keep that red bar full to survive the ensuing chaos.
    • Inventory & Shop: You finally have pockets! A new Inventory System allows you to carry tools and items, while a randomised in-game shop at your computer terminal lets you buy upgrades to survive the later hours.
    • The Infestation: Reaching Night 3 now introduces a new hurdle: rats. While they might seem like a standard sanitation issue, they’re a sign that the store’s atmosphere is decaying alongside your sanity.
    • Save File Support: You no longer have to restart your entire shift from scratch. The new “Shift Memory” system lets you save your progress as you survive the night.

    Detective Work 101: Don’t Let Them Leave

    The core loop remains as addictive and stressful as ever. You and up to two friends must interrogate customers using a maximum of five questions. You’ll cross-reference their IDs with the computer database and look for “un-human” behaviours.

    Pro-Tip: If you suspect a customer is a doppelganger, you are authorized to “execute on-site.” Just make sure you’re right, and for heaven’s sake, clean up the blood before the next customer pulls up.

    If a creature manages to leave the store, the game shifts from a detective sim to a survival horror nightmare. You’ll need to barricade doors, set traps, and hide in the shadows until the sun comes up.

    Customization and Community

    To keep morale high (or at least pretend to), the update adds hats and store decorations. You can now customise your character and the gas station to your liking. Additionally, the game now features full localisation in 10 languages and support for Ultrawide monitors, making those creepy 90s aesthetics even more immersive.

    How to Play

    The expanded demo is available now on Steam for the duration of Next Fest. With the full game slated for a Q2 2026 release, this is the perfect time to grab a few friends, hop on proximity chat, and see if you have what it takes to survive until dawn.

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

    #Kwalee #BunMuen #ShiftatMidnight #SteamNextFest #gasstation #nightshift #customers #shop #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts – First Playable Demo Available Now!

    Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts – First Playable Demo Available Now!

    Sharpen your quills and prepare your finest pigments—the wait is finally over. Yaza Games, the brilliant minds behind the award-winning Inkulinati, have just released the first playable demo for Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts.

    If you’ve ever looked at a medieval manuscript and thought, “This needs more snails in plate armour,” or “Why isn’t there a dog playing a lute here?”—this is the game you’ve been waiting for.

    What is Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts?

    In this cosy, creative sandbox, you step into the shoes of a medieval scribe. Your task is to run a flourishing manuscript workshop, fulfilling eccentric commissions for a kingdom obsessed with gossip, glory, and the occasional plague.

    Unlike its predecessor Inkulinati, which focused on turn-based strategy, Scriptorium is a pure celebration of art and humour. It’s a relaxing space where you can let your imagination run wild using assets inspired by authentic 12th–14th-century marginalia.

    What’s in the Demo?

    The demo, launched as part of Steam Next Fest (February 2026), offers a generous taste of the full Scribe experience:

    • Story Mode Snippet: Take over your uncle’s workshop and begin your journey as either the Pious Nun or the Gallant Knight. You’ll handle real commissions, trying to satisfy the bizarre tastes of your prestigious patrons.
    • Sandbox Mode: Total creative freedom. Access a library of over 300 hand-drawn assets (from the 1000+ planned for the full release) and decorate your parchment without the pressure of clients.
    • Pigment Creation: Experience the “alchemy of art” by growing flowers and gathering ingredients to mix your own colours—including the highly coveted gold leaf.
    • Workshop Decoration: Spend your hard-earned coin to customise your workspace with furniture, tapestries, and even a tiny dragon pet to keep you company.

    Why You Should Play It

    The charm of Scriptorium lies in its “no right, no wrong” philosophy. Whether you want to create a historically accurate masterpiece or a chaotic medieval meme, the game provides the tools to do so.

    The art style is breathtakingly authentic, capturing the vibrant colours and peculiar proportions of actual medieval works. Plus, the humour is delightfully “period-accurate”—expect plenty of cartoon bottoms and horses with human faces, just as the original monks intended.

    How to Play

    The Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts demo is available for free right now on Steam.

    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Release Date: Full version coming later in 2026
    • Developer: Yaza Games
    • Publisher: Mythwright

    Don’t forget to wishlist the game if you enjoy the demo—it helps the developers immensely as they head into the final stretch of production!

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/4zAB5

    #YazaGames #Mythwright #medievalmanuscriptworkshop #ScriptoriumMasterofManuscripts #SteamNextFest #artworks #playabledemo #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Soar Into the Unknown: The ATMOSFAR Demo is Live!

    Soar Into the Unknown: The ATMOSFAR Demo is Live!

    The clouds are calling, Vagabonds. After months of breathtaking trailers and sky-high anticipation, the first playable demo for ATMOSFAR has officially landed on Steam.

    As part of the February 2026 Steam Next Fest, developer Apog Labs and publisher SHUEISHA GAMES are finally letting us take the stick of a “Wasp” and explore the gravity-defying wonders of planet Tycos. If you’ve been craving a survival experience that replaces the typical “grimy forest” with “infinite azure horizons,” this is your moment.

    What Awaits You in the Caligo Cays?

    The demo isn’t just a brief tutorial; it’s a vertical slice of the game’s opening hours set in the Caligo Cays, a stunning archipelago of floating islands. Here’s what you can get your hands on today:

    • Pilot the Utility Wasp: Get a feel for the game’s signature flight physics. The Wasp is nimble, responsive, and essential for navigating the verticality of Tycos.
    • The Art of Scavenging: Comb through the ruins of a collapsed colony to find scrap. In ATMOSFAR, your engineering skills are just as important as your piloting.
    • Weather the “Firesky”: Survival isn’t just about fuel and oxygen. You’ll have to navigate treacherous atmospheric conditions, including the deadly Firesky phenomenon that can turn a routine flight into a fight for survival.
    • A Taste of the Cloud Cruiser: While the demo focuses on early exploration, you’ll get a glimpse into the mobile airbase lifestyle that defines the full game’s loop.

    Why You Should Download It Today

    Steam Next Fest (running from February 23 to March 2) is the perfect time to “try before you buy,” but ATMOSFAR stands out for its sheer scale. Built in Unreal Engine 5, the sense of depth and lighting as you break through cloud layers is something you truly have to see on your own monitor to appreciate.

    Whether you’re playing solo or planning to eventually squad up in the 4-player co-op mode, this demo provides the perfect baseline for the odyssey ahead.

    How to Play

    1. Head over to the ATMOSFAR Steam Page.
    2. Click the “Download Demo” button.
    3. Prepare for takeoff.

    The full game is slated for a Steam Early Access launch later in 2026, so playing the demo now is the best way to provide feedback to the devs and help shape the future of Tycos.

    Find out more here – https://shueisha-games.com/en/

    #ApogLabs #ShueishaGames #ATMOSFAR #SteamNextFest #SurvivalGame #IndieGame #EarlyAccess #scifi #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #demogames

  • All Aboard: Fogpiercer Steams Toward Steam Next Fest!

    All Aboard: Fogpiercer Steams Toward Steam Next Fest!

    The world has been swallowed by a deadly, ever-shifting fog, and the only way to survive is to keep moving. Hooded Horse and Mad Cookies Studio are thrilled to announce that their post-apocalyptic roguelike deckbuilder, Fogpiercer, is officially picking up speed as it races toward the Steam Next Fest (February 23 – March 4, 2026).

    Forget what you know about traditional card games. In Fogpiercer, your train isn’t just a vehicle—it’s your deck. As you navigate a branching wasteland, every carriage you add and every upgrade you secure determines the tactical tools at your disposal.

    What’s New in the Next Fest Demo?

    Whether you’re a veteran of the tracks or a first-time stowaway, the updated demo landing for Steam Next Fest features a massive cargo haul of new content:

    • Meet Your Drivers: Choose between two distinct leaders, Monica and Pan. Each comes with a unique set of cards and special abilities that drastically change your tactical approach.
    • The Harpoon Carriage: This brand-new addition allows for fresh synergies, letting you snag and manipulate the battlefield in ways that turn the environment into your greatest ally.
    • Tactical “Shunting”: Experience the “true joy of artillery.” It’s not just about direct damage; it’s about using the blast force to shove enemies into canyon walls, environmental hazards, or even into each other.
    • Global Accessibility: The demo now supports 16 languages, ensuring survivors from all over the world can join the journey.

    Your Train, Your Strategy

    Success in the fog requires more than just a heavy engine. You’ll need to meticulously manage your Action Points each turn to outmanoeuvre the hordes of “unreasonably angry” bandits.

    “In the harsh world of Fogpiercer, the train is the deck. Each carriage holds a unique set of cards, and new cards are added through upgrades and purchasing extra carriages.”

    Do you build a defensive fortress with shield-heavy carriages, or a high-octane glass cannon bristling with miniguns? With over 170 cards and a deep roguelite meta-progression layer, no two runs will ever feel the same.

    Join the Journey

    The Steam Next Fest event runs until March 4, 2026, but the tracks don’t end there—the updated demo will remain live after the event concludes, giving you plenty of time to master the rails before the full release later this year.

    Ready to pierce the fog? Wishlist Fogpiercer on Steam now and download the demo to see if you have what it takes to reach the end of the line.

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

    #HoodedHorse #MadCookiesStudio #Fogpiercer #steam #pcgames #SteamNextFest #postapocalyptic #roguelike #deckbuilder #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • The Big Bad Wolf is Here! Pigs and Wolf Public Demo Live for Steam Next Fest

    The Big Bad Wolf is Here! Pigs and Wolf Public Demo Live for Steam Next Fest

    The straw, the sticks, and the bricks are ready—but is your team? WakaStudio are thrilled to announce that the Pigs and Wolf Public Demo is officially LIVE for the February 2026 Steam Next Fest!

    From February 23 to March 2, you can jump into our fresh, cooperative spin on the classic “Three Little Pigs” tale. Forget everything you knew about the bedtime story; this is a race for survival on four wheels.

    Build, Drive, Survive

    In Pigs and Wolf, you don’t just build a house; you build a moving wagon home. You and your friends must work together to fortify your mobile base while navigating a whimsical yet dangerous fantasy world.

    What to expect in the demo:

    • Co-op Chaos: Team up with friends in online co-op to manage resources and defenses.
    • Day/Night Cycle: Use the sunlight to gather materials and upgrade your wagon. When night falls, the wolf comes knocking.
    • Physics-Based Building: Every piece of your house matters. Dynamic destruction means one wrong move could leave you exposed!
    • A Moving Journey: You aren’t just sitting ducks. Navigate your house through unpredictable terrain to find your way back to the safety of the village.

    Event Details

    • What: Steam Next Fest February 2026 Edition
    • When: February 23 – March 2
    • Where: Available for free on our Steam Store Page

    The Developers Want Your Feedback!

    This demo is a huge milestone for the WakaStudio, and they want to hear from you. Whether it’s a bug you found or a feature you loved, your feedback helps us make the full game even better.

    “We wanted to create a multiplayer experience where fun is everything. Seeing players try to keep their wagon together while a wolf is literally huffing and puffing at their door is exactly the kind of joy we aim for.” — The WakaStudio Team

    Don’t wait until the wolf is at the door! Download the demo today, and if you enjoy the experience, add the game to your Steam Wishlist to stay updated on our journey toward full release.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/x99af

    #PigsAndWolf #WakaStudio #demogame #steamnextfest #survival #building #games #gaming #gamers #videogames #steam #playabledemo #wolf

  • Wa Studio has officially launched the playable demo for Astrobuilder

    Wa Studio has officially launched the playable demo for Astrobuilder

    If you’ve been looking for a game that blends deep economic simulation with the unpredictability of a living universe, this is your wake-up call.

    What is Astrobuilder?

    Set in the turbulent Neon River Galaxy, Astrobuilder isn’t just another space sim. It’s an AI-Native RPG where the universe evolves around you. You begin your journey aboard the Star of Reason, navigating a galaxy on the brink of collapse due to political unrest, shifting trade routes, and looming interstellar conflict.

    Key Features at a Glance

    • A Living Galaxy: Explore over 160 planets populated by more than 600 AI-driven NPCs.
    • Dynamic NPCs: Forget rigid scripts. Using a proprietary hybrid AI system, NPCs have their own memories, goals, and shifting loyalties.
    • Trade & Power: Rise from a rookie trader to a galactic tycoon, manipulating supply routes and influencing faction politics.
    • Tactical Combat: Engage in spaceship battles where the AI adapts to your moves, ensuring no two encounters feel the same.

    Why the “AI” Tag Matters Here

    We know “AI” can be a polarising word in gaming right now. However, Wa Studio—a team featuring veterans from industry giants like Tencent—is clear about their approach:

    “Astrobuilder uses human talent and artistry to build its world and game design, then uses AI NPCs to create a fully dynamic, persistent universe that reacts to the player.”

    Essentially, the AI isn’t replacing the creators; it’s replacing the “static-ness” of traditional NPCs to create emergent storytelling. Your choices don’t just trigger a different ending; they ripple through the economy and faction relationships in real-time.

    Play the Demo Today

    The demo is available right now on Steam for the duration of Next Fest. It offers a hands-on look at the core trading networks, faction politics, and the beginning of the narrative arc.

    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Demo Window: Feb 23 – March 2, 2026
    • Full Release: Expected Q1 2026

    The Neon River Galaxy is waiting. Will you be the merchant who stabilises the economy or the rogue who sparks a galactic trade war?

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

    #WaStudio #playabledemo #Astrobuilder #scifi #strategy #RPG #SteamNextFest #AINative #spaceexploration #spacecraft #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Hellspawn, Meet Your Match: Grind Survivors Announced for 2026!

    Hellspawn, Meet Your Match: Grind Survivors Announced for 2026!

    The “Survivors-like” genre is about to get a serious injection of adrenaline. Ukrainian developer Pushka Studios and publisher Assemble Entertainment have officially pulled back the curtain on Grind Survivors, a high-octane action roguelite that promises to blend the addictive “one-more-run” loop of bullet-hell survival with the deep, dopamine-hitting progression of a looter-shooter.

    If you’ve ever felt like the genre needed more legendary loot and even bigger explosions, this is the title to keep on your radar.

    What is Grind Survivors?

    Set on a post-apocalyptic Earth overrun by demonic corruption, players step into the heavy-duty boots of a towering armoured demon hunter. Your mission is simple: survive endless swarms of hellspawn, grow exponentially stronger, and turn every demon you slay into a potential loot box.

    Key Features to Get Excited About:

    • Loot-Driven Combat: Unlike many games in the genre that focus solely on passive upgrades, Grind Survivors features procedurally generated weapons. We’re talking unique stats, affixes, and “origins” that can completely change your playstyle.
    • The Forge: High-stakes crafting is at the heart of the game. Between runs, you can head to The Forge to merge weapons, reroll stats, or risk destroying your gear in the pursuit of “game-breaking” power.
    • Diverse Biomes: From scorched cities to burning forests, you won’t just be fighting in an empty field. Each biome brings new threats and atmospheric, brutal visuals.
    • Endless Scaling: For those who think they’ve built the perfect slayer, the Infinity Mode offers a leaderboard-driven challenge where the enemies never stop getting tougher.

    A Debut with Pedigree

    While Grind Survivors is Pushka Studios’ first original title, the team is far from green. With years of experience in porting and co-development, they are channelling that technical expertise into a project that Kirill Mukhin of Pushka Studios describes as “more action, more chaos, more everything.”

    Assemble Entertainment, the award-winning publisher behind hits like Endzone and Roadwarden, is bringing this demonic carnage to PC and consoles in 2026.

    “Every weapon is a chance to break the game—in your favor.” — The Pushka Studios Team

    Join the Fight Early

    Can’t wait until 2026? You don’t have to. Steam Playtests have already been rolling out, allowing the community to help shape the balance of the game. Based on recent updates, the devs are already fine-tuning the difficulty curve and adding new weapon archetypes based on player feedback.

    Wishlist Grind Survivors on Steam today to stay updated on the next playtest phase!

    Find out more here – https://www.pushkastudios.com/

    #PushkaStudios #AssembleEntertainment #action #roguelite #GrindSurvivors #playtest #steam #SteamNextFest #indiegames #games #gaming #gamers #videogames

  • Defy the Heavens: SoulQuest Debuts Its “God Boss” in New Steam Next Fest Demo

    Defy the Heavens: SoulQuest Debuts Its “God Boss” in New Steam Next Fest Demo

    Defy the Heavens: SoulQuest Debuts Its “God Boss” in New Steam Next Fest Demo

    The heavens are about to get a lot more crowded—and a lot more chaotic. If you’ve been tracking SoulQuest, the high-octane 2D hack-and-slash from SoulBlade Studio, it’s time to sharpen your blade. As part of the February 2026 Steam Next Fest, a brand-new demo has dropped, and it’s finally giving us a taste of what the game’s title truly promises: a chance to fight the gods.

    A Widow’s Wrath Against Celtic Myth

    SoulQuest follows the story of Alys, a knight whose world is shattered when her husband, Gwydre, is taken by the gods. Refusing to accept a “divine verdict,” Alys embarks on a relentless journey through a world steeped in Celtic mythology. Her goal? To tear her husband’s soul back from the hands of Morrigan, the Goddess of Death.

    While previous builds showcased the game’s fluid movement, this latest demo takes the stakes to a celestial level.

    What’s New in the Next Fest Demo?

    This isn’t just a rehash of old levels. SoulBlade Studio and publisher indie.io have packed this version with significant updates designed to test your mastery of their “stylish action” system:

    • The First God Boss Fight: For the first time, players can go toe-to-toe with a divine adversary. This encounter is designed to be the ultimate skill check, demanding precision parries and perfectly timed aerial combos.
    • A Brand-New Zone: Explore a lore-rich environment that takes place shortly after the game’s opening. It features new enemy types and tighter platforming challenges that bridge the gap between “traversal” and “combat.”
    • Stylish Combat Ranks: Taking a page from the Devil May Cry playbook, the demo introduces SS and SSS ranks. Chaining together diverse attacks, magic abilities, and ultimates is the only way to reach the top.
    • Dynamic Music: The soundtrack now reacts to the intensity of your performance, shifting as you transition from basic mobs to the epic boss encounter.

    Precision Platforming Meets 2D Mayhem

    What sets SoulQuest apart from your average Metroidvania is its focus on expressive combat. Alys isn’t just a tank in heavy armour; she’s incredibly mobile. The demo highlights her ability to use vertical surfaces for sliding and wall-jumping, which are just as vital for outmanoeuvring a god’s AOE attack as they are for finding hidden secrets in the environment.

    The pixel art is another standout. The “forgotten island” setting feels moody and oppressive, yet the combat animations are crisp and vibrant, making every slash of Alys’s sword feel impactful.

    How to Play

    The SoulQuest demo is live right now on Steam as part of Next Fest (running through March 2nd, 2026). With the full game slated for a Q2 2026 release on PC and Nintendo Switch, this is likely the most polished look we’ll get before launch.

    Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on the “Abanus Wardrobe” feature in the demo—it’s a great way to customise Alys’s appearance and pets while you’re busy defying the afterlife.

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

    #SoulQuest #Kickstarter #2Daction #hackandslash #SoulBladeStudio #demogame #SteamNextFest #IndieFanFest #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • The Last Flag capture-the-flag shooter out in April

    The Last Flag capture-the-flag shooter out in April

    It’s official: the “not too sweaty” shooter of your childhood dreams finally has a release date.

    Night Street Games announced today that Last Flag, their quirky 5v5 capture-the-flag (CTF) shooter, will officially launch on April 14, 2026.

    Founded by brothers Dan and Mac Reynolds (of Imagine Dragons fame), the studio is aiming to reclaim the magic of neighbourhood games played in the woods at night—minus the actual poison ivy and plus a whole lot of 1970s game show style.

    Why “Last Flag” is Turning Heads

    While the market is crowded with “hero shooters,” Last Flag pivots away from the typical “deathmatch-with-a-flag” formula. Instead, it focuses on the literal hide-and-seek mechanics that make the classic game fun.

    Key Features at Launch:

    • The “Hide” Phase: At the start of every match, one player hides the flag while the rest of the team prepares. You have 60 seconds to find the perfect sneaky spot.
    • 70s Retro Aesthetic: The game is framed as a high-stakes televised competition hosted by the mysterious Victor Fex, complete with disco-era vibes and original music recorded on vintage gear.
    • Strategic Radar Towers: Teams battle over three towers (A, B, and C). Capturing them doesn’t just grant territory; it slowly eliminates areas on your minimap, narrowing down exactly where the enemy hid their prize.
    • A Roster of “Contestants”: At launch, you’ll have a colourful cast of characters with distinct kits, like Alejandro and his Bunker Buster Bazooka or Camila’s Quantum Entanglement Ray.
    • Short, Punchy Matches: Designed to be played in under 20 minutes, making it the perfect “one more round” game.

    Where and When Can You Play?

    The game is hitting PC first, with console players having to wait just a little longer.

    PlatformRelease Date
    PC (Steam & Epic Games Store)April 14, 2026
    PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|SLate 2026

    Pro Tip: You don’t actually have to wait until April to try it. An Open Beta is running now through March 2 as part of Steam Next Fest. If you play now, you can earn exclusive “Lunar Gold” skins that carry over to the full launch.

    The Vision: “Fun First”

    CEO Mac Reynolds notes that the game was inspired by the brothers’ adventures growing up. The goal was to build a competitive game that rewards strategy and exploration as much as it does twitch-reflex aiming.

    With a modest one-time purchase price and a promise that future contestants and maps will be included for free, Last Flag is positioning itself as a breath of fresh air in an era of microtransaction-heavy live services.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://bit.ly/lastflagonsteam

    #NightStreetGames #lastflag #PCGamingShow #PCGamer #steamnextfest #steam #epicgames #capturetheflag #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #5v5 #shooter