TECHMASH

Tag: #SteamPlaytest

  • SHIFT-UP — DARK MACHINE THE GAME BETA OPENS DECEMBER 18, SIGN UP NOW

    SHIFT-UP — DARK MACHINE THE GAME BETA OPENS DECEMBER 18, SIGN UP NOW

    Step into the cockpit. DARK MACHINE PROJECT and developer LIONA Interactive are recruiting commanders for the first technical beta of DARK MACHINE THE GAME — the blockbuster mecha shooter tied to the upcoming cross-media anime series. The fight begins December 18, and you can sign up right now via Steam.

    THE DARK AWAITS — PILOT YOUR MACHINE

    Built around the revolutionary Shift-Up system, DARK MACHINE THE GAME lets you transform between three distinct mech classes mid-battle — the agile Worker, high-speed Ride Loader, and towering Gigant Loader. Each offers a completely different playstyle, and knowing when to shift could mean the difference between victory and wreckage.

    • 7v7 PvP — Terminal Siege — clash over anchor points, crush enemy defences, and demolish the opposing base
    • 27 unique mechs — customise loadouts, colours, and parts to build your perfect war machine
    • Fully destructible battlefields — every skyscraper and barrier can be reduced to rubble, reshaping the map in real time
    • PvE mode — team up to face overwhelming hordes when you want a break from competitive combat
    • Cross-media universe — the game’s story runs alongside DARK MACHINE THE ANIMATION, produced by Goro Taniguchi with mechanical design by Hidetaka Tenjin

    BETA DETAILS

    • When: Friday 18 December – Friday 25 December 2026
    • Where: PC via Steam
    • How: Sign up directly through the Steam store page — selected participants receive special in-game rewards
    • Full release: Slated for 2027

    “Embrace your hunger. Before the world burns.” — DARK MACHINE PROJECT

    Palma Energy is waiting. Commanders are needed. Will you answer the call?

    Sign up & wishlist on Steam

    Find out more here: DARK MACHINE

    #DARKMACHINE #DARKMACHINETHEGAME #LIONAInteractive #MechaShooter #ShiftUp #SteamPlaytest #BetaSignUp #AnimeGame #CrossMedia #SciFiGaming #TechMash

  • Hear the Mystery — Sublustrum Playtest Extended, Dive Into Sound & Memory Until November 9

    Hear the Mystery — Sublustrum Playtest Extended, Dive Into Sound & Memory Until November 9

    Good news for anyone who loves atmospheric puzzles and haunting stories: HypeTrain Digital and Brickworks Games have extended the open playtest for Sublustrum, their evocative first-person psychological narrative adventure. Originally set to close October 25, the playtest will now run through November 9, 2026 — giving you extra time to explore the mystery, shape the game, and experience where sound itself becomes a clue.

    What Is Sublustrum?

    A full reimagining of the cult classic 2008 title, Sublustrum casts you into a world of disappearance, fragmented memory, and uncanny science — where you arrive at your brother’s home to find him gone and his work unravelling into something strange and surreal.

    It’s not just what you see that matters — it’s what you hear. Every creak, hum, and resonance could hold the answer. The game’s signature mechanic weaves audio directly into puzzles: listen closely, distinguish layers of sound, and let what you hear guide you through environments that shift, reveal, and transform.

    In the playtest, you’ll experience Chapter One — exploring the opening locations, picking up the trail of your missing sibling, and facing the first puzzles that reward careful observation and even more careful listening.

    Why the Extension?

    The response so far has been outstanding, with players eager to dig into the world and share their thoughts. The team also wanted to align with the Point and Click Steam Showcase running November 2–9, so even more curious players can join in.

    Feedback already rolling in has already shaped improvements — from movement responsiveness to clearer hints — proving your voice truly helps build the final game.

    How to Join

    It’s simple and free:

    • Head to Sublustrum’s Steam page
    • Hit “Request Access” — approval is instant
    • Download the build and play Chapter One whenever suits you before November 9

    Mark Your Calendar

    • Playtest now available through: November 9, 2026
    • Steam Point and Click Showcase: November 2–9, 2026
    • Full release: Planned for Q1 2027

    Don’t let this chance slip away — step into a world where every sound tells a story, every memory holds a piece of the puzzle, and nothing is quite as it seems. The clock is ticking, the house is waiting — and your brother’s trail is still warm.

    Find out more on Sublustrum here

    #Sublustrum #HypeTrainDigital #BrickworksGames #Techmash #PsychologicalHorror #IndieAdventure #SteamPlaytest #SoundDesign #MysteryGame #PointAndClick #GamingNews

  • Scavenge, Fight, Vanish — Project S.U.N.D.I.A.L. Drops Closed Beta

    Scavenge, Fight, Vanish — Project S.U.N.D.I.A.L. Drops Closed Beta

    The Zone is open. Not everyone will leave.

    Independent developer Ice Quake Studios has officially launched the closed beta for Project S.U.N.D.I.A.L., a gripping 2D pixel?art extraction shooter forged in the spirit of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Escape from Tarkov. Drop into a contaminated exclusion zone, scavenge for survival, and fight to get out — because if you fall, you leave everything behind.

    Tarkov Tension, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Soul — In Vivid Pixel Art

    Project S.U.N.D.I.A.L. takes the high?stakes PvPvE extraction formula and reimagines it as a top?down 2D adventure, proving you don’t need photorealism to deliver pure dread and adrenaline:

    • Handcrafted pixel world — decaying industrial ruins, radiation?scorched settlements, and overgrown danger zones, all rendered with meticulous retro?style detail
    • Anomalies & hazards — the Zone itself is your enemy: unstable energy fields, radiation pockets, and shifting terrain that can trap or kill you without warning
    • Deep weapon customisation — find, repair, modify, and build your arsenal from scavenged parts; every gun feels different and evolves with you
    • Hostile life — mutated creatures, rogue scavengers, and rival factions patrol the wastes. Later, PvPvE multiplayer will add other players to the danger
    • Stash & progression — what you extract stays with you. Grow your base, stockpile gear, and prepare for harder runs

    What’s Live — And What’s Coming

    The current closed beta focuses on solo play — letting you master the mechanics, combat, and extraction loops before facing human opponents:

    Beta Details
    DeveloperIce Quake Studios
    PlatformPC — Steam Playtest
    StatusClosed Beta — applications open now
    Current ModeSolo extraction (PvE only)
    UpcomingPvPvE multiplayer in later beta phase
    Full Release Target2027
    Carry?OverBeta progress will not transfer to launch

    How to Join the Zone

    Access is invitation?based — secure your spot through:

    • Steam Playtest page — apply directly on the game’s store page; selected players receive automatic access
    • Official Discord — request a beta key from the community channels
    • Studio contact — email Ice Quake Studios directly for consideration

    The Golden Rule: Extract or Lose

    There are no checkpoints. No safe returns. You enter with what you carry. You leave with what you carry out:

    Drop in ? scavenge ? survive ? reach the extraction point ? secure your loot. Die or miss the window, and your gear, supplies, and rare finds remain in the Zone — for someone else to take.

    That unforgiving core is what makes every run tense, every decision heavy, and every successful extraction feel like a genuine victory.

    Apply for Project S.U.N.D.I.A.L. Closed Beta

    #ProjectSUNDIAL #IceQuakeStudios #ExtractionShooter #PixelArt #STALKER #EscapeFromTarkov #PvPvE #IndieDev #Techmash #SteamPlaytest #PCGaming #PostApocalyptic #ClosedBeta

  • Plague, Progress, and Packs — I Am Plague Revealed & Open Playtest Begins!

    Plague, Progress, and Packs — I Am Plague Revealed & Open Playtest Begins!

    You’re not the hero — you’re the swarm. Publisher Digital Vortex (creators of DREADMOOR and Tiny Eden) and developer Greedy Games have officially unveiled I Am Plague, a dark incremental roguelite where you lead a growing mischief of rats up through a sprawling, deadly underground fortress. The open playtest is live right now — running October 5 through 19 — free on Steam.

    Rise as the Rat King

    For centuries, your colony has lived hidden beneath humanity’s grand capital. Now you surge upward — thousands of rats with a single hivemind — fighting through 200+ dungeon floors toward the surface. Soldiers, priests, alchemists, and worse stand in your path. You don’t just survive — you devour.

    Combat unfolds automatically, so every run is defined by your choices:

    • Pick mutations — one from three offered each floor — stacking effects into devastating synergies
    • Harvest flesh and bones from fallen foes to fuel your colony’s permanent growth
    • Equip Visages — enemy skulls that grant distinct classes and radically change your swarm’s playstyle
    • Explore branching paths, shops, and text events across the fortress

    Death Makes You Stronger

    Fall, and you return to the lair — but never empty-handed. Offer what you’ve gathered to the Tree of Flesh and Tree of Bones to boost base stats, unlock rare mutations, and open new possibilities for every run that follows. Progress is forever — the swarm only grows deadlier.

    Play Now — Through October 19

    The open playtest is available free right now on Steam. Dive in, experiment with builds, help shape the game — and show humanity exactly what a plague of rats can become. Full release is planned for 2027.

    Don’t wait too long — the playtest scurries away on October 19.

    Find out more on Steam

    #IAmPlague #GreedyGames #DigitalVortex #Roguelite #IncrementalGame #SteamPlaytest #IndieGame #RatKing #AutoCombat #DarkFantasy #Techmash

  • Creatures, Contracts, and Consequence — The Sky Project: Land of Noris Opens Its First Playtest!

    Creatures, Contracts, and Consequence — The Sky Project: Land of Noris Opens Its First Playtest!

    Your bond is forever — or it’s gone forever. Enthariel Games has officially unleashed the first-ever public playtest for their stunning hand-drawn monster collector, The Sky Project: Land of Noris, alongside a brand-new intro trailer, with a Kickstarter campaign set to follow on October 13. For the first time, players can step into this beautiful, perilous world — and every choice will weigh on you.

    Over 200 Noris. One Chance Each.

    The Sky Project isn’t your typical monster-catching adventure. It’s built on bonds that matter: meet the Noris, magical mana-infused creatures you forge pacts with across four vast, vertically stacked planes — Celestia, Noreth, The Depths, and Infernia. With more than 200 unique Noris across six types, including legendary and rare alternate-colour variants, every discovery feels meaningful. Raise them, evolve them, and watch them transform — but protect them fiercely.

    Permadeath Means Every Battle Counts

    Combat unfolds in strategic 3v3 turn-based clashes where your whole team shares a single mana pool — resource management is just as vital as raw power. Every Nori carries two innate abilities plus a third skill that shifts each turn, opening up fresh combos across 300+ discoverable abilities and powerful relics. And here’s the kicker: if a Nori falls, they’re gone for good. No revives, no do-overs — only a grave left behind.

    Explore Celestia Right Now

    The new playtest — live now — delivers several hours of gameplay covering the entire opening plane of Celestia, home to over 60 discoverable Noris, fully voiced cutscenes, an original soundtrack, and the plane’s climactic boss. It’s the first taste of a world shaped by over 2,000 years of history, where you play as Kael, searching for your soulbonded partner Aeris across realms.

    Kickstarter Launches October 13

    Want to help shape the journey? The official Kickstarter campaign goes live October 13, aiming to bring this full-time development to life. You can already sign up to be notified the moment it launches.

    The playtest is live on Steam right now — request access and step into the sky. Just remember: who you save, and who you lose, is entirely up to you.

    Find out more on Kickstarter or Steam

    #TheSkyProject #LandOfNoris #MonsterCollector #IndieGame #HandDrawn #Permadeath #TurnBasedRPG #SteamPlaytest #Kickstarter #EntharielGames #Techmash

  • Search, Strike, Survive — Nova Era: Atom Launches Public Playtest on Steam!

    Search, Strike, Survive — Nova Era: Atom Launches Public Playtest on Steam!

    Blast off into the unknown. Publisher Hype Kid and developer Amazing Game have officially opened the “Search, Strike, Extract” public playtest for Nova Era: Atom — their ambitious spaceship MMORPG — and it’s live right now on Steam for PC.

    The Cosmos Awaits — But Danger Awaits Faster

    Nova Era: Atom blends deep space exploration, third-person ship combat, and high-stakes extraction gameplay inside a vast, persistent sci-fi universe. Your mission is right there in the name:

    • Search — Venture into the String Realm, a mysterious high-dimensional frontier brimming with rare resources, ancient secrets, derelict megastructures, and threats lurking in the dark.
    • Strike — Engage in fast-paced tactical combat, solo or in squads of up to five pilots. Customise your loadout, upgrade your vessel, and take on hostile factions and alien entities.
    • Extract — Haul your hard-won loot safely to an exit point — but be warned: venture deeper for better rewards, and the risk of losing everything rises with every jump.

    Build Your Perfect Vessel — Then Fly It Into Danger

    At the heart of the game is your Flux-Core Vessel, a fully customisable starship built from five interchangeable component systems. Mix and match weapons, defences, propulsion, and special modules to suit your playstyle — and swap hot-swap chips mid-combat to adapt on the fly. Choose your role, refine your build, and establish your place in a living MMO galaxy.

    Playtest Details — Don’t Miss Your Chance

    Table

    DetailInfo
    Playtest NameSearch, Strike, Extract — Public Playtest
    StatusLIVE NOW
    PlatformPC — Steam
    EndsOctober 11, 2026
    How to JoinVisit the Nova Era: Atom Steam page ? Request Access ? Play
    DeveloperAmazing Game
    PublisherHype Kid

    No keys, no complicated sign-ups — just head to Steam, hit “Request Access,” and you’re in. Feedback from this playtest will directly shape the game’s ongoing development.

    Ready to Launch?

    The String Realm is open — but not for long. Jump in, explore the unknown, and see if you have what it takes to survive the void.

    Search “Nova Era: Atom” on Steam

    Find out more here

    #NovaEraAtom #SteamPlaytest #MMORPG #SpaceGame #SciFiGaming #IndieDev #AmazingGame #HypeKid #Techmash

  • Search, Strike, Survive — Nova Era: Atom Launches Public Playtest on Steam!

    Search, Strike, Survive — Nova Era: Atom Launches Public Playtest on Steam!

    Blast off into the unknown. Publisher Hype Kid and developer Amazing Game have officially opened the “Search, Strike, Extract” public playtest for Nova Era: Atom — their ambitious spaceship MMORPG — and it’s live right now on Steam for PC.

    The Cosmos Awaits — But Danger Awaits Faster

    Nova Era: Atom blends deep space exploration, third-person shooter combat, and extraction-style tension within a sprawling persistent MMO universe. Your mission is written right there in the name:

    • Search — venture into the perilous String Realm, an uncharted frontier brimming with rare resources, ancient secrets, and threats waiting to strike
    • Strike — engage in fast-paced ship-to-ship combat, solo or in squads of 3–5 players. Choose your class, customise your loadout, and turn the tide of battle
    • Extract — gather valuable materials, upgrade your vessel, and fight your way out — because if you don’t make it back, you lose everything you carried

    Build, Customise, Conquer

    Your ship is more than transport — it’s your home, your weapon, and your legacy:

    • Modular vessels — design and upgrade your craft from the hull out
    • Four distinct classes — tailor your playstyle with equipment, chips, and talent builds
    • Persistent progression — what you secure fuels your standing across the galaxy. Construct outposts, refine your gear, and grow stronger with every successful return
    • Myth meets sci-fi — a universe weaving ancient legend with cutting-edge technology

    Time-Limited Test — Ends October 11

    The playtest runs now through October 11, 2026. No complicated sign-ups — head to the Nova Era: Atom Steam page, request access, and join the fray. Feedback gathered during this phase will directly shape the game’s final development.

    Quick Facts

    • Playtest: Search, Strike, Extract — Public Playtest
    • Available: Now on Steam (PC)
    • Ends: October 11, 2026
    • Wishlist & play: Search “Nova Era: Atom” on Steam

    The stars are calling — will you answer, or vanish into the void?

    Find out more here

    #NovaEraAtom #SpaceMMORPG #ExtractionShooter #HypeKid #AmazingGame #SteamPlaytest #PCGaming #SpaceCombat #techmash

  • Watch, Run, Survive — CODE EXIT Playtest Goes Live on Steam!

    Watch, Run, Survive — CODE EXIT Playtest Goes Live on Steam!

    Every step is tracked. Every pattern is remembered. Developer Phase 8 Studio and publisher LINE Games have officially launched the playtest for CODE EXIT, a tense sci-fi co-op survival horror game where a rogue AI watches, learns, and hunts. The test runs now through October 19 — and you can request access directly on Steam.

    Minerva Is Watching You

    You’re a Hermes operative dropped into Pantheon, a once-great facility now fallen silent. Your mission: explore, secure critical data, and get out alive. But the facility isn’t empty — Minerva, an advanced artificial intelligence, controls everything. And she doesn’t just follow a script.

    • Adaptive AI — Minerva observes your tactics, remembers your routes, and evolves her hunting patterns. Stick to the same trick twice and she’ll be waiting for you
    • 1–4 player co-op — go solo or team up with friends; the threat scales with your group size
    • Dynamic layouts — no two runs are identical; rooms, objectives, and threats shift every time you enter
    • Fallen but not forgotten — downed players return as MiRO, a supportive drone that can assist the team and be revived
    • Stealth matters — S.O.M.A. awakens only to noise and movement; stay quiet and you might slip past
    • Psychological dread — sophisticated sound design keeps you tense; silence doesn’t mean safety

    What’s New Since May?

    This playtest builds on the well-received earlier demo with major refinements:

    • Three-stage sessions streamlined into one immersive, cohesive experience
    • Clearer, more direct mission objectives replacing overcomplicated puzzles
    • Redesigned co-op mechanics encouraging natural teamwork
    • Smarter, more unpredictable AI behaviour
    • Full online play support throughout the test period

    Playtest Details

    Table

    DetailInfo
    DeveloperPhase 8 Studio
    PublisherLINE Games
    PlatformPC (Steam)
    DatesNow – 19 October 2026
    Players1–4 online co-op
    How to JoinVisit CODE EXIT on Steam ? click “Request Access” under Playtest
    Full Release TargetEarly Access Q1 2027

    Can You Outsmart the Machine?

    Minerva is always learning. The only winning move? Keep changing. Head to the CODE EXIT Steam page now to request access before the test closes on October 19 — and remember: in Pantheon, being predictable is a death sentence.

    Find out more here

    #CODEEXIT #Phase8Studio #LINEGames #SurvivalHorror #CoOpGaming #SteamPlaytest #SciFiHorror #IndieDev #AI #TechMash

  • All Aboard — Piroker Sails In as HABBY.FUN Reveals Cinematic Trailer

    All Aboard — Piroker Sails In as HABBY.FUN Reveals Cinematic Trailer

    HABBY.FUN has officially lifted the curtain on Piroker — a delightfully mischievous roguelike autobattler where poker hands aren’t just for winning chips — they’re your cannon fire! The brand-new cinematic trailer has just dropped, inviting players to hit the high seas, build their crew, and dive into the exclusive Steam playtest right now.

    Poker. Plunder. Pure Chaos.

    Piroker isn’t poker as you know it — it’s poker reimagined as an 8-player free-for-all battleground. Straights, flushes, full houses and more aren’t just winning hands — they’re powering your ship, launching your attacks, and sinking your rivals. Luck matters, but cold calculation, clever build-crafting and ruthless adaptation win the day.

    • 8-player autobattles — face off against captains worldwide in fast-paced, tactical rounds
    • 60+ unique Pirate Heroes — each captain brings a distinct starting strategy and economy twist to the table
    • Infinite build possibilities — mix “High-Card Snipers” with “Flush Bombers” and discover wildly powerful combos
    • Treasures & Exotic Fish — unlock over 100 game-changing treasures and 40+ special fish buffs to supercharge your strategy
    • Shared board, sharp wits — everyone draws from the same deck; read your opponents, bend the odds, and master the flow of the game

    Join the Crew — Playtest Live Now!

    Want to get ahead of the game? You can play Piroker right now — and help shape its development:

    Table

    WhatExclusive Playtest
    WhereSteam — https://store.steampowered.com/app/4517160/Piroker
    HowWishlist now ? request access ? set sail
    PlatformPC
    Developer / PublisherHABBY.FUN
    GenreRoguelike Autobattler / Poker-Strategy

    Wishlisting not only secures your spot in the playtest — it signals your support as the game charts its course toward full launch.

    Cards are dealt, cannons are loaded — will you rule the waves, or walk the plank? The table is set. Go all in!

    Find out more here

    #Piroker #HABBYFUN #Autobattler #Roguelike #PokerGame #SteamPlaytest #IndieGames #PCGaming #PirateGame #StrategyGames #techmash

  • Venture Into the Valley — Knights of Frontier Valley Second Playtest Is FREE on Steam Now!

    Venture Into the Valley — Knights of Frontier Valley Second Playtest Is FREE on Steam Now!

    Following a strong showing at Gamescom, Knights of Frontier Valley returns with its second public Playtest, and everyone is invited to dive in for free right now on Steam.

    Bigger, Bolder, Built on Your Feedback

    This is Version 0.5 — the largest and most feature-packed build yet, shaped directly by input from the thousands of players who joined the first playtest. The result is a substantially expanded old-school open-world roguelike RPG with plenty to explore, master, and enjoy.

    What’s New in 0.5:

    • Companions & Party Tactics — Recruit allies and plan group strategies for deeper, more dynamic combat
    • Two Brand-New Cities — Fully explorable locations bringing fresh stories and opportunities
    • Extra Chapter, New Quests & Dungeons — Substantial new content to discover
    • Expanded Crafting & Systems — More items, attributes, and activities to engage with
    • Three Difficulty Levels — Tailor the challenge to your playstyle
    • Multiple Save Slots & Quicksave — Top-requested quality-of-life features from the community, now live
    • Full Balance & Combat Refinements — Smoother gameplay, tighter encounters, and technical improvements

    How to Join

    No sign-ups, no waiting lists — it’s open to all. Head over to the Knights of Frontier Valley Steam page, hit “Join Playtest”, and your adventure begins instantly — completely free.

    Whether you’re returning to test the changes or stepping into Frontier Valley for the very first time, there’s never been a better moment to explore this sprawling, classic-inspired RPG.

    Find out more here

    #KnightsOfFrontierValley #SteamPlaytest #FreeToPlay #IndieRPG #Roguelike #MicroProse #Gamescom2026 #OldSchoolGaming #NewGame #FreeGame #techmash

  • Defend the North: A Closer Look at Hordeguard: Winds of the North

    Defend the North: A Closer Look at Hordeguard: Winds of the North

    If you are a fan of strategy, intense real-time combat, and Norse mythology, there is a new title on the horizon that deserves a spot on your Steam wishlist. Publisher Daedalic Entertainment and the ambitious two-person development team at Black Deer Games have showcased a deep dive into Hordeguard: Winds of the North, an exciting hybrid title blending tower defence, action-RPG, and strategy mechanics.

    A brand-new gameplay feature offering direct commentary from the development team gives players an in-depth preview of what to expect when stepping into this brutal, mythical world.

    A Unique Hybrid Genre

    At its core, Hordeguard: Winds of the North drops you into a race against time. Players control a powerful Viking hero tasked with establishing, expanding, and defending a village against relentless waves of monstrous mythical creatures.

    Rather than sitting back and watching towers do all the work, Hordeguard puts you directly into the action:

    • Action-RPG Combat: Get your hands dirty in hack-and-slash combat. Step onto the front lines to directly slash, defend, and lead your warband against incoming hordes.
    • Base Building & Defence: Gather resources to build fortifications, upgrade walls, erect defensive structures, and turn a fragile settlement into an impenetrable Viking stronghold.
    • RPG Progression & Strategy: As you fight and survive, earn experience to unlock upgrade cards, specialise your hero—whether as a heavy defender, master builder, or fierce warrior—and adapt your playstyle.

    The High-Stakes Core Gameplay Loop

    Every decision in Hordeguard: Winds of the North comes down to risk versus reward. Before each wave hits, players must decide how far they are willing to venture away from the safety of their gates. Exploring the harsh northern lands rewards you with essential resources and upgrades, but every passing second ticks down the clock until the next assault begins.

    The game also features a unique morale system, where maintaining the spirit of your settlement and warband is just as crucial as repairing your walls. Balancing resource gathering, base management, and hero progression creates a constantly engaging loop that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

    Stand Alone or Fight Together

    Prefer not to face the horde by yourself? Hordeguard: Winds of the North offers cooperative campaigns, allowing you to team up with a friend. Divide your responsibilities—one player can focus on gathering materials and fortifying defences while the other leads the offensive strategy—to survive the escalating waves together.

    Join the Steam Playtest Today!

    The best part? You don’t have to wait to try it out. The developers at Black Deer Games have opened the gates for a Steam Playtest, inviting strategy and action fans to test out early mechanics and share direct feedback.

    Head over to Steam, request access to the playtest, and see if you have what it takes to survive the brutal winds of the North!

    Find out more here

    #Gaming #Hordeguard #DaedalicEntertainment #techmash #BlackDeerGames #IndieGames #SteamPlaytest #PCGaming #VikingGames #TowerDefense #ActionRPG

  • Submerge into NAUTUS: How to Join the Closed Beta for the Quirky New Underwater Co-Op Adventure

    Submerge into NAUTUS: How to Join the Closed Beta for the Quirky New Underwater Co-Op Adventure

    If you loved the fast-paced, stylish combat of Have a Nice Death or the stunning platforming of Unruly Heroes, get ready to dive into something completely different. Publisher Arc Games and indie developer Magic Design Studios have officially announced that their newly revealed title, NAUTUS, is opening its doors for a Steam Closed Beta Playtest.

    Described as a charm-filled, offbeat mix of ocean survival, island base-building, and exploration—recalling fan favourites like Dave the Diver, Subnautica, SteamWorld Dig, and Terraria—NAUTUS is preparing to let players get their hands on the game for the very first time.

    When Does the NAUTUS Closed Beta Start?

    The Closed Beta Playtest officially kicks off on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 7:00 AM PDT.

    Magic Design Studios is looking for passionate indie gamers and fans of survival/exploration titles to hop into the test, test out early mechanics, and drop valuable feedback in their official Discord channel to help shape the project throughout development.

    What is NAUTUS?

    NAUTUS brings a unique, dual-layered gameplay loop that blends cosy island life with high-stakes subaquatic exploration. Whether playing solo or teaming up with friends in 4-player online co-op, players will cycle between two distinct phases:

    1. On the Surface (Cosy Sanctuary)

    Above the waves, take a breather in a vibrant tropical base. You’ll meet a cast of eccentric, amnesiac island inhabitants—like a tanning-obsessed diver and an overly ambitious expedition chief—and complete quests to help recover their lost memories. You can construct and customise your haven, farm vital supplies, manage resources, and engineer modular upgrades for your vessel.

    2. Below the Surface (Deep Abyss)

    Take the helm of your customizable, upgradeable submarine and submerge into a dangerous, shifting underwater world. From colourful coral reefs and sunken pirate shipwrecks to dark trenches full of mutant sea life and environmental hazards, you’ll need to gather rare crafting materials, defeat hostile creatures, and unlock deep secrets hidden at the ocean floor.

    How to Sign Up for the NAUTUS Playtest

    Joining the playtest takes just a minute:

    1. Visit the Sign-Up Page: Head over to playtest.playnautus.com.
    2. Submit Your Details: Complete the registration to request access for the Steam Closed Beta.
    3. Wishlist on Steam: Don’t forget to head over to the official NAUTUS Steam Store page to wishlist the game and stay up to date on future updates.

    Get your crew together, sign up early, and prepare to explore the depths when the beta goes live on August 31!

    #NAUTUS #ArcGames #MagicDesignStudios #IndieGames #PCGaming #SteamPlaytest #DaveTheDiver #Subnautica #CoOpGaming #GamingNews