TECHMASH

Tag: #SteamPlaytest

  • Haunted Off-Roading? Prospice Blends Psychological Horror with Heavy Haulage — Open Playtest Live Now!

    Haunted Off-Roading? Prospice Blends Psychological Horror with Heavy Haulage — Open Playtest Live Now!

    If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you cross the gruelling off-road physics of SnowRunner with the surreal, atmospheric dread of Death Stranding, publisher Forklift Interactive and developer Code Wakers have your answer.

    The duo has officially announced their newest title, Prospice (also known as Prospice: Anomalous Logistics), and they’re opening the doors for everyone to try it right now via a public Steam Playtest.

    What is Prospice?

    At its core, Prospice is an atmospheric anomaly exploration and driving simulator set on a desolate, haunted island. But don’t expect a peaceful countryside stroll—this is heavy haulage wrapped in psychological horror.

    You take on the role of a driver tasked with transporting mysterious, “cursed cargo” across treacherous, unforgiving terrain. Every route bears the scars of the past, and the environment itself seems hostile to your presence. To survive, players will need to carefully manage fuel supplies, plan optimal routes through dangerous environments, and maintain control of their vehicle while navigating creepy, unexplainable anomalies.

    Key Features to Expect:

    • Tense Off-Road Driving: Satisfying vehicle physics where managing traction, weight, and terrain is a matter of survival.
    • Atmospheric Horror: A haunting soundtrack paired with eerie, isolated environments that keep you on the edge of your seat.
    • Anomalous Cargo: Transport strange, unstable freight across an island full of secrets and supernatural hazards.
    • Route Planning & Resource Management: Keep a close eye on your fuel gauges and vehicle condition—getting stranded in the dark is not an option.

    How to Join the Free Steam Playtest

    Want to test your driving skills against the supernatural? The playtest is currently live on PC via Steam and open for players to hop in and offer feedback to the developers.

    1. Head over to the Prospice Steam Store Page.
    2. Scroll down to the “Join the Prospice Playtest” section.
    3. Click “Request Access” to start downloading and playing immediately.

    Whether you’re a fan of simulation games, indie exploration, or psychological horror, Prospice is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing crossover concepts of the year.

    Find out more here

    #Prospice #IndieGames #GamingNews #SteamPlaytest #CodeWakers #ForkliftInteractive #PCGaming #DrivingSim #HorrorGames #TechMash

  • Gear Up! Tactical Dogs: The Looter Steam Playtest Is Officially Live – How to Secure Your Spot Today

    Gear Up! Tactical Dogs: The Looter Steam Playtest Is Officially Live – How to Secure Your Spot Today

    Gamers, get your gear ready! If you love tactical gameplay, looting mechanics, and high-stakes action, we’ve got some fantastic news to kick off your week. The team behind Tactical Dogs: The Looter has officially opened sign-ups for their upcoming Steam Playtest!

    Whether you’re a seasoned extraction fan or looking for your next addiction on PC, this playtest is your golden ticket to jump into the action before the rest of the world.

    Here is everything you need to know about the playtest and how to guarantee your spot.

    What Is the Tactical Dogs: The Looter Playtest?

    The upcoming Steam Playtest is designed to give players a hands-on taste of the gameplay, test server stability, and gather essential feedback from the community.

    The playtest will be kicking off in the next few weeks, and the developers have made a huge promise: everyone who signs up will get access as soon as the servers go live! That means no RNG keys, no waiting around in twitch streams for drops—if you request access, you’re in.

    How to Join the Playtest (Step-by-Step)

    Securing your place takes less than 30 seconds. Here’s what you need to do:

    1. Open Steam and search for Tactical Dogs: The Looter (or head straight to their official Steam Store page).
    2. Scroll down to the “Join the Tactical Dogs Playtest” section.
    3. Click the green “Request Access” button.
    4. Confirm your choice, and you’re all set!

    Once the playtest officially launches in a few weeks, Steam will notify you, and you’ll be able to download the game and start playing immediately.

    Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

    • Guaranteed Access: Simply hitting “Request Access” ensures you get into the test phase right when it launches.
    • Shape the Game: Your feedback will directly influence balance, bug fixes, and future content updates.
    • Be Ahead of the Curve: Master the maps, loot routes, and tactical mechanics before the official full release.

    Final Thoughts

    Opportunities to jump into early playtests with guaranteed access don’t come around every day. Don’t wait until the last minute—head over to the Steam Store page right now, hit that Request Access button, and invite your squad to do the same!

    Are you planning to test out Tactical Dogs: The Looter? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #TacticalDogs #TheLooter #SteamPlaytest #GamingNews #PCGaming #IndieDev #GamersUnite #TechMash

  • Step Into the Realm of Anirea: Tactical JRPG ‘Heroes of Anirea’ Launches Open Steam Playtest!

    Step Into the Realm of Anirea: Tactical JRPG ‘Heroes of Anirea’ Launches Open Steam Playtest!

    If you are a fan of turn-based tactical JRPGs, strategic squad building, and roguelite replayability, put down your controller and open Steam immediately.

    Independent developer Crossbros Games has officially launched a massive, time-limited public playtest for their upcoming title, Heroes of Anirea! For the first time ever, strategy enthusiasts and RPG gamers around the world can jump in, test their tactical prowess, and experience the fantasy world of Anirea firsthand.

    Here is everything you need to know about the playtest and why this indie gem should be firmly on your radar.

    What is Heroes of Anirea?

    Inspired by beloved classics like Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics, Heroes of Anirea blends retro charm with modern, fast-paced game design. It delivers a turn-based tactical JRPG experience powered by roguelite progression and character-driven strategy.

    Rather than slow, drawn-out battles, Heroes of Anirea focuses on tight, 5-to-10-minute tactical encounters. The gameplay features:

    • Dynamic ATB (Active Time Battle) System: Fast-paced turns that keep encounters engaging and strategic.
    • Elemental Synergies & Weaknesses: Classic tactical combat elements that reward smart positioning and elemental counterplays.
    • Deep Hero Customisation: With a roster planned to feature over 20 unique heroes, every ally brings distinct skillsets, lore, and combat styles to your party.

    What’s Included in the Open Playtest?

    The current playtest gives gamers a solid 30-minute taste of a full run through the game’s vibrant Grasslands biome. Here’s a breakdown of what playtesters get to experience:

    • 7 Playable Heroes: Experiment with diverse playstyles and party compositions.
    • 12 Unique Enemy Types & 2 Boss Battles: Test your tactical limits against dangerous foes.
    • Unlockable Gear & Fates: Dive into deep customisation by unlocking new equipment and shaping hero paths during your run.

    By opening the gates early, Crossbros Games aims to gather valuable community feedback to refine and polish the game ahead of its official release.

    How to Join the Playtest

    Joining couldn’t be simpler:

    1. Head over to the Heroes of Anirea Steam Page.
    2. Click the “Request Access” button under the Playtest section.
    3. Access is granted automatically, allowing you to download and play immediately!

    Note: The playtest is time-limited, so grab your spot early before access closes.

    What Lies Ahead for Heroes of Anirea?

    This open playtest is just the first step on a big journey. Crossbros Games is gearing up to launch an official Kickstarter campaign to help fund the remainder of development. Following the crowdfunding phase, Heroes of Anirea is scheduled to launch on Steam and Steam Deck in 2027, with console releases on Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 coming shortly after.

    If you enjoy tactical RPGs with a fresh roguelite twist, make sure to jump into the playtest today, wishlist the game on Steam, and follow their Kickstarter page to support the developers!

    Find out more here

    #HeroesOfAnirea #JRPG #TacticalRPG #IndieGames #SteamPlaytest #GamingNews #CrossbrosGames #PCGaming #Roguelite #RPG #Gaming

  • Feathered Panic! LINE Games Announces First Steam Playtest for Co-Op Horror ‘QUIET’

    Feathered Panic! LINE Games Announces First Steam Playtest for Co-Op Horror ‘QUIET’

    If you think surviving a stealth horror game is tough, try doing it as a clumsy alien duck.

    Publisher LINE Games has officially announced that the first public Steam Playtest for their upcoming comedy co-op horror title, QUIET, will kick off on August 3rd, 2026. Registrations are open right now, giving players a chance to jump into the feathered mayhem early and test their survival instincts.

    Here is everything you need to know about this hilariously tense new entry into the co-op horror genre.

    What is QUIET?

    In QUIET, you and up to three friends play as a crew of cute alien ducks who have crash-landed on Earth. Your spaceship is in desperate need of repairs, and by sheer coincidence, the quaint nearby house contains all the spare parts you need to get home.

    The catch? The homeowner happens to be a terrifying, hyper-vigilant monster (a menacing boss grandmother) who can hear every single sound you make.

    To survive and escape, you’ll need to work together with your flock, scavenge the house for ship components, and navigate treacherous rooms filled with physics-based hazards. But remember—alien ducks aren’t exactly known for keeping their cool under pressure.

    Key Game Features

    • Proximity & Real-World Mic Audio: Every sound matters. Walking too fast, dropping items, panic-screaming into your microphone, or making noise in real life can betray your position to the homeowner.
    • Physics-Based Chaos: Grab what you need, but don’t carry more than you can handle! Knocking over household objects will instantly draw unwanted attention to your flock.
    • 1–4 Player Co-Op: Safety in numbers? Not necessarily. Survival requires communication and stealth, but one accidental quack or clumsy mistake from a single teammate can doom the entire squad.

    How to Join the Playtest

    The upcoming playtest on August 3rd will give players their first hands-on look at Stage 1, alongside the game’s core co-op gameplay mode. LINE Games plans to gather player feedback from this test to polish the title ahead of its planned global release later this year.

    Getting access is simple:

    1. Head over to the QUIET store page on Steam.
    2. Scroll down to the “Join the QUIET Playtest” banner.
    3. Click “Request Access.”

    Once the playtest goes live on August 3rd, selected players will receive an email notification granting them entry to the test build.

    Are You Ready to Stay Quiet?

    Gather your flock, check your microphones, and get ready to waddle carefully—because in QUIET, the walls definitely have ears!

    Find out more here

    #QUIETGame #LINEGames #CoOpHorror #SteamPlaytest #PCGaming #GamingNews #IndieHorror #TechMash

  • Build a Black-Market Empire: ARMS DEALER Playtest Signups Are Now Live!

    Build a Black-Market Empire: ARMS DEALER Playtest Signups Are Now Live!

    War is business, and business is booming.

    If you are a fan of deep, systems-driven strategy simulations, you’ll want to pay close attention. Italian independent developer Koro Pixel Studio (renowned for the psychological horror visual novel Loop//Error) and South Korean publisher Dark Product have officially opened playtest signups for their upcoming title, ARMS DEALER.

    With a brand-new trailer showing off its high-stakes gameplay, this is your chance to get on the ground floor of a truly unique strategy game before it hits the market.

    Check out the playtest trailer below to see AK-47 trading in action, and read on to find out how you can build your own underground empire.

    What is ARMS DEALER?

    Forget commanding divisions on the front lines or executing tactical manoeuvres in the mud. In ARMS DEALER, you do not fight the battles—you supply the people who do.

    You begin your journey in a highly precarious position: carrying massive debt to people you should never have borrowed from in the first place. Your goal? Climb the ladder of the international black market, transition from small-scale trade to massive military hardware, and build enough wealth and influence that you become absolutely untouchable.

    This is a cold, calculated economic simulation. As the developers put it: “There are no heroes. There are no good outcomes. There are only margins.”

    Key Features of the Simulation:

    • Deep Black Market Economy: Master the art of buying low and selling high. Exploit real-time global instability, watch market fluctuations, and profit off international conflicts.
    • Scale Your Operation: Start small with individual transactions, eventually scaling up to massive, container-level international shipments.
    • Underworld Negotiations: Rub shoulders with a cast of dangerous characters, including street gangs, rogue militias, corrupt government officials, and shady financiers.
    • High-Risk Weapons Progression: Progress from simple handguns and rifles to armoured military vehicles, heavy tactical equipment, and eventually high-risk, unconventional weapons programs (biological, chemical, and nuclear technologies).
    • Aggressive Debt Management: Utilise loan sharks to aggressively secure capital and grow fast—if you can survive long enough to pay them back.
    • Permadeath Campaigns: Every decision carries weight. One intercepted shipment, one unpaid loan, or one bad deal can end your entire empire overnight.

    What Kind of Dealer Will You Be?

    The game is built to support multiple strategic playstyles:

    1. The Opportunist: Fast-moving and alert. You strike quickly during sudden market chaos, secure your profit margins, and get out before the authorities or rival gangs even know you were there.
    2. The Financier: Patient and analytical. You play the long game, using aggressive debt and clever financing options to your advantage to build a massive, logistically sound network.
    3. The High-Roller: The daredevil who bypasses minor trades entirely, constantly hunting for the single massive contract that could make—or immediately break—your career.

    How to Join the Playtest

    Playtest signups officially opened on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Because this is an early look at the game’s complex trading mechanics, places are strictly limited and are expected to fill up incredibly fast.

    If you want to secure your spot, head over to the official Steam page, request access, and add the game to your wishlist:

    Sign up for the ARMS DEALER Playtest on Steam

    Will you survive the cutthroat world of the international black market, or will you end up at the bottom of the ocean? There’s only one way to find out.

    Find out more here

    #IndieGames #ArmsDealer #KoroPixelStudio #DarkProduct #StrategyGames #SteamPlaytest #PCGaming #SimulationGames #GamingNews

  • High Stakes, Dark Vibes: DEAD SPIN is the Horror Slot-Machine Deckbuilder of Your Nightmares

    High Stakes, Dark Vibes: DEAD SPIN is the Horror Slot-Machine Deckbuilder of Your Nightmares

    Move over, traditional card battlers. There is a new, twisted player entering the roguelike deckbuilding arena, and it wants you to gamble with your literal life.

    Independent developer Strong Monkey Games has officially revealed DEAD SPIN, a deeply unsettling horror roguelike deckbuilder that swaps out the standard sword-and-sorcery decks for something far more addictive—and deadly. The game is heading to PC via Steam, and the best part? You don’t have to wait to see if luck is on your side, because an open Steam Playtest is live right now!

    Check out the official announcement trailer below to see the madness in action:

    Step Inside the Abandoned Casino

    DEAD SPIN drops you into a grimy, abandoned casino where you are forced into high-stakes slot-machine duels against a cast of lunatic gamblers and masked captors. This isn’t just about pulling a lever and hoping for three cherries; it’s a tactical psychological battle where chance meets deep strategic planning.

    To survive, you’ll need to master the art of the spin. Instead of drafting a traditional deck of cards, you shape your luck by building out a deck of symbols, chips, and coins.

    Cheat the Odds or Face the Punishment

    The game brilliantly blends roguelike meta-progression with intense risk-management strategy. Here is what you can expect when you sit down at the cabinet:

    • Massive Synergy Scaling: With over 250 collectable items at launch—including 100+ special symbols, 50+ special chips, and consumable trinkets—you can stack effects, trigger massive score multipliers, and manipulate the rules to bend the odds in your favour.
    • Eclectic, Dangerous Bosses: Every run pits you against more than eight unique opponents. Each boss boasts their own distinct playstyle, custom decks, and dirty tricks, forcing you to completely pivot your strategy based on whatever random loot you uncover.
    • The Retro Horror Aesthetic: DEAD SPIN looks like a cursed VHS tape unearthed from the late ’90s or early ’00s. Its grimy, low-fi presentation is dripping with dark, grotesque humour and an oppressive atmosphere that turns every bad spin into a heart-pounding moment of dread.
    • Endless Mode: Think your build is completely broken and unstoppable? Test it against relentless, scaling challenges long after you finish the main progression.

    Join the Open Steam Playtest Right Now!

    If you love the tense strategy of Balatro or Luck be a Landlord, but wish they had the sinister, mind-bending atmosphere of Inscryption, DEAD SPIN is a must-play.

    There are no keys required and no waitlists. Simply head over to the official DEAD SPIN Steam Page, hit “Join the Playtest,” and see if you have what it takes to outscore your captors and spin for your freedom.

    DEAD SPIN is slated for a full release on PC via Steam in late 2026. Make sure to add it to your Wishlist to support the developers!

    Find out more here

    #DeadSpin #StrongMonkeyGames #HorrorGames #Roguelike #Deckbuilder #IndieGames #SteamPlaytest #GamingNews #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Step Behind the Lens: Psychological Horror ‘SOMBRAS: negative frames’ Announces Closed Playtest

    Step Behind the Lens: Psychological Horror ‘SOMBRAS: negative frames’ Announces Closed Playtest

    Get your cameras ready, horror fans. Developer Maboroshi Artworks and publisher Entalto Publishing have officially announced an exclusive Closed Playtest for their highly anticipated upcoming title, SOMBRAS: negative frames.

    If you miss the eerie vibe of classic psychological thrillers and have a soft spot for retro-inspired aesthetics, this is a development project you’ll want on your radar.

    A Nostalgic, Mechanics-Driven Nightmare

    SOMBRAS: negative frames is a first-person narrative adventure that seamlessly blends light horror elements with a unique, mechanics-driven photography system.

    Instead of relying on cheap jump scares, the game invites players to immerse themselves in a deeply atmospheric world where the camera lens is your primary tool for survival and discovery. You’ll be stepping into a nostalgic, stylised environment where developing the perfect shot is the only way to solve mind-bending puzzles and uncover the dark narrative lurking in the shadows.

    What to Expect from the Closed Playtest

    This exclusive playtest gives selected players a rare, early look at the game’s core mechanics and haunting atmosphere before the official launch. Participants will be able to:

    • Experience the Atmosphere: Get a first-hand taste of the game’s distinct visual style and tense, brooding audio design.
    • Master the Photography System: Test out the unique camera mechanics that drive both the story and the gameplay.
    • Solve Early Puzzles: Put your problem-solving skills to the test with an array of environmental puzzles designed to challenge your perception.
    • Provide Vital Feedback: Directly influence the final polish of the game by sharing your thoughts with the development team.

    Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a narrative adventure buff, or just love a good atmospheric thrill, this closed playtest is the perfect opportunity to see how Maboroshi Artworks is redefining indie psychological horror.

    How to Sign Up

    Spaces for the exclusive Closed Playtest are limited. Head over to the official Steam page or keep a close eye on Entalto Publishing’s social media channels to secure your spot and be among the very first to step into the negative frames.

    Find out more here

    #SombrasNegativeFrames #IndieHorror #GamingNews #MaboroshiArtworks #EntaltoPublishing #PCGaming #SteamPlaytest #HorrorGames #TechMash

  • The Apocalypse Is Open for Business: Zombuds Launches First Public Playtest on Steam

    The Apocalypse Is Open for Business: Zombuds Launches First Public Playtest on Steam

    If you’ve ever looked at a zombie apocalypse and thought, “You know what this wasteland needs? A thriving black-market pharmaceutical empire,” then Gamecraft Studios has the perfect game for you.

    The indie developers behind Vampire Hunters have officially opened the gates to their next delightfully unhinged project. Zombuds has officially launched its very first public playtest on Steam, giving players an early, chaotic look at an open-world co-op sandbox where survival takes a backseat to pure entrepreneurial hustle.

    Turning Brain-Eaters into Brainless Workers

    Zombuds takes place 15 years after the collapse of civilisation, but instead of the usual grimdark, ammunition-scarcity depression, Gamecraft Studios is serving up a colourful, lighthearted comedy fantasy.

    In this sandbox simulator, you and up to three friends play as “Doompreneurs.” Your mission? Scavenge dangerous, abandoned locations, manufacture bizarre post-apocalyptic substances, and build an unstoppable underground enterprise.

    But a massive corporate empire needs a workforce. That’s where the local population comes in. In Zombuds, you can hire human survivors—or, better yet, brainwash the zombies to automate your production lines and keep operations running smoothly while you’re out dealing with rivals. If manual labour isn’t your vibe, you can always just blow them up in spectacularly cartoonish, bloody ways.

    “While others scramble to survive, you hustle to build your black market empire.”

    Built from Scratch for Maximum Chaos

    What makes Zombuds even more impressive is its development story. Built on a custom engine created completely from scratch by a dedicated two-man team, the game balances an incredibly heavy workload of complex mechanics, including full automation systems, an expansive open world, sandbox physics, and seamless 4-player co-op.

    The game’s stylised, low-poly aesthetic isn’t just a stylistic choice either; it allows the developers to focus squarely on delivering tight, chaotic gameplay, massive zombie counts, and deep management loops without sacrificing performance.

    How to Join the Playtest Right Now

    Gamecraft Studios plans to use this public playtest to gather crucial feedback on everything from economy balancing and co-op pacing to zombie pressure. Following this playtest, the game is headed toward a Steam Early Access launch, where it will remain for at least six months to add more quests, weapons, and automation items.

    Ready to get your hustle on? Getting into the action is incredibly simple:

    1. Head over to the Zombuds Steam Page.
    2. Click the “Request Access” button under the playtest banner (everyone who applies is automatically accepted!).
    3. Gather your crew, download the client, and start building your empire.

    Make sure to jump into their official Discord to drop your feedback, report bugs, and help the team fine-tune the apocalypse.

    TechMash Verdict

    Zombuds is a refreshingly wacky spin on a tired genre. Blending the management mechanics of a tycoon simulator with the chaotic fun of a co-op zombie shooter makes for an addictive formula. Go grab your friends, request instant access, and see if you have what it takes to corner the post-apocalyptic market!

    Find out more here

    #Zombuds #GamecraftStudios #SteamPlaytest #CoOpGaming #IndieGames #PCGaming #ZombieApocalypse #SandboxGames #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Master the Art of the Puppet Brawl: Efecto Studios Reveals ‘Bunraku’—Play It Free on Steam Right Now!

    Master the Art of the Puppet Brawl: Efecto Studios Reveals ‘Bunraku’—Play It Free on Steam Right Now!

    The curtains are pulling back, the lights are up, and a brand-new kind of chaos is coming to the multiplayer arena. Veteran Colombian independent developer Efecto Studios has officially pulled the wraps off their latest project: Bunraku.

    If you are tired of the same old cookie-cutter fighters and are looking for something with serious artistic flair and frantic energy, this is one to put directly onto your radar. Destined for Steam, PlayStation 5, and the Nintendo Switch 2, Bunraku blends fast-paced platform brawler mechanics with a gorgeous visual style deeply inspired by the ancient art of Japanese puppetry.

    What is Bunraku?

    Named after the traditional form of Japanese puppet theatre, Bunraku places players in dynamic, shifting theatre arenas. But don’t expect a polite, quiet stage play. This is a high-octane multiplayer brawler where up to eight players can face off simultaneously—either via chaotic local couch play or online against rival puppeteers.

    The core gameplay centres around swift ninja dashing, precise parrying, and environmental mastery. Players can find scrolls scattered across the stage to trigger powerful Jutsu abilities, turning the tide of battle in a single, cinematic stroke.

    Key Features at a Glance:

    • Frantic Ninja Fights: One-hit-strike mechanics driven by precision dashing and split-second parries.
    • Up to 8-Player Chaos: Bring the whole squad with support for massive local or online PvP battles.
    • Traditional Aesthetics, Modern Pace: A striking visual style that treats the game arena like a shifting theatre stage.
    • Next-Gen Ready: In development for PC, PS5, and Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch successor.

    Play Bunraku for Free This Weekend!

    You don’t have to wait until launch to get your hands on the strings. Efecto Studios has just launched a free playtest on Steam, open from right now until June 14.

    Whether you want to test your reflexes against the community or grab some friends for a chaotic couch-gaming session, the theatre doors are officially open. Head over to the Bunraku Steam store page, click “Request Access,” and start mastering your inner battle puppeteer.

    Check Out the Game & Join the Discussion

    • Steam Store Page: Search for Bunraku on Steam to wishlist and join the playtest.
    • Developer: Efecto Studios

    #BunrakuGame #IndieDev #SteamPlaytest #Switch2 #GamingNews

  • Outlawed Launching Steam Playest Soon

    Outlawed Launching Steam Playest Soon

    In a few days time the developers of the Outlawed game will be launching the playtest on Steam that will give players to the chance to see what the game is all about, however during this period there are bound to be bugs and other issues that players will come across, but who cares this a great opportunity to take advantage of this playtest just to see how cool the game is. Outlawed will be launching the playtest on the 13th of February.

    To find out more about the Outlawed game go to the games page on Steam here https://shorturl.at/uNonW

    #Outlawed #OkamiStudio #Gaming #Games #NewGames #Gangs #PvP #PvE #FPS #SteamPlaytest #Steam #UrbanMap #Gameplay #Combat