TECHMASH

Tag: #Techmash

  • Magic: The Gathering Creator Teams Up With Indie Studio For Massive ‘Vanguard Exiles’ 1.0 Steam Launch!

    Magic: The Gathering Creator Teams Up With Indie Studio For Massive ‘Vanguard Exiles’ 1.0 Steam Launch!

    If you are a fan of deep strategic card games, tactical auto-battlers, or simply love a good indie success story, mark your calendars! Independent Australian game developer The Tea Division has officially announced that its highly anticipated strategic auto-battler, Vanguard Exiles, will launch into its full 1.0 version on Steam on February 4, 2027.

    But this isn’t just your standard indie release. The Tea Division has a secret weapon up its sleeve: Vanguard Exiles was designed in close collaboration with none other than Richard Garfield, the legendary game designer and creator of Magic: The Gathering.

    Here is everything you need to know about this upcoming strategic powerhouse.

    A Match Made in Strategy Heaven

    The Tea Division has been quietly brewing something special down under, but bringing Richard Garfield on board has catapulted Vanguard Exiles to the top of every strategy gamer’s wishlist. Garfield, whose brain gave us Magic: The Gathering, Netrunner, and KeyForge, brings decades of balance, depth, and innovative game mechanics to the project.

    By blending The Tea Division’s sharp indie vision with Garfield’s unmatched expertise in card and tabletop design, Vanguard Exiles promises to deliver an auto-battler experience that is both easy to pick up and incredibly deep to master.

    What is Vanguard Exiles?

    For those unfamiliar, Vanguard Exiles takes the fast-paced, addictive nature of the auto-battler genre and infuses it with high-stakes tactical decision-making. Players will recruit, position, and synergise a roster of unique exile units, outsmarting opponents in intense rounds of automated combat where pre-battle preparation is everything.

    With the 1.0 launch on the horizon, players can look forward to:

    • Refined Strategic Depth: Thanks to Garfield’s influence, expect intricate synergy webs, satisfying counter-play, and fewer victories left to pure RNG.
    • Full Release Polish: The 1.0 launch will bring a wealth of new content, including a robust roster of new characters, fully fleshed-out game modes, and competitive balance tweaks.
    • A Vivid World: Dive into a beautifully crafted universe where outcasts and exiles fight for survival and dominance.

    When Can You Play It?

    The wait is almost over. Vanguard Exiles officially drops on Steam on February 4, 2027. Whether you’re a veteran of Teamfight Tactics and Dota Underlords, or a card-game enthusiast looking for your next obsession, this collaboration is shaping up to be one of the first must-play titles of 2027.

    Make sure to head over to Steam to wishlist Vanguard Exiles today so you don’t miss the 1.0 drop!

    Are you excited to see what Richard Garfield and The Tea Division have cooked up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #VanguardExiles #TheTeaDivision #RichardGarfield #MagicTheGathering #AutoBattler #IndieGames #SteamRelease #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Set Sail for Danger: Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame Launches July 24!

    Set Sail for Danger: Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame Launches July 24!

    Action RPG fans, look alive! A dark, watery abyss is calling, and it’s time to prepare your builds for a treacherous new adventure. Grinding Gear Games has officially announced the upcoming expansion, Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame, launching on July 24 PDT.

    If you thought the mainland of Wraeclast was unforgiving, wait until you brave its haunted, turbulent oceans. Here is everything you need to know before you board The Sovereign and dive into the depths.

    The Lore: Captains, Curses, and Lost Charts

    In Curse of the Allflame, players will step away from the traditional shores and into the boots of a seafaring explorer. Your voyage is guided by two compelling new characters: the formidable corsair captain Valerie and her mysterious, cursed navigator Vesper.

    Together, you will hunt down and piece together scattered treasure charts left behind by bygone eras. Once assembled, these charts will grant you access to a legendary, heavily armoured vessel known as The Sovereign. From its deck, you will chart a course straight into the heart of a terrifying ocean abyss.

    Gameplay: Plunder the Abyssal Depths

    What lies beneath the waves? According to developers, players will descend into murky underwater depths, fighting off a new roster of aquatic nightmares and supernatural maritime horrors.

    Survival won’t be easy, but the rewards are more than worth the peril. As you navigate these deep-sea encounters, you will uncover highly valuable relics, unique currencies, and powerful items designed to shake up the current meta. But remember: the deeper you go, the more aggressive the curses become. You’ll need to balance your greed with your survival instincts if you want to make it back to the surface with your loot intact.

    Mark Your Calendars

    The countdown has officially begun. Clean up your inventory, finalise your league-starter plans, and get ready to face the tides.

    • Release Date: July 24, 2026 (PDT)
    • Platforms: PC & Consoles

    Will you conquer the curse, or will you be dragged down to the ocean floor? We’ll find out when the expansion drops later this week.

    Are you planning to league-start a maritime marauder or a seafaring witch? Let us know your build plans in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #PathofExile #PoE #CurseOfTheAllflame #GamingNews #ARPG #PCGaming #ConsoleGaming #Wraeclast #TechMash #Gaming

  • Storm the Dardanelles: WW1 Game Series ‘Gallipoli’ Locks in August Release Date with Crossplay!

    Storm the Dardanelles: WW1 Game Series ‘Gallipoli’ Locks in August Release Date with Crossplay!

    Historical shooter fans, get your gear ready. BlackMill Games has officially announced that Gallipoli, the highly anticipated next instalment in their critically acclaimed WW1 Game Series, is set to deploy on August 20th.

    Following the footsteps of intense trench-warfare predecessors like Verdun, Tannenberg, and Isonzo, Gallipoli is moving the theatre of war to the gruelling, high-stakes Dardanelles Campaign.

    Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming launch.

    Battle Across All Platforms with Full Crossplay

    Whether you are a PC purist or a console commander, you won’t have to fight alone. BlackMill Games has confirmed that Gallipoli will launch simultaneously across a massive range of platforms:

    • PC via Steam, the Microsoft Store, and the Epic Games Store
    • PlayStation 5
    • Xbox Series X|S

    Best of all? Full crossplay support is enabled from day one, meaning you can squad up or face off against your friends regardless of what system they are playing on.

    Authentic, Brutal, and Immersive

    The WW1 Game Series is renowned for its dedication to historical accuracy, authentic weaponry, and realistic squad-based tactics. Gallipoli promises to bring that same signature intensity to one of the First World War’s most devastating campaigns. Players can expect to experience the sheer scale of amphibious landings, unforgiving hillside charges, and tactical warfare between the Allied forces and the Ottoman Empire.

    Price and Launch Day Discounts

    When the game drops on August 20th, it will be incredibly budget-friendly. Gallipoli will have a standard retail price at a very reasonable €29.99 / $29.99 / £24.99.

    But it gets better: early adopters will be rewarded! BlackMill Games is offering a 25% launch discount, making it the perfect time to recruit your squad and jump straight into the action without breaking the bank.

    Will you be storming the beaches or defending the cliffs this August? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #Gallipoli #WW1GameSeries #BlackMillGames #GamingNews #FPS #Crossplay #Steam #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #EpicGames #TechMash

  • Ghost Keeper 1.0 is Here! The Definitive Spooky Tactical Strategy Experience Launches Out of Early Access

    Ghost Keeper 1.0 is Here! The Definitive Spooky Tactical Strategy Experience Launches Out of Early Access

    The wait is officially over, ghost hunters and tactical strategists! After a highly successful Early Access period fueled by invaluable community feedback, the definitive Ghost Keeper experience has officially arrived.

    Developer Quest Craft’s visions have officially materialised with the launch of Ghost Keeper Version 1.0. If you thought the Early Access version was a thrilling, spooky tactical challenge, prepare yourself—the full release blows the doors wide open to a complete, hauntingly rich universe.

    Here is everything you need to know about the massive Version 1.0 update and why it’s time to jump back into the haunting grounds.

    The Complete Vision Realised

    Ghost Keeper’s journey through Early Access was shaped directly by its players. Thanks to a dedicated community reporting bugs, suggesting balance tweaks, and sharing their favourite strategies, the developers have spent months polishing the core mechanics. Version 1.0 represents the ultimate, complete vision of the game—smoother, deeper, and more atmospheric than ever before.

    Key Features in Version 1.0:

    • A Full Story Campaign: No more piece-by-piece progression. You can now experience the complete narrative from start to finish. Unravel the mysteries of the afterlife, command your spectral army, and see how the overarching plot unfolds in an immersive, beautifully written campaign.
    • Brand New Locations: Expand your haunting horizons! Version 1.0 introduces never-before-seen maps and environments. From eerie, decaying estates to structurally complex urban settings, each new location offers unique tactical advantages—and hidden dangers.
    • Fresh Ghosts and Formidable Enemies: Your supernatural roster just got a major upgrade. Summon entirely new classes of ghosts, each equipped with distinct abilities to terrify your targets. But beware: the living are fighting back with brand new enemy types designed to counter your spectral forces.
    • Expanded Tactical Challenges: If you thought you had the perfect strategy mapped out, think again. The full release introduces revamped mechanics and tougher tactical challenges that will force you to rethink how you deploy your ghosts, manage your fear resources, and outsmart the AI.

    Why You Should Play It Today

    Whether you are a veteran player who has been commanding the undead since day one of Early Access, or a newcomer looking for a fresh spin on the tactical strategy genre, Version 1.0 is the perfect jumping-on point. The game beautifully blends the cerebral depth of turn-based strategy with a wonderfully eerie, atmospheric aesthetic.

    Ghost Keeper Version 1.0 is available right now. Gather your spirits, hone your strategy, and prepare to deliver the ultimate scare!

    Have you jumped into Ghost Keeper 1.0 yet? Which new ghost is your favourite to deploy? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #GhostKeeper #IndieGames #GamingNews #TacticalStrategy #PCGaming #GhostKeeperFullRelease #TechMash #Gaming #QuestCraft

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

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

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

    Now, he’s pushing a few different buttons.

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

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

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

    A Playable Love Letter to Indie Rock & Retro Gaming

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Real physical Game Boy Cartridges?!

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

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

    Mark Your Calendars

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

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

    Find out more here

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Ultimate Sushi Training Simulation (Yes, Really!)

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

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

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

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

    A Bite-Sized Bargain

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

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

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

    Find out more here

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

  • Synchronise Your Jumps: ‘Brave Escape’ Brings Chaos and Co-op to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S This July!

    Synchronise Your Jumps: ‘Brave Escape’ Brings Chaos and Co-op to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S This July!

    Great news for co-op gaming fans! Independent developer Hit Start Studios has officially announced that its critically acclaimed, two-player co-op platformer Brave Escape is making the leap to next-gen consoles.

    Mark your calendars: the game is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on July 24th, 2026.

    If you’ve been looking for the perfect game to test the strength of your friendships (or find out just how bad your coordination really is), this is the one.

    What is Brave Escape?

    Originally released on PC to a “Very Positive” reception on Steam, Brave Escape is a 2D pixel-art precision platformer built entirely around two-player teamwork. You and a partner control Colin and Floyd—an unlikely duo trying to outrun relentless hazards, navigate tricky traps, and conquer handcrafted, puzzle-filled levels.

    To make things interesting, both characters bring entirely different tools to the table:

    • Colin utilises a climbing rope and grapple hook to navigate steep vertical terrain.
    • Floyd features a boost mechanism and handles unique level-specific gadgets like the Wind Gun, Freeze Gun, and Flashlight.

    Success demands communication, split-second timing, and perfect synchronisation. Whether you are perfectly executing a complex jump or screaming in panic as a mistimed boost sends your friend flying into a pit of spikes, it’s couch co-op gaming at its absolute finest.

    What’s New for the Console Release?

    Hit Start Studios isn’t just porting the game over; they are delivering the ultimate version of the adventure right out of the gate.

    Here is what console players can look forward to on day one:

    • Cross-Platform Play: Fully supports cross-platform co-op multiplayer between PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. No matter where your friends play, you can team up.
    • Packed with Content: Includes all major post-launch updates from the PC version, offering 45 additional levels and 70 bonus levels spread across 7 diverse, hazard-filled worlds.
    • Playable Your Way: Choose Standard/Casual Mode for a more approachable experience with more forgiving timings and fewer spikes, or tackle Brave Mode to push your platforming skills to their absolute limits.
    • Optimised Performance & Accessibility: Enjoy ultra-smooth gameplay with high-frame-rate options ($60\text{ fps}+$), alongside great accessibility features like character outlines and overlap transparency.

    “Cross-platform support was especially important for us because Brave Escape is all about playing together, regardless of platform.”

    — Steve Ciaramitaro, Game Designer at Hit Start Studios

    Get Ready to Escape!

    Whether you prefer playing local couch co-op or diving online, Brave Escape promises to be one of the summer’s most fun and chaotic cooperative experiences.

    You can already find the game on Steam, and it’s officially open for wishlisting on the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store ahead of its July 24th launch. Gather a partner, stretch those thumbs, and prepare for a wild ride!

    Are you ready to test your friendship in Brave Escape? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #BraveEscape #HitStartStudios #CoopGaming #IndieGames #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #GamingNews #Platformer #Techmash

  • Grid-Based Tinkering: Thinky Roguelite Deckbuilder ‘Stones of Power’ Enters Closed Beta!

    Grid-Based Tinkering: Thinky Roguelite Deckbuilder ‘Stones of Power’ Enters Closed Beta!

    If you’ve ever stared at a merchant in Slay the Spire, absolute tears in your eyes because you have to fork over 100 gold just to remove a basic strike card, indie developer Pointless Games has some incredibly good news for you.

    Their highly anticipated “thinky” roguelite deckbuilder, Stones of Power, has officially entered its closed beta phase. Along with a brand-new gameplay trailer, this major milestone marks the first time players can get their hands on the game’s unique grid-based tactical mechanics.

    Here is why this is one indie strategy game you’ll want to keep on your radar.

    What is Stones of Power?

    At its core, Stones of Power is a deckbuilder, but instead of playing cards that immediately vanish into a discard pile, you are playing magical stones onto a grid-based board.

    • A Living Board: Unlike traditional card games where actions are played in isolation, the stones you place in Stones of Power remain on the board.
    • Tactical Grid Play: Success relies on pushing, pulling, and positioning your stones to create chain reactions, disrupt enemy plans, and outsmart your foes.
    • The “Trading” Economy: Instead of paying a premium to purge bad cards, players construct and refine their decks by trading stones. You buy, sell, and manage your coins to actively manipulate your build’s synergy between encounters.

    “I wanted to create a game where each turn incrementally evolved from something simple into something more complex. Every new stone the player places gives more possibilities to explore, rewarding careful planning, clever positioning, and creative thinking.” > — Mattias Selin, Creator of Stones of Power

    Why Strategy Fans Should Be Excited

    Stones of Power is designed specifically for players who love the “joy of tinkering.” Rather than leaving your fate entirely up to the RNG gods, the game heavily rewards clever positioning and calculated experimentation. Every run is a puzzle of your own making, where a single, well-placed stone can completely cascade into a game-breaking build.

    Developed on a custom Java engine (built on top of LibGDX) for PC and Linux, the game is shaping up to be a highly polished, deep, and satisfyingly cerebral experience.

    How to Get Involved

    With the closed beta officially underway, Pointless Games is looking for players to jump in, test their strategic limits, and provide feedback.

    If you want to secure your spot in the beta or simply keep up with development:

    • Head over to the Stones of Power Steam Page to add it to your wishlist.
    • Join the active community on the Pointless Games Discord to grab a beta key and share your wildest game-breaking synergies.

    Find out more here

    #StonesOfPower #PointlessGames #IndieGames #PCGaming #Roguelite #Deckbuilder #GamingNews #TechMash

  • When Star Fox Meets Armored Core: ‘Rogue Eclipse’ is the Space Roguelike We’ve Been Waiting For

    When Star Fox Meets Armored Core: ‘Rogue Eclipse’ is the Space Roguelike We’ve Been Waiting For

    If you’ve spent the last few years looking at your gaming library and thinking, “I really wish someone would mash up the tight, arcade spaceflight of Star Fox with the intense, heavy customisation of Armored Core,” then your very specific wish has just been granted.

    Meet Rogue Eclipse, an upcoming spacefighter roguelike developed by the UK-based micro-studio Huskrafts and published by Outersloth—the indie publishing label founded by the team behind Among Us.

    And the best news? It is officially blasting onto PC via Steam on August 7th, 2026!

    What is Rogue Eclipse?

    At its core, Rogue Eclipse is an edge-of-your-seat, arcade-style space shooter designed with a high-stakes roguelike loop. You play as a pilot on the absolute front lines of a war for humanity’s survival.

    The gameplay loop is simple to understand but incredibly tough to master: Try, die, upgrade, and try again. Here is what makes this indie gem stand out from the crowd:

    • Arabesque Futurism Aesthetic: Forget the sterile, cold grey metals of typical sci-fi. Rogue Eclipse features a stunning, vibrant art direction inspired by Middle Eastern and North African design elements.
    • High-Octane Combat: You aren’t just dogfighting in empty space. You’ll be weaving through massive, destructible environments and diving directly inside gargantuan enemy behemoths to blow them up from the inside out.
    • Deep Customisation: Much like the mech-building joy of Armored Core, you can continuously upgrade, tweak, and personalise your starfighter to suit your playstyle as your run progresses.

    “Indie developers got tired of waiting for a new Star Fox, so they’re making their own.” — The Verge

    Backed by Indie Royalty

    Behind this ambitious title is a fascinating partnership. The game is the debut title from Husban Siddiqi (aka Huskrafts), a highly talented solo developer and recipient of both an Epic MegaGrant and a Creative England New Ideas Fund.

    To help bring this vision to the finish line, Outersloth stepped in. Established by Innersloth to fund indie developers sustainably while allowing them to keep their creative freedom, the label’s backing is a massive seal of approval. If the minds behind Among Us are championing this, you know there’s something special under the hood.

    Play It Early!

    If you happen to be in London or heading to upcoming conventions, you might not have to wait until August 7th to test your piloting skills.

    • London Showcase: The game will be playable at the “For One Night Only” event in London on July 29th, 2026.
    • Wishlist Now: Head over to the Rogue Eclipse Steam Page to check out the brand-new release date trailer and add it to your wishlist.

    Get ready to strap in, pilots. Space combat is getting a massive upgrade this summer.

    Find out more here

    #RogueEclipse #IndieGames #Outersloth #Huskrafts #SpaceShooter #SteamGames #GamingNews #StarFox #ArmoredCore #TechMash

  • Angry Birds to Angry Battlers: Why Warena is Your Next PC Gaming Obsession

    Angry Birds to Angry Battlers: Why Warena is Your Next PC Gaming Obsession

    The tactical card battler genre is about to get a serious shake-up, and it’s arriving from a very unexpected, highly pedigree’d source.

    If you spent any part of the 2010s flinging furious fowls at green pigs, you’re already familiar with the work of Tuomas Erikoinen—the original artist behind the iconic Angry Birds characters. After conquering the mobile world and racking up over 50 million downloads across various projects, Erikoinen and his indie studio, Part Time Monkey, are trading mobile screens for PC monitors.

    Their latest creation? Warena, a real-time tactical card battler that launches on Steam today (July 14, 2026), and it looks set to steal your sleep.

    Real-Time Chaos: No Turns, No Waiting

    Forget everything you know about traditional card games where you politely wait for your opponent to figure out their move. Warena throws etiquette out the window in favour of simultaneous, real-time chaos.

    Both players act at the exact same time. Your objective is simple but intense: manage your mana pool, deploy troops, cast devastating spells, and push down lanes to tear down the enemy base before they do the same to yours. It’s a high-stakes tug-of-war where reading your opponent’s intent and timing your counters is everything.

    “I love short, round-based games like Rocket League where you always want to go for one more round,” says creator Tuomas Erikoinen. “I played a lot of Clash Royale and kept thinking: this would work on PC if you built it right. Warena is that game.”

    The Ultimate Hybrid: Clash Royale Meets Traditional RTS

    Warena beautifully bridges the gap between two distinct gaming worlds, offering a unique hybrid experience:

    • The Speed and Immediacy of Clash Royale: Matches are fast, punchy, and instantly engaging. It’s built for that “just one more game” loop that will have you looking at the clock, suddenly realising it’s 3 AM.
    • The Strategic Depth of a Classic RTS: Don’t let the quick match times fool you; there is serious tactical weight here. With mid-match deck evolution via “Runes” and unique “Hero Skills” chosen at the start of the game, the deck you finish with will look wildly different from the one you started with.

    Built for Pure Competition

    In a refreshing move for the modern gaming landscape, Warena is entirely built around skill. Every single card in the game is earned purely through play. There are no pay-to-win mechanics or hidden stat advantages here—just visible stats, clever strategies, and split-second decision-making.

    Whether you want to test your mettle against the AI in the single-player campaign or climb the competitive ladder in ranked 1v1 PvP, victory relies entirely on your brainpower and reflexes.

    If you’re looking for a competitive strategy fix that doesn’t require a hardcore, hundreds-of-hours time commitment to enjoy, Warena is calling your name. Head over to Steam, grab the deck, and prepare for battle.

    Find out more here

    #Warena #IndieGames #PCGaming #SteamNextFest #CardBattler #RTS #GamingNews #TechMash #PartTimeMonkey

  • Tya Calls, Commanders! Watcher of Realms Celebrates Its 3rd Anniversary with Epic New Heroes and Rewards

    Tya Calls, Commanders! Watcher of Realms Celebrates Its 3rd Anniversary with Epic New Heroes and Rewards

    Can you believe it’s been three years since we first stepped onto the mystical, chaos-ridden continent of Tya? Since its debut, Moonton’s Watcher of Realms has steadily redefined what a next-gen fantasy RPG can be, blending deep tower-defence strategy with stunning 3D visuals and immersive lore.

    Now, the milestone is officially here. The 3rd Anniversary Celebration is launching with a massive wave of exclusive events, gorgeous new skins, and powerful fresh faces to add to your roster. Whether you’re a battle-hardened veteran or a newcomer looking for the perfect time to jump in, this anniversary bash is throwing the doors wide open.

    Meet the New Legends: Cainan and Jezebelle Arrive

    No RPG anniversary is complete without fresh blood to shake up the meta, and Moonton is delivering in spades. Two highly anticipated heroes are making their grand entrance into Tya, alongside stunning brand-new skins:

    • Cainan: A powerhouse limited hero who is already turning heads in the community. Commanders looking to maximise their DPS will want to keep a close eye on his arrival. You can even snag his fiery “Shadow of the Flame” skin!
    • Jezebelle: Radiating both grace and danger, she joins the fray with her exclusive “Perdition’s Grace” skin, ready to anchor your squad against the toughest demonic onslaughts.

    137 Free Summons & Boosted Rate-Up Banners

    If your summoning crystals have been burning a hole in your pocket, your patience is about to reward you handsomely. The developers are showering players with up to 137 free summons through anniversary login rewards and events.

    Even better, the summoning schedule is packed with 20x drop rate-up banners, giving you the absolute best chance to secure top-tier talent:

    Event DateBanner / Summon TypeKey Featured Heroes
    July 15 – July 20Seraphic InvocationCainan (Guaranteed within 200 summons!)
    July 16 – July 20Special Invocation of SpiritsRaizan & Aeris
    July 17 – July 20Special Ancient SummoningJezebelle & Sythra

    Exclusive Anniversary Rewards and Features

    The generosity doesn’t stop at summons. Moonton is packing the festival table with an array of progression-boosting items and entirely new challenges to tackle:

    • Free New Hero & Hero Reset Book: Perfect for instantly restructuring your team composition without losing precious resources.
    • Fresh Content Raids: Test your upgraded squads in the brand-new Gallery of War and Final Frontier game modes.
    • Faction Trial Updates: Brace yourselves for new bosses and fresh mechanics in the Arbitration and Dominion stages.
    • Festive Customisations: Earn exclusive camp skins, avatar borders, and profile cosmetics just by participating in the anniversary events.

    Time to Rally the Troops

    With its approachably deep tactical gameplay, beautifully rendered 360° character models, and a vibrant community, Watcher of Realms continues to prove it’s not your average strategy RPG.

    The celebrations are officially kicking off across iOS, Android, and PC. Dust off your strategy guides, claim those 137 free summons, and let’s restore order to Tya!

    Are you pulling for Cainan or Jezebelle first? Let us know your squad goals in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #WatcherOfRealms #WatcherOfRealms3rdAnniversary #NextGenRPG #FantasyRPG #Moonton #GamingNews #MobileGaming #PCGaming #RPGCommunity #TechMash #Gaming

  • Escape the Mansion from Your Couch: Dead Estate Slams Onto PS5 and Nintendo Switch

    Escape the Mansion from Your Couch: Dead Estate Slams Onto PS5 and Nintendo Switch

    If you’ve been itching for a gory, high-octane indie treat to play on the move or from the comfort of your living room, your prayers to the horror gods have officially been answered. Dead Estate, the cult-hit horror-themed action roguelike developed by Milkbar Lads and published by 2 Left Thumbs, has officially made its grand debut on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch!

    Originally launched on PC back in 2021 where it amassed a fiercely loyal, “Very Positive” following, this delightfully chunky, fast-paced top-down shooter is ready to tear up your console storage.

    What is Dead Estate?

    Imagine a love letter to classic 90s horror, smashed together with the tight, frenetic twin-stick shooting of Enter the Gungeon and wrapped in stunning, fluid pixel art. That is Dead Estate.

    Players are trapped in a massive, shifting, monster-filled mansion. Your only goal? Ascend the floors, hoard a ridiculous arsenal of weaponry, and try desperately not to get ripped to shreds by the local undead populace.

    But there’s a catch: if you take too long exploring a floor, you’ll be relentlessly hunted by Chunks—a massive, terrifying stalker enemy who gives off heavy Resident Evil Nemesis vibes. You can either run for your life or pump enough lead into him to force a temporary retreat and claim a hefty cash reward.

    Packed with the Definitive Content

    The best part about this console launch? Switch and PS5 players are getting the complete package right out of the gate. The ports include all five of the massive major content updates released during the game’s PC lifecycle, up to the definitive “Goodnight” update.

    Here is a quick look at what you’re getting yourself into:

    • 10 Playable Characters: From Jeff the default grunt to Cordelia the witch and Fuji the boxer, every character completely alters your playstyle, movement speed, and starting stats.
    • Insane Variety: Over 150 weapons and 300 passive items to create absolutely broken, god-tier synergies.
    • The “Assignment Anya” Campaign: A separate, survival-horror-inspired campaign that serves as a direct, brilliant nod to Resident Evil 4’s Assignment Ada.
    • Console-Specific Enhancements: Deeply polished NewGame+ modes, unlockable challenges, and full couch-to-toilet portability on the Nintendo Switch (with built-in compatibility for next-gen hardware down the line).

    The Verdict: A Must-Play for Roguelike Fans

    What makes Dead Estate special is how rewarding it feels. While it offers plenty of gruelling difficulty modifiers and “Blessing & Curse” runs for hardcore genre purists, it also allows casual players to stumble into incredibly fun, overpowered item combinations that let you utterly eviscerate late-game rooms.

    The isometric rooms are compact, forcing you into tense, close-quarters bullet hells. Combined with a killer, atmospheric synth soundtrack and unmatched character design, it’s the ultimate pick-up-and-play title for your console library.

    Dead Estate is available right now on the PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop for $14.99 / £11.99. Go grab your weapon of choice, keep an eye out for Chunks, and see if you can survive the night!

    Find out more here

    #DeadEstate #IndieGames #PS5 #NintendoSwitch #Roguelike #HorrorGaming #GamingNews #TechMash #MilkbarLads #TwinStickShooter