The indie gaming scene is about to get a massive dose of emotional depth and raw storytelling. Kyiv-based developer Twigames and publisher Crunchy Leaf Games have officially announced that their highly anticipated narrative survival RPG, Hollow Home, is joining the upcoming Steam Next Fest from June 15th to 22nd.
Even better? You don’t have to wait to get a taste of this award-winning title. A brand-new, playable free demo is live on Steam right now, giving players a firsthand look at one of the most poignant indie projects of the year.
What is Hollow Home?
Hollow Home is a striking, isometric narrative RPG inspired by classics like Disco Elysium. However, it carries a weight that sets it apart: the game is deeply rooted in the real-world horrors of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, built by a development team that actually lived through the conflict.
You step into the shoes of Maksym, a 14-year-old boy trapped inside a city under siege. His father is at the front lines, his mother is unreachable, and he is left entirely alone to navigate a rapidly crumbling world.
Key Features to Look Out For in the Demo:
- Zero Combat, Pure Survival: There are no weapons or grand battle sequences. Your survival depends entirely on managing scarce resources, maintaining relationships, and enduring the heavy psychological toll of war.
- A Disappearing City: The map shifts constantly. As the days pass under occupation, districts get shelled, paths are blocked, and locations you visited on Day 1 might be entirely destroyed by Day 3.
- Every Choice Carries Weight: With a strict “Resolve” and limited action point system, you cannot be everywhere or save everyone. You have to decide who to help, knowing you must live with the consequences of who you leave behind.
- Skills Taught by the Community: Forget traditional RPG stat menus. Maksym learns critical survival skills—like medical aid, crafting, and cooking—directly through the people he interacts with and helps.
Kickstarter and Full Release Windows Locked In
The Steam Next Fest showcase is just the beginning of a massive push for the studio. Twigames has confirmed they will be launching a Kickstarter campaign in July 2026 to secure the final funding needed for the full release. Backers will get a chance to directly support development and unlock exclusive rewards.
If all goes to plan, we won’t have to wait long for the finished product. The studio is aiming for a late 2026 launch window for the full game on PC via Steam.
Given that Hollow Home has already swept up industry accolades—including Most Promising Game at the Indie Cup Ukraine and the Nordic Game Pitch Battle—this is absolutely an indie title to keep on your radar.
Head over to Steam, download the free demo, and make sure to add it to your wishlist!
Source – https://s.team/a/2362070
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