TECHMASH

Tag: #videogames

  • Seclusa the casual photography sim has arrived on Steam

    Seclusa the casual photography sim has arrived on Steam

    It’s time to trade in the high-octane action for a telephoto lens and a sunset over the savanna. Studio Niente has officially released Seclusa, their ultra-relaxing wildlife photography simulator, on Steam.

    Launched on February 16, 2026, the game has already garnered a “Very Positive” reception from players looking for a “low-stakes, high-vibes” experience.

    The Vibe: Safari, Simplified

    In Seclusa, you aren’t just a photographer; you’re a guest at a secluded East African safari lodge. Forget about health bars or ticking clocks. This is a point-and-click sandbox designed for unwinding.

    • Hand-Crafted Locations: Explore scenic overlooks near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
    • Dynamic Nature: Photograph wildlife under shifting lighting conditions and weather—from golden hour glows to moody rainstorms.
    • A “Slow Gaming” Experience: There is no “wrong” way to play. Sit by the fire, listen to the ambient sounds of the bush, or spend hours waiting for that perfect shot of a rare animal variant.

    Key Features

    • Upgradable Gear: Earn experience to unlock camera filters, lenses, and specialised abilities like the “Processing Mode” time-of-day slider.
    • Paka the Lodge Cat: Every cosy game needs a mascot. Meet Paka, the friendly resident feline whom you can pet, customise with different fur colours, and even dress in tiny hats.
    • Beyond the Lens: When you aren’t in the field, you can head back to the lodge to solve jigsaw puzzles using the actual photos you’ve taken or collect and trade over 180 unique wildlife cards.
    • The Compendium: Track your sightings and learn about the real-world biology of the animals you encounter, including lesser-known species like the African Wild Cat and the Martial Eagle.

    Launch Details

    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Price: $12.99 USD
    • Launch Discount: If you grab it before March 3, 2026, you can snag it at 25% off ($9.74).
    • Steam Deck: The game is verified to run smoothly on Steam Deck, making it the perfect companion for a literal “cosy-up-in-bed” gaming session.

    Developer’s Note: Studio Niente (a two-person indie team) has already begun rolling out post-launch patches to add more wildlife animations and quality-of-life tweaks based on player feedback.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/L1KRf

    #StudioNiente #Steam #Seclusa #wildlifephotographer #safarilodge #EastAfrica #photos #wildlife #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • A New Breed of Hunger: Famished Demo Now Live on Steam and Itch.io

    A New Breed of Hunger: Famished Demo Now Live on Steam and Itch.io

    If you’ve been craving a horror experience that’s a little more “grotesque indie” and a little less “jump-scare factory,” it’s time to eat. British indie dev SlaughterWare—the mind behind the legendary The Insanity flash series—has officially unleashed the first playable demo for Famished.

    Set in the bleak, sun-baked sprawl of suburban Kansas, Famished isn’t just a game about being scared; it’s a descent into a very specific, very messy kind of madness.

    The Story: Meet Oatmeal Clutterbuck

    You play as Oatmeal, a bullied and intellectually impaired teenager living a life that was already pretty grim before the “guest” arrived. That guest is Whisperguts, an alien parasite that has taken up residence inside Oatmeal’s torso.

    As the parasite feeds, Oatmeal begins to feel a hunger that “normal” food can’t touch. You’ll navigate a world that feels like a distorted memory of the 90s, where the line between being a victim and becoming a predator starts to blur in the most cannibalistic way possible.

    What to Expect in the Demo

    The demo covers the opening chapter of Oatmeal’s transformation. Here’s what’s cooking:

    • Retro Vibes: The game uses a low-poly, PS1-style aesthetic that leans into the “uncanny valley” of early 3D horror.
    • Experimental Gameplay: Expect more than just walking and hiding. The demo features surreal mini-games, environmental puzzles, and a focus on psychological tension over traditional combat.
    • Dark Humour: In true SlaughterWare fashion, the horror is seasoned with a layer of pitch-black, surreal comedy. Think Stephen King meets Shenmue, but with significantly more viscera.
    • Cinematic Flair: Despite its indie roots, the game prioritises a cinematic feel with scripted sequences and a heavy, “80s-edge” soundtrack.

    “What begins as a simple, gnawing appetite slowly mutates into something far more disturbing… something else is feeding.” — SlaughterWare

    Why You Should Play It

    SlaughterWare (aka EvilKris) has been in the horror game for over 15 years. If you grew up playing high-effort Flash horror on NewGrounds, you know this developer understands how to build a lingering sense of dread without relying on cheap tricks. Famished feels like a passion project that’s been festering (in the best way) for a long time.

    How to Play

    The demo is free to download right now. The full game is slated for an Autumn 2026 release, so this is your chance to get in on the ground floor of the nightmare.

    Have you braved the Kansas suburbs yet? Let me know in the comments if Whispergut got the better of you!

    Find out more here on Steam –

    #SlaughterWare #Famished #psychological #StephenKing #SilentHill #PS2 #survival #horror #demogame #Steam #itchio #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

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

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

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

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

    What’s New on the Menu?

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

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

    Detective Work 101: Don’t Let Them Leave

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

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

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

    Customization and Community

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

    How to Play

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

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

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

  • War Never Changes—But Where You Play It Does

    War Never Changes—But Where You Play It Does

    The wait is finally over. As of February 24, 2026, Bethesda has officially opened the vault doors for Nintendo fans. Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition has shadow-dropped onto the Nintendo Switch 2, marking the first time the mainline post-apocalyptic series has graced a Nintendo platform.

    Whether you’re a seasoned Sole Survivor or a fresh-faced Vault Dweller, this isn’t just a simple port; it’s a powerhouse showcase for Nintendo’s new hardware. Here’s everything you need to know about your new life in the portable Commonwealth.

    The Ultimate Scavenger’s Bundle

    The Anniversary Edition is the “everything-and-the-kitchen-sink” version of the game. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to jump back in, the sheer volume of content here is staggering:

    • The Full Experience: Includes the base game and all six official DLCs (Far Harbor, Nuka-World, Automatron, and the Workshop packs).
    • Creation Club Integration: Over 150 pieces of curated content are baked directly into the game. We’re talking new quests, unique weapons (like the Prototype Gauss Rifle), and even different breeds for Dogmeat.
    • Next-Gen Polish: It utilises the technical upgrades seen in the 2024 “Next-Gen” update, but optimised specifically for the Switch 2’s architecture.

    Performance: How Does It Run?

    The biggest question for any Bethesda port is performance. Thankfully, the Switch 2’s custom Nvidia Ampere GPU is doing some heavy lifting. Early reports and testing show a surprisingly smooth experience:

    ModeTarget ResolutionTarget Framerate
    Docked1440p (upscaled to 4K)60 FPS
    Handheld1080p40 FPS / 60 FPS

    Pro Tip: Many players are finding the 40 FPS mode to be the “sweet spot” for handheld play—it provides a significant fluidity boost over the classic 30 FPS without the battery drain or minor visual blurring sometimes seen in the full 60 FPS Performance Mode.

    Portability vs. Compromise

    For the first time, you can manage your settlements while on the bus or hunt Deathclaws in bed without a clunky remote-play setup. The SSD-speed loading of the Switch 2 is a game-changer here; fast-travelling across the Boston ruins now takes seconds rather than the minute-long waits we remember from the last generation.

    One minor heartbreak for the purists: The physical release (arriving April 28, 2026) is a “Code-in-a-Box” (CIAB) rather than a physical game card. If you’re a collector, you’ll still get a nice case for the shelf, but you’ll be downloading the bulk of those high-res textures to your internal storage or MicroSD Express card.

    Is It Worth the $59.99?

    If you already own the Game of the Year edition on three other platforms, sixty bucks might feel like a steep “Todd Howard tax.” However, for the Nintendo-only crowd or those who live for high-end handheld gaming, this is the definitive version of a modern classic. The inclusion of the Creation Club content—which would cost a fortune to buy individually—adds a lot of value to the package.

    The Commonwealth is calling. Will you answer?

    Find out more here – https://fallout.bethesda.net

    #Fallout #action #rpg #BethesdaGameStudios #scifi #NintendoSwitch #Commonwealth #Automatron #FarHarbor #NukaWorld #ghoul #vaultdweller #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • The Storm Has Arrived: Shrouded Sky is Live in ARC Raiders

    The Storm Has Arrived: Shrouded Sky is Live in ARC Raiders

    Raiders, batten down the hatches. The latest major update for ARC Raiders, titled Shrouded Sky, is officially live as of February 24, 2026. This isn’t just a minor patch; it’s a total atmospheric shift that brings the most volatile environmental conditions we’ve seen in the Rust Belt yet.

    If you haven’t dropped in since the update hit, here is everything you need to know about surviving the storm and the new threats lurking within it.

    The Main Event: Hurricane Map Condition

    Forget everything you know about navigating the surface. The Hurricane is now a permanent rotating map condition across Blue Gate, Buried City, Spaceport, and the Dam Battlegrounds.

    • Tactical Turbulence: The wind isn’t just a visual effect. Running with a tailwind gives you a significant speed boost, while fighting a headwind will drain your stamina and slow you to a crawl. Even your thrown items (grenades, flares) are now subject to wind trajectory.
    • Static Interference: The debris kicked up by the storm is lethal to tech. Your shields will steadily drain and glitch out if you leave them equipped for too long in the gale.
    • Low Visibility: Sound is swallowed by the wind and sightlines are cut short, making it easier to sneak up on squads—but even easier for the ARC to sneak up on you.

    New ARC Threats: Fireflies and Comets

    As if the weather wasn’t enough, two new ARC machines have been deployed to make your life difficult:

    1. The Firefly: An armoured flying machine that acts as a deadlier cousin to the Hornet. It emits a devastating jet of flame that can engulf a Raider in seconds.
    2. The Comet: Think of it as a “Pop” on steroids. This spherical machine honks (yes, honks) as it locks onto you, relentlessly chasing you down before detonating with a massive seismic boom.

    Seasonal Project & Progression

    • The Weather Monitoring System: A new five-stage Seasonal Player Project is available until March 31. You’ll need to brave the hurricanes to scavenge components for a monitoring system. Completion nets you 250 Raider Tokens and the exclusive Anemometer Backpack Charm.
    • The Surgeon Raider Deck: A new free progression track is now available. It includes the surgeon-inspired outfit, new cosmetic toggles, and—highly requested by the community—facial hair customisation options.

    Meta Shift: Weapon Balancing

    Embark Studios has also shaken up the gunplay. Popular “low-tier” weapons that were overperforming in PvP have seen some nerfs, while legendary weapons got some much-needed love:

    • The Stitcher & Kettle: Both received damage and headshot multiplier reductions to bring their Time-to-Kill (TTK) in line with other gear.
    • The Jupiter & Aphelion: These legendary rifles received buffs to their handling and reload speeds, making them much more viable for high-stakes encounters.

    What’s Next: Expedition 2

    The Second Expedition window opens today, February 25! Embark has listened to feedback regarding the grind: the required stash value for maximum rewards has been lowered to 3 million Coins (down from 5 million). Plus, if you missed out on skill points during the first Expedition, a new catch-up system allows you to earn those missed points now.

    Pro-Tip: Keep an eye out for the new interactive pianos scattered around residential areas. Sometimes you just need to play a tune while the world ends around you.

    Find out more here – https://epic.gm/arc-raiders

    #ARCRaiders #dystopia #extractionshooter #EmbarkStudios #scifi #PlayStation #PC #Xbox #UnrealEngine #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Mutate Your Reality: Caves of Qud Has Landed on Nintendo Switch

    Mutate Your Reality: Caves of Qud Has Landed on Nintendo Switch

    The wait is over, wayfarers. After nearly two decades of development and a legendary ascent to 1.0 on PC, the salt-spangled dunes of Qud are finally portable. As of February 16, 2026, Caves of Qud has officially launched on the Nintendo Switch.

    The latest launch trailer invites us back into its “science-fantasy” fever dream, and if you haven’t seen it yet, prepare for a kaleidoscope of sentient plants, cybernetic monks, and the deep, humming mystery of a dying (or perhaps birthing) Earth.

    What is Caves of Qud?

    If you’re new to Chrome and the silt, Caves of Qud is an absurdly deep, systems-heavy roguelike. It’s a game where you can play as a Mutated Human with four arms and wings, or a True Kin human with a night-vision cyber-implant and a thirst for ancient technology.

    The world is fully simulated. If a wall is in your way, you don’t find a key; you melt it with acid, freeze it until it shatters, or simply dig through it. Every creature has its own allegiances, body parts, and mental states.

    Key Features on Switch

    • The Full 1.0 Experience: Includes the final leg of the main quest and the polished graphical UI.
    • Portability Meets Complexity: The turn-based nature makes it the perfect “pick up and play” title for the Switch, though the depth remains as “hardcore” as ever.
    • Three Ways to Play: * Classic: Permadeath. Brutal. Traditional.
      • Roleplay: Checkpoints at settlements (highly recommended for your first 20 hours).
      • Wander: Non-aggressive creatures, so you can soak in the lore.

    The Launch Trailer: A Glimpse into the Silt

    The Switch launch trailer highlights the game’s unique retrofuturistic aesthetic. While it pays homage to ASCII roots, the visual effects—especially the shimmering water and psychic explosions—look stunning on the Switch’s handheld screen.

    The trailer reminds us of the game’s core philosophy: “Live and Drink.” In Qud, water isn’t just for survival; it’s the currency of the world. The trailer showcases the sheer scale of the procedural generation, from the Putus Templar strongholds to the fungal jungles of the Rainbow Woods.

    Should You Get It?

    If you enjoy games like Dwarf Fortress, NetHack, or RimWorld, this is a mandatory purchase. At $29.99, you are getting a game with hundreds (if not thousands) of hours of emergent storytelling.

    Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to die. In Qud, death is just the beginning of a better story about how you were accidentally decapitated by your own sentient reflection.

    Live and drink, traveller.

    Find out more here on Nintendo – https://shorturl.at/mDnfM

    #NintendoSwitch #CavesofQud #FreeholdGames #future #scifi #fantasy #mutations #cybernetics #robots #sentientplants #survive #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • The “No Bullsh*t” FPS: Everything You Need to Know About Wraith Ops

    The “No Bullsh*t” FPS: Everything You Need to Know About Wraith Ops

    If you’ve been feeling a bit burnt out by modern shooters filled with neon skins, confusing battle passes, and movement that feels like everyone is on roller skates, Wraith Ops (formerly Project Wraith) is calling your name. Published by Team17 and developed by Grassrootz Studio, this game is a deliberate “back-to-basics” love letter to the golden era of tactical shooters like Battlefield 3 and early Call of Duty.

    The message from the devs is loud and clear: Pure infantry action. No gimmicks.

    Core Philosophy: A Return to Form

    Wraith Ops isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s trying to fix it. The game is built on a “community-first” foundation, emphasising tactical depth over monetisation. Here is what you won’t find:

    • No Battle Passes or FOMO-driven grinds.
    • No immersion-breaking cosmetics (you won’t see any pink bunny suits here).
    • No Loot Boxes or pay-to-win mechanics.

    Key Features & Gameplay

    The game focuses on snappy gunplay and objective-based combat. It’s gritty, atmospheric, and prioritises skill.

    FeatureDetails
    ArsenalOver 60 weapons at launch with realistic ballistics.
    CustomizationDeep weapon attachment system and authentic military gear.
    Damage ModelFast Time-to-Kill (TTK) where headshots are lethal and rewarded.
    ClassesThree distinct roles: Assault, Specialist, and Heavy.
    WeatherA dynamic weather system that can change the flow of a match instantly.

    Game Modes

    While the game supports larger-scale tactical play, it also offers tighter, competitive experiences:

    • Overlord (12v12): Large-scale, objective-driven warfare.
    • Arena (6v6): A high-stakes, one-life mode recently featured in the Steam Next Fest demo.
    • Gun Game & Team Deathmatch: Classic modes for those who want pure shooting practice.

    Release Date & Platforms

    After years of development and a successful rebranding in 2025, the finish line is in sight.

    Planned Launch: March 12, 2026

    Platform: PC via Steam

    The developers recently released an updated demo featuring three maps—Airfield, Mall, and Submarine—boasting nearly 900 bug fixes and tweaks based on community feedback. If you missed the demo, you can still head over to Steam to wishlist the game and keep an eye on the next playtest.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/o8jAS

    #GrassrootzGames #WraithOps #ProjectWraith #combat #tactics #battles #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames #steam #pcgames

  • I Hate This Place Elena’s Edition will launch on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch on 14th May

    I Hate This Place Elena’s Edition will launch on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch on 14th May

    Brace yourselves, horror fans. Meridiem Games has officially confirmed that the nightmare is coming to your shelf sooner than expected.

    While the digital version of the isometric survival horror hit I Hate This Place recently clawed its way onto platforms in late January, collectors have been waiting for the definitive physical release. Today, Meridiem locked in the date: I Hate This Place: Elena’s Edition will launch for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on May 14, 2026.

    What’s in the Box?

    Inspired by the Eisner Award-nominated comic series by Kyle Starks and Artyom Topilin, this special edition isn’t just a disc in a case. Meridiem is leaning hard into the “80s comic book” aesthetic with a package designed for the true fans of Rutherford Ranch:

    • Physical Copy of the Game (PS5 or Nintendo Switch)
    • Special Effect Cover: Featuring unique treatment to make the comic-style art pop.
    • Secret Letter from Elena: A narrative deep-dive that adds more lore to the game’s unsettling mystery.
    • Artbook: Showcasing the bold, punchy colours and character designs that define the game’s visual identity.

    Survive the Ranch

    If you missed the digital launch, I Hate This Place puts you in the boots of Elena as she navigates a world where the rules of reality have unravelled. It’s a “craft-focused” survival experience, meaning you’ll spend your days scavenging resources and upgrading your campsite, and your nights praying your flashlight batteries hold out.

    Pro-Tip: Many of the twisted creatures at Rutherford Ranch hunt by sound. Brute force is a one-way ticket to a shallow grave—stealth and misdirection are your only real friends.

    Quick Facts

    FeatureDetails
    Physical Release DateMay 14, 2026
    PlatformsPlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
    GenreIsometric Survival Horror
    PriceApproximately £27.99 / $36.99

    Whether you’re a fan of the original Skybound comic or just a survival horror junkie looking for a fresh, stylised challenge, May is looking a lot more “horrifying” in the best way possible.

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

    #Meridiem #IHateThisPlaceElenasEdition #PlayStation #NintendoSwitch #RockSquareThunder #BrokenMirrorGames #Feardemic #SkyboundEntertainment #IHateThisPlace #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

  • Breach the Objective: Rainbow Six Mobile is Finally Here!

    Breach the Objective: Rainbow Six Mobile is Finally Here!

    The wait is officially over. Today, Ubisoft announced that Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Mobile has completed its global rollout and is now available for download on iOS and Android devices worldwide.

    After years of development, technical tests, and a successful soft launch in regions like Latin America and Canada, the tactical intensity of the Rainbow Six franchise has finally been optimised for the palm of your hand.

    Tactical Siege, Reimagined for Mobile

    Rainbow Six Mobile isn’t just a port; it’s a standalone experience built from the ground up for mobile gamers. It brings the high-stakes, 5v5 tactical shooter gameplay that made Rainbow Six Siege a global phenomenon to your smartphone, focusing on precision, strategy, and environmental destruction.

    What to Expect at Launch:

    • Destructible Environments: Just like on PC and console, you can breach walls, floors, and ceilings to create new tactical advantages.
    • Iconic Operators: Choose from a roster of over 20 Operators at launch, including fan-favourites like Ash, Mute, and Dokkaebi, each equipped with their signature gadgets.
    • Classic & New Maps: Navigate legendary locales like Bank, Border, Clubhouse, and Oregon, or explore mobile-exclusive maps like Restaurant and Summit.
    • Fast-Paced Modes: Engage in classic Bomb matches, or try the mobile-optimised Bomb Rush and Team Deathmatch for quicker sessions.

    Season 1 is Live: Operation Sand Wraith

    Ubisoft is hitting the ground running by launching the game’s first global season, Operation Sand Wraith, alongside the worldwide release.

    The headline feature of the season is the arrival of the new Operator, Deimos. A methodical hunter, Deimos brings his unique DeathMARK Tracker ability to the field, allowing him to lock onto a single enemy and force a tense, one-on-one duel. The season also introduces a desert-inspired visual overhaul and a new battle pass packed with exclusive cosmetics.

    Getting Started

    Whether you’re a Siege veteran looking for “Siege on the go” or a newcomer to the franchise, the game features an in-depth onboarding tutorial to help you master the basics of drones, barricades, and tactical breaching.

    Technical Note: To jump into the action, you’ll need a device running at least iOS 13.0 or Android 9. The game is free-to-play with optional in-app purchases for cosmetics and early operator unlocks.

    Ready to join the squad? Head over to the App Store or Google Play Store to download Rainbow Six Mobile today and start your climb through the ranks.

    Find out more here – http://www.rainbowsixmobile.com

    #Ubisoft #TomClancy #RainbowSixMobile #freetoplay #tactical #firstpersonshooter #mobilegame #RainbowSix #iOS #Android #games #gaming #gamers #gameplay #videogames

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

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

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

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

    What is Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts?

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

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

    What’s in the Demo?

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

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

    Why You Should Play It

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

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

    How to Play

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Soar Into the Unknown: The ATMOSFAR Demo is Live!

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

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

    What Awaits You in the Caligo Cays?

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

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

    Why You Should Download It Today

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

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

    How to Play

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

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

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

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

  • All Aboard: Fogpiercer Steams Toward Steam Next Fest!

    All Aboard: Fogpiercer Steams Toward Steam Next Fest!

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

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

    What’s New in the Next Fest Demo?

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

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

    Your Train, Your Strategy

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

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

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

    Join the Journey

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

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

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

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