New playtest for the Sci-fi survival game also now live on Steam
Nicosia, Cyprus (August 28th, 2026) — Today, Owlcat subsidiary META Publishing and developer Pokuch launched a new public playtest on Steam for Blind Descent, the upcoming sci-fi survival game set below the surface of Mars. Furthermore, composer Jack Wall, famous for creating the music of the Mass Effect Trilogy, as well as Jim Lordeman, composer of several Call of Duty: Black Ops soundtracks, will contribute several pieces of music to the game.
The new trailer shows what the new playtest has to offer and gives a first impression of Jack Wall’s and Jim Lordeman’s music for the game:
In the new demo players will discover a redesigned early game, expanded alien ecosystem, and an evolving Martian research base at the heart of their survival.
The opening hours have been significantly reworked, placing greater emphasis on exploration, discovery, and environmental storytelling while introducing new progression systems, creatures, dangers, and survival mechanics. Rather than constructing a base from scratch, players will now uncover an abandoned scientific research facility buried beneath the Martian surface (visual and gameplay representation of the base may change during the development and based on the feedback of players). This plague-infested complex becomes the center of progression throughout the playtest.
The Martian world itself has also undergone substantial changes. Nearly every existing alien creature has been remodeled or redesigned to appear more biologically unique, with many receiving updated behaviors to create more varied encounters. The same philosophy has been applied to the planet’s alien flora, introducing new plant interactions and environmental hazards that encourage players to observe, experiment, and adapt before safely exploiting the ecosystem around them.
The Martian atmosphere will be significantly enhanced by music from legendary composers Jack Wall and Jim Lordeman, who have joined Blind Descent to create original music and some additional compositions for the game, respectively.
Widely recognized for defining the musical identity of BioWare’s acclaimed Mass Effect trilogy, Jack Wall has composed for numerous award-winning games throughout his career, helping shape some of the industry’s most memorable science-fiction soundscapes. Jim Lordeman, a long-time collaborator with extensive experience in game audio production and composition, including work on the Call of Duty: Black Ops series, contributes additional original music that expands Blind Descent’s emotional and atmospheric range.
Together with electronic music producer Corvad, previously announced as part of the soundtrack team, Blind Descent brings together composers from different musical backgrounds to capture every aspect of humanity’s descent beneath Mars, from wonder and discovery to tension, survival, and the unknown.
Players can join the new Blind Descent playtest beginning August 28 by requesting access through the game’s Steam page.
About META Publishing
META Publishing is a growing publishing label owned by Owlcat Games, specializing in gameplay-first titles with co-op multiplayer features. The label has a solid portfolio, including games like Biped, Spirit of the Island, Train Valley 2, and more. New upcoming titles from META Publishing are Blind Descent, and Nested Lands.
About Pokuch
Pokuch is a young game development studio based in Turkey, working on its first title: Blind Descent. The studio’s goal is to create games with unique concepts, a strong artistic direction, and engaging gameplay.
