Co-op platformer grows with new challenges, visual upgrades and limited-time event content
Detroit, USA – April 22nd, 2026 – Independent developer Hit Start Studios has released a major free update for its two-player co-op platformer Brave Escape on Steam. The update introduces a wealth of new content and improvements, including 45 brand-new levels, expanded accessibility features, visual overhauls, and participation in a global environmental event.
Originally launched on PC to a Very Positive reception on Steam, Brave Escape challenges two players to work together as Colin and Floyd – an unlikely duo navigating a gauntlet of fast-paced hazards across handcrafted levels. This latest update significantly expands the experience for both new and returning players.
“This update is focused on expanding the game in meaningful ways,” said Steve Ciaramitaro, Game Designer at Hit Start Studios. “We’ve added a large set of new levels, improved clarity for players during co-op, and revisited many parts of the game visually and structurally.”
Update Highlights
45 brand-new levels, with 70 bonus levels total across all 7 worlds
World restructuring across multiple regions, adding new challenges and reorganizing progression
New accessibility options, including character outlines and transparency during overlap
Visual overhaul, featuring a new title screen, improved lighting, and enhanced environmental effects
Gameplay and audio improvements, including balancing updates and a new multiplayer countdown cue
Performance options, with configurable FPS settings (60, 120, 240, uncapped)
Free limited-time skins as part of the Battle for the Habitats global event
Battle for the Habitats Event
Brave Escape is participating in “Battle for the Habitats,” a global initiative running from Earth Day (April 22) to World Environment Day (June 5), uniting over 100 games to help raise $1 million for the Rainforest Alliance and Oceana.
During the event, players can unlock two free exclusive character skins:
Cookie – a cockatoo
Dougie – a dugong
More on Brave Escape In Brave Escape, each player takes control of a unique character, each with their own abilities and role. As players progress through themed regions – including Glacial Falls, Ember Caverns, and Serpent’s Hollow – they must master tools such as the Grapple Hook, Wind Gun, Freeze Gun, Flare Launcher and more. Every environment introduces new challenges designed to encourage collaboration and replayability.
To ensure accessibility for all skill levels, Brave Escape includes both a Brave Mode for platforming veterans and a Standard Mode, which introduces more forgiving timing, fewer hazards and a smoother difficulty curve – making it easier for friends and families to enjoy the full adventure together.
Brave Escape is currently slated for release on Xbox and PlayStation consoles later this year.
About Hit Start Studios Based in Detroit, Michigan, Hit Start Studios is a small, dedicated team focused on creating thoughtful, engaging interactive experiences. Every pixel, puzzle and platform we build reflects our passion for game development and our commitment to meaningful, memorable storytelling.
As we steamroll towards the games industry’s annual expeditions to Köln,gamescom has unveiled an updated version of its official digital platform, gamescom biz, designed to streamline the event experience across gamescom, gamescom dev, and the gamescom congress.
The refreshed platform brings all services together into one, rather handy, single interface, allowing users to manage contacts, schedule meetings, book business area spaces, and access event updates with just one login.
Crafted for trade visitors, exhibitors, and media alike, gamescom biz supports planning before, during, and after the show, with features including advance meeting scheduling, networking tools, and centralized content management.
The platform is free to use, with further feature updates expected in the coming weeks.
Users can log in now and begin setting up profiles and scheduling meetings ahead of gamescom week. Head over here to get started!
Tickets on sale
Visitors and fans can purchase tickets for gamescom (August 26–30), gamescom dev (August 24-25), and gamescom congress (August 27). Tickets are available exclusively via the official gamescom Ticket Shop a ttickets.gamescom.global. Tickets for gamescom Opening Night Live will go on sale at a later date. There will be no ticket sales at the venue. Attendees are strongly advised not to purchase tickets from unauthorized platforms or third-party vendors.
gamescom Business Tickets for trade visitorsA new ticket category is being introduced for trade visitors this year: They will be granted admission with the gamescom Business Ticket. It gives trade visitors the flexibility to combine all of the available tickets for gamescom dev with admission to gamescom by purchasing a joint weekly package in the gamescom Ticket Shop.
They can select from:
gamescom Business 5 Days (access to the entire gamescom business week, including gamescom dev and gamescom from Wednesday to Friday. The precise scope of access to gamescom dev depends on the package selected.)
gamescom Business 3 Days (admission to gamescom from Wednesday to Friday)
gamescom Business 1 Day (single-day admission to gamescom from Wednesday to Friday)
All gamescom Business Tickets include access to the gamescom business area, the gamescom entertainment area and gamescom biz, the official online B2B platform. Business 5 Days tickets include access to gamescom dev, with the scope of access determined by the selected category (Basic, Content, Trade, VIP, or Student). Early-bird pricing is available through March 31.
Verification as a trade visitor is required to purchase a Business Ticket. The verification process may take up to 48 hours to complete. Early registration is strongly recommended.
Tickets for the gamescom congressTickets for the gamescom congress, the world’s leading conference exploring the potential of computer and video games, are available for August 27, 2026.
A global event with strong international partnershipsContinued exhibitor growth and rising levels of international participation underscore gamescom’s global reach. Companies from more than 40 countries have already joined the lineup for gamescom 2026. Country pavilions from 23 countries have been confirmed, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Korea, Malta, Morocco, the Netherlands, Portugal, Qatar, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
International participation in the event has grown steadily over the years. Beginning with the 2026 edition, gamescom will therefore discontinue the model of having a single official partner country in order to better reflect its global character, international significance, and broad partnerships. Going forward, gamescom will introduce new formats and programs to provide all international partners with enhanced exposure and greater networking opportunities.
gamescom latam, São Paulo, Brazil | April 29 – May 3, 2026 gamescom dev, Cologne, Germany | August 23-25, 2026 gamescom, Cologne, Germany | August 26-30, 2026; gamescom Opening Night Live | August 25, 2026 gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show, Bangkok, Thailand | October 29 – November 1, 2026
About gamescom
gamescom is the world’s biggest event for computer and video games. In 2026, the event will take place from August 26 to 30. For trade visitors, it starts on August 24 with gamescom dev; for everyone else, it starts on August 25 with the opening show gamescom Opening Night Live. In addition, gamescom latam in São Paulo and gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show in Bangkok will also take place during the coming year. gamescom is jointly organized by Koelnmesse and game – the German Games Industry Association.
Koelnmesse – industry trade fairs for the gaming sector:
Koelnmesse is an international leader in organising trade fairs in the gaming and entertainment segments. Hosted at the trade fair grounds in Cologne, Germany, gamescom is the world’s largest event for computer and video games and Europe’s largest business platform for the games industry. gamescom brings together passionate gamers, trade visitors, and exhibitors from across the world with a highly effective approach – in person at the venue and digitally from anywhere in the world. This makes gamescom the premier B2C, B2B, and B2G gaming event. In addition to the event at its Cologne headquarters, Koelnmesse is strategically expanding its portfolio internationally: In Thailand, gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show provides an additional powerful industry platform for the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific games market, comprehensively combining supply and demand. Koelnmesse Brasil is a subsidiary of Koelnmesse GmbH in São Paulo, dedicated to promoting and organising world-class trade fairs and events in Brazil. The mission is to bring global innovation, knowledge and business opportunities to various industries.
game – The German Games Industry Association
We are the association of the German games industry. Our members represent the entire video game ecosystem, from development studios and publishers to esports event organisers, educational institutions and other related entities. We are co-organisers of gamescom, the world’s biggest event for video games. We are a shareholder in the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK), the Foundation for Digital Games Culture, the esports player foundation, game events and the collecting society VHG, as well as co-host of the German Computer Game Awards. Serving as a central point of contact for media, as well as political and social institutions, we provide comprehensive expertise in areas including market development, game culture and media literacy, and address any inquiries or concerns. Together we are making Germany the heart of gaming worldwide. With games, we enrich the lives of all people.
The Dead Island Series Bundle Heads To ConsolesAlongside A Free Quarantine Zone Crossover Update And New Exclusive Artwork
Sydney, Australia, April 22, 2026 – Deep Silver and Dambuster Studios today mark a major milestone for the Dead Island franchise, as Dead Island 2 reaches its third anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, the team has prepared a few killer initiatives:
Dambuster Studios have partnered with Brigada Games and Devolver Digital to launch a free Dead Island 2‑themed update for Quarantine Zone on Steam.
The update brings a slice of HELL‑A into Quarantine Zone, allowing players to encounter – and embark on – unique missions on behalf of fan‑favourite Dead Island 2 survivors, including Amanda Styles, Burt Michaels, Curtis Sinclair, Rikki Rex and Roxanne Kwon.
The Dead Island Series Bundle (previously exclusive to Steam) will be coming to Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 for the first time, giving long‑time fans the perfect excuse to revisit the entire series in one bite – and newcomers the chance to dive into the Zompocalypse back-to-back for the first time, on their platform of choice.
Fans can also enjoy a freshly carved piece of artwork by Roberto Ricci, alongside a new anniversary infographic showcasing the impressively gory numbers and habits from their journey through HELL-A.
Across the blood‑soaked streets of HELL‑A, Dead Island 2 has delivered tactile, bone‑crunching, zombie‑slaying mayhem for fans around the world. The anniversary celebrations are a thank you to the passionate community for keeping the island alive since launch… and a reminder that the Zompocalypse is far from over, with plenty of life still left in the undead!
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ABOUT DEEP SILVER Deep Silver is PLAION’s flagship publishing label, and the home of captivating gaming worlds from the gripping post-apocalypse of Metro, to the twisted paradises of Dead Island to the authentic Medieval landscapes of Kingdom Come Deliverance. For more information, please visit www.deepsilver.com
ABOUT DAMBUSTER STUDIOS Dambuster Studios is a AAA game developer of over 200 designers, artists, animators and software engineers with a heritage spanning back over 25 years. For more information, please visit www.dsdambuster.com
About PLAION PLAION is a dynamic and diversified business in the global entertainment sector, masterfully crafting franchises that captivate audiences worldwide. Boasting a vast network of eight game development studios, fifteen regional publishing offices, three game publishing labels, including Deep Silver, and PLAION PICTURES as an independent film publisher and distributor, the company extends its influence with merchandise production and expansive distribution capabilities across the globe. Founded three decades ago, PLAION has firmly established itself within the entertainment arena. With a diverse range of services and solutions, PLAION stands as the premier publishing partner for console and PC games across both physical and digital channels. Moreover, its strong foothold in the Virtual Reality (VR) domain highlights the company’s commitment to varied gaming experiences.
Over the last few years Capcom has been knocking it out of the park by revisiting some of their most popular franchises either through remakes, remasters, or brand new entries. While a few may have had their issues they generally have been on quite the roll, but the only problem was that almost every title that saw this level of success was just that. An existing franchise and those that weren’t were smaller in scale. Pragmata on the other hand is something entirely different and was first revealed six years ago and given a number of delays before finally arriving. So with Capcom finally trying to dip their toes into a brand new game entirely, is Pragmata a worthy risk?
Story
Set sometime in the future the Delphi Corporation has discovered a rare mineral that can only be found on the moon and allows for the creation of “Lunafilimant” that can replicate practically anything through cutting-edge 3D printing. Establishing a moon base called the Cradle, Delphi has turned this lunafilimant into a brand new industry that is pushing science beyond anything many could have dreamed of. Unfortunately, communications with the Cradle have gone completely dark and Hugh Williams and his crew have been sent up to repair whatever might have gone wrong to shut down communications. Upon arriving at the Cradle they find it oddly quiet and devoid of human presence. Before the crew can investigate further a massive moonquake rips through the structure, killing most of Hugh’s crew and separating him from anyone who may be alive as he careens into the abyss.
Hugh awakens to find a mysterious little girl repairing his damaged suit using lunafilimant who introduces herself as an advanced android that has been in storage for so long she has no memories other than what she is. Nicknamed Diana by Hugh, the pair soon discover that the Cradle’s AI, IDUS, has gone rogue and started crafting robots capable of killing anyone in their path. With IDUS looking to block their escape at every turn, it will be up to Diana and Hugh to hack and shoot their way through the remnants of the moon base and uncover just what happened here and find a way back to Earth.
Pragmata‘s narrative works quite well by keeping things intentionally vague as players begin their journey with Diana. Despite being able to hack her way through anything, the android girl knows just about as much as Hugh does going in and this allows players to uncover the mysteries throughout the roughly twelve hour long game on their own. These mysteries tend to unfold through optional side-content and collectables but the bigger reveals and twists are front and center when it comes to advancing the plot. That being said, it is a bit too predictable and also a little on the slow side at times. Hugh himself even makes a joke about how they’ve become master door unlockers after coming across yet another door requiring multiple nodes to be unlocked to bypass. It is worth noting that there is extra story content to be unlocked post-game as well through a series of challenges though that’s all we’ll say on that.
Thankfully while the core narrative may be predictable outside of a few twists and important minor details, Pragmata more than makes up for it with Diana and Hugh’s story and how they interact throughout the journey. Early on we learn that Hugh never had kids nor does he like them but we quickly see him become all but the most doting father when it comes to Diana, responding to her questions with well thought out answers and even stopping to ponder her more philosophical ones as well. While going through an area Diana may chime up about something she’s seen and Hugh will talk about it with her, humanizing both himself and the android.
Similarly, Diana herself is just a shining spot throughout the game. While those who may not like kids might get a bit annoyed at her cheerfulness, she is almost always exuberant about new finds and anything that Hugh can show to her. This includes REMs (Read Earth Memories) that work to replicate kids’ toys or parts of Earth back at the player’s shelter which she will then play with from time to time. Talking with her here can have her pass a basketball at Hugh, try to give him a flower crown, or even hand him a crayon drawn picture she’s made to show off how grateful she is that he is taking time to teach her things. These interactions are truly heartwarming and some of the best parts of the game.
Gameplay
Pragmata is likely one of the most unique third-person shooter many will have played in quite some time thanks to the fact that every encounter is basically two game modes mashed into one. While Hugh himself is capable of wielding a replenishing handgun (and eventual automatic rifle), an offensive, tactical, and defensive weapon all at once they mean little to robots that have been designed to ignore all kinds of incoming fire, letting it bounce off their metal armor. This is where Diana comes in. Anytime Hugh aims at an enemy robot a grid will appear alongside his aiming reticle that players will need to navigate using the face buttons in real time to hack the robot open, allowing him to shoot at and deal massive damage to their vulnerable interior parts or weak points.
This makes for a shooter that requires a fast pace and focus at the same time and one that isn’t afraid to escalate things quite drastically to throw a challenge at the player when needed. While the first few bots will simply require a small pathway to hack, more encounters will feature different kinds of bots mixed in and flooding the arena, making sure Hugh must dodge and weave to avoid being hit and interrupting the hack of their current target. Stronger bots will also have larger or different shaped hacking panels, with some even featuring panels that will auto-fail the hack if they are run into. Thankfully there are a ton of ways that players can build both Hugh and Diana to take on the significant array of enemy types that IDOS throws their way.
Hugh’s primary weapon is a standard pistol that slowly refills over time and players will eventually unlock an automatic rifle later on that deals less damage in favor of rapid fire. Alongside his primary weapon Hugh can wield a variety of offensive weapons, eventually being able to carry two of them at a time as well as tactical weapons after acquiring an upgrade, with these offensive weapons offering a lot of variety. This includes a shotgun-like blaster, a charge-rifle capable of piercing multiple enemies, homing missiles, and more. Tactical weaponry offers a similar variety such as shooting out slowing net-like structures, sticky bombs that shrink the hacking board, and even riot blasters that knock bots down for a breather. Finally, the defensive weapon players can acquire include a hologram for bots to target, drone swarms to help in combat, and even shields to deploy. Unlike the primary weapon though, all of these weapons have a limited amount of ammo and must be acquired either on the fly or re-equipped back at the base.
Diana has her own special abilities as well through the form of hacking bonuses. These come in an array of forms as well but are all triggered the same way and that is passing through them while hacking a bot open. These mods include things such as lowering the bot’s defense, stunning them, spreading the hack to multiple bots, and even confusing it to attack other bots for a time. The more blue nodes that the player hits while hacking a bot keeps the bot open for longer and eventually these nodes can be transformed as well to add various effects when hacking an already opened bot. This can do things such as increase damage dealt, overheat the bot, or even trigger further hacking damage.
If players hack enough enemies they can also fill Diana’s “Overdrive” gauge that, when triggered, will automatically hack open and deal damage to all bots in the area to help even the field a bit. Players can also spend portions of Diana’s hacking gauge to auto-hack enemies after a certain point in the story, making more challenging bots easier to conquer or escaping a dangerous grab. It is also worth noting that the overheat mechanic is how players can “stun” bots and perform a critical attack that will instantly kill most of the bots in the game. Diana’s various hacking bonuses also are limited in use and must be acquired in the field again or, just like Hugh, restocked at the base.
Add this amount of customization to further mods that do things such as increase Hugh’s health, the range of the hacking meter, and many more, and there are a vast array of ways to customize the game’s combat to the player’s liking. Rarely are players placed in a situation that they are told there is only one way to slay an enemy other than the simulations but more on that in a moment. Along these same lines players can use “lim” dropped by enemies and obtained from chests to upgrade their weaponry, unlock suit mods, increase the healing capacity of health pods, and more. Similarly upgrade nodules can be used to upgrade Diana’s hacking as well as Hugh’s total health and his primary weapon.
The simulations that players can take on are entirely optional but worth undertaking thanks to their rewards. These rewards include various collectables that players would usually find out in the field such as upgrade materials, Cabin Coins, and upgrade nodes. Cabin Coins can be spent on bingo boards that are generally “mystery” items that tend to be either bonus information about the different bots, bonus mods and weapons, a hidden backstory that spreads throughout the game, and extra costumes for Diana and Hugh to wear. This means collecting Cabin Coins is quite useful and while completing every simulation isn’t necessary to unlock everything, players may want to challenge them.
These simulations will task players with things such as reaching an objective within a time limit or slaying enemies and then two additional tasks as well such as taking no damage or finishing in an even faster time than asked. Add these optional tasks with the bonus content that is unlocked once players complete the game, including a New Game+, an additional post-game challenge mode, and even a harder difficulty and you have a game that does everything to keep players as engaged as possible and with its addictive split of combat and puzzles mixed into one, Pragmata succeeds in nearly every way.
Audio & Visuals
Pragmata does a stellar job at presenting a NASA-like design to the futuristic lunar base while also making sure to go a step beyond, adding enough sci-fi and twisted elements to deliver a unique world to traverse, especially with the rampant AI triggering printing errors throughout the station, and enemies to battle. Enemy variety is quite high, even if a few are simple enhanced recolors, or Mk IIs, of earlier bots, and their designs are quite solid, especially when it comes to the bosses players will need to battle against. The design of Hugh is kept fairly basic thanks to his space suit but a number of variations can be unlocked while Diana is always bursting with charm and similarly has a few costumes to unlock.
The voice work throughout the game is handled quite solidly, though Hugh’s initial voice work is a bit gruff when dealing with Diana. This does soften though throughout the game and helps show how he starts seeing the android as more than just a robot. Diana’s voice acting is stellar and fits the exuberance of a child-like character seeing things for the first time perfectly. The soundtrack is a bit of a mixed bag as there is some decent combat music but it feels like it could have been better, while the atmospheric sounds while exploring are similarly okay but not anything exceptional.
Overall
Pragmata is an experiment that has turned out to be successful in nearly every way. Blending the hacking puzzle-esque gameplay with the gunplay makes for intense and chaotic feeling battles that keep players engaged in every fight. While the overarching storyline may not be the most unexpected or inventive, the writing of Hugh and Diana as well as their interactions are genuinely delightful. This makes Pragmata a fresh new experience that offers something many will likely have never experienced before and despite its minor drawbacks definitely deserves attention.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Sydney, Australia, April 22, 2026: With the release of the new “Deep Dive” trailer, Milestone and MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group offer an in-depth look at MotoGP™26, the next evolution of the official videogame franchise. Featuring the full 2026 season lineup, MotoGP™26 brings together 38 teams and more than 70 riders, including new entries such as Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Diogo Moreira, as well as the long-awaited return of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Blurring the line between real and virtual racing, Dynamic Rider Ratings bring real-world performances directly onto the in-game grid. For the first time, players can explore each rider’s strengths and weaknesses through an overall rating built on four key attributes: time attack, race pace, head-to-head, and reliability. Constantly updated following real championship results, the system enhances immersion with a more authentic representation of the competitive balance on the grid.
From a physics standpoint, MotoGP™26 redefines the way players interact with the bike. A reworked rider-based handling model now puts the management of the rider’s body and weight transfer at the heart of the gameplay, enabling more precise corrections, smoother braking, and finer control over every movement. This new paradigm will be supported by more natural rider animations, enhancing the sense of connection between player and machine while making the handling more lifelike. Both newcomers and seasoned players can experience this evolution by choosing between the confirmed Arcade and Pro Experiences, which continue to reflect the franchise’s double commitment to accessibility and depth.
Acting as the central hub of race weekends, a new 3D paddock further immerses players in the life of a professional rider. From here, fans can shape their own MotoGP™ journey through two new features that add a strategic management layer to the career mode: Thursday press conferences and a personal manager. Each weekend now begins in front of the media, with players answering journalists’ questions and expressing their stance. Whether setting short- or long-term goals, challenging rivals, or demanding more from their engineers, every statement will carry consequences. In parallel, the Personal Manager will play a key role in shaping career development by managing negotiations, facilitating interactions with teams and manufacturers, and helping players make the right move in the Transfer Market. This will be crucial both for those building their careers with custom riders and those eager to rewrite history. Indeed, for the first time, MotoGP™26 allows fans to step into the boots of a real MotoGP™ hero and rewrite their legacy, starting as a Moto3™ rookie and fighting their way to the top through dynamic what-if scenarios.
Offering a break from the intensity of championship races, MotoGP™26 expands its Race Off mode with the addition of Canterbury Park, a new UK location joining Borgo Caselle and Mont Lagard, alongside new Production Bikes events. These single-brand competitions bring together riders across Moto3™, Moto2™, and MotoGP™ categories, providing additional opportunities to train on 1000cc road bikes and further expanding the range of disciplines alongside Motard, Flat Track, and Minibikes.
Importantly, newly introduced collectable card packs will reward progression both inside and outside the career mode. By completing events, it will be possible to unlock over 100 cards of varying rarity featuring riders and tracks, including exclusive artworks by the renowned Japanese artistRanka Fujiwara.
Cross-play*, improved matchmaking, and full-size grids* of up to 22 players will enhance the online experience, while split-screen is confirmed to deliver thrilling offline challenges. Finally, MotoGP™26 will allow players to unleash their creativity with powerful editors, allowing them to customise helmets, numbers, and liveries, and share** their creations with the community.
Launching on April 29, 2026, MotoGP™26 will be available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch™2, Nintendo Switch™, ROG Xbox Ally***, ROG Xbox Ally X***, and PC***.
Review codes are available upon request. If interested, please reply to this email with your preferred platform.
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*On Nintendo Switch™ and Nintendo Switch™ 2, cross-play is not available, and the grid is composed of 12 riders.
**Cross-sharing is not available on Nintendo Switch™ and Nintendo Switch™ 2
***ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox Ally X, and PC are available in digital format only via Steam, Microsoft and Epic Games Store.
About Milestone
Founded in Milan in 1996, Milestone is one of the leading and longest-established racing game developers and publishers in the world. The +300 people team is responsible for hit series like MotoGP™, the acclaimed Hot Wheels Unleashed™, as well as its own IPs, RIDE and Screamer. For more information, please visit https://milestone.it/
20 new languages to be added alongside upcoming launch to all platforms
TOKYO — 22 April, 2026 —and Roger, the emotional point-and-click slice-of-life visual novel from developer TearyHand Studio and publisher Kodansha, questions reality on Nintendo Switch 2, iOS and Android on Wed, June 17, 2026.
Additionally, on June 17, and Roger will add 20 new languages to PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch and all upcoming platforms, including options for Portuguese (Brazil, Portugal), Spanish (Latin America), Ukranian, Thai, Polish, Russian, Danish, Swedish, Czech, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, Hungarian, Romanian, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Turkish, Bulgarian, and Greek.
Since launching in 2025, and Roger has been recognized with a total of 13 awards and nominations, including the Audience Award at the Game Developer’s Choice Awards, the Emotional Impact Award at The Indie Game Awards 2025, and the Best Arts Award (Art Category) at Tokyo Game Show 2025. Click here to see the full list.
A young girl is caught off guard when her usual morning routine is interrupted by a stranger who looks all too comfortable in her home. Who is this man? Why does he keep telling me to take my medicine? Where’s Dad?
Experience the world through her eyes in a series of interactive events portrayed through soft hand-drawn visuals. Navigate the girl’s confusing circumstances as she lives her daily life, and discover the mysterious man’s identity as a tumultuous tale turns into a story of love and grace.
“Without spoiling the core of the narrative, and Roger is a story about love and the human condition,” says yona, solo developer of and Roger. “I want to express my sincere thanks to all who have enjoyed and Roger and shared it with their friends and family. I would also like to thank Kodansha Creators’ Lab for their support.”
and Roger is available on PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch for $4.99 with language support in English, Japanese, Korean, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, and incoming language support for Portuguese (Brazil, Portugal), Spanish (Latin America), Ukranian, Thai, Polish, Russian, Danish, Swedish, Czech, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, Hungarian, Romanian, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Turkish, Bulgarian, and Greek.. For more information, follow TearyHand Studio on X / Twitter and follow yona on X / Twitter.
About TearyHand Studio
TearyHand Studio crafts games as a means of faith-based storytelling. Yona began their journey with 2023’s launch of puzzle platformer In His Time. and Roger is yona’s next step into exploring faith through an interactive lens.
About Kodansha Game Creator’s Lab
Established in 2021, Kodansha Game Creator’s Lab is the fourth department of the prestigious entertainment publishing company Kodansha Ltd., founded in 1909. Its motto is “Everything for the creator,” reflecting the company’s goal to support young talents and introduce indie creators to the wider public.
The R’n’D Department is ready to exploit welcome new miners across brand new platforms
SEATTLE — April 21, 2026 — Drill Core, the roguelite mining strategy simulator from developer Hungry Couch and publisher tinyBuild, aims for record profits with the upcoming ‘The Machine World DLC,’ launching on PC via Steam on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. New Platform Managers can join the crew as Drill Core arrives on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S the same day.
Drill Core Inc. invites new and returning employees alike to plunge into the ( not at all dangerous) unforeseen depths of the Tech Biome. Scavenge mechanical parts scattered throughout while encountering new foes, events, and bosses.
Mine during the day to secure resources, then leverage new drone turrets and buildings to fortify defenses before facing enemies at night. All employees will be provided with a banger soundtrack to maintain their focus on propelling Drill Core Inc. to record profits!
Recruit five new specialists with distinct gameplay-enhancing abilities, and ensure their safety along the way — they can only be recruited once! Craft updated builds through the Laboratory upgrade branch, and experiment with newly available permanent upgrades. Alter each run with the Distortions mechanic, sell it for valuable resources, or take on greater challenges with 10 new difficulty levels. As a weary highly-motivated Platform Manager at Drill Core Inc., lead miners, guards, and carriers on perilous missions to extract valuable materials. Manage resources effectively to keep operations running smoothly, deploy turrets, and research cutting-edge innovations to overcome the obstacles that lurk within the core
“Drill Core Inc. is nothing without its dedicated Platform Managers, and we’re excited to welcome new hires across console platforms. After all, profits must grow!” said Konstantin Burov, Head of Hungry Couch Games. “For existing Platform Managers on PC, ‘The Machine World DLC’ provides new layers to uncover, challenges, and a multitude of quality of life improvements.”
Drill Corereaches the center in ‘The Machine World DLC’ available on PC via Steam on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. New Platform Managers descend onto PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S versions on the same day.
Hungry Couch was founded in April 2019 by CEO Konstantin Burov. In 2021, the studio joined the tinyBuild family before the launch of their debut title, the open-world skypunk sandbox game Black Skylands, in 2023. The studio is now proud to launch 1.0 of its second title, Drill Core.
About tinyBuild
tinyBuild is a Seattle-based indie label behind the Hello Neighbor franchise and over 30 renowned titles, including Hello Neighbor, Graveyard Keeper, SpeedRunners, Happy Humble’s Burger Farm, and Party Hard. With additional development offices in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Belgrade, Serbia, and Riga, Latvia, tinyBuild is rapidly building a portfolio of fun, high-quality games across multiple platforms.
Today, Top Hat Studios, Inc., unveiled a vibrant lineup of upcoming indie games during Top Hat Studios Presents: Spring Showcase 2026, a digital celebration spotlighting the creativity driving the studio’s growing publishing portfolio. The show featured brand-new trailers, all-new publishing reveals, release date announcements, demo drops and much more. Watch the show and individual trailers on the Top Hat Studios YouTube channel.
Here’s everything that was unveiled during the Top Hat Studios Presents: Spring Showcase 2026:
METAMORPHOSIS(luxan)
Top Hat Studios officially announced they are partnering with developer luxan for METAMORPHOSIS, a brutal 2D pixel art horror action game focused on exploration of a dead world using any tools at your disposal. You play as Aria, a nun branded sinner, seeking absolution. Journey toward the Golden Star to reach the last paradise left in the world. The trailer highlights the game’s intense focus on atmosphere, as METAMORPHOSIS draws stylistic inspiration from stark contrasts and contradictions between timeless pseudo-religious imagery juxtaposed against decaying, futuristic analogue technologies inside impossible megastructures, and an oppressive, imposing deliberate use of color.
HALLOW BLADE(Xekvera)
To mark developer Xekvera’s newly revealed partnership with Top Hat Studios, a new trailer has been unveiled for HALLOW BLADE. A dark fantasy first person action-adventure, players assume the role of a wanderer who forms a fateful, unbreakable bond with the Hallow Blade, an ancient, possessed sword that hungers for revenge – and souls. Focused on strategic, fast-paced first-person combat and deep exploration, you are tasked with overcoming the wrath of a cursed kingdom and its denizens. Hunt powerful foes and feed their souls to your weapon, as it evolves, unlocking new forms and abilities necessary in your journey to destroy the kingdom’s curse.
MOTORSLICE(Regular Studio)
In a brand-new trailer, Top Hat Studios and Regular Studio revealed that their parkour action-adventure game, MOTORSLICE, will launch on PC, PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Family on May 5, 2026. Set within the crumbling remains of a vast megastructure, a girl named “P” arrives with a single objective: destroy every machine inside. Armed with nothing but a chainsaw, she must bring this place down by any means necessary. Parkour through the ruins of a megastructure, climb massive bosses, and hunt down every piece of construction equipment in this slice of life game with immaculate vibes.
DELIVERY MUST COMPLETE (Yoyoyollie)
Announced in a new trailer, Top Hat Studios has added Yoyoyollie’s DELIVERY MUST COMPLETE to their growing catalog of games. Blending style with speed at stratospheric heights, DELIVERY MUST COMPLETE is a cel-shaded aerial roguelike, mashing together the deep combos of character-action games with the breakneck intensity of arcade flight dogfighting. You’re a Courier with one job: deliver a package through the heart of a chaotic warzone. Pilot your aircraft with reckless abandon, drift, boost, and blast your way through elite fighter squadrons, blimps, mechs, and even dragons. Along the way, unlock upgrades to make your plane even more powerful.
Twinkle’s Galactic Tour (Molegato)
From the developer of the charming, PS1-style retro tribute game Frogun, Molegato and Top Hat Studios have released a new trailer for Twinkle’s Galactic Tour, a vibrant 3D adventure styled in colorful, 90s low-poly anime aesthetics. The title is a 3D adventure game that infuses musical rhythm into its platforming core. Play as Twinkle, an aspiring singer, as she travels the galaxy rescuing her fans following a disaster at her debut concert. True to its musical core, the game uniquely syncs enemy movements, platforms, and items to the beat and melody of the soundtrack, creating a dynamic platforming experience.
The Backworld (Numor Games)
During the surprise new trailer, Numor Games and Top Hat Studios announced thatThe Backworld has dropped a playable Steam demo — available now! A surreal, story-rich, horror RPG, The Backworld plunges players into a cosmic adventure where reality is crumbling. As you slip between dimensions, you’ll explore over 100 diverse areas ranging from terrifying, liminal spaces to traditional JRPG-inspired fantasy worlds to horrors beyond your wildest imagination. Survival requires strategic decision-making; whether that means engaging in combat, sneaking past threats, or utilizing environmental hazards is up to you. Along the way, keep an eye on your sanity; your experiences with increasingly surreal horrors will affect your sanity and dynamically alter gameplay, causing characters to lose control or the player to experience hallucinations such as fake NPCs and UI glitches.
Well Dweller(Kyle Thompson)
In a highlight reveal from the showcase, a new trailer confirmed that aWell Dweller demo will launch on Steam on April 23, 2026. From the creator of indie hits Crypt Custodian and Islets comes Well Dweller, a new dark, bizarre, twisted fairy-tale metroidvania. Play as Glimmer – a tiny bird armed with a matchstick – who must burn the wicked queen to save his family before they become part of her royal gown. Venture forth into a whimsical but morbid fairy-tale landscape, and battle terrifying beasts whilst gaining new abilities to expand your world. Discover secrets, mysteries, and the riddles that rot in the underbelly of this wretched queendom.
BECROWNED (13th Street Studio)
13th Street Studio and Top Hat Studios released a new trailer forBECROWNED, a psychological, surreal survival horror which blurs the line between medieval dark fantasy and rotting industrial horror. Players step into the shoes of Richard Torrance, a cold and rational man whose pursuit of happiness has led him into a bizarre, dark ages nightmare ruled by the seemingly absent “Omen Raven”, and where his own fears seem to creep into reality from a distant past.
For more details on each of these titles, please follow Top Hat Studios on social media for the latest news, reveals, and updates.
“Quick Start” Event Accelerates Progress for New and Returning Players Across Cryptic Studios’ Long-Running MMOsRoadmaps Released for Star Trek Online and Neverwinter, Revealing What’s Coming Up for These Epic MMOsCryptic Studios Partners with Beadle & Grimm’s on Star Trek Games Kickstarter Campaign
LOS GATOS, Calif. – April 21, 2026 – Following the return of Cryptic Studios veterans like CEO Jack Emmert, Arc Games and Cryptic Studios are excited to announce three major updates for the long-running MMO studio:
“Quick Start” Event: This limited-time event across the studio’s epic MMOs (Star Trek Online, Neverwinter and Champions Online) gives players permanent access to a high-level character for free, so they can experience the content in each MMO with ease.
Roadmap Releases: 2026 content roadmaps for two of its flagship games, Star Trek Online and Neverwinter, have been revealed.
Partnership with Beadle & Grimm’s: A champion of tabletop game experiences, Beadle & Grimm’s has recently launched a Kickstarter for two new Star Trek games and Star Trek Online is teaming up with them.
“Quick Start” Event Overview & Features: Jump into the Action of Cryptic Studios’ MMOs with Ease
This limited-time event for each of Cryptic Studios’ games lets all players – from newcomers to returning players across PC, PlayStation and Xbox – jump straight into the heart of the action. Experience everything the games have to offer and go on epic adventures with a fully equipped, high-level character.
For the next 30 days, starting today until May 21, every player can log in and claim a high-level character designed to give players a streamlined tutorial and a refresher on the game. Experience each game’s content at ease; from content geared towards beginners all the way to the content aimed at high levels. This high-level character will be available to claim for a limited time during the Quick Start event, but once claimed, it’ll be a permanent character that a player can keep forever after the event ends.
Check out the Quick Start Sizzle Trailers for Star Trek Online, Neverwinter and Champions Online:
With the Quick Start event starting today across Star Trek Online, Neverwinter and Champions Online, players have access to:
High‑level Character: Available to claim for all players who log in during the time of the Quick Start event! Once claimed, players can keep the character permanently, and players will find the character has the following:
Pre‑equipped endgame gear,allowing players to easily experience all the content in each game
Streamlined onboarding,including a focused tutorial tailored for advanced play
All content unlocked,meaning players can go on any adventures they’d like – including all content available in each game, even the most recent content
Notes for the character:
One‑time claim per account per game, with the character being kept permanently once claimed
Dedicated character slot included with the claim, additional character slot granted if the player is already at maximum capacity
Permanent retention of the bonus character slot, even if the Quick Start character is deleted
For Neverwinter, players must have an existing level 16 character to be able to have access to and claim the high-level character that’s part of the Quick Start event
“When I returned to Cryptic, the first initiative I wanted to kick off right away for our games was this Quick Start event,” said Jack Emmert, CEO of Cryptic Studios. “One of our key initiatives this year and beyond is to make our epic worlds even more accessible and welcoming to every type of player – whether you’re a new player who’s just starting your adventure or a long-time veteran player who’s played our games since launch. By offering a fully equipped, high‑level character that players can keep forever, we’re removing long‑standing barriers and giving returning veterans, curious newcomers, and time‑strapped fans a direct path to the heart of our games. At the end of the day, we want players to experience the pinnacle of what our MMOs offer — without feeling like they have to climb a mountain to get there.”
Future 2026 Roadmaps Revealed for Star Trek Online & Neverwinter
In addition to the exciting Quick Start event introduced across Cryptic Studios’ titles, the studio is thrilled to unveil content roadmaps for the next several months of this year for their Star Trek MMORPG, Star Trek Online, and Dungeons & Dragons MMORPG, Neverwinter.
For this year, the studio plans to continue to be committed to bringing popular properties to life with innovative content inspired by franchises that players love. Star Trek Online is celebrating Star Trek’s 60th Anniversary with a year-long, timeline-order set of releases themed around the history of the show, including starships, characters, locations and so much more – along with quality-of-life updates that will improve the overall experience for players. In Neverwinter, adventurers will encounter Dungeons & Dragons-inspired content, including adventure zones, dungeons, heroic encounters, and more – and also quality-of-life improvements to make adventuring even better. An exciting future awaits for both titles, and stay tuned for what’s to come for Cryptic Studios’ superhero MMO, Champions Online.
Partnership with Beadle & Grimm’s on Star Trek Games Kickstarter Campaign
Cryptic Studios is excited to partner with Beadle & Grimm’s on their Kickstarter campaign to help bring two new Star Trek murder mystery and escape room games to life: Deep Space Nine: Holosuite Homicide and Lower Decks: Chaos Protocol. As part of the Kickstarter campaign, Beadle & Grimm’s is collaborating with Star Trek Online to create exciting offers for fans of all types of Star Trek games. Kickstarter backers will gain access to a complimentary Hysperian Intel Battlecruiser Pack if they pledge at the Kickstarter’s higher tiers.
Arc Games is a leading independent publisher of AA and indie video games — including premium and live-service titles — across North America, Europe, and Asia. Originally founded in 2008 as Perfect World Entertainment, the company later rebranded as Arc Games and continues to expand its presence as a global publisher. Known for bringing beloved titles such as Neverwinter andStar Trek Online to players around the world, Arc Games has also delivered a strong portfolio of original releases, including REMNANT II, Remnant: From the Ashes, the Torchlight series, andFellowship, as well as distinctive indie experiences like Have a Nice Death and Frosthaven. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Amsterdam and Shanghai, Arc Games is dedicated to supporting talented game creators and delivering high-quality, memorable gaming experiences. For more information, please visit www.arcgames.com.
ABOUT CRYPTIC STUDIOS
Cryptic Studios is a leading developer of online games committed to delivering the next level of gameplay. Founded in 2000, the long-running studio is known for bringing popular properties to life with innovative gameplay mechanics to create an engaging and immersive player experience. Its successfully launched titles include Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and Champions Online. Cryptic Studios is under Arc Games, a leading independent video game publisher of AA and indie games, including premium and live service titles, in North America, Europe and Asia.
ABOUT BEADLE & GRIMM’S
Beadle & Grimm’s Pandemonium Warehouse, LLC, is revolutionizing the tabletop experience by providing premium, collector editions in the rapidly growing gaming industry. Based in Southern California, a group of gamers with over 150 years of gaming experience, including film and television veteran Matthew Lillard, drive the creative ideas behind this company that believes in having fun and loving what we do. For more details, visit www.beadleandgrimms.com.
Pick up Steam bundles including beloved chess games Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate, The Ouroboros King, and a Misfits Attic Anthology Bundle (Duskers, A Virus Named TOM)
SAN MATEO, Calif. – April 21, 2026 –Below the Crown, developer Misfits Attic‘s love letter to chess, roguelikes, and dungeon crawlers recruits a party of powerful pieces to venture into the depths of its 1.0 release on PC via Steam today. In celebration, Below the Crown is in several bundles: with notable chess roguelikes Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate, The Ouroboros King, and a first ever Misfits Attic Anthology featuring their previous games Duskers & A Virus Named TOM – available now!
Execute clever moves through a roguelike reimagining of tabletop’s timeless mainstay as a spellbinding Wizard and a party of classic and fresh game pieces. Start with Rooks and Knights then master Mad Queens and Mimics to outwit opponents and bosses lurking in each dungeon chamber. But what are these questions asking if you feel isolated or have trouble distinguishing reality? Just answer honestly!
Survive runs with strategy and spellwork, collect riches to appease the Emperor, and discover what secrets lie Below the Crown. Prepare spells to unleash flashy explosions and escape the chamber unscathed, all while grabbing skills and upgrades to deepen strategic opportunities. Raise the stakes with challenge-wielding runes, and answer psychological challenges from mysterious entities along the way!
Explore and share strategies with other Wizards by participating in global daily challenges and viewing others’ successes to collect new tricks for future runs. Discover and explore the Random Dungeon and Infinite Dungeon to outlast countless challenges and break records.
New Content Debuting in 1.0:
Sling spells with the new Queen Wizard piece
Discover three distinct narrative endings
Finally face the Emperor in the final boss battle
Experiment with additional runes, upgrades, spells, and skills
Enjoy quality of life updates such as new music, Steam cloud saves, Steam Deck compatibility, achievements to collect, and more!
Enter a retro dungeon brimming with character crafted by veteran creatives from gaming and film. The 20+ award-winning Misfits Attic team hails from the studios behind Diablo, God of War, and Call of Duty series, as well as some of DreamWorks’ most beloved titles like Bee Movie, Shrek 2, and How to Train Your Dragon.
“It’s been amazing getting feedback from the community, the game has come so far during Early Access. ” said Tim Keenan, Founder, Misfits Attic. “I think we’ve made a game that appeals to both Chess and non-Chess folk alike. Excited to see where it goes from 1.0! ”
Below the Crown is now available in 1.0 on Windows PC via Steam for $14.99 USD with a 35% launch discount for 14 days featuring English language support. Quest for more information about Below the Crown and the Misfits Attic team on Bluesky, X/Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, plan new tactics with other wizards on Discord and Reddit, and search #BelowTheCrown on social media.
About Misfits Attic
Misfits Attic is an independent game studio based in San Mateo, CA. They make atmospheric strategy games that use emotional design to create unique player stories, leveraging their backgrounds in film and narrative. The studio is best known for the award-winning strategy game Duskers, as well as the critically acclaimed action-puzzler A Virus Named TOM.
