Brand-new video reveals the process of creating a unique Mongolian Soundtrack. The Legend of Khiimori launches in Early Access on March 3, 2026.

Amstelveen, Netherlands and Munich, Germany, February 19, 2026 – Publisher Mindscape and Developer Aesir Interactive are excited to share new behind-the-scenes footage for the upcoming game The Legend of Khiimori.

Music has always been at the heart of every unforgettable game experience, and The Legend of Khiimori is no exception. Composing for this world is particularly inspiring because the game isn’t just set in Mongolia, it takes place in the 13th century, which is rich with distinctive sounds and cultural depth.

This setting gives our audio team an incredible playground filled with unique instruments, rhythms, and traditions to explore. The music changes throughout the game. It adapts to the different biomes you’ll encounter on your journey, such as the wide steps, scorching desert, and snowy mountain peaks.

To bring this authenticity to life, we’re collaborating with the traditional Mongolian band Khukh Mongol, as well as Zolzaya Boldbaatar, master of the Morin Khuur (the horsehead fiddle).

About the Legend of Khiimori

The Legend of Khiimori is a system-driven game where you explore the untamed land of 13th century Mongolia as a brave courier rider. Breed and train horses with specialized abilities to explore every aspect of this diverse and fascinating landscape. 

• Chart the expansive Mongolian landscape while delivering valuable packages and cargo.
• Keep yourself safe from danger by strategically planning your delivery routes across the wide steppes.
• Master the challenges of the open world with quests that will test your capabilities.
• Craft powder pouches and special arrows to survive the dangers of the Mongolian wildlife.
• Breed horses with specialized traits to overcome the many challenges along your path.
• Free corrupted zones from evil spirits, adding another layer of Mongolian myth to a system-driven open world that enables players to shape their own experience.

The Legend of Khiimori launches in Early Access on Steam and Epic Games Store on March 3^rd, 2026. The full release of the game is planned on PC and consoles. Early Access is only the beginning as we strive to shape the game together with our passionate community.

Wishlist The Legend of Khiimori on Steam,  Epic Games Store and the  PlayStation Store.

About Mindscape
Mindscape has been at the forefront of marketing, publishing, and distributing videogames for over 30 years. The Mindscape portfolio includes games like Dog Man: Mission Impawsible, The Legend of Khiimori, and Unpetrified: Echoes of Nature. Mindscape’s mission is to create fun, accessible games that capture the imagination of players around the world.

About Aesir Interactive
Aesir is an ambitious development team with 105 dedicated professionals and a proven track record of driving both internal and external IPs from inception through to LiveOps. Aesir Interactive strongly believes in the power of team spirit and individual excellence. This commitment empowers Aesir to conquer any challenge and deliver extraordinary games.

Among the Trolls Playable Demo Debuts for Steam Next Fest 

MILAN – February 20, 2026 – Following the announcement of their publishing partnership, 505 Pulse (the indie-focused label of 505 Games) and developer AvantGarden are thrilled to announce that their Nordic-folklore-inspired survival adventure, Among the Trolls, will take part on the upcoming Steam Next Fest, kicking off February 23.

To mark the occasion, the gates to the archipelago are opening early: a playable demo of Among the Trolls is now available on Steam, giving players an exclusive four‑day head start before the festival officially begins.

This demo features non-consecutive sections of the game to showcase a variety of gameplay—from quiet exploration to intense action. Please note that some content has been adapted for the demo and may differ from the final narrative and intended story flow.

“Niin metsä vastaa.” 

In the heart of the Finnish wilderness, there is an old saying: “Niin metsä vastaa, kuin sinne huudetaan”—the forest answers as you call to it.   

In Among the Trolls, this is more than a proverb; it is a warning. In this first-person survival experience, the environment is a living, sentient entity.  

“Since we announced we were working on the game, the community’s curiosity has been incredible,” said Giorgio Macellari, Creative Director at AvantGarden. “We ran a private playtest to get initial feedback, and now, with this Steam Next Fest demo, we are finally putting the axe in the players’ hands. We want them to feel the weight of the atmosphere and the unique tension of surviving among myths.” 

Experience the Nordic Wilds Today: The Steam Next Fest demo offers a curated slice of the Early Access experience, focusing on: 

• Survive in the wilderness: balance hunger, thirst, and exhaustion while uncovering the mysteries shrouded within a treacherous forest 
• Explore and adapt: learn to read the environment, gather natural resources, and master the challenges of the day 
• Craft for survival: build shelter, tools, and equipment using materials found in the wild to prepare for the challenges ahead 
• Face the first threads: begin Anna’s journey as she searches for her missing family in a land where folklore and reality intertwine.

Among the Tolls is planned to release in Steam Early Access in Summer 2026.  

A demo is available for download on the official Steam page. Fans are encouraged to play the demo and Wishlist the game to support the team as they head toward a 2026 Early Access launch. 

About 505 Pulse

505 Pulse is the indie-focused publishing label powered by the global digital entertainment powerhouse, Digital Bros Group. The label aims to breathe life into developers’ projects by offering a full suite of development support, ranging from QA & Localization to Production, Platform Submissions, Marketing, PR, and Project Funding. With a global reach spanning platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, Steam, and beyond, 505 Pulse ensures that games reach players worldwide.

About AvantGarden

Avantgarden Games, based in Milan, evolved from Ovosonico, the creators of Murasaki Baby and Last Day of June. Now a part of the Digital Bros Group, the studio’s 20-person team crafts innovative games that blend rich narratives with unique gameplay mechanics. In February 2024, Avantgarden Games released the Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake. With a focus on fantasy, myths, and mystery, the studio aims to deliver immersive worlds that inspire and entertain players worldwide.

Helsinki, Finland – 20 February, 2026 – Finnish indie studio Lohkare Games Oy has released a new teaser trailer for Last Drop, a story driven open world game set in 1994 Finland. Inspired by real events and personal memories, it follows a flawed anti hero navigating a local suburban world shaped by the gray atmosphere of the period.

Last Drop is the studio’s first game, built from the ground up as a personal project set in 1990s Finland. The team set out to create a world that truly feels Finnish. The entire map is hand built, shaped around small towns, quiet suburbs, forests, lakes and long rural roads that feel lived in rather than designed. For Finnish players it feels like home. For players around the world, it offers a side of the open world rarely seen in games.

That grounded approach extends to how the game is played. Last Drop aims to bring back a slower sense of adventure often missing from modern titles. There is no minimap and no pressure to rush. Players can explore freely while developing basic character stats that directly affect combat.

Combat is built around a system inspired by classic fighting games, giving encounters a more hands on and physical feel. NPCs react to player behavior in real time. If you provoke someone, they may fight back, run away, or call friends for help. The main characters are performed by Finnish film actors, adding authenticity to the story.

An Early Access launch is planned for late Q1 or early Q2 on PC via Steam, marking the beginning of an evolving world the team plans to expand over time. 

Players are invited to wishlist the game and join the journey as the world of Last Drop continues to grow.

About Lohkare Games Oy
Lohkare Games Oy is an independent Finnish game studio founded by Timo (Audio & Story), Hannes (Programming), and Henri (CEO & Founder). With 19 years of experience in animation, video production, sales, and client project management, including work with companies such as Royal Caribbean, Toyota, Valmet, and Kone, the studio brings strong industry expertise into its first game project.

Last Drop is the studio’s debut title, delivering a Tarantino-style story set in a Kaurismäki-inspired vision of Finland.

Uncover a new “Curse” in Showa-era Japan on Nintendo Switch, PC, Android and iOS

SYDNEY (Feb. 20, 2026) – Today, SQUARE ENIX released PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid’s Curse, the highly anticipated follow-up to their 2023 hit PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo, on Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam? and iOS and Android.

Set against the backdrop of Showa-era Japan and themed around urban legends and occult, this new title is developed by the original creators of 2023’s PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo. Featuring a new setting, folklore and cast of characters, PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid’s Curse presents a new “Curse” for players to uncover. By blending real-world locations with authentic legends, the game delivers a deeply immersive mystery experience.

PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid’s Curse is available now on Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam, iOS and Android. For more information, go to https://www.square-enix.com/paranormasight/file38/en-us/.

About PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid’s Curse

Developed by the same team behind 2023’s cult hit PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo, the second entry in the series, PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid’s Curse, offers a new standalone story set in Showa-era Japan. This multi-perspective, folklore-infused mystery unfolds on a summer island, centering on the enigma of a mermaid said to grant immortality. The game is available on Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam and iOS and Android devices on Feb. 19, 2026.

About Square Enix, Inc.

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX and TAITO branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 207 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST, which has sold over 95 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com

We told you to go download the Cursed Words demo, and then it got taken down, and you lamented because you missed your chance. Well, good news: Developer Buried Things and Publisher Forklift Interactive are bringing back the demo for the next Balatro-style roguelike that will obliterate your free time, grades, and performance at work on Monday, Feb. 23, in time for Steam Next Fest.

It all starts simple enough: form words from tiles that are adjacent horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Spend coins between rounds on  Stamps, Stickers, and special tiles to make it so that what looks like randomly mashing your keyboard scores 400 points.

As you unlock new characters and upgrades, eventually chess pieces, poker hands, numbers, and symbols can be used to form “words” that can score points. The updated demo has more content and a new boss on the 6th floor to conquer…good luck.

Cursed Words’ demo returns to Steam for PC on Monday, Feb. 23, and the full game releases later in 2026. For the latest word on Cursed Words and Forklift Interactive, check out the official website and stay up to date by following @forkliftgames and joining the official Cursed Words Discord.

About Buried Things

Buried Things is a United Kingdom-based studio and was founded by two cousins using game development as a paper-thin veneer for their failing familial relationship. It has since expanded into a team of cutting-edge talent building synergistic games.

About Forklift Interactive

Forklift Interactive is a Barcelona and Atlanta-based indie publisher founded by experienced industry veterans including former tinyBuild Publishing Director Andrei Podoprigora and Adult Swim Games Product Lead Tuсker Dean. They specialize in the production of deep, endless, system-driven games with player created narratives. 

For more information, please visit the official website and follow the team on Twitter. 

Metroidvania side-scrolling sci-fi action awaits!

February 19th, 2026 Quebec, Canada – Developer Vertex Zero and publisher Red Dunes Games are excited to announce gothic sci-fi adventure Silent Planet – Elegy of a Dying World, launching on Steam PC for Q2 2027, followed by consoles at a later date. This is the first release from Canadian ensemble Vertex Zero, a small independent studio co-founded by James Alex Santoro and Virginie Cabana. 

The team also includes members with experience at Eidos Montreal, Rogue Factor, and The Game Kitchen.
The game pays homage to the team’s deep love of great game classics like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Super Metroid, while breathing new life into the genre with an intoxicating blend of gothic aesthetics, rich environments, and deep rpg mechanics.

In 2997, as her world is collapsing from a ruthless planetary disaster, Apranik embarks on a solitary quest for the Angel’s Egg—an ancient artifact forged by the Primeval Ones, said to hold the key to all life in the universe.

Her path leads her into a forsaken megacomplex—once built as salvation, now a tomb on a desolate planet in a dying solar system. If she endures, beyond the long-forgotten Starseer Portals lie the last remnants of the Shunned Ones… and truths never meant to be unearthed. In Silent Planet, the narrative unfolds layer by layer, letting players uncover the world’s hidden depths as they explore.

Explore, survive, and descend into the depths of depravity…

Apranik’s first encounter erupts when a grotesque creature lunges from the darkness, thrusting players into fast-paced combat that demands skill and wits. As she navigates the claustrophobic corridors, the ruins reveal decaying biological horrors and the grotesque remnants left by a long-dead civilization.

• Wield devastating melee and psychokinetic weapons to take down ruthless foes.
• Immerse in a deep, evocative story of rich lore and forbidden secrets (20 to 40+ hours).
• Customize your survival through layered RPG systems and progression trees.
• Navigate a hostile sprawling underground complex in eerie, solitary isolation.
• Experience finely tuned mechanics built for exploration, immersion, and replayability.
• Shape dynamic environments that react to your actions and choices.
• Uncover ancient artifacts revealing the lost chronicles of a forgotten alien civilization.

Prepare to explore chthonic depths, unravel antediluvian mysteries, and survive in a cosmos that denies mercy.

The Abyss is waiting…
Silent Planet: Elegy of a Dying World launches Q2 2027

About Vertex Zero Inc.

From the icy realm of Quebec, Vertex Zero calls forth arcane sorcery, primeval arts, and mythical worlds. We are now invoking Silent Planet — Elegy of a Dying World: a requiem to the classics, summoned from the depths of the abyss.

About Red Dunes Games

Red Dunes Games is an independent game developer and publisher based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. With a global outlook and deep roots in storytelling, Red Dunes creates and publishes original games that resonate with players across cultures. The company is known for its creativity, production quality, and commitment to working with world-class partners.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Montreal, Canada – February 19, 2026 | For the first time ever, the annual Quebec Games Celebration Steam sale, organized by Montreal incubator/accelerator Indie Asylum in partnership with La Guilde du Jeu Vidéo du Québec, is getting its own dedicated showcase! Players can tune in to watch world premieres, gameplay reveals, and other exciting surprises from 30 Quebec-based studios, featuring industry veterans and the next generation of creators, creating co-op hack & slash games, action roguelikes, survival sandbox games and more.

“The Quebec Games Celebration Steam sale is the largest regional sale on the platform,” said Kevin Chancey, Marketing Director at Indie Asylum. “A showcase was always the next logical move, allowing us to turn the sale into a true event where fans can watch new and exciting announcements unfold while exploring discounted games made from talented studios across Quebec.

”Here’s the list of game announcements:

A Fighter’s Nova: Mindara by BadRez Games
Don’t Kill Them All by Fika Productions
SurfPunk by Double Stallion Games
Croak by Woodrunner Games
Happy Bastards by Clever Plays Studio
Echoes of Mystralia by Jeux Borealys
Tears of Metal by Paper Cult Games
Isles of Krom by FloppyGoat Inc.
Royal Vermin by Tobafeu Studio Inc.
Lost & Found: A This Bed We Made Story by Lowbirth Games
Lunchbreak Tactics by Jeux Borealys
Aloft by Astrolabe Interactive
Disney Dreamlight Valley by Gameloft Montreal
Rainbow Billy: The Book of Fears by Manavoid Entertainment
Clerks & Quirks by ALTKEY
Hillthorn by Finnegan Motors
Silent Planet – Elegy of a Dying World by Vertex Zero
Join Us by Wolfhaus Games
Outward 2 by Nine Dots Studio
DiceVaders by Pengonauts
The Melty Way by G Double
Chef of Sherwood by Porcelaine Games
SCOPECREEP by Foolbox Studio
Pirate Chips by Bat Sheep Crazy Games
33 Immortals by Thunder Lotus
Sisters of Solitude by Nanonimo / Altar Creative
Voidling Bound by Hatchery Games
Arctic Drive by PlayTogether Studio
The Caribou Trail by Unreliable Narrators
Ultimate Sheep Raccoon by Clever Endeavour Games

The Quebec Games Celebration showcase goes live today, February 19th @ 3pm PST / 6pm EST / 11:00 PM GMT on the Steam Sale page (link available February 16th at 1pm EST) and Indie Asylum YouTube channel.

About The Quebec Games Celebration:

The Quebec Games Celebration Steam sale is an annual sale organized by the Indie Asylum to celebrate games made in Quebec or made by Quebecois talent. This sale showcases over 300 games from undiscovered indie gems to fan-favorite franchise titles.

ANGOULÊME, France — Feb. 19, 2026 — Baladins, the cozy tabletop-inspired co-op fantasy RPG developed by Seed by Seed and published by Armor Games Studios, rallies adventurers with its arrival on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5|4 today.

Charming townsfolk and eager merchants live in harmony in Gatherac, a lively kingdom living in blissful ignorance of the dragon looming overhead. Gather a merry crew of adventurers featuring the creative Luxomancer, culinary mastermind Cook, suave Dancer, and hot-headed Pyro as they spread joy across the land. 

Embark on a combat free, choose-your-own-story masquerade with lush forests, vibrant greenhouses, and bustling towns to explore. Channel character class abilities throughout each locale and hone them over time. Complete bite-sized quests for townsfolk and weary travelers. Trade trinkets and handy items with quick-witted merchants. 

Galavant across the regions of Gatherac and Roazay solo or with up to four adventurers through local and online co-op. Guide the group of charming travelers as they leave their mark across the land, shaping the outcome with narrative choices ultimately deciding the kingdom’s fate. 

“Baladins perfectly captures the chaotic joy of game night with friends, offering a choose your own story gameplay,” said Dan McNeely, CEO & Founder of Armor Games Studios. “We are incredibly grateful to the team at Seed by Seed for the amazing job they did on development, crafting a cooperative adventure that players new and old will enjoy.”

Baladins is available now on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5|4, and the previously released PC via Steam version for $24.99 USD. For more information, follow Seed by Seed and Armor Games Studios on Twitter/X and visit the official game website. 

About Seed By Seed

Seed by Seed is a French studio from Angoulême founded by eight friends. They launched their studio around their first project, a family-friendly, co-op adventure called Pile Up! Box by Box.

Today, they continue to build innovative games that are full of imagination, bring people together, and push boundaries for all kinds of players around the world.

Seed by Seed values ethical production. They respect their players and their team. Creating bonds is important to them, and they put that into practice in how they make and market their games.

About Armor Games Studios

From its roots as a popular portal for online gaming, Armor Games Studios is a publisher that aims to work directly with and help foster talented indie developers to create unique and engaging games of all types for all platforms. For more information, visit www.armorgamesstudios.com, and follow the company on Twitter @ArmorGameStudio.

LOS ANGELES – FEBRUARY 19, 2026 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality games, has announced a new update for its collectible RPG Seven Knights Re:BIRTH. Players can now experience two new Legendary heroes and brand-new content as part of this update.

One of the Celestial Guardians, [Prophet of Self-Interest] Radgrid, is a Legendary Defense-type hero who excels at protecting back-row allies. Born as the second daughter of a noble family that produced generations of Celestial commanders, Radgrid mastered martial and military arts and developed excellent tactical insight in spite of her naturally frail constitution. Players have an increased chance to add Radgrid to their roster through the Radgrid Rate Up Summon Event and can earn various rewards through the Radgrid Power-Up Event. 

[Emperor Flash Fist] Bai Long, a Legendary Attack-type hero and a powerful single-target physical damage dealer, is now available in Seven Knights Re:BIRTH as well.Players can acquire Bai Long from the Arena Exchange Shop. 

The new story event “Rising Star on the Battlefield” is now underway through March 5. Players can learn more about Radgrid’s story, challenge story stages, and earn valuable rewards such as a Legendary Hero Ticket I, a Brilliant Skill Enhancement Stone, and more.

This update also introduces new content, including Real Time Arena, a real-time PvP mode that matches players with opponents of similar scores. Unlike in Arena, players can choose which skill to use on each turn. To celebrate the introduction of Real Time Arena, Seven Knights Re:BIRTH is running a limited-time event that rewards players for participating in the new mode.

Additionally, new costumes for Ace and Rin have been added. Players can now experience Power Up Dungeon Booster Mode, and the equipment bonus acquisition limit for Raid content has been increased from 15 per raid to 50 per raid.

Seven Knights Re:BIRTH inherits the key elements of the original Seven Knights, Netmarble’s flagship IP that has surpassed 100 million cumulative downloads, including its story, characters, combat systems, and core mechanics while enhancing the gameplay experience with modern gameplay features and the latest trends. 

More details on Seven Knights Re:BIRTH are available on the official website and forum. Fans can also stay up-to-date with the latest information on the game by following official social channels on Facebook and YouTube. 

About Netmarble Corporation

Founded in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading global game developer and publisher. Through acclaimed franchises and strategic partnerships with top-tier IP holders, the company delivers innovative and engaging gaming experiences to audiences worldwide. As a parent company of Kabam, SpinX Games, Jam City, and a major shareholder of HYBE and NCSOFT, Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Solo Leveling:ARISE, Seven Knights Re:BIRTH, Raven2, MARVEL Future Fight, and The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com.

Experience an Updated Demo for the Narrative Cosmic Mystery Game Burden Street Station, Available Now!

NICOSIA, Cyprus – Feb. 19, 2026 –Eclectic video game publisher CRITICAL REFLEX is thrilled to debut four – count ‘em – FOUR new trailers from its exciting lineup of upcoming titles at today’s Convergence Games Showcase. Check out the latest looks at the neon-soaked metroidvania Altered Alma and cosmic mystery adventure Burden Street Station – which has an upgraded Steam demo available now – as well as the found-footage horror game Drowned Lake and ridiculous twin-stick roguelite GIMMIKO!

Altered Alma

Embark on a journey through the neon-lit streets of Neo-Barcelona in Altered Alma, a stunning cyberpunk metroidvania with dating sim and RPG elements! As a young ex-mercenary named Jack, you’ll carve your way through ruthless gangsters in fast-paced combat while exploring the city and forging relationships with new friends and old.

Altered Alma’s demo, playable now, gives you a chance to adopt your own pet, explore romance, and fight your way through two mini-bosses in the Spaceport zone.

Burden Street Station

Burden Street Station is a story-driven adventure about memory, grief and community inspired by the classic visuals of ‘90s adventure games. God is gone, and it’s up to a lowly librarian and his reluctant sidekick to investigate. In the updated Steam demo, players will be able to explore more of the personalities and characters of LoTown.

Drowned Lake

Deep in Brazil’s coastal forest is the Drowned Lake, an area of sinister folk tales and legends, where many who trespass never return. When a young student goes missing, it sets off a twisted story to discover the truth. Remember: you’re not safe here. You can brave the terrors of Drowned Lake yourself with the game’s Steam playtest, going on now.

GIMMIKO

Demons from the collective subconscious are leaking into reality, and as a guardian of Gimmick Temple, it’s up to you to save the world from the curse of the Jabberwock in GIMMIKO. Assemble your magical dice, hit the battlefield, and uncover wild mysteries in this wacky dicebuilding twin-stick action roguelite. Today’s new trailer highlights GIMMIKO’s zany action and showcases more of the “games within a game” you’ll discover within.

Demos and playtests for Altered Alma, Burden Street Station and Drowned Lake are available now ahead of Steam Next Fest! To dive deeper into all things CRITICAL REFLEX, visit www.criticalreflex.com.

About CRITICAL REFLEX

CRITICAL REFLEX is an indie game publisher obsessed with genre-blending, rule-breaking, brain-melting games. We help devs polish the weird, sharpen the wild, and launch their projects loud. Known for titles like Buckshot Roulette, Lunacid, Mouthwashing and No, I’m not a Human, we champion the unforgettable experiences. Genre is a prison and we ate the warden.

About CR Channel CR Channel is the CRITICAL REFLEX publishing label focusing exclusively on indie horror.