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ALBION ONLINE’S “ABYSSAL DEPTHS” UPDATE LAUNCHES JUNE 30

Sandbox Interactive’s fantasy MMORPG will introduce a new PvP-focused dungeon type and an improved early-game experience

BERLIN May 21, 2025 – Albion Online, the fantasy sandbox MMORPG from Sandbox Interactive, will release the new Abyssal Depths update on June 30, 2025. This update contains a major overhaul of the new player experience, making the game more accessible than ever, and introduces an entirely new PvP feature in the form of a brand-new type of dungeon. Albion Online also has a new Dev Talk video out today featuring an overview of the Abyssal Depths update with Game Director Moritz Bokelmann.

This new kind of PvP-focused dungeon is a fast-paced, high-stakes battleground pitting groups of two or three players against monsters and other player characters in a collapsing environment filled with tactical objectives, all to earn new and unique rewards.

The other main focus of the update lies in how Albion Online introduces itself to new players. One of the key changes is the integration of the post-tutorial experience into the existing Albion Journal, which now provides a much clearer and more structured guide through the early stages of the game.

Additionally, Abyssal Depthswill bring UI improvements like a streamlined HUD Tracker, with additional interactive tutorial features alongside a number of quality-of-life changes to the early game flow to better reflect the Albion Online experience, especially around crafting, the Destiny Board, and the use of buildings.

For more information on Albion Online, visit https://albiononline.com.

About Albion Online

Albion Online is a sandbox MMORPG set in the medieval fantasy world of Albion. From its humble beginnings as an independently developed, old-school MMO, it has risen to become one of the world’s leading sandbox MMORPGs, played by hundreds of thousands around the world. Whether you’re a fighter, farmer, trader or master craftsman, all styles have a place in the player-driven world of Albion. Its “you are what you wear” system is free from typical class restrictions and lets players define their own role within the game world. Every item crafted, every enemy defeated, and every territory conquered has repercussions and consequences: in the world of Albion, everyone matters.

Learn more about Albion Online in this video below:

Instead of a pre-built, linear path full of game-provided quests, Albion Online offers players the opportunity to write their own story and play the game in countless different ways. Deep systems for guilds, alliances and factions make it possible to claim territories and fight large battles together with friends. Gathering resources, crafting, and trading are the foundations of the player-based economy, and offer players a path to fame and fortune. On top of that, Albion’s sprawling world, with its five biomes across two massive continents, offers near-endless opportunities for exploration and discovery, with a wide range of PvE and PvP options for solo and group players.

About Sandbox Interactive

Albion Online is developed by Berlin studio Sandbox Interactive. The studio was founded in 2012 by a group of enthusiastic MMORPG players and fans and now includes a team of 100 employees. Sandbox Interactive follows the belief that the creation of your own world and interaction with other players are central to the MMORPG experience, and that these ideas are truly brought to life in the sandbox genre. With Albion Online, the studio has created the world’s first truly cross-platform sandbox MMORPG – a game that places compelling gameplay and the player experience squarely in the foreground.

MythWalker Expands its Fantasy World with New Tethering Feature and Content for One-of-a-Kind RPG Geolocation Experience

Co-op Feature Brings Players Together to Battle Fantastical Creatures in Immersive Environments

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – May 21, 2025 – NantGames has launched major updates to its geolocation fantasy role playing game MythWalker. A first for geolocation games, a new significant Tethering feature enables synchronous co-op gameplay, giving players the ability to explore the parallel world of Mytherra together – even if they are miles apart in the (real) world. Also new to the game are new creatures that have revealed themselves in Mytherra – the Wyldevae. These enchanting fairies beautifully blend magic and combat, and heroes will have to come up with clever strategies to defeat them.

Tethering is a new groundbreaking feature that allows players global synchronous gameplay for up to three players. Up to two players can join a lead friend to explore the leader’s local landscape together. For example, a player in New York and another in Tokyo can tether to a lead friend in London, and together they can explore the streets of London as a party. Together they can complete story quests, battle enemies and gather resources. The more players in a party the better rewards.

The content updates also introduce new adversaries called Wyldevae. Don’t be fooled by these alluring beings, as they are known to be tricksters. These fairy creatures found throughout Mytherra are tough adversaries. Three kinds of Wyldevae live throughout Mytherra, each dropping unique items and abilities when defeated in battle:

  • Bergavae are found in Mountain regions and resemble moths
  • Strandavae are found on Islands and embody characteristics of fish
  • Fennavae are found in Swamps and resemble dragonflies

Players will also encounter new quests related to the Wyldevae, giving more insight into the motivations of these fascinating but deadly creatures.

These robust content additions come on the heel of game updates in April, which added over 20 new quests to MythWalker. Among the new content introduced, players were transported to Stonehenge to complete a quest, were given a hobgoblin ally in battle for certain quests, and more. Diving deeper into lore that is central to MythWalker, players explored the storylines of the Pirates and Drakates – two prominent groups of adversaries in Mytherra.

“Our team has always envisioned MythWalker as a living, growing world steeped in rich traditions and lore, much like the real world we live in,” said NantGames creative director Jesse Snyder. “This expansion is a significant one as Tethering is going to be a real game changer, and players can be assured we plan on developing more awesome experiences for the future. Beyond game content, we’re committed to continue to find ways to make our geolocation game more accessible to players, connecting friends in the real world.”

MythWalker is a geolocation fantasy role-playing game for iOS and Android devices. Players can take part in exploring combat, magic, crafting, resource minigames and more. They can venture out in the real world to interact with the game, or continue their adventures from the comforts of home with Navigators using Portal Energy. MythWalker takes players to Mytherra, a fantastic parallel world to Earth, where they are recruited by a powerful being, known only as The Child, to investigate attacks on her world. She guides players on mystical quests and adventures to uncover the truth about the attackers, explores the connection and shared histories between Earth and Mytherra, and leads the heroes in defending their home.

For more MythWalker information including our digital press kit, please visit https://mythwalker.com/.

About NantGames

NantGames began in 2018 as a small business venture within the larger NantWorks family of companies, to explore the idea of creating games and interactive media. Since then, the studio has grown to over 50+ employees and is developing its first game, MythWalker – a geolocation fantasy role-playing game. Utilizing existing Nant technologies and IP, NantGames aims to become a leading entertainment technology innovator in the games industry. Please visit https://mythwalker.com/ or more information.

Bubble Ghost Remake Update 2.0.0 Launches Today!

Play Your Way with Greater Accessibility, Adjustable Difficulty, and a Smoother Journey Through the Mansion

Barcelona, Spain – 21st May, 2025. The ghostly adventure continues! Since its magical debut in March, Bubble Ghost Remake has invited players into the whimsical world of Heinrich Von Schinker’s mansion, playing as a ghost guiding a delicate bubble through charming puzzles and mysterious corridors. Today, Nakama Game Studio is proud to launch Update 2.0.0, a major update that reshapes the experience to be more accessible, more balanced, and more yours.

Crafted with heartfelt input from our growing community, Update 2.0.0 introduces flexible new features that give players more control over how they play. Whether you’re here for the story, the puzzles, or a challenge, this update makes it easier than ever to enjoy Bubble Ghost Remake at your own pace.

Available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, Update 2.0.0 brings a host of upgrades that enhance gameplay for newcomers and veterans alike:

Major New Features

  • New “Story” Difficulty Mode
    Drift through the mansion without pressure. This new mode is perfect for players who want to enjoy the puzzles and narrative without intense challenges.
  • Bubble Shield System
    Choose how sturdy your bubble is! Select from fragile, sturdy, or reinforced shields based on your preferred difficulty, giving you more freedom to define your adventure.
  • Dynamic Difficulty Adjustments
     Switch up your difficulty and shield settings anytime from the save slot menu, no need to restart or lose progress.

Technical & Quality-of-Life Improvements

  • Smoothed Level Design
    We’ve rebalanced difficulty spikes to create a smoother, more consistent journey.
  • Clearer Challenge Levels
    Updated difficulty descriptions and improved UI make it easier to choose the experience that suits you best.

Let the adventure unfold! 

Bubble Ghost Remake is available now digitally on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch (with frightfully good discounts available for a limited time!) along with enchanting Standard and Collector’s Edition physical releases for Nintendo Switch. 

About Bubble Ghost Remake 

Guide a little ghost and his bubble through an enchanted mansion filled with dangers and thrilling challenges in this incredible remake of Bubble Ghost. Master levels of skill and clever puzzles as you unveil the story hidden behind the spirit of Heinrich Von Schinker. This remake of the game features a fresh new look and a myriad of new features (like new game modes, fierce bosses, collectables, and many more surprises) that will captivate you for hours. Get ready to protect your bubble through the rooms of this mysterious castle… Will you uncover all its hidden secrets?

  • Enjoy an adventure with over 40 skilful levels and clever puzzles that promise hours of entertainment and challenge.
  • Dive into Story, Arcade, Challenge and Speed Run game modes or prove your worth and compete for a spot in the pantheon of “Bubble Ghost Remake” legends in the Hall of Fame. 
  • Fully revamped graphics and sound bring the magical world of the castle to life.
  • Unlock in-game achievements and compare your scores with the world’s best players.
  • Discover new hidden game modes, collectables, and secrets for an even more thrilling gameplay experience. 

About SelectaPlay

SelectaPlay is SelectaVisión’s video games publishing branch. The company works with talented studios on unique video games and helps them publish their titles in both physical and digital formats in Europe and worldwide.

About SelectaVisión

SelectaVisión is a video publishing company founded in 1984. Based in Spain, SelectaVisión’s catalog includes anime and live-action feature films, TV shows, and movies. Publishing both anime classics and the latest Japanese productions since 1997, SelectaVisión has built a long relationship with fan-favorite Japanese producers and distributors, becoming the major publisher of anime content for Spanish audiences.

About Nakama Game Studio

Nakama is a game development studio and interactive experiences for companies and publishers. Their team of passionate developers, designers, and artists brings a wealth of industry experience, fueled by a genuine love for video games.

MYTHOLOGICAL FUTURISTIC  METROIDVANIA SOMBER ECHOES MAKES ITS CONSOLE DEBUT THIS SUMMER

Greco-Roman Mythos on an Otherworldly Spaceship Comes to PlayStation 5 and Xbox on July 8

TONSBERG, NORWAY – MAY 21, 2025 –  Independent video game developers Rock Pocket Games and Lav Games announced today its action-adventure sci-fi metroidvania Somber Echoes is coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox on July 8. Armed with God-given powers, players take on the role of Adrestia, who has been given a second chance to save the universe from her crazed twin sister, with gameplay featuring unique traversal and puzzle elements blended with action packed combat and a rich story.
 
With a ‘very positive’ rating on Steam, Somber Echoes premiers on console with a fresh new way to experience the game through the new Challenges mode. In the new mode players unlock challenges after completing boss fights and events, designed to extend gameplay and offer skill-based objectives to expand gameplay beyond the story experience. 

Somber Echoes Gameplay Features:

  • A Modern Console Metroidvania: Action packed side-scrolling gameplay, ideal for console players. Powered by Unreal Engine 5 players will embark upon a haunting journey through seven distinct districts, looming with decay, ruin and eerie beauty. Every dark corner hides a story.
  • Greco-Roman  Story: Inspired by Greco-Roman mythos, and sci-fi visuals, players explore a wrecked spacecraft in deep space that is overrun by extra-dimensional horrors.
  • Multiple Endings: Gameplay actions shape how the story ends, the more players explore and discover the entirety of the ship, the more choices there will be when deciding the fate of the Atromitos.
  • Challenges Mode: A new way to experience Somber Echoes designed to extend gameplay and provide players with intense, skill-based objectives beyond the core story experience, including boss fight and puzzle challenges with more content planned for subsequent updates.

Somber Echoes is a Greco-Roman inspired sci-fi Metroidvania set within the shell  of the spacefaring vessel Atromitos, where divine ruin and cosmic rot intertwine. Awakened by primordial Gods and Goddesses, Adrestia ascends from ash and oblivion to hunt her twin sister Harmonia, now a mad architect of unmaking, through echoing halls and sanctums lost to time. Wield godlike wrath, uncover ancient sins, and carve your legacy into the bones of a dying world.
 
Somber Echoes is available now for Steam, and is coming to Playstation and Xbox on July 8. For more information about the game visit the website

ABOUT ROCK POCKET GAMES

Rock Pocket Games is an independent game development studio founded in 2008 and headquartered in Tonsberg, Norway. Specializing in crafting engaging and innovative video games, the studio has delivered over 30 titles across mobile, PC, and console platforms, including award-winning projects like Moons of Madness and Shiftlings. Known for its expertise in Unreal engines, Rock Pocket Games is dedicated to creating high-quality gaming experiences with a focus on passion, communication, and fun. For more information, visit rockpocket.games.

ABOUT LAV GAMES

Lav Games is a game development studio focused on delivering high-quality co-development services and crafting original IP’s. The studio has contributed to a range of acclaimed AAA titles while building its own visually bold, artistically ambitious IP’s. Lav Games is dedicated to creating immersive, visually striking experiences that combine technical excellence with strong art direction. The studio’s contributions include work on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Insurgency: Sandstorm and several upcoming titles yet to be announced.

Fireshine Games Appoints Jasper Tanner-Barnes As Chief Portfolio Officer

LONDON, UK – 21 May 2025 – Fireshine Games, a leading UK publisher best-known for award-winning titles Core Keeper and Shadows of Doubt, as well as anticipated upcoming games Tales of Seikyu and A.I.L.A, has today appointed Jasper Tanner-Barnes as the company’s Chief Portfolio Officer. 

Tanner-Barnes steps into this newly created role at Fireshine Games, bringing with him extensive experience in Talent Acquisition and Game Scouting from his time at Team17, where he led the department in signing standout titles including Conscript by Catchweight Studio, Sworn by Windwalk Games, Dredge by Black Salt Games, and the upcoming Date Everything! from Sassy Chap Games.

As Chief Portfolio Officer, Tanner-Barnes’ responsibilities will include building the company’s network of external development partners, securing and maintaining long-term business partnerships, and determining Fireshine Games’ portfolio strategy. Tanner-Barnes will join the management team and oversee all acquisitions and business development. 

“We’re delighted to be able to welcome Jasper to Fireshine Games,” said Brian Foote, CEO Fireshine Games. “The knowledge, passion and experience he brings will help us build deeper relationships with developers and partners and take Fireshine Games towards the next chapter in our journey.”

Fireshine Games is a global publisher of video games based in London, England and established in 2014. With a rich portfolio of digital games, Fireshine Games has helped bring award-winning titles to the world, including hit sandbox adventure Core Keeper and detective simulator Shadows of Doubt. Fireshine Games also provides co-publishing services to studio giants including Lies of P from Neowiz, Balatro from Playstack, and Sniper Elite: Resistance and Atomfall from Rebellion.

For more information, visit fireshinegames.co.uk.

ENDSAbout Fireshine Games

Fireshine Games is a global publisher of digital and physical video games based in London, England, with a focus on finding fun and bringing innovative indie gems to players around the world. Originally established in 2014, Fireshine Games has built a portfolio of digital titles and indie sensations, including award-winning titles Core Keeper and Shadows of Doubt, while partnering with studio giants to bring digital hits to physical release, including Lies of P from Neowiz, Balatro from Playstack, and Sniper Elite: Resistance from Rebellion. Fireshine Games is part of the EG7 group of companies.

TACTICAL RPG SUCCESSOR TO MARCH INTO STEAM EARLY ACCESS FOR PC AND VR ON MAY 29!

Rogue-Lite Strategy Game Blends Real-time and Turn-Based Tactics in a Charming Tabletop World

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – May 21, 2025 – Playwood Project, the indie team behind the renown Wartile, announced today that their new tactical RPG Successor will launch into Steam Early Access for PC and Steam VR, on May 29, 2025. A tabletop-inspired game set in a dark fantasy world, Successor is brought to life through stunning miniature diorama visuals and blends deep strategic gameplay with engaging rogue-lite mechanics.

In Successor, players take on the role of a Lord and lead a team of miniature, battle-hardened heroes through exotic regions and handcrafted battle boards. Each kingdom is procedurally generated, offering a new challenge every time you play. As players explore, they’ll need to equip their heroes, plan each move carefully, and pick their battles wisely—because defeat comes with real consequences.

Successor will launch in Early Access with a strong foundation of content, and Playwood Games has planned a robust roadmap including new Lords, biomes, enemies, and systems based on community feedback.

Combat unfolds in real-time, but with a full tactical pause system that allows players to freeze time, use abilities, and watch them hit before diving back into the real-time battles. Whether fighting through forests, dungeons, or mountain passes, warriors beware as each environment can shift the outcome of battle through terrain effects and environmental modifiers.

Wishlist Successor on Steam now. 

About Successor

Successor is a dark-fantasy, rogue-lite tactical RPG that fuses real-time action with pause, plan, and execute mechanics on lavish miniature diorama battlefields. Players choose a Lord, recruit and equip unique hero classes, and battle their way through procedurally generated regions. With handcrafted story campaigns and a customizable Adventure Mode, Successor offers endless replayability and a living tabletop aesthetic.

About Playwood Project

Playwood Project ApS is a Danish independent game development studio, creators of the strategy game Wartile. Known for their distinctive miniature diorama art style, Playwood Project is passionate about crafting unique and engaging tactical gameplay experiences. They are committed to community involvement in the development process.

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is more than just a simple Remaster

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, a remastered version of the PS2 classic Shin Megami Tensei Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, will be released on 19 June 2025. The game combines detective work with action RPG elements in an alternative Tokyo of the Taishō era. The remastered version features improved HD graphics, full voice acting in English and Japanese and a revamped battle system that now allows the use of two demons simultaneously. New features such as the MAG Drain, the Spirit Slash and the ability to summon over 120 demons significantly enhance the gameplay. Players can choose between different difficulty levels, including the challenging ‘Detective Legend’ mode, which is unlocked after the first playthrough. Quality-of-life improvements such as autosave, quicksave and an extended save system have also been implemented.

The Deluxe Edition includes additional content such as the ‘Kuzunoha Village Training’ DLC, the ‘Demons of the Aril Rift’ pack and other extras. As a pre-order bonus, players will receive the stylish ‘Raidou Glasses’, inspired by the Taishō era.

RAIDOU Remastered will be released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam .

Reconnect and Deliver – Death Stranding 2 Arrives in Just One Month

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will be released exclusively for PlayStation 5 on 26 June 2025. Hideo Kojima’s action sequel picks up eleven months after the first part and takes Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) from Mexico to Australia to reunite a fractured society. The gameplay has been significantly expanded: In addition to the familiar delivery gameplay, there are now deeper combat mechanics, including stealth options and direct confrontations reminiscent of Metal Gear Solid V. New vehicles, such as customisable hovercrafts, make it easier to get around in a world characterised by natural disasters. A skill tree allows individual specialisations in combat, stealth and delivery skills. The story is told more quickly, offers early access to new equipment and is said to be around 75 hours long. In addition to familiar characters such as Fragile (Léa Seydoux) and Higgs (Troy Baker), new characters appear, including Tomorrow (Elle Fanning) and Tarman (George Miller). The game already went gold, so there will be no delays, and we are definitely looking forward to playing Kojima’s latest title.

Pre-orders of the Digital Deluxe or Collector’s Edition of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach get 48 hours early access from 24 June. A special DualSense controller in the game design will be released at the same time.

The DualSense wireless controller – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Limited Edition will be available in limited quantities for a recommended retail price of $84.99 / €84.99 / £74.99 / ¥12,480. Pre-orders start on May 22, 2025 at 10am local time at direct.playstation.com (where available), as well as participating retailers. The exact launch date and availability for the controller may vary by country/region.   

The highly anticipated The Precinct is available now in its limited physical edition!

Averno City is calling. Will you answer?

Sydney, Australia – May 21, 2025 – The time has come to enforce the law in Averno City!

Acclaimed by players, The Precinct, from Fallen Tree Games and Kwalee, is now available in a beautiful limited physical edition with an explosive new trailer.

Averno city, 1983. Gangs rule the streets, and your father lies restless in his grave. Clean up the city, uncover the truth, and embark on thrilling vehicle chases through destructible environments in this neo-noir action sandbox police game.

Dive into the heart of Averno City with exclusive physical bonuses that will immerse you in the captivating world of The Precinct.

The Precinct Limited Edition includes:

  • The full game
  • A Sleeve
  • A Steelbook
  • Digital Original Soundtrack
  • City Map poster with collectibles marks

This limited edition of The Precinct, designed by Microids, is now available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series.

About The Precinct

You are Officer Nick Cordell Jr. As a rookie beat cop fresh out of the Academy, you’re on the front line of defence for Averno’s citizens. Dive into a world of thrilling car chases, sandbox crimes, and a healthy dose of 1980s noir as you protect the populace and solve the mystery of your father’s murder in the line of duty.

Take to the streets

A tribute to classic cop movies, The Precinct combines police sim with action sandbox spectacle. Patrol the streets and respond to callouts to fight criminals petty and powerful. Choose your own tactics in thrilling chases and shootouts. Feel the shifting power struggles of Averno’s gangs in a living city full of sandbox crimes, from parking infractions to bank heists, street racing to drug deals.

Hot pursuit

Speed through the city in intense car and helicopter chases and pursue your mark through twisting alleyways before bringing them to justice. There’s no need to be a lone wolf: You’ve got Averno’s Finest backing you up, with an in-depth support system that allows you to call in squad cars, roadblocks, spike strips, and more.

A sleepless city

Explore the ever-shifting criminal underbelly of Averno City. Deal with yuppies, bums, street vendors and furious taxi drivers from the Projects to the Financial District. Chase perps through neon-lit alleys, rain-soaked streets, and grand, decaying parklands, all subject to a day/night cycle and dynamic weather. This is the 1980s East Coast in all its neo-noir glory.

Features

  • Explore a vibrant, living city by foot, squad car and helicopter.
  • Respond to sandbox crimes ranging from parking violations to gang shootouts.
  • Engage in intense vehicle chases through destructible environments.
  • Go solo or call-in backup with an in-depth support system.
  • Investigate the gangs who rule the city and the dark conspiracies keeping them in control.
  • Day/night cycle with dynamic weather.

This limited edition of The Precinct is now available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series.

About Microids

Microids is a French video game publisher. Founded in 1985, Microids’ editorial strategy now focuses on 4 major areas: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and games inspired by iconic titles. By collaborating with renowned studios and authors (Revolution Software, Sloclap, Oddworld Inhabitants, Pendulo Studios, Eden Studios, Go Nagai, Charles Cecil, Benoît Sokal, Paul Cuisset…), Microids has become a major player in international video games. Taking inspiration from legendary titles, Microids reaches a wide audience and creates original adventures which give gamers the chance to play as some of their most beloved characters.


About Kwalee

Kwalee is a multi-award-winning games publisher and developer based in Leamington Spa, UK, and has published a growing catalogue of PC and console titles including Wildmender, ROBOBEAT, Voidwrought, In Sink and The Spirit of the Samurai, along with upcoming titles The Precinct, Hordes of Hunger, and GladiEATers.

Founded by games industry icon and Codemasters co-founder David Darling CBE, who is joined by a team of global games experts with studios in the UK, India, Portugal and China, Kwalee is on the lookout for high-quality games to publish on all platforms and encourages developers to get in touch.

Officially recognised as ‘Best Publisher’ (TIGA 2022), Kwalee is also highly active in the industry, as an ambassador of not-for-profit organisation Women in Games and a regular supporter of charities like Safe In Our World, GamesAid and SpecialEffect.

About Fallen Tree Games

Fallen Tree Games is a renowned indie game development studio with a rich history of creating immersive and innovative gaming experiences. Founded in 2012, the studio was born out of the shared passion and vision of industry veterans Joe Moulding and Lewis Boadle. With a diverse portfolio of releases ranging from mobile puzzle series ‘Quell’ to epic open-world sandbox ‘American Fugitive’, the team is fully remote. Throughout their journey, Fallen Tree Games has consistently demonstrated their commitment to quality, creativity, and memorable player experiences. Their games have garnered numerous awards and nominations, earning them a loyal fanbase worldwide.

SHADOWS NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD! ‘THE SIEGE AND THE SANDFOX’ MARRIES TACTICAL STEALTH WITH EXTRAORDINARY PIXEL ARTISTRY

UK based studio, Cardboard Sword, releases their debut title

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – May 21, 2025 – Cardboard Sword’s debut title The Siege and the Sandfox, is out today on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG and Humble for $22.95 AUD.   

The Siege and the Sandfox is an innovative 2D stealth Metroidvania game with parkour platforming. Players will explore the palace and cavernous depths below an ancient desert city, under siege by its neighbouring kingdom. Master dynamic parkour abilities and use cunning and stealth to discover the true threat lurking within. Evade guards, befriend allies and improve skills to foil the evil plot before it’s too late. 

“We’ve created a uniquely rich pixel art style that feels warm and nostalgic, though distinctly our own. We wanted to create a visually stunning indie pixel-art game, while standing out from what’s already available. Our artists have hand-painted everything from frame-by-frame animations to normal maps on textures, and adding extra details, effects and finishing touches. Our code and design teams have worked tirelessly to achieve 2D in Unreal, giving us its excellent lighting and features to really show off that work. We hope players appreciate the passion and determination rooted into creating The Siege and the Sandfox,” explains Olly Bennett, CEO, Cardboard Sword.   

From their art-led approach to their wealth of technical expertise and proprietary tools Cardboard Sword have created a fresh take on the Metroidvania formula, designing a game that immerses players in a rich atmosphere and gripping intrigue. 

“Our priority for The Siege and the Sandfox was to create an evocative and meaningful 2D stealth game. It’s been a huge challenge being restricted to those two dimensions, and especially without the ability to kill enemies; we’ve had to play with verticality and clever platforming abilities, to turn each encounter into essentially its own puzzle for players to solve. We cannot wait to see how they navigate through our parkour platformer, especially for our enthusiastic and supportive fans who have come along the development journey with us.” 

Features: 

  • 2D stealth Metroidvania with parkour exploration 
  • Rich retro-style pixel art, hand animated frame-by-frame, with modern effect from Unreal Engine 
  • Immersive and dynamic audio builds tension and highlights danger 
  • An eclectic range of characters to discover and aid 
  • Smooth controls and fluid animations 
  • Avoiding enemies, evading capture and finding other ways to deal with threats 

The Siege and the Sandfox is out now on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG and Humble

About Siege and the Sandfox: 

A shining city lies besieged in the heart of a vast desert. As the moon rises over the royal palace, a notorious assassin watches the king die to a traitor’s hand. Discovered, falsely accused, and thrown into the labyrinthine dungeons below, they must escape to tell the tale – else the city will fall. 

Master dynamic parkour abilities to explore the cavernous depths of an ancient underground prison, evading detection and avoiding certain death from a sand-borne evil. Fight for your city! Foil the enemy’s attempt to strike from within the heart of the kingdom. 

About Cardboard Sword 

Cardboard Sword is a AAA-experienced multi-talented team, with over 150 years of combined experience, creating original IP and providing full-stack development services – specialising in Unreal Engine and offering strong technical expertise and powerful tools, for use in our and our client’s projects. Founded in 2013, our current team of 10 has received multiple Epic MegaGrants and other funding awards, and is working for a number of clients and on other own-IP titles. The Siege and the Sandfox is our debut game. 

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. PLAION is an Embracer Group company.