ULTROS First Anniversary Celebrates 100K Sales with New Console Releases and Ultros: Design Works Announcement 

LONDON (Feb. 13, 2025)– Independent game developer Hadoque and video game publisher Kepler Interactive today delighted fans with the surprise release of the critically acclaimed ULTROS on Nintendo Switch™ and Xbox Series X|S to mark the game’s first anniversary followings its launch in 2024 on PC and PlayStation platforms. 

After selling over 100,000 copies and earning a host of prestigious award wins and nominations since its release last year, ULTROS today lands on Nintendo Switch and Xbox consoles for the first time, inviting new players into its vibrant, alien world. Featuring psychedelic landscapes from the mind of Niklas “El Huervo” Åkerblad (Hotline Miami), an unforgettable soundtrack by Oscar “Ratvader” Rydelius (The Gunk, Kenshō), a mind-bending world of time loops and exotic floral cultivation by Mårten Brüggeman (Magicka, Toca Life) and Hugo Bille (Fe, Stick it to the Man), brought to life with an otherworldly story by Pelle Cahndlerby (Steamworldseries), ULTROS is a stunning cosmic adventure reborn on new platforms from today.  To celebrate ULTROS’ new release, fans can also pick up the game at a reduced price with up to 30% discount from today until Feb. 27 2025 (dates subject to change, check store listings for specific pricing). 

Additionally, fans looking to delve deeper into the world of ULTROS can now pre-order Ultros: Design Works, a high-end art book created in collaboration with Lost in Cult. Written by John Rogers (Gaming in the Wild), Ultros: Design Works features exclusive interviews with the game’s creators, never-before-seen art, concept sketches, and much more. Paired with original essays and interviews are gorgeous illustrations and acclaimed design work, bound within a beautiful volume worthy of display. To pre-order the Ultros: Design Works book and learn more about the Standard and Deluxe Editions, visit www.lostincult.co.uk.

Achieve balance with ULTROS, available now on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store). For more information, visit https://www.ultrosgame.com/.

About Hadoque:                

Hadoque is a kaleidoscopic blend of creatives – gathered to forge the embodiment of ULTROS and breathe life into its dormant potential. Some of us have wandered abreast for over ten years, while others are crossing paths for the first time. Congregated in Gothenburg, Sweden, where the seed of imagination gently met fertile soil, the roots of Hadoque stretch beyond the eastern realms and southern moors of the northern Kingdom we call home. Our confrères have previously worked on titles such as Hotline Miami, the SteamWorld series, Fe, Stick It To The Man, Magicka, Toca Life, Else Heart.Break(), and Kenshō.

About Kepler Interactive: 

Kepler Interactive is a video game company and creative studio headquartered in London. With games like Pacific Drive, Sifu, Rematch and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kepler curates its partnerships with developers worldwide to showcase some of the newest and most brilliant ideas in gaming that combine experimental game design with unique art direction.

Alongside its game portfolio, Kepler’s creative studio seeks to bring games to life in areas such as art, fashion, music, architecture and design through development of lifestyle products and collaborations with artists like fashion designer Robyn Lynch. Kepler explores the creative spaces that inspire games and the people who make them – challenging perspectives and elevating the medium to a new level.

About Lost In Cult:

Lost In Cult is a boutique design studio devoted to celebrating gaming culture and preservation through high-quality publications and collectibles. Its passion for storytelling and artistry shines in every project, creating lasting tributes to iconic gaming franchises. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo.

It’s nearly time— roll out on a tactical, turn-based strategy roguelike adventure

Marieham, Finland, February 13th, 2025 | Solo indie developer Frans Wikman is excited to announce that his debut game, Rogue Conflict, will be available on Steam March 6th. This passion project features original 2D sprite key art created by Wikman himself and presents a brand-new approach to the classic genre, bringing the wargaming and roguelike communities together.

A Wargame Roguelike for All

Whether you are new to the wargaming genre or have countless war titles under your belt, Rogue Conflict is perfect for everyone. As an upcoming general, it is time to show the years of military training you’ve acquired from the academy to rise through the ranks. Each mission features everchanging objectives on a procedurally generated map. However, your ultimate goal in Rogue Conflict remains: strategically deploy your offensive units, launch ambushes to gradually diminish your enemies’ morale and strength to zero, and capture enemy territories within the designated turn count.

Lead Your Retro 2D Sprite Army to Victory

Kick-off every mission with a classified intelligence report from high command detailing your objectives. Begin with the deployment phase by positioning your retro-inspired pixel army, which includes a diverse selection of sprite military units ranging from infantry troops to tanks. Start with recon units to reveal opponent positions. Next, follow up with artillery units to deal additional long-range damage on enemy bases. Close in with tanks for heavy attacks. Finally, top it off with air support to complete the task at hand. Each faction has unique strengths and weaknesses. As General, it’s your responsibility to choose the faction that best suits your strategy. If you specialize in long-range combat, select an artillery-focused faction, though keep in mind that they lack support units and air power. To dominate open terrains, opt for a tank-focused faction, but be aware you may struggle in rougher biomes. If you prefer a more balanced approach, choose a well-rounded faction that offers military units in all areas at the cost of not excelling in any one specific area. Earn medals by successfully completing missions for high command, who will promote you to lead new factions and become the most highly decorated war general.

Personalize your Dream Army

Upon mission completion, players can use a Requisition Point System to upgrade their troops’ abilities however they like. Earn more requisition points based on the increasing strength of your enemies or by completing the mission with turns remaining. Exchange RP points to unlock enemy intelligence reports ahead of the battle, boons, advanced vehicles, equipment, weaponry, and more. However, be careful not to spend your requisition points too quickly, or you may deplete all of your backup reinforcements before the battle is over!

Full Game Features:

• Choose from 15 different armies to coordinate your most effective plan of attack.
• Randomized map combinations challenge players’ combat skills on foot and in the air.
• Requisition Point System offers boons to your units, reinforcement types, and large battle equipment such as tanks and aircraft. 
• Run campaigns from a commander’s perspective, managing complete control over your army’s every move in battle.

Rogue Conflict is now available to wishlist on Steam. To stay updated on everything Rogue Conflict, check out their X.

About

Frans Wikman is a solo developer based in Mariehamn, Finland. He is currently working on his debut game, Rogue Conflict. The game combines mechanics from several different wargames and turn-based strategy games he has played throughout his life. He aims to present them in a roguelike format, creating the very first wargame roguelike.

London, UK – 13th February, 2025. Aviary Studios is delighted to announce Hello Stranger, an exciting new  FMV psychological horror-thriller game written and directed by Paul Raschid (The Complex, Five Dates, Ten Dates, The Gallery). Coming to PC via Steam in May 2025,  Hello Stranger tells the chilling story of a man trapped in his smart home by a masked stranger who forces him to play three games to survive. His life hangs in the balance as you play these games and make choices that will ultimately determine his fate. Hello Stranger will launch for $9.99 USD/ €9.75 EUR/ £8.50 GPB and fans can add the game to their Steam Wishlist now. 

Hello Stranger boasts a stellar cast of acting talent including George Blagden (Vikings), Danny Griffin (Fate: The Winx Saga), Christina Wolfe (The Ark and FBI International), Kulvinder Ghir (Foundation and Goodness Gracious Me), Laura Whitmore (Queenie), Yasmin Finney (Heartstopper) and Derek Jacobi (Gladiator and many more) and the game was selected for the prestigious Dinard Film Festival 2024, where it was screened as a group gameplay event to a sold-out audience. It was also part of the Red Sea Film Festival 2024.

Group gameplay cinema screenings are part of Aviary Studios’ continued strategy to blend the mediums of game and film. Since September 2022, their previous title, The Gallery has also played in-cinema in the UK, France & China. 

About Hello Stranger

Cam conducts life exclusively from his smart-home – work, shopping, entertainment and, most notably, socialising. Cam interacts with strangers on the Hello Stranger platform, a randomised video chatting application.

Eventually, he encounters a masked stranger with an altered voice. Unnerved, Cam leaves the call only to find the stranger has hacked his smart-home and locked him in. The Stranger tells Cam that he must win three rounds of games or it is ‘game over’. Viewers must make decisions and play the three games for Cam to survive, but one wrong move could lead to a grisly end.

Explore over four hours of filmed content featuring choice-based mechanics and numerous mini-games. There are 10 possible endings, all of which need to be found for players to unearth the full story of Cam’s dark world.

Features: 

• Choice-based mechanics and mini-games, including 10 unique endings.
• Two story modes:
  Cinema Mode – Limited games that only function with a decision-making system – closer to an interactive film experience.
  Game Mode – All games available with a variety of gameplay systems – a full FMV game experience.
• Two game modes:
  Timed Choices – A more immersive, pressured experience.
  Paused Choices – For group play / audience participation during live streams.
• A graphic Story Tree of all possible narrative branches. These branches unlock as the player progresses through the pool of 4 hours of filmed content, 16 mini-games and 10 endings, which all need to be seen to understand the full picture of ‘Hello Stranger’.
• Renowned acting talent, including George Blagden, Danny Griffin, Yasmin Finney, Laura Whitmore, Christina Wolfe, Sir Derek Jacobi and more.

Hello Stranger will launch in May 2025 for PC via Steam $9.99 USD/ €9.75 EUR/ £8.50 GPB. Wishlist on Steam now! 

For more information please visit the official websites www.aviaryfilms.co.uk and www.paulraschid.com 

About Paul Raschid

Paul Raschid (32) wrote and directed ‘Hello Stranger’ and is one of the world’s most prolific FMV game-makers. 

He has helmed 5 released titles to date (4 full and 1 demo). These are: The Complex, Five Dates, Ten Dates, The Gallery and Deathtrap Dungeon – The Golden Room. They were released on Steam, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile.

Five Dates was nominated for the BAFTA Cymru Best Film award in 2023

Before focusing on FMV games, Paul was a linear feature filmmaker. His most notable credit is as writer-director of sci-fi thriller ‘White Chamber’ for which Shauna Macdonald won Best Actress at BAFTA Scotland 2018. It was released on Netflix following selection for 10 film festivals worldwide including BIFFF Brussels, Edinburgh, BiFan S.Korea, FrightFest London, Sitges and Mumbai.

About Aviary Studios

Aviary Studios comprises of two companies. Paul Raschid Media (PRM) Ltd. which is the game developer and Aviary Films Ltd which is the game publisher.  The CEO of Aviary Studios is Neville Raschid, who had a 20-year career with Hollywood studios and leading entertainment companies, including Paramount, Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow, before becoming an independent film producer in 2002. He has produced 7 independent feature films since 2002. He formed Aviary Studios in 2019 to develop and publish FMV games. Hello Stranger is the second title. The Gallery was the first.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 meets Stray in Schrodinger’s Cat Burglar

Queensland, Australia— February 13, 2025 | From BAFTA-award-winning indie developer Martin Binfield, Schrodinger’s Cat Burglar puts players in the paws of a cunning kitty or two, depending on how they look at it. Available to play in this month’s Couch Co-op Fest, Schrodinger’s Cat Burglaris a game about cats — specifically, cats who can be in two places at once. 

Players can sink their claws into this demo today, and discover a fur-turistic world where mischievous moggies get stuck in expensive reactors, and heists are committed by literal cat burglars.

Using mind-bending abilities, players will be tasked with solving intricate puzzles alone or with a friend in this charming tale of quantum entanglement. At the press of a button, Mittens, the adorable hero of this epic adventure, can split into two cats. With these newfound quantum powers, Mittens must solve complex puzzles and pull off the heist of a lifetime! Check out what to expect in the gameplay trailer below: 

Following in the triumphant toebeans of Stray and Little Kitty, Big City, Schrodinger’s Cat Burglar answers the age-old question: what would a cat do if it could split itself in two, solve logic puzzles and save the world? Players can check out this paw-fectly puzzling platformer today as part of Steam’s latest Couch Co-op event until February 17!

Just in time for Valentine’s, you might even CAT-ch some feelings for Mittens, the adorable protagonist. Players can find — and wishlist — Schrodinger’s Cat Burglar on Steam.

Abandoned Sheep

Founder and Lead Designer Martin Binfield has worked in the games industry since the year 2000 at studios including Sony Cambridge, Jagex and Mode 7.  He is an animator by trade, having worked on such titles as Heavenly Sword, LittleBigPlanet PSP, MediEvil Resurrection, Frozen Cortex and RuneScape. He is a Bafta Award Winner.

Rumours of dark pacts and shadowy rituals abound in this unique, tabletop-inspired experience; investigate now ahead of Steam Next Fest

Cambridge, United Kingdom – February 13, 2024 – Solo developer, Nullpointer Games is today thrilled to announce that a new demo for its upcoming occult card crafting narrative RPG, The Horror at Highrook, is now available to download via Steam, ahead of its participation in Steam Next Fest later this month. 

The Horror at Highrook sees players lead a team of occult investigators into the dark maw of Highrook Manor in search of the Ackerons – a noble family, who following rumours of dark pacts and shadowy rituals, have now vanished without a trace.

As players explore the haunted estate grounds, they will summon dark entities and craft powerful protections in a bid to uncover the fate of the missing family, all the while choosing their own path through the darkness.

A unique and cunning puzzle box of a game, The Horror at Highrook offers deeply rewarding tabletop inspired gameplay, tactile card manipulation, and an engrossing gothic-horror narrative. As the dark manor begins to unravel its secrets, it is brought to life with bold, eye-catching illustration and satisfyingly tactile animation.

The Next Fest demo will introduce players to the deviously clever systems that lie at the dark heart of the game, while slowly embracing them with its enigmatic narrative.

The Horror at Highrook – Key Features

• Explore an atmospheric setting on the edge of nightmare – Plunge into a dark Victorian world, inspired by HP Lovecraft, Edgar Allen Poe and Bram Stoker. Investigate a gothic-horror mystery through disturbing letters, fraught conversations and evocative artwork.
• Learn the dark arts – Combine characters, items and locations to craft tools, potions and occult rites. Master a deep, nonlinear crafting system as you progress through the story, gaining the strength and insight needed to succeed.
• Manage a team of investigators – Control unique characters from the city’s elite guilds: Mechanist, Plague Doctor, Scholar and Thug, Each with their own skills and perspectives. Keep your team safe from Hunger, Injury and Madness.
• Unlock mysteries – Complete challenges to open up new areas, items and characters on the game board. Build an arsenal of tools and rites. Banish ghastly entities and keep your wits in order to survive and outwit the dark forces hidden beneath the surface of the world.

The Horror at Highrook is scheduled to launch for PC via Steam later this year. A demo is now available to download ahead of Steam Next Fest.

For more information on Nullpointer Games and The Horror at Highrook, please visit the official website.

About Nullpointer Games

Nullpointer Games is a tiny indie studio based in the UK. It’s run by Tom Betts, who has previously worked on games such as Sir, You Are Being Hunted, The Signal from Tolva, and Into the Pit. He is currently developing The Horror at Highrook – an occult, card-crafting narrative RPG – which is in part funded by Outersloth and scheduled to launch later this year. He is obsessed with horror films, procedural generation and has a Phd in videogames & philosophy.

Fireshine Games partners with Flow Studio to publish popular island adventure

LONDON, UK – February 13, 2025 – Fireshine Games, the publisher behind award-winning indie hits Core Keeper and Shadows of Doubt, is delighted to announce that it has partnered with Flow Studio to publish beloved open world action-RPG Len’s Island, revealing today that the game will launch into 1.0 in spring 2025.

With over 200,000 units already sold during Steam Early Access, and wishlisted by over 400,000 Steam players, Len’s Island is an open world action-RPG that blends peaceful island living with intense, skill-based combat and roguelike dungeon crawling.

Create a new life on a mysterious archipelago of islands as you set off for adventure, foraging for resources, building your homestead and finding solace in farming. Venture through a vast world and engage in fast-paced combat, utilising a variety of weapons, armour and enchantments to defeat foes and take down powerful bosses. Descend into brutal dungeons teeming with danger to discover hidden treasures, and skill up your way, developing your character through a detailed skilltree and progression system as you forge your destiny through an ultimate island life adventure.

“We’re so proud of everything we’ve achieved during Early Access, and partnering with Fireshine Games helps provide us with the additional support and expertise to get Len’s Island into the hands of even more players, and ensure that our 1.0 launch is the best it can possibly be,” said Julian Ball, Founder & Director at Flow Studio. “We’re big fans of their work with other Early Access games like Core Keeper, and so we’re thrilled to have them on board as publisher to help us co-launch our dream game.”

“Len’s Island is a wonderful new addition to the open world survival crafting genre that has already been a great success with players throughout its time during Early Access,” said Sarah Hoeksma, Chief Marketing Officer at Fireshine Games. “We’re thrilled to be working with Flow Studio to bring the game to 1.0, and help even more players around the world discover the enthralling adventures of Len’s Island.”

Len’s Island is available now on Steam Early Access, and will launch into 1.0 in spring 2025 alongside a new update introducing co-op multiplayer support for up to 8 island adventurers. For more information visit fireshinegames.co.uk.

About Flow Studio

Flow Studio is an independent game development studio based in Brisbane, Australia. We are a group of creatives with a common passion: to create gaming experiences we are truly proud of.

About 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 Planet Zoo: Console Edition from Frontier Developments. Fireshine Games is part of the EG7 group of companies.

The wait is almost over—Dust off your potion book and pull out your cauldron in this crafting sim shopkeeper.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark – February 13th, 2025 – Pebbles Games is proud to announce that Potion Shop Simulator will be available on Steam March 5th. Perfect for fantasy and simulation enthusiasts, Potion Shop Simulator offers a multiplayer co-op experience where sim and shop management come together. Players can immerse themselves in crafting potions, fulfilling town quests, and partaking in events to become the town’s loyal alchemist!

Leave Your Mark

Congratulations! After years of studying alchemy at Wizard U, you have finally become a true potion master and opened your very own potion shop. Roll up your sleeves and gather herbs from both near and far—you’re going to need them! Prepare to serve a magical clientele of various shapes and sizes, including orcs, goblins, satyrs, and more. While managing your shop and catering to the townsfolk, work with friends to maintain a positive shop ranking and become the most popular shopkeeper in town!

Get to Brewing!

The first rule to potion-making is that no two potions are ever crafted the same way! Experiment with different ways to combine ingredients and create new recipes. Aim for balanced ratios of elemental reagents to enhance the quality of your potions. Increasing reputation means attracting new customers. Ensure that your shop is always in top condition. Prepare for weekly inspector visits, as they will check that your shop meets the various needs of your customers. Stock up on potions to handle rush hours, doubling your sales. If you’re feeling a bit daring, consider haggling with a few customers for some added extra coins along the way. Most importantly, avoid leaving your shop unattended, as it could tarnish your reputation!

The Ever-Changing Town — Mysteries & Events await

In the heart of a lively and sometimes, unruly town, there’s never a dull moment! While stirring your cauldrons, why not take on the main storyline quests? You’ll uncover the secrets left behind by the former owner and his trusty assistant of the old, dusty potion shop that once sat empty. Lend a helping hand in sidequests, where you’ll meet all sorts of quirky townsfolk, each with peculiar requests. Some might need Goblin Gut Soothers to ease their bellyaches, while others will ask for Orc Brews of Wisdom to sharpen their minds. You might even whip up elixirs to grant them night vision—just to name a few of the oddities you can expect! Don’t forget to check your calendar for weekly town events, such as market trends and tourist days when sailors come from all over for your renowned potions!

Create Your Dream Shop

When you grow weary of potion making, take a break to visit the town market. Stop by the decoration shop to purchase items that will brighten up your dwelling, increasing your shop’s appeal and attracting more distinguished customers. Visit the carpenter to upgrade your shop to add galleries or a new greenhouse next door. For all things herbology-related, head to the plant shop, where you can purchase new and mysterious plants that differ from the local plants you’re used to. Don’t forget to stop at the alchemy shop, where you will spend most of your time expanding your collection of tools, such as new mortars, distillers, and cauldrons, to continue improving your potions!

Gameplay Features:

• A colorful medieval fantasy setting creates the perfect ambiance for potion-making, and an interactive world provides an immersive simulator experience.
• Co-op mode for up to four players lets your friends join in on the fun! Tour the village, take care of plants, and experiment with different brews alongside your fellow alchemists.
• The world is alive with dynamic events, featuring a day and night cycle that brings market days in town, a traveling merchant, market trends, royal commissions from the king, and more. Keep an eye on your calendar so you don’t miss a thing.
• Improve your reputation by making and selling potions, and generate income to upgrade your shop’s aesthetics and efficiency. You can purchase additional items at the markets, from the traveling salesman, or at small shops downtown.
• The discovery of new potions awaits, so experiment to progress through the game. The more you brew, the more you sell! So, get adventurous with your potion combinations.
• 30+ main and side quests complete with missions designed to uncover the secret tales of the town and its mystical villagers 

Potion Shop Simulator will be available on Steam.

About Pebbles Games

Pebbles Games is an independent game studio that offers a wide variety of games, ranging from simulation and fantasy to physics and speed running. The studio focuses on creating cooperative and multiplayer game experiences for everyone. Currently, Pebbles Games is working on PurrNet, a free multiplayer development networking system designed for other developers who also aspire to create more shared experiences in gaming. 

Plus, get 55% off in this daily deal!

Watford, United Kingdom — February 13th, 2025 — Wired Productions and developer Tomas Sala are thrilled to share exciting news with city-building enthusiasts: Bulwark Evolution: Falconeer Chronicles continues to expand with the latest Edge of the World update, introducing fresh content and enhancements for captains across the Great Ursee on Steam with console players receiving the update later this month. To celebrate this update, the full game will be a part of Steam Daily Deal with 55% discount until February 20th. Now is the perfect time for newcomers to set sail and for veterans to expand their strongholds.

Additionally, the new Verne Bannerless DLC Pack is now available inspired by surrealist French author, Jules Verne. This DLC pack contains two pirate airships and a warbird and will be available for $1.99/€1.99/£1.69.

This latest update adds a host of new features and improvements, including:

• An expansion to the Great Ursee with a literal Edge of the World south of the Mongres Expanse, featuring more rocks, cliffs, and random enemy spawns.
• Four new settlements (Admiralty, Gallery Borgia, Silence of the Cycles, Leviathan’s Toothache), each increasing unit cap by +10.
• Introducing three Squidbelly mercenary markets and new Rekker, Murenal, Mantaraider, Verne, and Piranha Bannerless units.
• Additional top-tier buildings, including a wider stone arch, battlement props, and new stone first-floor towers for multiple factions.
• A memorial location and Oberon’s Gate wreckage at the Maw.

“The Verne and Piranha are units employed by the Bannerless Clans inhabiting the Edge. These Clans are more hostile than their Northerly brothers. The pack contains a Bannerless Corsair warbird, the Verne Missile Airship and the Piranha Fast Airship. These units will be on sale from the various Squidbelly Mercenary Markets dotted around the Ursee.”

For those interested in providing developer Tomas Sala with more feedback to help continue to shape Bulwark: Evolution alongside him, players can check out his Discord here. Players can find details of where to buy Bulwark here. 

About Wired Productions

Wired Productions is a true Indie Publisher proudly presenting a diverse range of specially curated games from some of the greatest storytellers and independent developers. Named as “Indie Publisher of the Year” at the MCV / Develop Awards, Wired is home to an award-winning collection of titles including: DIG VR, Gori: Cuddly Carnage, Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles, Arcade Paradise VR, Tin Hearts, Martha Is Dead, The Falconeer, The Last Worker, and Deliver Us the Moon. Upcoming titles include: Hotel Architect, Beneath and KARMA: The Dark World.

About Tomas Sala 

BAFTA-nominated Tomas Sala is an independent game artist and designer as well as the co-founder of game studio Little Chicken Game Company. Known to most gamers for his exotic Skyrim Mod series: Moonpath to Elsweyr, Tomas has developed a unique visual style over the years that have helped turn games such as Rekt! (iOS/Switch), SXPD (iOS) and TrackLab (PSVR) into unique visual and interactive experiences, before creating the critically acclaimed The Falconeer.

Viral sensation smashes expectations and keeps on digging! 

It’s the viral gaming sensation that does exactly what the title says! A Game About Digging A Hole, from indie publisher rokaplay Bou·tique, has smashed all expectations with over 250,000 games sold via Steam in the first week of release! Developed by a solo artist from Cyberwave (developer of the upcoming Solarpunk) as a fun side project, A Game About Digging A Hole is a minimalist game about, well, digging a hole in your garden! 

Since launching last week for the phenomenal price of £3.99GBP / €4.99EUR / $4.99USD, the game has featured on the Steam home page, secured top placement in the Steam Top Sellers list and captivated gamers with its simple yet effective digging mechanics and gameplay with over 3,500 ‘Very Positive’ Steam reviews. A Game About Digging A Hole has emerged as one of this year’s first ‘Must Have’ indie titles and costs less than a cup of takeaway coffee! 

Since A Game About Digging A Hole’s initial pre-launch viral success with over 5 million views on TikTok, 2.2 million views on YouTube Shorts, and a jaw-dropping 14.5 million views on Instagram reels, content creators across the globe have been busy digging holes and showcasing the game mechanics to their audiences. Who knew digging was such a fun activity!

That’s not all! Non-PC gaming fans need not worry, as A Game About Digging A Hole will soon be coming to consoles! More news on the launch and platforms will be revealed soon! 

Watch the previously released A Game About Digging A Hole announcement trailer below 

A Game About Digging A Hole challenges you to dig a hole in your newly purchased house. On your way down, collect resources to sell and upgrade equipment to dig deeper and take garden excavation to a new level! But beware! With every spadeful you take, you start to uncover a mysterious secret, and the deeper you dig, the closer you get to the truth. But take your time, as there is no rush and no rules. Just you, your spade and a great underground adventure!

A Game About Digging A Hole is out now PC via Steam in 2025, for £3.99GBP / €4.99EUR / $4.99USD. Console versions will be announced soon! 

New demo now available, just in time for Steam Next Fest – offering around two hours of gameplay

Munich, February 13, 2025 – Munich-based indie developer Active Fungus Studios has announced that its detective RPG, Inspector Schmidt – The Ebbing, will launch on April 7, 2025. To celebrate the upcoming release, a brand-new demo is now available, featuring approximately two hours of gameplay, including a tutorial introducing the game’s mechanics and the first main quest.

Download the demo on Steam now.

True to the tradition of detective games, The Ebbing challenges players with intricate puzzles, including numerical, visual, search, and combination-based riddles. The demo offers a first taste of these mind-bending challenges.

Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, A Bavarian Tale, this new title brings a fresh atmospheric element to the series: mystery. Protagonist Valentin Schmidt finds himself entangled in a case full of eerie occurrences, leading him deep into a foreboding marshland, where he encounters a nameless terror. To match the heightened tension, the stealth mechanics have been completely overhauled.

At the same time, The Ebbing builds on the successful formula of A Bavarian Tale with engaging dialogues, quirky and humorous situations with eccentric NPCs, a complex, branching narrative with multiple endings, full voice and text support in both (Northern) German and English and a strong historical setting, deeply influenced by the 19th century

About Inspector Schmidt – The Ebbing

In this detective RPG, players must unravel a web of intrigue, lies, and secrets surrounding a mysterious death.

The Year is 1870. The first transatlantic telegraph cable has just been installed, ushering in a new era of communication between the United States and Germany. Industrialization is accelerating, social movements are gaining momentum, and public discourse is filled with tension and unrest. Meanwhile, the Franco-Prussian War looms on the horizon, raising fears of military conscription.

Valentin Schmidt, a young civil servant, simply wants to enjoy his well-deserved vacation by the North Sea. After an eventful journey, he finally arrives in the picturesque town of Havstedt – but then, events take a dramatic turn: Bente Hansen’s body is found at the telegraph office.

Valentin’s vacation seems to be over… unless he solves the crime and restores safety to Havstedt. But he soon realizes that every faction of the idyllic town harbors its own dark, peculiar secrets. Who – or what – is responsible for Bente Hansen’s death?

Key Features

• Explore an Open World – Roam freely through a detailed coastal town set in 1870.
• Engage in deep Dialogues – Interrogate locals, gather valuable information, and uncover hidden truths.
• Confront Suspects – Interrogate and expose those hiding secrets.
• Search for Clues – Use the Detective Mode to uncover hidden evidence.
• Don’t get caught – Sneak into forbidden areas and survive the dangers of the marsh—getting caught is not an option!
• Solve Challenging Puzzles – Utilize hidden clues and your wit to unlock critical information.
• Pass Skill Checks – Put your skills to the test in classic pen-and-paper-inspired dice rolls.
• Level Up – Upgrade your character by improving skills that suit your playstyle.
• Craft Useful Items – Gather resources to create tools and consumables that enhance your abilities.
• Make Difficult Choices – Your decisions shape the story’s outcome. Choose between charisma, diplomacy, or authority—but solve the case at any cost!

The demo isn’t the only treat! New subscribers to the Inspector Schmidt newsletter will receive an exclusive character handbook – a valuable in-game notebook to keep track of clues and suspects. The handbook also includes historical insights on the NPCs and their real-life inspirations from the 19th century. Additionally, subscribers can take a personality quiz to discover which NPC archetype they resemble the most!

About Active Fungus Studios

Founded in 2020, Active Fungus Studios is an indie game development studio based in Munich, Germany. Led by Jakob Braun (Founder & CEO), the small but dedicated team of 20 developers specializes in crafting immersive first- and third-person games.

Active Fungus Studios creates games that go beyond entertainment—offering deep thematic experiences that encourage players to see different perspectives and explore historical events that continue to shape the world today.