Pilot the Stinger mech for a limited time until Oct. 21

MONTREAL, Quebec – Oct. 8, 2024 – The invasion has begun! Earth’s survival now rests in your hands as you pilot powerful mechs in StarVaders, the ultimate fusion of card games and tactics from developer Pengonauts (formerly StarVaders Studio) and publisher Joystick Ventures. Defend humanity on an alien battlefront in a new limited-time demo on PC via Steam out today ahead of Steam Next Fest, which runs from Monday, Oct. 14 to Monday, Oct. 21.

Strategically defeat waves of invaders on a grid-based battlefield in the skies by drawing cards to reposition your mech and attack. Unleash chaos with the Gunner Mech’s Nova Bomb, with pilots Roxy, Noel, and Zeke offering unique abilities to impact each run. Or pilot the Stinger Mech with Shun, exclusive to this Steam Next Fest demo. Build your deck from over 300 cards, artifacts, and upgrades to dominate the battlefield.

Avoid certain doom by Overheating mechs to play an extra card, but rendering it unplayable for the rest of the fight and immediately giving the aliens a turn. Reverse mistakes by rewinding time with Chrono Tokens, and wisely plot out a superior strategy. Today’s demo drop also debuts the brand-new soundtrack from PlasterBrain.

Train up to participate in the Raffle Challenge during October’s Steam Next Fest to win one of 100 game keys, and join the community for daily seeded speedrun competitions with prizes up for grabs! Win a raffle ticket by finishing the demo with all pilots, finishing on the new Challenger difficulty, and sharing your screenshots, clips, and thoughts on social media while tagging StarVaders.

Check out top deck-builder streamers already battling in the StarVaders skies above here, here, here and here to see why they’re excited about the game, and learn the ropes to prepare for the demo’s new Challenger mode difficulty. 

StarVaders sets thrusters to full power to engage invading aliens today on PC via Steam ahead of October’s Steam Next Fest, available from Monday, Oct. 14 to Monday, Oct. 21. To learn more about piloting mechs in StarVaders, check out Pengonauts’s official website, and follow @starvaders_game and publisher @JoystickVenture on social media.

About Pengonauts

Pengonauts (formerly StarVaders Studio) is a Montreal-based three-person team delivering unique, fun, and memorable titles to share with the gaming community. StarVaders is their first commercial title and passion project.

About Joystick Ventures

Joystick Ventures is a California-based investing and publishing company whose main goal is to encourage indie developers to stay honest and promote experimentation to push the limits of game design across all genres, styles, and geographies. They are most known for their 2022 release, Lost in Play, which has sold more than 200,000 copies.

Complete with Lofi beats, the short puzzle game will feature a demo in Steam Next Fest ahead of its November launch.

Montreal, Canada, October 8, 2024 | DarZal Games is excited to announce their latest project, 6-Sided Stories, a cozy puzzle game coming to Steam on November 20th. A demo will be featured in October’s Steam Next Fest so players can trial this charming new title.

A Cozy Crew

6-Sided Stories is a short and cozy puzzle game featuring relaxing Lofi beats from independent artists. Each hand-drawn puzzle features hexagonal pieces that may be flipped or colored to correctly reveal the full picture. Each photo follows a crew of adorable animals as they make friends and experience wholesome adventures. Uncover vibrant fall foliage, snowy winter scapes, sunny beach days, and more alongside this eclectic bunch of animal friends!

Three Ways To Flip

6-Sided Stories features three ways to flip its hexagonal pieces: horizontal, vertical, or a color inversion. The game introduces players to each mechanic with different puzzles, letting you master each skill before progressing further. Over 40 puzzles are available to solve, each increasing in difficulty and combining different flip mechanics; as the pieces get smaller and the number of flips increases, even seasoned puzzlers may face a challenge! To create an approachable gameplay experience for all players, 6-Sided Stories features “Hints” to demonstrate which pieces need a flip. If a tile isn’t flipped after several seconds, an incorrect tile will wiggle to catch your attention.

Relax With Chill Beats

Accompanying your experience is a selection of independently produced Lofi tracks. These may be muted, and you can switch the track at any time. Details of each song are discreetly displayed in-game so you can save your favorites for future puzzles, and clicking on the album art reveals the artist’s SoundCloud or Bandcamp page so you can learn more. Enjoy the ambiance as you pass through the different seasons with your furry companions. Each puzzle image leads to the next, so you can follow the story of these four friends. A curious cat, a playful mouse, an energetic dog, and a caring family of pigeons are excited to share their adventures with you! 

Gameplay Features:

• Featuring 40+ puzzles, each image leads into the next to tell the charming tale of some adorable animals.
• Lofi tracks create a cozy and relaxing ambiance for players; these may be toggled off for a more focused experience.
• Learn the three ways to flip: horizontal, vertical, and by color.
• A crew of adorable companions awaits to share their seasonal adventures with you!
• The game’s “Hints” feature identifies puzzle pieces that need to be flipped so players can enjoy a stress-free experience.
• Chill tunes are provided with permission by independent artists, making 6-Sided Stories streamer-friendly!

6-Sided Stories comes to Steam on November 20th. Wishlist the game for a notification on launch! A demo of 6-Sided Stories will be featured during Steam Next Fest, so interested players can trial the game for free.

About DarZal Games

DarZal Games was founded by a husband-and-wife duo to make cozy and approachable games. As an indie studio, DarZal is focused on supporting other small creators and making games accessible to all players. Their games feature customizable controller schemes, support for one-handed play, colorblindness considerations, and are designed to run even on low-end systems. 

TOKYO, Japan – October 8, 2024 – Thirdverse is pleased to announce that the VR narrative action game SOUL COVENANT (Developed by Thirdverse Co., Ltd., CEO: Masaru Ohnogi, Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo) has won 11 categories, including 8 GRAND Winner awards, at the international NYX Game Awards.

At the NYX Game Awards, an international competition organized by the International Awards Associate (IAA) to recognize creative talent in the gaming industry and shine a light on a wide range of games from indie titles to AAA blockbusters, SOUL COVENANT won 8 GRAND Winner awards, the highest honor. Additionally, it received 3 Gold Winner awards.

GRAND Winner (Top Awards)
– Meta Quest VR Game – Best Game Design
– Meta Quest VR Game – Best Character Design
– Meta Quest VR Game – Best Visual Art
– Meta Quest VR Game – Role-Playing Game (RPG)
– Meta Quest VR Game – Action
– Meta Quest VR Game – Multiplayer
– Sony PlayStation Game – VR/AR
– PC Game – VR/AR

Gold Winner
– Meta Quest VR Game – Best Storytelling
– Meta Quest VR Game – Best Music
– Meta Quest VR Game – Best Narrative

SOUL COVENANT is set in a near-future, post-apocalyptic Japan, where humanity engages in epic battles against the machines. It emphasizes storytelling and immersive experiences, with intuitive and easy-to-use combat, making it accessible for first-time VR gamers.

Players who have not yet experienced SOUL COVENANT are encouraged to give it a try and immerse themselves in this post-apocalyptic adventure.

Website: https://soul-covenant.com/
Meta Quest：https://www.meta.com/experiences/6613144082114849/
PlayStation®VR2: https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10008098
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2237740/SOUL_COVENANT/

About Thirdverse, Co., Ltd

Founded in 2020, Thirdverse, Co., Ltd is a virtual reality game development, distribution and management company paving the path to the metaverse with two studios in Japan and the United States.

Thirdverse is experienced in sword-fighting multiplayer VR games and has expanded into PvP shooting, narrative-driven VR games and VR Esports. The studio has launched two successful VR co-op sword-fighting games “SWORDS of GARGANTUA” and “ALTAIR BREAKER” for Meta Quest 2 and PCVR. In November 2023, Thirdverse launched multiplayer VR hero shooter “X8” developed by its US Studio. In November, they announced that both titles are joining the lineup for PlayStation®VR2. Additionally, Thirdverse revealed in late 2023 that the core team of the Japanese favorite action RPG SOUL SACRIFICE had reunited with its studio to develop its spiritual successor “SOUL COVENANT” for VR. Thirdverse continues to drive a robust roadmap of VR titles and feature updates scheduled for release in 2024 and beyond. For more information, visit www.thirdverse.io.

(C) Thirdverse, Co., Ltd

Experience an ascent through randomly selected stages in this pastel platforming adventure.

BRYN MAWR, USA – October 8, 2024 – Sour Lemon Studios is thrilled to announce their latest title, Tower of Dreams, is out now in Early Access on Steam. The anticipated Nintendo Switch release is coming soon.

Hop to the Top

Tower of Dreams is a delightful roguelike platformer that challenges players with its exciting mechanics and technical skills. Embark on your adventures as the Dream Knight, wielding your sword against an array of enemies blocking your ascent up the Tower of Dreams. Featuring simple controls, ascend through the tower with well-timed wall jumps, bops, and leaps, besting the enemies and obstacles in your way. No two attempts will be the same, as you’re faced with a random selection of hand-crafted stages and mini-challenges with plenty of secrets to explore. 36 unique items await discovery alongside permanent upgrades and charming cosmetics.

Whimsical World of Color

Accompany the Dream Knight through a world of retro pixel art inspired by the Game Boy Color. A limited 13-color pastel palette gives the titular tower a nostalgic, ethereal feel, brought to life through three floors featuring their own unique mechanics and aesthetics. To clear each floor, players must complete three separate stages. Each stage is randomly selected from a pool, challenging players to adapt their strategies to overcome ever-changing obstacles. Fantasy settings, factory levels, and a sky garden set a distinct mood for each floor, each introducing new tests of technical prowess. With plenty of floors for a platforming adventurer, it’s up to you to lead your knight to victory!

If at First You Don’t Succeed…

While uncovering the tower’s secrets, players will find special items, passive abilities, and upgrades. These enhancements make each run in the tower a new expedition, encouraging tower-climbing hopefuls to experiment with different techniques and gameplay styles. Completing a level will provide players with a letter grade based on their performance, which they’ll be reminded of the next time they face the same level, challenging them to do better. Upon death, a small grave will be left behind containing an item the player had when they died, encouraging them to try, try again!

Features:

• Genre-bending Gameplay: Experience the nostalgia of a retro vertical platformer combined with challenging roguelike mechanics.
• Knight-in-Training: 36 collectible items are available throughout the game, introducing new mechanics to your run and strengthening your knight’s skills.
• Dress to Impress: Unlock and discover additional armor sets and cosmetics to customize your run as you explore what the tower has to offer.
• Nightmare Mode: After completing the tower in normal mode, try your hand at nightmare mode, where players take double damage and face elite variations of enemies.
• Progression Checkpoints: Those wanting to focus on platforming have the option to skip ahead to floors after reaching them for the first time.
• Catchy Tunes: Inspired by classic games like Kirby’s Adventure and Sonic CD, energetic melodies aim to pump players up as they progress through the game.

Tower of Dreams is out now on Steam. More information about Sour Lemon Studios–including updates on the game’s Nintendo Switch launch–can be found on their YouTube and Discord server.

About Sour Lemon Studios

Sour Lemon Studios is a Philadelphia-based indie game studio featuring the talents of designer Alex Parrotto and composer Tom Sanborn. Our company’s mission is to create fresh, innovative experiences that combine the quality of the classics with modern creativity. Tower of Dreams is our latest attempt to blend tight-as-nails platforming, a distinctive pastel pixel art aesthetic, and deep roguelike mechanics to deliver something truly unique. We hope you have as much fun playing it as we had making it!  

Electrifying Puzzle Adventure from Blue Brain Games Surges onto Steam; Featured in Upcoming Steam Next Fest

Bratislava, Slovakia – October 8, 2024. Acclaimed indie developer and publisher Blue Brain Games unveils the hotly anticipated demo for The House of Tesla, their latest puzzle adventure game. The demo, available today, offers players a first look into the electrifying world of Nikola Tesla and his mysterious Wardenclyffe facility.

Set in progressive era America, the demo showcases The House of Tesla’s unique blend of historical intrigue and innovative gameplay. Players step into the shoes of an enigmatic protagonist, tasked with unraveling the secrets behind Tesla’s abandoned ambitions. The game features groundbreaking electricity manipulation mechanics, allowing players to interact with their environment in ways never seen in the puzzle-adventure genre.

Key Features:

• Handcrafted puzzles inspired by Tesla’s inventions.
• Dynamic storytelling through non-linear narrative and revealing flashbacks.
• Stunning, historically inspired environments based on Tesla’s Wardenclyffe facility.
• Innovative electricity manipulation for unique puzzle-solving.

Players are encouraged to download the demo now, wishlist the game on Steam and lookout for The House of Tesla featured during the Steam Next Fest, running from October 14-21, 2024. During this event the developers will be live streaming the demo, along with commentary.

About Blue Brain Games

Blue Brain Games is an indie puzzle game studio from the heart of Europe. Our games focus on powerful storytelling and unique features to keep you, the player, having fun and coming back for more.

We strive to deliver incredible authenticity into every detail. With every new game, we aim for amazingly detailed and historically accurate storyline enhanced with our own layer of imagination. Our stories are built around real historical figures, who, even after several centuries, still have a strong aura of mystery around them: just like the great Nikola Tesla or Leonardo Da Vinci.

We’re masters of puzzles, brain twisters, baffling riddles and complex lockboxes hidden far beyond where any eye can see.

Close the program and return to 2011. GCORES Publishing is thrilled to announce that S4U: CITYPUNK 2011 AND LOVE PUNCH, a single-player visual novel by U0U Games, will participate in Steam Next Fest starting on October 14, 2024. This unique narrative-driven game takes players back to 2011 Castor Yard, where they’ll navigate the complex world of young adulthood, typing their way through meaningful decisions that impact both themselves and their clients.

In S4U: CITYPUNK 2011 AND LOVE PUNCH, players step into the shoes of Miki, a part-time online personality who balances relationships, work, and personal growth. The game offers a modern adventure that explores themes of love, identity, and a digital persona, allowing players to make choices that shape their interactions with over 20 unique characters across the vibrant world of Castor Yard.

With retro-inspired pixel art and immersive keyboard mechanics, players can enjoy a blend of nostalgic visuals and thought-provoking decision-making. Alongside navigating emotional relationships, S4U: CITYPUNK 2011 AND LOVE PUNCH also encourages players to embrace the charm of everyday life—whether it’s taking a walk, playing with cats, or revisiting cherished memories.

Key Features of S4U: CITYPUNK 2011 AND LOVE PUNCH include:

• Interactive Typing Gameplay: Make impactful decisions for Miki and their clients through a set of immersive keyboard mechanics 
• Retro Pixel Art Aesthetic: Enjoy a visually striking world reminiscent of 2010s nostalgia with a unique cyberpunk flair 
• Diverse Character Relationships: Meet and interact with more than 20 unique characters, each with their own backstories and romantic potential 
• Immersive Storytelling: Balance work, love, and personal growth in a story where every decision matters

S4U: CITYPUNK 2011 AND LOVE PUNCH’s demo is currently available on PC via Steam. To stay up to date with GCORES Publishing and U0U Games, follow the game on the official website, or join the community on Discord. 

LONDON, UK – October 8, 2024 – Will your civilization survive These Doomed Isles? Become a powerful god, create a new world and defend your followers from raiders, natural disasters and mythical monstrosities in These Doomed Isles, a strategic roguelike city building game leaving Steam Early Access and launching into 1.0 on October 30th.

Following an Early Access period that introduced a new playable god, new buildings, balancing tweaks, and quality of life improvements, These Doomed Isles’ 1.0 update on October 30th will introduce an all-new Campaign Mode, featuring unique missions for each of the game’s four playable gods.

Play through the game’s campaign as Cernunnos, the Celtic god of nature; Plutus, the Greek god of wealth; Acan, the Mayan god of wine; and Inari, the Japanese God of Rice and Prosperity, in scenarios showcasing their powers and abilities, while delving deeper into the lore of These Doomed Isles.

Discover the new Challenge Mode – a new and improved version of These Doomed Isles’ current Ascension Mode – and unleash your might through a series of increasingly difficult challenges, earning Miracle Credits to unlock new cards and improve your civilization’s chances of survival on future runs. Other additions coming at 1.0 include bug and stability fixes, and an enhanced user interface, allowing for an improved experience while building your godly deck.

Available now on Steam Early Access, These Doomed Isles is a roguelike survival city builder where players must forge new lands, build settlements, and lead their civilization to victory in strategic run-based gameplay. Craft your deck of cards to discover powerful combinations capable of bringing your followers bountiful harvests or raining devastation down upon your enemies, in a quest to keep your survivors thriving.

These Doomed Isles launches into 1.0 on Steam on October 30th.

About Triplevision Games

Triplevision Games Limited is a tiny gamedev studio with big ideas. We’re focused on creating games with character that push classic genres in new directions.

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.

• Royal Revolt Warriors takes players into fast-paced, top-down roguelike action, featuring intense, survivor-driven combat. Play solo or with friends, battling relentless enemies to protect the kingdom!
• A new demo is now available on Steam, offering a taste of the mayhem and action ahead. 
• Check out the new trailer!

Frankfurt/Main, Germany, October 8, 2024 | Upright Games is thrilled to bring the beloved heroes from the Royal Revolt series back into action-packed battles with the upcoming roguelite Royal Revolt Warriors, starting with the release of a new demo, now available on Steam.

After the great success of the first demo version, Upright Games is following up with an expanded version packed with many new features. Players can look forward to more heroes, additional levels, and a whole host of new features that make the combat in the kingdom and beyond even more exciting and varied.

The new trailer offers a preview of what players can expect in Royal Revolt Warriors:

Features of the Expanded Demo Version:

• Co-op Mode for Two Players: The perfect opportunity to experience daring adventures together!
• Fearless Heroes: Choose from a roster of unique characters, including the now-grown King, wielding his mighty sword, and the Advisor, equipped with her powerful boomerang. Umberto and the mysterious Cultist also join the fray, each with distinct playstyles and special abilities that cater to every strategy. 
• Three Diverse Environments: Embark on an epic journey through the Royal Forest, battle across the scorching Desert Canyon, and brave the harsh conditions of the Glacial Northland. Each setting offers dynamic challenges, unique enemies, and stunning visuals. 
• Revamped Combat: Unlock powerful new upgrades for your heroes and weapons, level up through a new difficulty curve, and face off against two reimagined boss fights that will test your tactical mastery. 

Royal Revolt Warriors is also part of Steam Next Fest, starting on October 14. Players can get a head start by diving into the action now with the release of the extensive demo, where you must defend your realm and fend off an invasion of evil forces!

For the latest updates, visit the official website.

About Upright Games

Upright Games is a team of experienced video game developers who use their passion to create outstanding gaming experiences. Upright Games builds long lasting, fun and engaging games because they value the time of the players. While doing that, it is important to them that they also enjoy the process of making video games – ‘cause after all, that’s what they’re here for!

Take a look at DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO’s opening movie and join the battle starting today as the early access for the game is now available for owners of the Deluxe and Ultimate Edition.

DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO, marks the comeback of the legendary Budokai Tenkaichi franchise after more than 15 years. Powered by the latest generation of consoles the game pushes the limits with gravity-defying 360 degrees fast paced battles in environment that are fully destructible with changing conditions. With its 182 characters roster the game offers the largest roster in a Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi game letting players incarnate their favourite characters unleashing their powerful and spectacular attacks.

DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO’s full release isset to 11 October 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Pre-orders of the game also received a new playable character, Goku (Mini) from the upcoming DRAGON BALL DAIMA anime.

For more information about DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO and other titles from Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.eu, or follow us on Instagram. Join the conversation on X.

©Bird Studio/Shueisha, Toei Animation – ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.

Leamington Spa, UK – October 8,2024 – Leading UK games publisher Kwalee and independent developer Clock Out Games are pleased to announce the release date for the upcoming co-op puzzle game In Sink. This stylised adventure game is coming to PC via Steam on November 12, 2024.

In Sink features 8 engaging levels, vibrant cartoony visuals and language-free puzzle design, and its prologue has been downloaded over two million times on Steam. An updated demo is available on Steam now for players to test their escape room skills ahead of the game’s launch.

Players can dive into In Sink with a friend, where being shipwrecked is just the beginning of a cooperative adventure. On this strange island, you’ll jump through portals to puzzling places, each with its own quirks and unique theme. In Sink offers 8 engaging levels, and as you leap from place to place together, you’ll begin to uncover the island’s mysteries. Together, you’ll need to think outside the box—and then escape from it.

In Sink is coming to PC via Steam on November 12, 2024

Wishlist the game on Steam and download the demo 

About In Sink

The path to freedom is full of portals! Your journey will take you through a hidden pirate ship, a mysterious art museum, a train that defies the laws of physics, and many more mind-bending settings stuffed with puzzles and challenges.

Progress through puzzles with language-less elements like shapes, signs, colours, and numbers, all designed to be colour-blind friendly. Turn wheels, flip levers, use scales, and press buttons and pressure plates to solve unique conundrums with your partner.

It’s crucial to stay ‘in sink’ with your partner! You’ll need to act as each other’s eyes and ears to solve puzzles and find a way out.

Features: 

• Eight engaging levels
• Vibrant cartoony visuals
• Language-free puzzle design
• Simple and accessible controls
• Two player co-op gameplay 
• Dynamic hint system helps without spoiling solutions

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 and ROBOBEAT along with upcoming titles The Precinct, The Spirit of the Samurai, Voidwrought, Hordes of Hunger, In Sink 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 Clock Out Games 

Clock Out Games is an indie game studio run by two creators focusing on making games you can play with anyone from anywhere. Our current project, “In Sink”, is a language-less cartoony co-op escape room game that’s been in development since 2022.