The long-running free to play MMORPG comes to consoles for the first time with full cross-platform play and enhanced controller experience

Berlin, Germany – 21 April 2026 –Albion Online, the free-to-play fantasy sandbox MMORPG developed by Sandbox Interactive is now available on Xbox Series X|S. The launch marks Albion Online’s first step into the console space, and brings the full experience to Xbox with cross-platform play, meaning players can jump into the same servers whether they’re on Xbox, PC or mobile, with the same characters, items and progression.

The game has been fully optimised for Xbox Series X|S, with UI and navigation systems specifically designed to ensure smooth, quick access to all menus and systems. Controller support has been updated and improved to ensure that gameplay remains responsive and competitive, while being easy to pick up for new players. These upgrades are now available across all platforms so players will have the same controller experience wherever they play.

For players with existing Albion Online accounts, these can be linked on Xbox to continue progress, and both new and existing players who link their account with Xbox Game Pass can unlock exclusive rewards. These include a vanity bundle and three days Premium, which offers benefits and bonuses for players to improve efficiency of in-game activities, and the ability to claim extra rewards.

Currently Albion Online’s creator event, The Crucible II is also running with over 100 creators taking part, including last year’s reigning champion Zizaran. The event sees creators form guilds and go head to head in a battle to earn the most points. For this year’s prize pool Albion Online has partnered with That Works to create weapons inspired by the game, including a massive Kingmaker sword for the winner, and Twin Slayer daggers for second and third places. You can check out the weapons being forged in a video shared below.

Albion Online Key Features:

• Console Optimisation: When Albion Online launches for Xbox Series X|S it will include a brand-new UI navigation flow, overhauled combat and accessibility features all designed to work smoothly for console players.
• Cross Platform Play: Albion Online is a true cross-platform MMO experience available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. One account lets you play on all platforms.
• Player Driven Economy: Nearly every item in the game is crafted by players which can be sold, bought and traded at local marketplaces all across Albion.
• Classless Combat System: In Albion, weapons and armour define a player’s skills meaning that switching playstyles is as easy as switching gear.
• Face Deadly foes: From solo to small-group to large-scale battles there’s an array of enemies to take on, including small scouting bands to massive bosses, to dungeons and full-blown faction bases.
• Put Down Roots: Players can claim land to make their own and use for growing crops to make into food and raising livestock and mounts. Houses can be kitted out with plenty of custom furniture.
• Explore A Vast World: With five vivid biomes, each with its own challenges, there’s plenty to discover as players seek out resources, dungeons, or the mystical Roads of Avalon.

Keep up to date with Albion Online on its website. Players can download the game for free on Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Game Store, Apple App Store and Google Play.

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 foremost sandbox MMORPGs, played by hundreds of thousands of players around the world. Whether you prefer to play as a hardened fighter, a farmer, a merchant or a master craftsman, in Albion’s player-driven world, everyone has a place. A “you are what you wear” system free from typical class restrictions lets players define their own roles within the game world. Each item crafted, enemy slain, and territory conquered has effects and consequences – because in the world of Albion, everyone matters.

About Sandbox Interactive GmbH
Sandbox Interactive is a game development studio in Berlin, Germany that develops and operates the cross-platform sandbox MMO Albion Online. Founded in 2012 with a core team of just three people, the studio has since expanded to over 90 employees. Sandbox Interactive follows the belief that the creation of your own world and interaction with other players are paramount to entertainment – and that these ideas are truly brought to life in the sandbox genre. With Albion Online, the studio has created a game that places compelling gameplay and the player experience squarely in the foreground.

14 years in the making, a long-awaited passion project reaches the finish line

Austin, Texas – April 21st, 2026 – Indie developer Realmsoft, in partnership with OI Games, today announced that weapon-building metroidvania Clockwork Ambrosia will officially launch May 12th on Steam. Blending fast-paced 2D action with deep weapon customization, Clockwork Ambrosia invites players to build their own arsenal through a wide range of modular upgrades, from screen-filling shot splitters to devastating missile barrages and precision sniper rounds.

“After 14 years of development, seeing Clockwork Ambrosia finally launch is incredibly meaningful for our team,” said Nathan Hiemenz, Founder and Developer at Realmsoft.“We set out to create a metroidvania where creativity is at the core of the experience, and May 12th marks the moment players can finally explore that vision for themselves.”

Players step into the boots of Iris, an airship engineer stranded on the mysterious island of Aspida following a near-fatal crash. What begins as a fight for survival quickly turns into a deeper mystery, as Iris uncovers a world where the island’s population has vanished, replaced by hostile machines and strange creatures.

Set across a richly detailed steampunk world, players will explore diverse biomes ranging from sky cities above the clouds to overgrown mushroom forests and the depths of sunken ruins. Along the way, Iris will encounter a cast of eccentric characters, from rogue AI allies to curious inhabitants, all while piecing together the truth behind Aspida’s downfall.

With its blend of classic metroidvania exploration and modern customization systems, Clockwork Ambrosia offers a fresh take on the genre, combining discovery, experimentation, and fast-paced combat.

Clockwork Ambrosia features:

• Side-scrolling action platformer with an authored, interconnected world to explore
• Six vastly different weapons, each offering unique mechanics
• 150+ modifications for simple and intuitive weapon-customization, offering endless experimentation
• Snappy crafting system lets players unlock new powers and abilities at their own pace
• Beautiful hand-drawn art bringing the world and characters to life
• Original score composed by Johnny Stixx
• A story of mystery, friends, robots, and at least one mysterious robot friend!

About Realmsoft: 
Realmsoft is an independent Austin, Texas-based game studio that seeks to bring deep, engaging gameplay systems together with earnest writing and colorful game worlds. Realmsoft was established in 2011 by DigiPen graduate Nathan Hiemenz. Nathan worked on Clockwork Ambrosia since the studio’s inception in 2011 before bringing aboard pixel-artist Maciej Kuczynski and ex-DigiPen classmate Michael Betts. The project really took off when the group hired Ian Clark as their full-time game designer in 2016. The group has worked together ever since. https://oi.games/clockwork-ambrosia

About OI Games: 
OI Games is a games developer and publisher based in the Pacific Northwest. Founded by hobbyist game designers in 2002 to create custom StarCraft maps and RPG Maker games, OI Games was reborn in 2022 to bring the dream of game development back to life. As long-term fans of the 16 and 32-bit era, we knew immediately we wanted to return to our earliest dreams of inspiration and storytelling while still bringing our own designs and interests to the genre. Our games are  born of that legacy and include Devil Lift, Tower Song, and Clockwork Ambrosia. https://oi.games/

The anniversary Kickstarter celebrates ten years of the acclaimed dark fantasy tabletop RPG, offering a more accessible entry point for first-time players and rich material for longtime fans

Stockholm, Sweden (April 21, 2026) | Today, Free League Publishing announced the Symbaroum Anniversary Kickstarter, celebrating ten years since the acclaimed dark fantasy tabletop RPG’s international launch. Launching in late May 2026, the campaign revisits the world of Symbaroum through revised core books and a hardcover setting expansion, designed to welcome first-time players while offering longtime fans more to explore.

As part of the anniversary project, the content of the original four core books has been reorganized into three revised hardcover volumes while preserving a standalone, all-in-one Core Rulebook. Together, the Core Rulebook, Gamemaster’s Guide, and Davokar Creature Codex are intended to provide a smoother, more user-friendly path into Symbaroum. Alongside the revised core books, City States of Vendilyn – A Ravaged Realm presents a new thrilling campaign setting for gaming groups to explore.

Symbaroum Anniversary Kickstarter Key Features

• Core Rulebook: Provides everything needed to bring Symbaroum to the table, including a tutorial adventure, guidelines for creating homebrew scenarios, and an introduction to the dark and foreboding Davokar region. 
• Gamemaster’s Guide: Offers advanced guidance for running Symbaroum, including support for campaign building, adventure creation, and optional rules for large-scale battles, advanced traps, and social scheming. 
• Davokar Creature Codex:  A detailed bestiary presenting the monsters and people players will encounter on their travels, featuring updated practical stat blocks while building on the legacy of the award-winning Monster Codex. 
• City States of Vendilyn – A Ravaged Realm: A full-color hardcover volume introducing the City States of Vendilyn as a campaign setting where survivors struggle to endure after the once-peaceful realm was devastated by the malevolent elves of Duskwood.

All volumes will be available in English and presented in premium hardcover format. Each book also features detailed illustrations by Martin Grip and Gustaf Ekelund, with Grip contributing new original character art for the Core Rulebook.

The Symbaroum Anniversary Kickstarter launches in late May 2026, and fans can sign up to follow the project here.

About Symbaroum

Symbaroum is an acclaimed fantasy tabletop RPG known for its dark and gritty world. First released in Swedish in 2014 and later translated into English for a worldwide release in 2016, the game has since grown into a line spanning more than a dozen hardcover books, along with supporting products such as card sets and maps. It supports a wide range of play styles, from action-heavy adventures and intrigue-driven stories to one-shot scenarios and long-form campaigns. Its flagship six-part campaign, Throne of Thorns, has helped define the setting for longtime fans.

Symbaroum is designed to be quick to learn, flexible in play, and easy to tailor for different groups. Its modular approach also supports optional rules and house rules for players who want added depth or customization.

About Free League Publishing

Free League Publishing is a game studio and publisher dedicated to speculative fiction based in Stockholm, Sweden. Voted Fan Favorite Publisher at the ENNIES in 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025, Free League has published a wide range of award-winning tabletop roleplaying games and acclaimed art books set in strange and wondrous worlds.

Our game portfolio includes Coriolis: The Great Dark, the renowned fantasy RPG Dragonbane (ENNIE Award winner 2024), the official Blade Runner RPG (winner of two Gold ENNIE Awards 2023), The One Ring (Gold ENNIE winner 2022), the official ALIEN RPG (Gold ENNIE for Best Game 2020), the Nordic horror game Vaesen (winner of three ENNIE Awards 2021), the pitch-black fantasy RPG MÖRK BORG (winner of four ENNIE Awards 2020) and its two spin-offs CY_BORG and PIRATE BORG, the alternate ’80s Tales from the Loop RPG (winner of five ENNIE Awards 2017, including Best Game), the retro-fantasy Forbidden Lands (winner of four ENNIE Awards 2019), the postapocalyptic Mutant: Year Zero (Silver ENNIE for Best Rules 2015), the blue-collar science fiction game Death in Space, the dark fantasy game Symbaroum, the weird-fantasy game Into the Odd Remastered, the new edition of the RPG classic Twilight: 2000 (Judges Award for Best RPG at UK Games Expo 2022), the official The Walking Dead Universe RPG, and The Electric State Roleplaying Game.

We have also published the art books Tales From the Loop, Things From the Flood, The Electric State, and The Labyrinth by the acclaimed visual storyteller Simon Stålenhag, as well as the illustrated editions of the Lovecraft classics The Call of Cthulhu, At the Mountains of Madness, and The Dunwich Horror by the praised artist François Baranger.

Time-Bending Narrative Adventure Announces Multi-Platform Release Alongside New Release Date Trailer

Milan, Italy — April 21, 2026 — Developer imaginarylab today announced that its narrative-driven sci-fi adventure Whirlight – No Time To Trip will launch May 14, 2026 on PC via Steam and later this year on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X and Series S.

Alongside the announcement, the team has released a brand-new Release Date Trailer, offering a deeper look at the game’s time-traveling mystery, colorful cast of characters, and distinctive artistic direction blending 2D animation with immersive 3D environments.

Whirlight – No Time To Trip invites players into a richly crafted adventure following Hector, a brilliant yet eccentric inventor whose life spirals into chaos when a mysterious experiment opens the door to unpredictable time-travel events. At his side is Margaret, a sharp and resourceful ally whose steady resolve helps ground Hector as reality begins to unravel.

As Hector and Margaret navigate fractured timelines and unexpected encounters, players will uncover a heartfelt story filled with humor, mystery, and poignant moments. Along the way they will meet unforgettable characters whose stories intertwine across time itself.

The adventure unfolds through classic point-and-click gameplay, creative puzzles, and cinematic storytelling set across a wide variety of locations and eras.

One of the game’s defining features is its distinctive visual identity, combining expressive 2D animated characters with detailed 3D environments to create a vibrant and imaginative world pre-rendered, delivered in stunning 4K in-game resolution.
 

Whirlight – No Time To Trip Key Features

• Unique Visual Style: A distinctive artistic direction blending 2D animated characters with rich 3D pre-rendered environments
• Time Travel Adventure: Explore multiple eras and locations where past, present, and future collide
• Creative Puzzles: Solve inventive challenges that require logic, observation, and imagination
• Compelling Story: A narrative-driven adventure filled with twists, humor, and emotional moments
• Memorable Characters: Meet a cast of unique personalities whose stories intertwine across time
• Over 100 explorable locations: Travel across diverse settings filled with secrets and discoveries

Whirlight – No Time To Trip will launch May 14, 2026 on PC via Steam and later on Nintendo Switch, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S in Q3 2026.

For more information, please visit the game’s Steam page.

About imaginarylab

imaginarylab is a video game studio created in 2015 and based in Italy. The team aspires to reimagine classic graphic adventures through the lens of modern technology. imaginarylab’s first title, Willy Morgan and the Curse of Bone Town, launched to positive critical and fan reception in August 2020 on Steam and GOG, June 2021 on Nintendo Switch, and June 2022 on Xbox and PS4. The studio’s second title, Whirlight No Time To Trip , is launching on PC via Steam on May 14 with Switch, Xbox, and PS4/PS5 platforms to follow. For more information, please visit https://imaginarylab.it/

Speaker submissions are now open for GCAP 2026

21 April 2026 – Games Connect Asia Pacific (GCAP) 2026 will take place in Melbourne from 5 – 7 October 2026, as part of the prestigious Melbourne International Games Week. This year, GCAP celebrates 20 years of serving the Australian games industry. The 2026 Australian Game Developer Awards will close out GCAP on 7 October. 

GCAP is a professional games conference, focusing on upskilling and building connections for mid-to senior-level video game practitioners.

In 2025, the global games industry experienced rapid shifts in direction, markets and technology. As an industry and community, these challenges were met with the enquiry, resilience, and collaboration that characterise those at the intersection of arts and technology. Accordingly, the content focus for this year is:

• Future Ready and what the next 1-5 years hold 
• I’M HERE! Making your mark so that you find your niche and stand out 
• Indie Indie Indie! The big hits and the opportunities
• Numbers Game how to understand and utilise your analytics.

With greater focus on advanced-level talks, GCAP 2026’s sessions will be designed not just to open discussion but to provide education and help the Australian video games industry and community develop and thrive. Attendees can expect in-depth talks for development disciplines, engaging roundtables, and keynotes grounded in reality to enhance professional development.

Last year saw the introduction of more formal networking sessions across the entire program, providing space for tailored industry specialists to come together and discuss pressing industry issues. Feedback from attendees showed these networking sessions resulted in numerous opportunities so they will form an integral part of the program.

We are looking for talented speakers, with submissions open now. These can reflect the suggestions outlined above or be a separate area that you feel the industry would benefit from hearing. Learn more here.

As part of GCAP, join IGEA on Wednesday, October 7^, to celebrate the 2026 Australian Game Developer Awards (The AGDAs). This year, The AGDAs will take pride of place as the closing ceremony for GCAP, marking a stunning year of the best Australian talent. Last year’s winner, The Drifter from Powerhoof Games went on to win the D.I.C.E Award for outstanding achievement in story. More details about the AGDAs will be revealed soon.

GCAP and The AGDAs would not be possible without the generous support of our industry partners. If you would like to support the Australian games industry, please reach out to our Sponsorship Team to discuss available sponsorship opportunities.

Keep an eye on the GCAP website as more information becomes available and stay in the loop by signing up to our GCAP newsletter (details on the website). If you have any questions or enquiries, please reach out to:

About GCAP

Games Connect Asia Pacific (GCAP) is Australia’s premier professional development and networking event for the game development industry, focused on up-skilling and connecting the Australian sector via education, knowledge sharing and the provision of extended personal and business networks. GCAP caters to a range of disciplines and has grown and attracted an engaged audience and esteemed speakers from around the world.

As of 2020, GCAP has been run by the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) – the peak industry association representing the voice of Australian and New Zealand companies in the computer and video games industry.

For more information, please visit https://gcap.com.au/

Descend Beneath The Wastelands of Kronus All Hail The Omnissiah!

21st April 2026: Deep Silver and KING Art Games revealed the second of four in-game CGI narrative sequences for Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV, this time focusing on the Adeptus Mechanicus and their relentless pursuit of ancient technology.

Making its debut in the Dawn of War series, the Adeptus Mechanicus enters as a new playable faction.

The Adeptus Mechanicus CGI Overview

Following on from the previous CGI chapter, each cinematic serves as an introduction to one of the four playable factions. This time, the focus shifts to the Adeptus Mechanicus, the Omnissiah’s devoted servants, driven by an unrelenting pursuit of knowledge and ancient technology.

• The Adeptus Mechanicus CGI trailer follows Magos Dominus Nulpherus-1 and a fellow tech priest as they descend into what they believe to be a long-buried Necron tomb, driven by their pursuit of lost knowledge. At first, the structure appears dormant, its secrets waiting to be uncovered…
• …but the deeper they go, the clearer it becomes: the tomb is not as silent as it seems
• Necron forces begin to awaken, turning a calculated exploration into a chaotic firefight within the collapsing ruins. With the situation rapidly spiralling out of control, Magos Nulpherus-1 is forced into a fighting retreat
• Salvation comes in the form of Sicarian Ruststalkers, cutting through the darkness as the Adeptus Mechanicus make their escape. What starts as a mission of discovery quickly becomes a battle to survive

This Adeptus Mechanicus CGI is the second of four factions reveals in Dawn of War IV. Stay tuned for the rest!

About Dawn of War IV

Dawn of War IV delivers an unforgettable sci-fi RTS experience set within a faithful recreation of the beloved Warhammer 40,000 universe. Take charge of four factions in an epic story that spans multiple non-linear campaigns, clash with other players in tense multiplayer combat, and enjoy fan-favourite modes including Last Stand, Skirmish and more!

Visit dawnofwar4.com for more details.

About KING Art Games  

KING Art is an independent game developer, celebrating 25 years of experience in creating high-quality games for all major platforms. More than 100 employees across several teams are located at the offices in Bremen, Germany and work with about as many freelancers around the globe. Founded in 2000, KING Art has since released more than 50 titles in different genres, with a focus on narrative games, RPGs and strategy games. The company and its games have received multiple prestigious awards, including Best Strategy Game and Best Development Studio, multiple German “Games of the Year” and “Studio of the Year” awards.

KING Art is a licensed developer for Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo platforms and a member of Verband der deutschen Games-Branche (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.

About Deep Silver  

Deep Silver is PLAION’s flagship publishing label, and the home of captivating gaming worlds from the gripping post-apocalypse of Metro, to the twisted paradises of Dead Island to the authentic Medieval landscapes of Kingdom Come Deliverance. For more information, please visit www.deepsilver.com

About Games Workshop®

Games Workshop® Group PLC (LSE:GAW.L), based in Nottingham, UK, produces the best fantasy miniatures in the world. Games Workshop designs, manufactures, retails, and distributes its range of Warhammer® Age of Sigmar® and Warhammer® 40,000® games, miniatures, novels and model kits through more than 570 of its own stores (branded Games Workshop® or Warhammer®), the www.games-workshop.com  web store and independent retail channels in more than 50 countries worldwide. More information about Games Workshop and its other, related brands and product ranges (including our publishing division ‘Black Library’ and our special resin miniatures studio ‘Forge World’) can be found at www.warhammer.com.

Today, Ubisoft announced that Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced will be officially unveiled during a dedicated Showcase, airing on 24 April at 2:00 AM AEST on the following channels:

Back in 2023, it was shared that the original Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag has reached over 34 million players, highlighting its lasting impact on the franchise and its community.

For the latest news about Assassin’s Creed and other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.  To purchase, please visit store.ubisoft.com.

About Assassin’s Creed         

Since it first launched in 2007, the Assassin’s Creed^TM series has sold more than 230 million games worldwide. The franchise is now established as one of the best-selling series in video game history. Recognised for having some of the richest, most engrossing storytelling in the industry, Assassin’s Creed transcends video games, branching out into numerous other entertainment media.  

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed^TM, Brawlhalla®, For Honor®, Far Cry®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon®, Just Dance®, Rabbids®, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, The Crew® and Tom Clancy’s The Division®. With a Ubisoft+ subscription, players can access new releases, premium editions and extra content on Day One on PC, console and cloud. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €1.85 billion. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.

© 2026 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Assassin’s Creed, Black Flag, Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are registered or unregistered trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the US and/or other countries. Developed and published by Ubisoft.

London, UK – April 20, 2026 – Hear ye, hear ye, dearest Steam player! Mayhap thou find a bargain betwixt Mythwright’s lineup of titles reduced for this week’s Steam Medieval Fest?

Available until April 27th, grab a discount on a range of Mythwright’s latest medieval-themed releases, including a mighty 35% discount on minimalist strategy game Thronefall, 20% off medieval settlement builder Going Medieval, and 50% off strategy typing game Touch Type Tale.

Create medieval masterpieces with a 20% launch discount on Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts, which joins Steam Medieval Fest shortly after its release last week. And get the biggest discount yet on swordsmithing fantasy RPG Bladesong, just in time for today’s launch of the game’s first major Early Access content update: Chapter 2: The Shattered Mask.

While you’re browsing the games on sale, be sure to wishlist Innkeep, an upcoming tavern sim/retro adventure with a mischievous twist, coming soon to Steam.

Mythwright – Steam Medieval Fest Highlights:

• Bladesong – 20% off – Free update ‘Chapter 2: The Shattered Mask’ available today
• Going Medieval – 20% off
• Innkeep – Coming Soon – Add to your Steam Wishlist!
• Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts – 20% off 
• Thronefall – 35% off
• Touch Type Tale – 50% off

Founded by industry veterans in 2024, Mythwright is a UK-based publisher with a focus on spotlighting awesome indie games. The publisher’s upcoming titles include vehicular Survivors-like TerraTech Legion, launching on PC, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Game Pass on April 30th, Kaiju Cleanup, Cozy Marbles, Cleaner Company, Innkeep, and Deadstick – Bush Flight Simulator.

ABOUT MYTHWRIGHT
Mythwright is an independent publisher founded by industry veterans. Established in 2024, Mythwright has already signed a range of exciting titles including Thronefall, Kaiju Cleanup, TerraTech Legion, TerraTech Worlds, TerraTech, Going Medieval, Cleaner Company, Cozy Marbles, Galacticare, War for the Overworld, Bladesong, Innkeep, Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts, Deadstick – Bush Flight Simulator and Touch Type Tale – Strategic Typing.

Sand Sailor Studio and Thunderful have today released a new update for ASKA that adds an appropriately themed layer of celebration and community to your Viking settlement as Steam Medieval Fest kicks off. More than 600,000 players have checked out ASKA during the game’s Early Access period. The new Hearth & Honey update and a 20% discount for the duration of the Medieval Fest makes now the perfect time to join the growing Viking-hordes in festival spirit as the mood shifts from raiding to bees and delicious mead.

Hearth & Honey brings a whole new production chain to the game, centered around beekeeping and brewing mead. It starts with a voyage out to the marsh islands to track down wild beehives and ends with your villagers raising a horn at the newly added taverns, which can now also be upgraded to tier 3. Stocking your taverns with this tasty liquid gold provides a new way to manage your tribe’s needs and keep their spirits high.

Hearth & Honey is the latest in a relentless stream of content, following 8 major updates and numerous patches – including the game-changing Seaborne Raiders expansion which brought longships and naval exploration to the world.

Join the ASKA community on Discord.

List of Features in Hearth & Honey

• New Brewery building: Brewers harvest honey from available Bee Houses and turn it into mead. Apart from honey, he requires empty mead barrels and water.
• New Bee House building:  Constantly produces honey once built. It will, however, lower an area’s desirability – these bees sting! 
• New Wild Beehive resource: Found on Marsh Islands. Bees make their hives in high-up, safe places, so you’ll have to figure out a way to bring the hive down.
• Honey!: Sweet gold made by bees. Provides a bit of sustenance and gives a short stamina buff. Key ingredient for mead. Produced by Bee Houses.
• Mead Barrels and Empty Barrels: The Workshop House (Tier3) can now craft empty barrels to be used by the Brewer. Barrels are reusable.
• Drinking Horn: You can now craft Drinking Horns, which act as mead containers, allowing you to take your mead to-go! 
• New Warehouse Storages: Honey and barrels each have their own new storages at the warehouse.
• Tavern House (Tier3): The new Tavern level now allows villagers to drink mead at the tables. The Tavern has a large new mead barrel, which the tavern worker will supply with mead barrels.
• Settlement Storage Statistics: Players can now see how stored items and resources increase or decrease over time, thanks to a new graph interface that makes it much easier to understand how your settlement and outposts are performing in terms of resource production.
• Crawler Hunting: Hunters now have the ability to delve into mines to hunt crawlers.

[Toronto, Canada] – April 20, 2026 – Reverie World Studios and indie.io are proud to announce City States: Medieval is now available on Steam as part of Steam’s Medieval Fest. In the latest entry in Reverie’s long-running series of hybrid strategy games, players are invited to test their skills as statesmen and leaders, trying to survive as a city-state among greater kingdoms, competing for trade, power, and wealth across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East – aided by heroic leaders who put a new twist on strategy, from commerce to warfare.

The city-state is the heart of the game, allowing players to experience the 12th century and the last of the medieval renaissances from a new perspective, the great trading cities of the era. Players can pick one of three starting options, each offering a different set of circumstances and challenges: Genoa, located on the Italian Peninsula among fractious states, offers an experience focused on trade and diplomacy; Granada, in Andalusia, requires players to balance defense against the encroaching Christian kingdoms with expanding the economy and managing internal politics; finally, Novgorod in the East focuses on establishing an economic powerhouse surrounded by hostile principalities and nomadic raiders.

Commerce is key to surviving in the High Middle Ages, with twelve trading goods – from honey to spices – available for trade. However, beyond wealth it is heroic leaders who determine the fate of the city-states they rule. Found on the frontlines of diplomacy and warfare, these historic figures enable full control over surrounding units and cities, acting as main characters of the story written by the players’ actions. They can dispatch them to negotiate with foreign powers, establish outposts in faraway lands, participate in Crusades, or keep them home, focusing on protecting the homefront against encroaching enemies.

Without the hero present, players may only issue high-level orders, turning their location into a strategic consideration – especially in high stakes battles where they become a powerful force multiplier, enabling real time control of battles. Here, Reverie polished and refined the experience, combining battle-tested tactical combat mechanics with elements of tower defense, to depict the brutal sieges of cities and fortresses synonymous with medieval times.

The resulting complex strategic gameplay ensures a unique challenge for fans of the genre and newcomers alike, paired with a story-driven experience showcasing the challenges and opportunities faced by medieval city-states.

High Middle Ages, high risk, high stakes in a unique hybrid real-time strategy game: Lead a city-state to victory today!  City States: Medieval is now available for $19.99 USD on Steam and is available through the indie.io store. 

ABOUT REVERIE WORLD STUDIOS 

Reverie World Studios, founded in Toronto, Canada in 2007, boasts a completed next-gen game engine, five previously released titles, and a talented team ready to seize opportunities in the expanding interactive entertainment market. Drawing from diverse global talent, including North America, Europe, and Australia, the team behind the Kingdom Wars series operates in a multicultural environment, leveraging virtual office technology for over a decade to streamline operations. Inspired by Canada’s game development successes, Reverie aims to excel as a leading exporter of interactive media, focusing on innovation and fostering a concentrated talent pool. 

ABOUT INDIE.IO

indie.io is home to over 100 of the world’s best independent video games and developers. Our platform was built to provide independent developers with the resources, services, and management tools needed for success. Through collaboration and passion, we strive to cultivate a diverse and vibrant gaming landscape that resonates with players and creators alike!