A year of survival, community, and constant evolution precedes exciting new content update launching this month

One year after entering Early Access, Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days is celebrating a major milestone, marking 12 months of constant evolution, community-driven development, and relentless survival in Walton City. To celebrate, PikPok has released a set of anniversary infographics highlighting the game’s first year in Early Access, showcasing key player stats and the following achievements.
 
Over the past year, the game has grown significantly with 9 major updates and 23 minor updates, delivering more than 1,000 additions, improvements, and fixes. Players were introduced to 5 new recruitable characters, 4 new starting characters, 7 throwables, and 2 new escape routes, alongside support for 11 languages, welcoming players from around the world.
 
This journey has been shaped by a passionate and growing community, reflected in a 92% positive recent review score, nearly 100,000 Steam followers, and over 9,000 Discord members.
 
Over the course of the year, Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days won 3 NYX Game Awards for Environment Design, PC Game Horror, and PC Game Art Direction. The game has also received 6 award nominations, including Most Anticipated Game (17th Unity Awards), Game of the Year (2025 Horror Game Awards), and Best Gameplay (Gamescom LATAM BIG Festival 2026).
 
The journey continues with a new update arriving on April 28, 2026, bringing even more content and improvements to the experience.
 
Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days Early Access is available on Steam for $24.99 on PC, Mac, and Steam Deck.
 
For more information, visit the official website.

About PikPok
PikPok® is a leading developer and publisher of critically acclaimed games across PC, console, and mobile. We give players rich gaming experiences with intuitive gameplay, highly polished art, and immersive audio design. Our 200-person team across New Zealand and Colombia has created the Into the Dead® series, the Rival Stars® franchise, the BAFTA-nominated Super Monsters Ate My Condo™, and the critically acclaimed Shatter® and Shatter Remastered Deluxe®, plus many more.

Soak up the sounds of more than 40 iconic tracks on a tropical-themed Sea and Sand 2LP set

London, United Kingdom (April 16, 2026) – Laced Records and Mintrocket are joining the Bancho Sushi Crew to serve up the sublime soundtrack for Dave the Diver on vinyl for the very first time.

The 2LP set includes 40 specially mastered tracks spanning the most iconic moments in Mintrocket’s adventure RPG and management sim, from discovering ancient civilizations in the deep depths of the Blue Hole and working manic night shifts behind the Bancho Sushi counter to intense battles with giant squids and high-speed boat chases.

The Laced Records Exclusive Edition features Sea and Sand two-colour vinyl discs reflecting the game’s tropical vibe and Dave’s adventures above and underwater. A Standard Edition featuring traditional black discs is also available via Laced Records and third-party retailers.

Both versions of this 2LP set feature cover art and printed inner sleeves with musical-themed illustrations of Dave, Bancho, and the rest of the crew. The blue palette of the first inner sleeve reflects the depths of the Blue Hole, while warmer orange tones on the second inner sleeve echo the shoreline and sushi bar above

Released in 2023, Dave the Diver’s unique blend of adventure-focused exploration and management sim mechanics has captured the hearts of millions of players around the world as it continues to evolve with the new DLC expansions. 

The game’s soundtrack, which features a powerhouse of composers, is a sonic reflection of the game’s diverse world and its hybrid gameplay mechanics, spanning everything from serene aquatic soundscapes and J-pop karaoke songs to funky hip-hop beats and high-energy EDM bangers.

D’Anthoni Wooten, one of the composers who worked on Dave the Diver, says:

“On the surface, Dave the Diver seems like a game built around pure fun, but it has a much deeper meaning. It highlights the action of pushing your limits further and further as you dive deeper into the ocean. I wanted to showcase this through my music by exploring a variety of different genres and styles, while also experimenting with different sound palettes.

“That’s why you can hear a wide range of pieces within the soundtrack, including hip-hop, R&B, ambient electronic, country, and a variety of other genres. Like the story, people are brought to the Blue Hole from different parts of the world, so I wanted to create music that reflects this by appealing to different people and cultures. Music brings people together, and I’ll always be thankful to Mintrocket for giving me the freedom to write music with an open mind.”

Jukio Kallio, another composer who worked on Dave the Diver, says: 

“Working on the diving music for Dave the Diver was really fun. I created smooth synthesizer sounds and built interlaced rhythms with them that paints a picture of deep and complex underwater currents.”

Pre-orders can be made here: http://lnk.to/dave-the-diver-vinyl

About Laced

Laced is the world’s leading video game soundtrack record label, with over 300 releases to date across vinyl, CD and digital.

We create the best special edition vinyl sets on the market for games new and old, from the biggest blockbusters to the most intimate indies. Releases include music from Assassin’s Creed, Bloodborne, Borderlands, Sid Meier’s Civilization, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, DOOM, Fallout, God of War, Halo, HITMAN, The Legend of Zelda, Metal Gear Solid, Monster Hunter, Resident Evil, SILENT HILL, Street Fighter, TEKKEN, and Yakuza.

Laced is a part of Keywords Studios.

About DAVE THE DIVER

DAVE THE DIVER, which enjoyed global critical acclaim upon its Steam Early Access launch in 2022 and subsequent 1.0 release in 2023, is a charming single-player adventure RPG hybrid that has since released on additional platforms including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 1, Nintendo Switch 2, and now for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. The game follows Dave through his adventures in the mysterious abyss that is the Blue Hole, an everchanging underwater oasis teeming with life…and peril.

Masterfully blending exploration, business management sim, and fishing precision, DAVE THE DIVER sees players explore the deep sea by day, completing various missions and side quests, and run an exotic sushi restaurant by night. Supported by an eclectic cast of friends and partners, Dave tackles the intricacies of life, business, sea conservationism, and no shortage of underwater giants and the secrets of an ancient civilizations everywhere.

About MINTROCKET

MINTROCKET is a South Korea–based game studio dedicated to delivering fun, memorable interactive experiences. Guided by a passion for creativity across genres, the studio strives to contribute to a world where new, imaginative games can coexist. MINTROCKET believes that great games are defined by the players themselves, a philosophy reflected in the global success of the hybrid marine adventure with a sushi twist, Dave the Diver. With a focus on engaging gameplay and immersive worlds, MINTROCKET continues to develop unique, inspiring titles that resonate with gamer

Walnut Creek, California — April 16, 2026 | Maximum Entertainment and Polychroma Games are pleased to announce that Until Then, the award-winning cinematic visual novel, will launch on Xbox Series X|S on 23 April 2026.

Previously released on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, Until Then has captivated players worldwide with its emotional storytelling, striking pixel-art visuals, and mysterious narrative.

Set in a beautifully stylized world, the game follows Mark Borja, a high school student navigating everyday life while confronting a growing sense that something isn’t quite right. As strange events begin to unfold, players are drawn into a deeply personal and suspenseful journey where every interaction matters.

Blending narrative-driven gameplay with interactive elements and a rich soundtrack, Until Then invites players to uncover the truth hidden beneath the surface—before time runs out.

Until Then launches on Xbox Series X|S 23 April 2026. Learn more at https://untilthengame.com

About Maximum Entertainment

Maximum Entertainment is a global entertainment company dedicated to crafting indie to AA video game experiences through original content and licensed partnerships. A fully integrated group with a broad portfolio of content, the company emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity in its partnerships to produce the highest level of interactive entertainment. With more than 300 titles in its catalog, Maximum Entertainment has joined forces with talented creators and renowned franchises around the globe to deliver magic to the gamer in everyone. Maximum Entertainment employs experienced professionals across the entire value chain of video games including development, publishing, transmedia, sales, and operations.

About Polychroma Games

Polychroma Games is an independent game studio based in the Philippines seeking to explore and push the envelope of story in play. Our team believes that video games hold awesome potential as a medium of storytelling. We entwine the interactivity of play and the power of narrative into one.

Play as Germany in the Blitzkrieg East Scenario, now available in the first preview demo of Kraken Studio’s latest grand strategy title.

Boca Raton, FL, 16th April 2026 | Kraken Studios, known for its WarPlan series and Kingdom Dungeon and Hero, is excited to announce that the preview demo for Total Victory: World Conflict 1939-1945 is now available on Steam. In this first preview, play as Germany in the short Blitzkrieg East Scenario and attempt to invade the Soviet Union in the summer of 1941.

Command Key Players of WWII from 1939 to 1945
Pulling inspiration from classic wargames, such as ADG’s World in Flames, SPI’s ETO, and others, Total Victory is a grand strategy wargame that allows players the chance to experience the entirety of World War II in a variety of different ways. It combines moderate complexity and divisional-level strategy with historically inspired units and production. Play as any major nation from the Axis, Allies, or Comintern. Manage production, military units, and prominent historical commanders. Lead land, naval, and air forces against rival nations.

Realistic World Map and Tile-Based System
In Total Victory, a modified Mercator map with colorful silhouettes highlights military units unique to each nation. Manage the deployment of a wide range of period-based military units used throughout the war, each with unique attributes. Use land units such as paratroopers and marines to engage the enemy from the front lines, and select from a wide variety of aircraft models to attack from above. Capital warships and convoys will also be available in future updates to turn the seaports of trade to your favor. Monitor your nation’s overall manpower and oil, as they could be crucial to the war’s outcome. Ore fuels the industry that produces war materials like weapons, tanks, and support units. Through continued research, explore over twenty technological advances that unlock new units, combat enhancements, and intelligence to enhance your nation’s army.

Strategy-First Gameplay 
Total Victory replaces the pain of endless menu-clicking often found in other popular RTS games with an easy-to-use interface. With an automatic reinforcement and supply mechanic, players can now focus more on making strategic decisions rather than unit upkeep. Players can also enjoy multiple ways to play. Battle against an AI opponent and enable add-on bonuses for rival alliances in readiness, production, and more for an increased challenge. Exchange your latest moves through PBEM or play pass-and-play on a single PC against a friend in Hotseat mode.

Demo Now Live on Steam
Players interested in getting a first look at Total Victory can now try the initial preview on Steam. With more upcoming updates from Kraken Studios, players can get a taste of the land and air mechanics available in this first scenario.

Demo Features:

• Play as Germany in the Blitzkrieg East Scenario, covering the initial stages of Barbarossa from June to September 1941
• Control a wide variety of land and air units, including motorized infantry, armor, and mountain units, with even more unit types available
• Modified Mercator Map with a tile-based hex system, bringing grand strategy to a playable level
• Research 20+ technology slots for new combat units, modifiers, and intelligence

Try the first preview of Total Victory: World Conflict 1939-1945, now available on Steam, and add it to your wishlist to receive all future updates. For more information about Kraken Studios and their other titles, visit their official website.

About Kraken Studios
Our goal is to create strategy games of moderate complexity and high depth in niches that have not been fulfilled. Taking the time to create a good, well-researched game is our priority.

Goblinz Studio launches its fast-paced roguelike sports battler on PC & consoles. Play the demo and grab it now with special launch discounts

April 16, 2026. Step onto the court and prepare for chaos! Smash it Wild, the tactical turn-based sports battler blending volleyball and dodgeball in a vibrant fantasy world, is available now onPC via Steam, Xbox X|S, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. Published by Goblinz Studio, the game launches today at $11.99 / €11.99 / £9.99*, with a limited-time 20% discount onSteam and a free demo also available on Steam, PS5, Xbox and Nintendo Switch for players ready to test their skills.

In Smash it Wild, players enter a high-stakes tournament where every match is a tactical showdown. Combining the precision of turn-based strategy with the unpredictability of roguelike progression, each game becomes a battle of positioning, timing, and clever decision-making. Victory demands more than skill; it requires adaptability.

Build your ultimate team from a roster of unique animal champions, each with distinct abilities, playstyles, and strategic potential. Train them, equip powerful items, and discover devastating synergies to outplay opponents and survive the competition. But be warned: in this roguelike tournament, defeat means starting from scratch.

Between matches, players must carefully manage their team, choosing upgrades, navigating random events, and making tough decisions that directly impact their path to victory. Take risks, complete optional challenges for greater rewards, and refine your strategy with every run.

Key Features

• Turn-based tactical matches blending volleyball and dodgeball mechanics
• Roguelike progression where every run is different, and every loss resets the journey
• Unique teams and synergies with diverse animal champions and playstyles
• Deep team management between matches with upgrades, items, and events
• Optional challenges and risk/reward systems for bigger payoffs.
• Colourful sailpunk fantasy world full of charm and chaos

Set in a vibrant sailpunk-inspired universe, Smash it Wild delivers a fresh twist on sports and strategy, where no two runs are ever the same, and every match could be your last.

Smash it Wild is available now on Steam, Xbox X|S, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. Buy today, jump into the tournament, or try the demo first, then build your team and fight your way to the top.

* Pricing may differ due to conversion rates. Check locally for exact pricing.  

About Goblinz Publishing Goblinz is an indie game developer and publisher based in France specializing in strategy and management games. The studio’s first title Dungeon Rushers debuted in 2016. Following the game’s successful launch, the studio followed up with Robothorium, released in 2018 and has since worked on numerous other titles such as Legend of Keepers, Hero’s Hour, Shogun Showdown, Microtopia, and more.

Europeans can show pride in their carpark heritage as cult indie hit doubles in size with new tracks inspired by real multistories

Los Angeles, CA – April 16th, 2026 – Parking Garage Rally Circuit – solo-dev Walaber’s cult hit indie title that puts rally racing with Mario Kart-inspired physics into the confines of car parks – is doubling in size when the new European Tour DLC comes to Steam on April 27th. The European Tour doubles the size of the game, adding 8 multistorey car parks inspired by real locations to drift through on top of the original 8 American parking garages, as well as a full new soundtrack from The Holophonics, the band behind the catchy tunes that graced the original. A release date for the console versions of Parking Garage Rally Circuit and European Tour will be announced at a later date. 

Visit multistory car parks in Paris (Art Car Park), York (York Castle Car Park), Turin (Car Factory), Montpellier (Double Loop), Hamburg (Concert Hall), Copenhagen (Power Plant), Geneva (Parking Tour) and Naples (Cave Park) as you drift and boost your way to victory in the single-player mode, or against other players online. These locations are all inspired by real multistorey carparks, though the odd underwater tunnel or falling stalactites may suggest a touch of artistic liberty.

Designed to look, feel and sound like a lost Sega Saturn game that could have been released in 1998, Parking Garage Rally Circuit delivers delightfully fun racing that’s easy to pick up and play with its chainable Mario Kart-style boosts, but requires skill to master as you unlock new car classes and compete to top the leaderboards. Head online to create and join lobbies of up to 8 players and race on any track, with any car class, gaining points after each race. The game also features an arcade-style ‘Endurance’ mode where you keep doing laps until you run out of time and cheat codes to discover that unlock fun modifiers, as well as special cars and tracks.

While players are waiting for the European Tour to hit on April 27th, the base version of Parking Garage Rally Circuit featuring 8 American car parks to race in is available now on Steam for $9.99 / €8.99 / £8.50. If you can’t wait at all, Parking Garage Rally Circuit DX, a version of the game that features the base title plus all the European Tour content, is available now Wavedash for $14.99.

About Walaber
A lifelong and constant creator, Tim found his calling in game development.  Tim got his start in the games industry at Disney, creating the company’s biggest early App Store successes “JellyCar” and “Where’s My Water?”. Tim is now a full-time independent creator, releasing solo games under the name “Walaber” (Pro Gymnast Simulator, JellyCar), and is also half of the two-person game company “Toyful Games” (Very Very Valet).

Enjoy your stay in the worst place on earth!

Madrid, Spain – 16 April, 2026. Meridiem is pleased to announce that I Hate This Place Elena’s Edition will launch for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on 29th May, 2026. Developed by Rock Square Thunder and digitally published by Feardemic, in partnership with Skybound Entertainment, I Hate This Place is a craft-focused, isometric survival horror game filled with twisted monsters and warped realities, all wrapped in a bold comic book art style and dripping with an ’80s horror vibe.

Meridiem is responsible for designing and manufacturing the physical Elena’s Edition of I Hate This Place for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, which will be the only physical boxed edition available during the launch period, and will include a copy of the game, a special effect cover, a secret letter from Elena, and an artbook.

I Hate This Place is inspired by Skybound’s Eisner Award-nominated comic book series created by writer Kyle Starks and artist Artyom Topilin.

Players take on the role of Elena, whose fight for survival begins when she and her friend unwittingly summon a malevolent force. Outmatched and hunted in a hostile world, players will need to stay vigilant, loot their surroundings, and pick their battles carefully against formidable foes, many of which hunt you by sound.

Watch the trailer for I Hate His Place here

Features

• Classic craft-based survival horror: scavenge every corner of Rutherford Ranch to stay alive. From haunted forests, a derelict town, to infested bunkers. Explore a world teeming with danger as you gather vital resources, craft essential gear, upgrade your campsite, and rebuild outposts to have somewhere to hide.
• Day prepares you, night hunts you: a dynamic day-night cycle that changes the world. Use daylight wisely to explore, scavenge supplies, craft what you need, and prepare for what’s coming. When night falls, the real nightmares come out to play. More enemies appear, stronger and more aggressive than before. The landscape becomes harder to navigate with just your flashlight. Sometimes your best hope is to find shelter and hunker down till morning.
• Deadly silence goes a long way: stealth and combat go hand-in-hand here as many of the twisted creatures in Rutherford Ranch hunt and stalk you by sound alone. Brute force will often just land you in an early grave. Use sound to your advantage, luring creatures away from your path or cleverly leading them straight into deadly traps you laid.
• 80’s vibes meets coming book flair: inspired by the award-nominated comic book series created by Kyle Starks and Artyom Topilin, I Hate This Place comes to life with bold colors, a punchy retro comic book style, and a heavy dose of ’80s flair. A unique blend of horror, dark humor, and just the right touch of camp and gore where unsettling dread meets stylized charm.

I Hate This Place will launch as a physical edition for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on May 29, 2026. You can now pre-order the physical edition via specialist stores across Europe and America (Standard Edition).

For more information, visit Meridiem’s I Hate This Place product page here 

ABOUT MERIDIEM

We are Meridiem, a video game publisher and distributor in love with its culture, which we protect and pass on in order to preserve it. We do this by fostering talent through investment in independent projects with potential, bringing back classic titles, promising indies and AAA games while continuing to support the physical format.

When we stop working on video games, we celebrate by playing video games. https://meridiem-games.com/  #PLAYTOREMEMBER.

ABOUT BROKEN MIRROR GAMES 

Founded in 2024, Broken Mirror Games is a co-development horror label under Bloober Team, known for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of the horror genre. With a focus on immersive experiences, innovative gameplay, and captivating storytelling, Broken Mirror Games creates unforgettable, spine-chilling titles that leave a lasting impact on players. 

ABOUT FEARDEMIC

Feardemic is a horror indie game publisher focused on out-of-the-box experiences, driven by creativity… and fear.

The company works with studios across the globe to bring eerie, emotional, and atmospheric experiences to players on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Founded by Bloober Team, Feardemic is dedicated to bringing horror games that will haunt you for days.

ABOUT SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT 

Skybound is the leading entertainment company built to create, produce, scale, and sustain world-class IP across comics, television, film, video games, audio, merchandise and collectibles. Co-founded by visionary creator Robert Kirkman and CEO David Alpert, Skybound owns and controls a portfolio of hundreds of globally recognized franchises and cultural hits including The Walking Dead, Invincible, Impact Winter, Stillwater and others. Through a creator-first model, Skybound has become the go-to launchpad for original stories across all forms of entertainment.   The company’s video game division Skybound Games, publishes, produces, and globally distributes games across all genres. Its latest expansion includes Skybound’s first in-house game development studio Quarter Up, which will release the highly anticipated tag fighter Invincible VS in 2026.

Pre-order on the Kalypso Media Store for exclusive promotion 

Bracknell, UK – April 16, 2026 – Sudden Strike 5, the highly anticipated Real-Time Strategy WWII game and latest instalment in the Sudden Strike series, is available once again as a playable demo on Steam. The development team has addressed player feedback received during the initial demo earlier this February, resulting in a range of performance and gameplay improvements prior to its full launch on April 23.  

In a news update on Steam, Kite Games has outlined the demo improvements and provides examples of how they tackled performance issues from the initial demo. 

In this demo, command forces from the Soviet and Western Allied factions in two missions, “Attack on Monte Cassino” (Western Allies) and “Defense of Sevastopol” (Soviets). These reworked missions deliver feedback-specific game improvements including higher and more stable framerate, reduced frame drops during combat, reduced stuttering and improved frame pacing, improved pathfinding, and improved responsiveness of AI patrol units. At launch, Sudden Strike 5 will feature a massive 25 mission campaign, multiplayer modes, along with additional balancing, and final refinements.  

The full game will launch on April 23 on PC, Xbox on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation®5. Pre-order Sudden Strike 5 now on the Kalypso Media store to receive an exclusive promotion for the Deluxe Edition on PC for (€49.99 / $49.99 / £44.99).   

Pre-orders are also available now on Xbox on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation®5 in Standard Edition (€49.99 / $49.99 / £44.99) and Deluxe Edition (€59.99 / $59.99 /£54.99) with an additional 10% pre-order discount on Xbox and PlayStation consoles, PlayStation5 discount valid for PlayStation Plus members only. Additionally, first recruits who pre-order the Deluxe Edition on Xbox and PlayStation®5 will enjoy early access to the game 72 hours prior to launch, as an added benefit. 

Sudden Strike 5 Features:  

• Command massive battles: Sudden Strike 5 delivers a truly immersive strategy.  Experience 25 missions across huge, diverse maps and the highest unit counts ever seen in the series, setting the stage for large-scale tactical warfare.  
• Deploy a vast arsenal of WW2 units: Command over 300 authentic units – including more than 190 vehicles and 110 infantry units – such as the Sherman tank for the Western Allies, the Messerschmidt Bf 109 for the German troops, and the T-34 for the Soviet troops.   
• Shape your strategy in dynamic mission gameplay: Utilize unprecedented strategic freedom by choosing your own tactics, units, and objectives to complete the mission goals. Seize and defend key locations like Field HQs, Supply Depots, and Train Stations to gain critical advantages, while using recon, sabotage, alternative routing, and smart unit combinations to outmanoeuvre your enemies.  
• Adapt your tactics with customisable commanders: Choose the Commander that best fits your playstyle and tactics – whether offensive, defensive, or more tactical. Each brings unique skills that can turn the tide of battle, such as deploying smoke grenades to provide cover on the battlefield or boosting the accuracy of your artillery.   
• Take full control of the battlefield: Extended camera options let you zoom out for full strategic oversight or zoom in for a closer look at the frontline action, giving you better control over every aspect of the battlefield.  
• Challenge yourself and others: Test your strategy against real opponents or AI enemies across multiple difficulty levels, offering competitive PvP challenges.  

About the Kalypso Media Group GmbH 
Kalypso Media Group GmbH is an independent publisher, developer, and marketer of interactive entertainment software with over 200 employees at 10 locations across Germany, England, France, Japan, and the USA. The Kalypso Media Group includes Kasedo Games, the digital label of Kalypso Media Group, along with four development studios: Realmforge Studios (Dungeons series), Gaming Minds Studios in Gütersloh and Paderborn (Railway Empire, Port Royale, Tropico 7) and Claymore Game Studios (Commandos: Origins).  
   
Specializing in the development of strategy and simulation games for a global audience on multi-platforms, Kalypso Media Group’s IP portfolio includes full rights to the Tropico series, Commandos, Port Royale, Dungeons, Sudden Strike, and Railway Empire, among others. Kalypso Media’s most recent releases are The Inquisitor, Commandos: Origins and Disciples: Domination. Recent releases from Kasedo Games include Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop, Sweet Dreams Alex, and Rise of Industry 2, with upcoming titles such as Warhammer 40000: Mechanicus II and Life Below. Find out more at www.kalypsomedia.com. 
   
Kalypso Media Group offers a wide range of merch products and clothing in the newly opened Kalypso Media merch store. The products available include Kalypso Media’s best-known franchises, including Commandos, Railway Empire, Dungeons, and Tropico. More at merch.kalypsomedia.com. 

A tender tale exploring first love, bravery, and a passion for birds

London, April 16th 2026 – Numskull Games and PASSION Games, in collaboration with Hyper Luminal Games, can confirm The Day I Became a Bird, a heartfelt narrative adventure inspired by children’s literature and animated storytelling, launches on PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation today.

The Day I Became a Bird follows Frank, a quiet child with big emotions, as he experiences his first crush on Sylvia, a girl who only has eyes for our feathered friends. This cosy adventure plays out across classrooms, playgrounds, and imagined spaces, as Frank navigates his first feelings of love, shyness, and self-expression. Through exploration, collecting, and light puzzle-solving, he sets out on a simple mission: to win Sylvia’s attention.

Adapted from a storybook by French author Ingrid Chabbert and Spanish illustrator Guridi, alongside an accompanying animated short by Passion Animation, the game carries over its distinctive visual style into an interactive format. With gentle, understated gameplay, it aims to be warm, inviting, and emotionally resonant, offering a more reflective experience in contrast to the fast-paced, high-pressure nature of many games. 

The Day I Became a Bird builds on PASSION’s heritage in animation and storytelling, combined with Hyper Luminal Games’ strength in crafting heartfelt narrative adventures, resulting in a hand-crafted, illustrative experience. The focus is placed on atmosphere, movement, and emotional clarity over traditional mechanics, positioning the title as much as a narrative journey as it is a game.

“The journey to this moment has been incredibly exciting for everyone involved, and we can’t wait to finally share The Day I Became a Bird with everyone,” says Andrew Ruhemann, founder and CEO at PASSION Animation. “From the very beginning, we set out to create something gentle, expressive, and full of feeling, and seeing it arrive in players’ hands on launch day is a proud and emotional milestone for the team.”

“Bringing Frank’s story to players around the world is a truly wonderful feeling,” adds Chabbert. “What began as something small and personal has grown into an experience people can now explore for themselves. We hope that, as they play, they connect with those same emotions – the tenderness, the awkwardness, and the quiet courage of first love – and make the story their own.”

The Day I Became a Bird launches on Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation today and is available in two editions: 

• The standard edition, which includes the base game, is £12.99/€14.99/$19.99. 
• The Feathered Adventurer Edition bundles the base game and film with a digital artbook and original soundtrack on Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation for £17.99/€19.99/$24.49.
• Players who purchase either addition via Steam or PlayStation will also receive the original short film.

The Day I Became a Bird has been selected for the London Games Festival’s 2026 Official Selection, and is playable at the Festival’s New Game Plus event on April 16 and 17.  

About PASSION Games 

PASSION Games is led by MD Lucie Friar with Creative Directors Christian Mills and Jon Saunders. PASSION Games believe every project is unique and requires its own distinctive approach.

Starting with a game’s characters, theme and tone as the foundation, the team builds an aesthetic and narrative that compliments these core concepts using their strong, diverse roster of creative talent.

About Hyper Luminal Games

Hyper Luminal is an indie games studio based in Dundee, Scotland. Everything we make is inspired by our ambition to build high-quality games that create lasting memories and fill our team with pride.

We make games where every team member proudly states: “I built that!”. We put smiles on people’s faces with beautiful, fun experiences that people play and love.

About Numskull Games

Since 2019, Numskull Games has established a worldwide physical & digital game publishing label. Launching & curating games from both new & veteran development studios as well as international games publisher partners, Numskull Games publishes titles across all major gaming platforms. Additionally, by utilising the infrastructure & resources of its sister companies Rubber Road / Numskull Designs, Numskull Games creates unique and compelling Collectors’ Editions for its elite releases.

Acclaimed stealth-action platformer launches digitally today, with physical Standard and Collector’s Editions available now for PlayStation 5

Barcelona, Spain – April 16, 2026. PublisherSelectaPlay and indie developer Baby Robot Games today unleash Ereban: Shadow Legacy, the acclaimed stealth-action platformer, now available worldwide. Players can dive into the shadows immediately with digital editions on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, while stunning Physical Standard and Collector’s Editions are also available now exclusively for PlayStation 5.

Step into the darkness as Ayana, the last descendant of a forgotten race, in a gripping sci-fi stealth adventure where shadow becomes your deadliest tool. Master mystical shadow powers, combine them with advanced gadgets, and uncover the secrets of a dying universe dominated by the cryptic Helios energy corporation.

Move unseen, strike without warning, or choose mercy. Every decision shapes your journey as you traverse ancient ruins and towering industrial worlds, blending fluid movement, vertical exploration, and reactive gameplay into a truly immersive stealth experience.

Physical Editions Out Now

For those ready to embrace the darkness beyond the screen, Ereban: Shadow Legacy is available physically on PlayStation 5 in both Standard and Collector’s Editions.

The Standard Edition offers the complete experience on disc, delivering the full game in a physical format for players who want to own Ayana’s journey in their collection.

For fans seeking something more, the Collector’s Edition delivers a premium selection of exclusive content:

• Physical copy of Ereban: Shadow Legacy (PS5)
• Digital Original Soundtrack
• Set of 3 premium art postcards
• Helios iron-on patch
• Forgotten Sun iron-on patch
• Ayana’s mask keychain
• Premium collector’s box

Both the Standard Edition and Collector’s Edition are available now at local retailers. Check local availability and pricing, and secure your copy while stocks last.

Watch the Ereban: Shadow Legacy launch trailer below

Shadow Is Your Greatest Weapon

Ereban: Shadow Legacy delivers a fast-paced, story-driven stealth platforming experience that blends fluid traversal, layered level design, and meaningful player choice. With Ayana’s signature Shadow Merge ability, slip seamlessly into darkness, phase through environments, scale impossible structures, and eliminate threats before they ever see you.

Choose your path, avoid or assassinate, spare or consume and uncover the truth behind your origins as the fate of your people hangs in the balance.

Ereban: Shadow Legacy is now available to purchase digitally on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with Physical Standard and Collector’s Editions exclusively for PlayStation 5.

About SelectaPlay

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

About SelectaVisión

SelectaVisión is a video publishing company founded in 1984. Based in Spain, SelectaVisión’s catalog includes anime and live-action feature films, TV shows, and movies.