Critical Reflex
Critical Reflex business and news from across the web.
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Run, Hide, Lie: Militsioner Is Coming To Game Pass
The surreal first-person immersive sim Militsioner is coming to Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2027, launching day one on Xbox Game Pass for console and PC. Developed by TALLBOYS and CRITICAL REFLEX, the game tasks players with escaping a city while avoiding a colossal policeman. Militsioner will feature player choice and a dynamic world that reacts to player actions.
Militsioner is a Stealth-Based Immersive Sim About Escaping From a Giant Policeman
Developer Tallboys and publisher Critical Reflex announced Militsioner, a stealth-based immersive sim where players must escape a giant policeman. The game, revealed during Gamescom 2026, will feature sneaking mechanics, an in-game economy, and a dialogue system. Militsioner is slated for release in 2027 on PC and Xbox Series X/S, and will be available on Game Pass day one.
Inner Pocket Publishing is "building a quiet corner for people who love thoughtful single-player games"
A new indie label, Inner Pocket Publishing, has been established by industry veterans from Critical Reflex, Gaijin Entertainment, and Nozomu Games. The company aims to focus on a curated selection of thoughtful single-player games, adopting a publisher-as-curator model rather than a generalist approach. Inner Pocket is self-funded and plans to invest up to $75,000 per project, seeking smaller games or those nearing completion.
Inner Pocket is a new indie publisher looking to champion 'curiosity games'
Veterans from Critical Reflex, Gaijin Entertainment, and Nozomu Games have launched Inner Pocket, a new indie publishing label focused on "curiosity games." The company will offer support services and last-mile investment, typically under $75,000, to developers. Inner Pocket aims to foster a community through Steam curation and engagement on platforms like YouTube and Discord, with Nozomu Games' "Burn With Me" being one of its debut titles.
The Sunday Papers
This article discusses several recent gaming news items and industry reflections. It covers Brenda Romero's autofiction, The Guardian's summer game previews featuring Wrong Organ's Carcass Clad, differing opinions on Game Freak's Beast of Reincarnation, and Sean Murray's perspective on No Man's Sky's decade-long development. Additionally, it investigates sexual harassment allegations against indie horror publishers like Critical Reflex and Black Lantern Collective, and touches on the worsening wildfire situation in France.
Three indie horror publishers faced sexual harassment claims – what comes next?
Three indie horror publishers, Critical Reflex, Dread XP, and Black Lantern Collective, are facing scrutiny following sexual harassment allegations made by former employees and developers. Former Critical Reflex community manager Evelina Zemljic accused CEO Rita Lebedeva and Ted Hentschke, now a co-founder of Black Lantern Collective and formerly of Dread XP, of mistreatment and harassment. While Hentschke and Critical Reflex deny the bulk of the allegations, both companies state they have implemented significant changes to their workplace policies and culture in response to the complaints.
BUCKSHOT ROULETTE OUT NOW ON XBOX CONSOLES & XBOX GAME PASS
Buckshot Roulette is now available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Xbox Game Pass. The critically acclaimed Russian Roulette-style shooter developed by Mike Klubnika and published by CRITICAL REFLEX features both single-player and multiplayer modes. It is priced at $2.99.
The Viral Horror Hit Has Finally Arrived – Buckshot Roulette Surprise-Drops On Xbox And Game Pass
The viral indie horror game Buckshot Roulette has surprise-launched on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and is available on Game Pass. The game, which simulates a deadly game of Russian Roulette with a shotgun, has gained significant popularity on PC for its tense atmosphere and simple premise. The Xbox version includes multiplayer and a 'Double or Nothing' mode.
ShackStream: Indie-licious Episode 205 - Tanuki: Pon's Summer Steam Next Fest Demo
This article previews the demo for Tanuki: Pon's Summer, an indie game available during Steam Next Fest. Players control Pon, a tanuki who takes a job as a postal worker to fund the restoration of his shrine. The demo allows players to experience BMXing around town and the countryside to help NPCs.
Pipes.exe Announced
CRITICAL REFLEX and Moving Pieces have announced Pipes.exe, a co-op horror game that immerses players in the personal computing environment of the 1990s. The game aims to evoke nostalgia for the beige PC era.
SATED Announced
CRITICAL REFLEX has announced SATED, a new horror-themed game developed by Forest Reges. The title combines cooking and gambling roguelike elements and is slated for release on PC. Further details on its release window are expected soon.
90s screensavers-inspired co-op QA horror game Pipes.exe announced for PC
Pipes.exe, a cooperative horror game inspired by 90s screensavers, has been announced by publisher CRITICAL REFLEX and developer Moving Pieces Interactive for PC via Steam. Players will investigate software bugs, repair systems, and survive threats in a digital workspace, with a playtest available now. The game supports solo play or up to four players online with integrated voice chat.
This year's PC Gaming Show will provide looks at more than 50 games and also feature a behind-the-scenes look at one of my most anticipated games of the year — here's how to tune in
The PC Gaming Show will take place on Sunday, June 7, featuring over 50 games including Total War: Warhammer 40,000 and a new project from the creator of Citizen Sleeper. The event will also include behind-the-scenes looks, competitions, and premieres. Viewers can tune in via platforms like YouTube and Twitch starting at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm BST.
How to watch the PC Gaming Show 2026, including Exodus extended gameplay reveal highlights
The PC Gaming Show 2026 will air on June 7, featuring over 50 games, including extended gameplay highlights from Exodus. Hosted by Sean "Day[9]" Plott and Mica Burton, with a pre-show hosted by Frankie Ward, the event will showcase world premieres from numerous developers and publishers. The broadcast will be available on multiple platforms including Twitch, YouTube, and Steam.
Clemmy's Best Indie Games Summer Showcase Returns Tomorrow, June 2nd!
Clemmy's Best Indie Games will host its Summer Showcase on June 2nd, featuring world premieres, release date reveals, and updates for numerous indie titles. The event will be broadcast on YouTube and accompanied by a Steam sale featuring participating games.
Burden Street Station Released
Burden Street Station, a narrative adventure game developed by IODINE and CRITICAL REFLEX, is now available on PC via Steam. The game is currently offered with a 10% launch discount.
CRITICAL REFLEX REVEALS TWO NEW VIDEO GAMES FOR ITS OFF-KILTER PUBLISHING LINEUP
Indie publisher CRITICAL REFLEX has announced two new titles for its CR Channel lineup: Grindset T.V., an open-world first-person speedrunning platformer, and Tiny Chills - Not From Ear, a body horror game focused on ear cleaning. Grindset T.V. is developed by INFINITE ANIMAL, while Tiny Chills - Not From Ear comes from Ducktopus Games.
GOD HAS GONE MISSING IN BURDEN STREET STATION, A SURREAL NEW NARRATIVE ADVENTURE GAME OUT NOW ON STEAM
The surreal narrative adventure game Burden Street Station, developed by IODINE and published by CRITICAL REFLEX, is now available on Steam. The game features a shapeshifting mechanic for dialogue and exploration within a '90s-inspired cosmic mystery world. It is priced at $14.99 with a limited-time launch discount.
A Worldwide Lineup of Indies Comes to BitSummit PUNCH!
Ukiyo Studios is collaborating with various developers and publishers to showcase over 50 indie games at BitSummit PUNCH in Kyoto. The exhibition will feature diverse titles ranging from platformers and racing games to mysteries and horror, with unique interactive experiences like playing Graveyard Keeper 2 inside a coffin and No, I’m not a Human with a real door.
SURREAL SHAPESHIFTING ADVENTURE BURDEN STREET STATION LAUNCHES MAY 21 ON STEAM
Publisher CRITICAL REFLEX and developer IODINE announced that the surreal narrative adventure game Burden Street Station will launch on Steam on May 21. The game features shapeshifting mechanics, quirky dialogues, and a cosmic mystery in a world inspired by '90s adventure games. A free demo is available on Steam.