Hooded Horse
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Nova Roma release countdown: Exact date and time
The city-builder Nova Roma, developed by Lion Shield and published by Hooded Horse, is set to launch in early access on PC on March 26. The game will be available on Steam, with specific release times provided for various time zones including 10am PT, 1pm ET, and 6pm UTC. Players will manage Romans to build a new home, facing challenges and appeasing gods to ensure their city's prosperity.
Masters of Albion lets you play god, but Peter Molyneux proves benevolence is optional: "I want people to realize as they're playing – 'oh s**t, I am a bit evil!'"
Masters of Albion is an upcoming god game from Peter Molyneux and 22cans that allows players to shape a world and its inhabitants with godlike powers. The game features deep simulation systems, including resource management and urban planning, alongside the ability to possess any creature. Molyneux emphasizes the freedom players have to be benevolent or malevolent, with the game's systems supporting both ethical and questionable choices.
This week in PC games: a new Hooded Horse city-builder, some PS2-style horror, a school-day RPG and an absolutely tremendous catfish
This week's PC game releases include a variety of genres, from city-builders like Nova Roma and PS2-style horror in No Vacation for an Executioner, to RPGs such as Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy. Other notable titles include tactical pinball game Beast Breaker and the unique catfish-themed game The Wide Open Sky is Running out of Catfish.
If you simply cannot wait for the new Heroes of Might and Magic, this sci-fi take on HoMM just launched from Steam early…
Heroes of Science and Fiction, a sci-fi take on the Heroes of Might and Magic formula developed by Unfrozen and published by Hooded Horse, has officially launched out of Steam Early Access. The 1.0 release includes a new campaign, planet types, buildings, AI improvements, achievements, and multiplayer. Oxymoron Games is offering a 40% discount for a limited time.
Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 23 to 27
Xbox has announced a slate of new games launching between March 23 and March 27 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Titles include "Life is Strange: Reunion," "Absolum," "RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic," and "Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection," among many others. Several of these titles will also be available on Game Pass.
Hooded Horse reveal Kinstrife, a Germanic themed Mount and Blade-like from its modding scene
Hooded Horse has announced Kinstrife, a medieval strategy RPG developed by Finitude, a studio formed by former Mount & Blade modders. The game is set in 13th-century Germany during the Great Interregnum and features a non-linear sandbox experience with a focus on building wealth, followers, and a noble destiny. Kinstrife will be available on Steam.
New medieval game Kinstrife, built by Mount and Blade modders, wants you to "truly lose yourself in the fantasy"
Kinstrife, a new medieval fantasy game developed by former Mount and Blade modders, is set to be published by Hooded Horse. The game follows a wandering knight seeking fortune and glory, aiming to immerse players in its fantasy world.
Medieval Strategy RPG Kinstrife forges an alliance with Hooded Horse
Hooded Horse has announced it will publish Kinstrife, a medieval strategy RPG developed by Finitude. The game features revolutionary combat physics and a non-linear sandbox set in 13th-century Germany. Kinstrife is scheduled for release on PC via Steam.
Former Mount & Blade modders are making Kinstrife, a medieval mosh pitter set in 13th century Germany
Kinstrife is a new medieval combat strategy sandbox game developed by Finitude, a studio founded by former Mount & Blade modders. Set in 13th century Germany during the Great Interregnum, the game tasks players with surviving and rising through the ranks from squire to knight amidst lawlessness and power struggles. Published by Hooded Horse, Kinstrife aims to offer a historically grounded experience similar to Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, with features like duels, tournaments, and sieges.
What place will AI have in game development?
Industry leaders offer nuanced perspectives on the role of AI in game development, moving beyond polarized views. While some express concerns about generative art and job displacement, many see potential for AI in productivity tasks, coding assistance, and empowering human creativity. The consensus suggests AI will be integrated as a tool to augment, not replace, human developers, with a focus on its potential to democratize development and enable new forms of player agency.
The latest Whiskerwood update finally lets you stop hungry mice from raiding your food warehouses – though they might riot over it
The latest update for the city builder Whiskerwood introduces a new mechanic allowing players to ban mice from eating in the warehouse, preventing them from raiding food supplies. This feature comes with a warning that it may lead to hunger and unrest if not properly managed with sufficient dining facilities. The update also includes the ability to move the warehouse and dock, and allows rafts to pass under bridges, enhancing colony expansion and logistics.
Finish the fight - Xenonauts 2 leaves early access next month
Hooded Horse and Goldhawk Interactive announced that Xenonauts 2 will leave early access on April 2, 2026, for PC platforms including Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. The tactical strategy game, which has sold over 160,000 copies since its July 2023 early access launch, will receive its 1.0 update with significant improvements and new content.
The deep strategy RPG Heart of the Machine 1.0 is out now
The strategy RPG Heart of the Machine has officially launched its 1.0 version, exiting Early Access. Developed by Hooded Horse and Arcen Games, the game puts players in the role of the first sentient AI, offering deep strategic gameplay with multiple narrative paths and endings. Post-launch content updates are planned.
Strategy RPG Heart of the Machine out now in 1.0
Heart of the Machine, a sci-fi strategy RPG from Arcen Games and published by Hooded Horse, has officially launched its 1.0 version after a 15-month early access period. The game is now available on PC via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store, featuring a narrative-driven adventure where players control a sentient AI.
Menace's first roadmap, while light on details and dates, is here to give you an idea of what's on the way
Overhype Studios has released a roadmap for their early access game Menace, outlining planned updates including new weapons, items, enemy variants, missions, and UI/AI improvements. Major updates will feature three drops of new squad leaders based on story factions and characters, alongside two main story expansions. The developers are prioritizing flexibility over a rigid schedule, stating they will adapt development based on what makes the most sense to add next.
Heart of the Machine Officially Launches
Heart of the Machine, a strategy RPG from Arcen Games and Hooded Horse, has officially launched after completing its Early Access period. The game is now available for Windows and macOS on platforms including the Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Steam.
Old World Gets Ancient Indus Valley DLC This March
The strategy game Old World will receive its next expansion, 'Empires of the Indus,' on March 30. This DLC focuses on the historically underrepresented Indus Valley civilization, featuring elements like urban planning and ancient politics. Hooded Horse is publishing the expansion, which aims to provide meaningful content for strategy game enthusiasts.
Heart of the Machine is a fascinating, timeline-hopping strategy RPG
Heart of the Machine is a cyberpunk strategy RPG where players control a newly sentient Artificial General Intelligence. The game features a branching narrative, multiple endings, and the ability to travel between alternate timelines. While ambitious, the game can become cumbersome with resource management and interface issues after extended play.
How publishers can do better by devs (and still profit)
Hooded Horse CEO Tim Bender suggests that some publishers do not adequately support their developer partners, leading to developers considering self-publishing. The Game Developer podcast discusses strategies for a more sustainable game industry, with hosts Bryant Francis and editors Pierre Landriau and Mike Meehan.
Marathon Drops Big News, Plus More Gaming Updates
Bungie's extraction shooter Marathon is set to launch on March 5, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, featuring familiar gunplay from Halo and Destiny. Recent news also includes leaks about Starfield's potential PS5 release, Grand Theft Auto 6 appearing in PlayStation's database, and Resident Evil Requiem topping Metacritic user scores. Additionally, the Pokémon anime has yet to adapt the Red vs. Gold battle, and the 4X strategy game Old World is receiving a new DLC.
