No More Robots
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No More Robots' nine-year journey to releasing its first self-developed IP – "This sounds so naive and stupid, but somehow it's working"
After nine years of publishing, No More Robots is releasing its first self-developed game, Cruise Control. The company pivoted from an ambitious online shooter project that failed to materialize due to a partner pulling out. Founder Mike Rose expresses a sense of exhaustion with the industry but remains optimistic about Cruise Control's potential success and the future of the company, which has maintained a lean operational model.
Animated Adventure Earth Must Die Is Coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5
The cartoonish sci-fi point-and-click adventure game Earth Must Die, developed by Size Five Games and published by No More Robots, is launching on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 on September 9th, 2026. Originally released on PC, the game features a comedic narrative where players control a dictator attempting to destroy Earth.
Animated adventure game Earth Must Die heading to Nintendo Switch
No More Robots and Size Five Games announced that the animated adventure game Earth Must Die will be released on Nintendo Switch on September 9, 2026. The game follows VValak Lizardtongue and his bot Milky as they fight to stop the Terranoids from conquering their kingdom and destroying Earth. It features voice acting from several British comedians and is described as a playable cartoon experience.
Hypnospace Outlaw Is a 1999 Internet Simulator Where You Can Access People’s Dreams
No More Robots has released the popular internet simulator Hypnospace Outlaw on mobile platforms, including Android. Originally launched in 2019 for PC and later ported to consoles, the game allows players to act as an internet moderator in a fictional 1999 internet, enforcing rules and hunting down illegal content. The Android version features optimized touch controls and a revamped user interface, with a free download and a $4.99 in-app purchase to unlock the full game.
Thank You For Your Application Is an Interview Sim, Out Now
The indie RPG and simulation game Thank You For Your Application, developed and published by IceLemonTea Studio with No More Robots, is now available on Steam for PC. The game puts players in the role of a junior interviewer tasked with deciding the fate of job applicants, exploring themes of corporate loyalty and worker struggles. Console and mobile versions are planned for later this year.
'Larger budgets and longer schedules do not lead to better games:' Thank You For Your Application recoups dev costs in 22 hours
The narrative-driven interview simulator Thank You For Your Application, developed by IceLemonTea Studio and published by No More Robots, recouped its development costs within 22 hours of its Steam launch. Publisher No More Robots founder Mike Rose stated the game had a five-figure budget and emphasized that larger budgets and longer schedules do not necessarily lead to better games. The title is also slated for release on consoles and mobile later this year.
Thank You For Your Application has made its development costs back in under 24 hours
The narrative-driven interview simulation game, Thank You For Your Application, developed by IceLemonTea Studio and published by No More Robots, has recouped its development costs in under 24 hours solely from its Steam launch. The game features resume screening, branching narrative choices, life management, and online shopping elements. Console and mobile versions are planned for release later this year.
Pixel multiplayer roguelike game Another Door announced
Publisher No More Robots and developer Mizar and Alcor Interactive have announced Another Door, a turn-based roguelike game with a pixel art style. The game supports up to four players online or locally and is set to release on PC via Steam later this year. A playable demo is currently available.
Free Play Days – No More Robots Takeover
No More Robots is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an Xbox Free Play Days event, allowing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members to play select titles for free from June 4th to June 7th. Games available include Little Rocket Lab, Spirittea, Soccer Story, Descenders, Let's Build a Zoo, Hypnospace Outlaw, Slayers X, Nowhere Prophet, and Family Man, with many also playable on PC via Xbox Play Anywhere. Additionally, Descenders is available for all Xbox players to try during the event.
Thank You For You Application launches June 19th
Thank You For Your Application, developed by IceLemonTea Studio and published by No More Robots, will be released on June 19th. A new demo is also available, featuring controller support, bug fixes, and additional content. The game places players in the role of a junior interviewer at a major corporation, tasked with vetting applicants while navigating a surveillance state and managing their own finances.
The future of European publishing is diversity, not concentration | Opinion
Despite financial struggles at major European publishers like Ubisoft and Embracer, the continent's game publishing sector is thriving with smaller, focused companies. These firms prioritize creative niches, sensible scale, and long-term stability over rapid growth, producing successful titles across various genres and demonstrating a diverse and healthy industry landscape.
Thank You For Your Application.
Thank You For Your Application, a politically-driven document checking game developed by IceLemonTea Studio and published by No More Robots, is set to launch on Steam on June 19. Players will act as interviewers, screening resumes and issuing letters based on company requirements, with multiple story branches and endings influenced by player choices.
'A scope document is not your plan:' Laying the groundwork for indie success
Blossom Arcade founder Sophie Smart advises indie developers to distinguish between a scope document and a concrete plan, emphasizing the need for milestones and goals. She recommends the Scrum framework for iterative development and open communication, while cautioning against the rigid Waterfall methodology which can lead to production bottlenecks.
150+ game devs promote “Fake OS” Steam tag for InterfaceX26 Steam Sale & Showcase
Over 150 game developers and publishers are collaborating on InterfaceX26, a week-long Steam sale and livestream event from April 27 to May 4. The initiative aims to establish "Fake OS" as an official Steam tag for games that simulate operating systems or digital interfaces. Players can support the campaign by tagging relevant games on Steam.
Papers, Please dev, Lucas Pope, isn't talking about new game due to AI concerns
Developer Lucas Pope, known for Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn, is withholding details about his new game due to concerns about artificial intelligence. He expressed worries that AI could be used to copy or exploit his work, impacting the creative process he values. Pope is not interested in using AI to speed up development, emphasizing the importance of understanding all aspects of game creation.
'Video games are cooked' — founder of No More Robots condemns gen AI in gaming and says 'from a publisher perspective, it's mega annoying'
Mike Rose, founder of No More Robots, has strongly criticized the use of generative AI in video games, stating that it makes the industry 'cooked' from a publisher's perspective. He notes the increasing prevalence of AI-generated content in game demos and art, making it harder for publishers to compete. Rose believes that despite negative sentiment, AI usage in games is inevitable and will continue to grow.
"Video games are cooked": Publisher head says "it doesn't matter" how many of us hate gen AI, Pandora's box has opened and "it's gonna get used now"
Mike Rose, founder of No More Robots, believes generative AI's integration into game development is irreversible, likening it to Pandora's box. He notes the increasing prevalence of AI-generated assets in game demos and the competitive pressure it creates for publishers. Despite player backlash, Rose asserts that the ease of AI tools will lead to their widespread adoption, fundamentally changing how games are made.
How does Papers, Please creator Lucas Pope deal with sharing his work in this era of AI? A severe lack of posting
Lucas Pope, the creator of Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn, is hesitant to share details about his current projects due to concerns about AI content scraping. He expressed this sentiment during a podcast appearance, noting that the current internet climate makes him uncomfortable discussing his work in progress. Pope also reflected on the pressure of following up his critically acclaimed titles.
Return of the Obra Dinn developer Lucas Pope doesn't feel comfortable talking about new projects because maybe they'll be "slurped up by AI"
Indie developer Lucas Pope, known for Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn, is hesitant to discuss his upcoming projects due to concerns about them being "slurped up by AI" or copied. He expressed this sentiment on the "Mike & Rami Are Still Here" podcast, noting a general discomfort with revealing work-in-progress details in the current climate. Pope also reflected on his past successes and whether he should continue developing new titles.
Papers, Please creator Lucas Pope no longer feels comfortable talking about work-in-progress games: 'the situation…
Indie developer Lucas Pope, known for Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn, expressed discomfort discussing his current work-in-progress games due to industry trends like AI and potential copying. He also reflected on whether he might retire on a high note after his previous successes.
