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How Small Game Studios Are Bootstrapping in 2026
The article analyzes how small game studios can bootstrap their development in 2026 without external funding, highlighting platforms like Itch.io for concept validation, Steam Early Access for revenue generation, Kickstarter for community-funded projects, and Poki for publishing partnership and player data. It emphasizes that these methods are not mutually exclusive and depend on a studio's immediate needs.
Mirth Island Demo Launches on Steam Ahead of 2026 Release
Soedesco and Clay Game Studio have released a free demo for their cozy rhythm adventure game, Mirth Island, on Steam. The full game, which follows a character returning to rebuild a theater, is set to launch later this year for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. The demo offers a glimpse into the game's colorful world, featuring exploration, quests, and rhythm-based minigames.
Moonlight Pale Launches Kickstarter Campaign for Hand-Drawn Survival Horror Adventure
Independent studio Blue Lily has launched a Kickstarter campaign for Moonlight Pale, a 2D hand-drawn survival horror game inspired by classics like Silent Hill. The game follows a student trapped in a nightmarish seminary and features psychological horror, exploration, and puzzle-solving with two distinct gameplay states. It is targeting a late 2026 or early 2027 release on Steam, with potential console ports as stretch goals.
Izanagi Games’ Akiba Lost Demo Lets You Play Part of 1 Day
Izanagi Games has released a demo for their upcoming title, Akiba Lost, allowing players to experience one in-game day. The game, which takes place over a short period and features multiple character perspectives, is set to release on September 17, 2026, for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and PC. The demo is currently available on PC via Steam.
SGF 2026: Latin American Games and Women-Led Games Showcase Debuts A Host Of New Indies
Summer Game Fest 2026 hosted two showcases, the Latin American Games Showcase and the Women-Led Games Showcase, highlighting numerous indie titles. The Women-Led Games Showcase featured games like lily's Word and Barbie Horse Ride & Rescue, with the latter releasing June 16th for iOS and Android, and later for Steam and Nintendo Switch in 2027. The Latin American Games Showcase presented titles such as Ornament Tower, Kernel Hearts from EPHEMERA, and the Metroidvania SHADE Protocol.
Overstimulating shooter FISH launches this month
The indie shooter Fish, featuring a gun-wielding fish protagonist, will launch in early access on June 22 for PC via Steam. The game is a platformer run and gun shooter with a unique art style and challenging bosses. A demo is currently available.
Retro Japanese horror game Stroll Walk looks terrifying
Stroll Walk is a low-poly, PS1-style Japanese survival horror game from Kazumi Game Studios where players guide a young girl home through an eerily silent, monster-filled world. The game, which successfully ran a Kickstarter, features no combat, relying on stealth, logic, and distinguishing friends from foes. It is set to release on PC via Steam later this year, with a unique 'descent' mechanic where death alters the game world rather than resetting progress.
Summer Game Fest Live 2026: Start Time, How To Watch, And What To Expect
Summer Game Fest Live 2026, hosted by Geoff Keighley and Lucy James, is scheduled for Friday, June 5th, starting at 2 PM PT / 5 PM ET. The event will be streamed on platforms like YouTube and Twitch and is expected to feature major announcements, new game reveals, and updates from across the gaming industry. Past events have included reveals for games like Resident Evil Requiem and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
Yet another new Crimson Desert update is here, and this one adding Pinball, because of course
Pearl Abyss has released another update for Crimson Desert, version 1.10.00, which adds new minigames like Pinball and Orb Roll, improvements to the Re-Blockade feature, and new mounts and pets. The update is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, and Epic Games Store, with a Mac App Store version in progress. The article also notes the game's commercial success and plans for DLC.
Gothic's remake is out today, adding new detail and awfulness to the 2001 RPG's bustling prison world
The remake of the 2001 RPG Gothic, developed by Alkimia Interactive and published by THQ Nordic, is released today. The game features modernized combat, expanded questlines, and new traversal abilities while retaining the original story of convicts trapped in a magical dome. A demo is still available.
Model Kit Studio Announced, Mecha Model-Building Sim Launches in 2027
Spooky Rabbits and Mythwright have announced Model Kit Studio, a relaxing model-building simulator set to launch on Steam in 2027. The game allows players to cut, assemble, paint, and photograph original mecha models, with a playtest available now. It also features a story mode centered around a community of model-making enthusiasts.
THE WELL IS NOT EMPTY – Beta Demo | Alpha Beta Gamer
THE WELL IS NOT EMPTY is a first-person horror exploration game where players descend into abandoned tunnels to investigate a dried-up water source and unsettling sounds. The gameplay involves navigating dark passages, manually powering generators, and using stealth to avoid creatures. A beta demo is available on Steam.
Stormforge Opens Public Playtest Registration Ahead of 2026 Early Access Launch
Roboto Games has opened registration for a public playtest of its open-world survival crafting game, Stormforge, scheduled for July. The game, featuring cel-shaded graphics and cooperative play for up to eight players, is planned for an Early Access launch on Steam in 2026. The announcement was made during the Women-Led Games Showcase, accompanied by a trailer highlighting the game's class-based combat and dynamic magical storms.
Taste of Heaven Sets Early 2027 Release Window With New Gameplay Trailer
Taste of Heaven, a fantasy cooking RPG from Thousand Generation and Chromatic Dream, is targeting an early 2027 release on Steam. A new trailer showcased its divine kitchens, afterlife setting, and relationship systems. The game features cooking, RPG progression, and roguelite elements, with a demo currently available on Steam.
Poll: Do you like the new Steam store design, or is it 'hot garbage'?
A recent update to the Steam store has introduced new features and design tweaks, sparking a debate among users about its quality. While some users express strong negative reactions, calling the new design 'hot garbage,' others find it acceptable or even positive. The article encourages readers to share their opinions via a poll and comments.
"The haters were right," RPG devs decide after spending 3 years on a battle royale only to cancel it and pivot on Steam: "It's not quite an MMO, but it's also more than a co-op game"
Funktronic Labs has canceled its battle royale game, Scramble Knights Royale, after three years of development, admitting that the genre was not viable for an indie studio. The game will pivot to a "Monster Hunter-inspired MMO-lite experience" titled Scramble Knights Online, described as a multiplayer adventure RPG focused on cooperative questing and PvE encounters. An early access release is planned for fall with a $15-$20 price point.
I regret to inform you that you almost certainly overlooked a sick as hell shrimp game on Steam last month
Shrimp Game: Krill Confirmed, a demo for the upcoming third-person shooter Shrimp Game, launched on Steam last month. Players pilot weaponized shrimp with elemental powers and various armaments to clear biomes of villainous sea life. Despite its unique premise and gameplay, the game has received limited attention, with only 126 Steam reviews.
Culdcept the First Demo Cards Carry Over
A PC demo for Culdcept the First is now available on Steam, allowing players to carry over collected cards to the full game upon its release on July 30, 2026. The demo includes a tutorial and one Battle Mode map, but requires a controller. The full game will also launch on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
Marathon Has Nearly Sold 1.5 Million Copies – Is It Enough?
Bungie's Marathon has sold nearly 1.5 million copies since its March release, with less than 300,000 sold in April and May. The majority of sales are on Steam, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox trailing significantly. This performance raises concerns about the game's high development cost and potential future layoffs at Bungie, despite the recent launch of its second season, 'Nightfall'.
Heavy Metal Dark Fantasy Slasher Slaughter Void Drops on Steam
Slaughter Void, a new heavy metal-inspired action roguelike from developer Dread Night and publisher Hyperstrange, has been released on Steam for PC. The game features one-hit-one-kill combat, 36 handcrafted levels, and a progression system that allows players to unlock new weapons and abilities between runs.
