Immersive Sim
Ongoing coverage on Immersive Sim.
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Become King Dracula's personal vamp-assassin in Vampirium: 1997, an immersive sim Bithell Games are launching into Steam early access soon
Bithell Games is launching its immersive sim Vampirium: 1997 into Steam early access soon. Players will take on the role of a vamp-assassin descended from Dracula, tasked with eliminating his enemies through stealth or direct combat. The game is planned for an approximately two-year early access period, with new content and features to be added over time.
Arkane Founder Asks Xbox How Much the Studio Would Cost “For a Friend”
Arkane Studios founder Raphael Colantonio humorously inquired about the acquisition cost of the studio from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. This comes amid Xbox's recent layoffs and studio restructuring, which has put Arkane under review. Colantonio has previously criticized Xbox's Game Pass model as unsustainable.
Arkane temporarily spared in Xbox bloodbath thanks to French law, but its future is up in the air
Arkane Lyon is reportedly entering negotiations for an independent exit from Xbox due to French labor laws, which prevent immediate layoffs. While the studio's future, including the development of Marvel's Blade, is uncertain, these laws offer a different path compared to the abrupt closures of other Xbox studios like Arkane Austin. Negotiations could still result in significant layoffs at Arkane Lyon.
One of our favorite Half-Life 2 mods is getting a stealth game prequel where you're a Combine assassin preying on…
Entropy: Zero 2 - Progenitors, a new entry in the cult classic Half-Life 2 mod series, is in development and shifts focus to a stealth-focused Combine assassin. Set after the Seven Hour War, the game tasks the protagonist with eliminating a rogue Progenitor. Developer Blixibon is sharing gameplay clips showcasing ambitious mechanics, drawing comparisons to immersive sims like Dishonored, though a release date is currently unannounced due to development difficulties.
Thick as Thieves Studio Hit With More Layoffs, Left With “Fewer Than 10” Employees
OtherSide Entertainment has undergone further layoffs, reducing its staff to fewer than 10 employees, who are now focused solely on maintaining the co-op stealth game Thick as Thieves. The studio has no plans for future games following the cancellation of a project codenamed Argos and a reduction in scope for Thick as Thieves, which was originally envisioned as a PvPvE immersive sim. The studio's director, Jeff Hickman, stated that the current industry landscape makes their signature lengthy development cycles for immersive sims commercially unviable.
'Fewer than 10' employees remain at Thick as Thieves studio following another round of layoffs
OtherSide Entertainment has laid off 18 employees, with fewer than 10 remaining, following a previous round of 17 cuts two weeks prior. The studio cited the challenging market for immersive sim games and the commercial non-viability of continuing in its current shape, despite the positive reception to Thick as Thieves' introductory campaign. The studio has no plans for future games and will focus on updates for Thick as Thieves.
Ambrosia Sky: Act Two Hands-Off Preview – A Fun(gal) Concept
Ambrosia Sky: Act Two, developed by Soft Rains, introduces new gameplay mechanics including hazardous fungal species and a "weird gravity" system for navigation and puzzle-solving. The second act of the immersive sim is set to release for PC via Steam on August 6 as a free update for existing owners, with the full game's price increasing after a limited-time launch discount.
Ambrosia Sky: Act Two Hands-Off Preview – A Fun(gal) Concept
Ambrosia Sky: Act Two introduces new gameplay mechanics including hazardous fungal species and a "weird gravity" system for navigating environments. The preview highlights creative puzzle-solving and the continuation of the protagonist Dalia's story within an abandoned space colony. Act Two is set to release for PC via Steam on August 6.
Xbox reportedly wants to put a stake in Blade and sell off Arkane, even though Todd Howard says development is going…
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly considering closing Arkane Studios or selling it off as part of a cost-cutting strategy, despite assurances from Todd Howard and Jean-Luc Monnet regarding the development of the game Blade. The game, which was initially slated for release this year, has reportedly been delayed to late 2027 and is running over budget, fueling concerns about its future and the studio's survival.
OtherSide Entertainment lays off 18 from Thick as Thieves team
OtherSide Entertainment has laid off 18 employees from its Thick as Thieves development team, bringing the total number of recent layoffs to 36. The studio cited the increasing difficulty of commercially viable development for immersive sims as the reason for the cuts, despite a recent investment from Aonic and a reduced scope for Thick as Thieves.
Bloodwoven is a survival immersive sim set in a world built on top of the frozen corpse of a god
Bloodwoven is a new survival immersive sim from Pixel Jackal Studio, the developers behind Blood West. The game is set in a world built on the frozen corpse of a god, where players must survive harsh winter conditions, manage resources, and contend with corrupted creatures. Bloodwoven does not have a release date but is available to wishlist on Steam for PC.
I picked out 31 must-play games going for $5 or less in the Steam Summer Sale
This article highlights 31 must-play games available for $5 or less during the Steam Summer Sale. The curated list includes a variety of genres such as RPGs and first-person shooters, with many titles developed by well-known studios like Larian and BioWare.
10 great games to grab during the Steam Summer Sale 2026
The Steam Summer Sale 2026 offers significant discounts on a variety of PC games until July 9th. Notable deals include Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth at 60% off, Dave the Diver at 50% off, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt at 90% off. The sale features a mix of genres and includes titles like Blasphemous 2, Robocop: Rogue City, and Hotline Miami.
Thick as Thieves Interview – Replayability, Immersive Sims, Co-Op Design, And More
In an interview, OtherSide Entertainment's Warren Spector and Jeff Hickman discuss the co-op design, replayability, and immersive sim elements of their game, Thick as Thieves. They highlight how the session-based heist structure and player tools encourage emergent gameplay and improvisation, especially in co-op. The developers also touch on their decision to focus on PvE and their plans for potential post-launch content based on player reception.
Dishonored review (2012)
This 2012 review praises Dishonored as a gorgeous, complex, and slick assassination simulation with fascinating systems and huge open levels. It highlights the game's freedom in approaching objectives, its unique steampunk-inspired world of Dunwall, and the effectiveness of its stealth mechanics and supernatural powers like Blink. Despite some criticisms regarding its narrative direction and the limitations of non-lethal playstyles, the game is lauded for its depth, aesthetic flair, and PC-specific features.
Thick as Thieves Drops New Accolades Trailer Alongside Steam Sale and Developer Livestream
OtherSide Entertainment and Megabit Publishing have released a new accolades trailer for their stealth-action adventure game, Thick as Thieves. To celebrate, the game is 20% off on Steam until July 9, and a developer livestream featuring Warren Spector and Dana Nightingale will discuss immersive sim design.
Warren Spector-helmed Thick as Thieves developers OtherSide lay off 17 staff as they cancel multiplayer immersive sim Argos: Riders on the Storm
OtherSide Entertainment, co-helmed by industry veterans Warren Spector and Paul Neurath, has laid off 17 employees following the cancellation of their multiplayer immersive sim, Argos: Riders on the Storm. The studio cited the "brutally challenging" state of the games industry as the reason for making the game unviable. Their other title, Thick as Thieves, recently shifted focus to solo and co-op play.
Hellraiser: Revival Continues To Be A Grotesque Survival Horror I Can’t Wait For
Hellraiser: Revival continues to impress as a grotesque and raunchy survival horror experience, blending elements of Condemned and Resident Evil Village. The game features mature themes and graphic content, earning an M rating without cuts. Recent gameplay showcases varied approaches to combat and puzzles, hinting at lite immersive sim elements, and increasing anticipation for its 2026 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
RetroSpace – Beta Demo | Alpha Beta Gamer
RetroSpace is a disco-punk horror immersive sim FPS where players take on the role of a janitor fighting a sentient black hole on a space station. The game features stealth or action gameplay, time-jumping corridors, and '70s aesthetics. Players can explore the interconnected Aurora 5 station, utilize "Mutamods" for enhancements with side effects, and utilize cloning technology with potential degenerations upon death. The gameplay blends immersive sim mechanics with metroidvania exploration, allowing for hacking, trap setting, or direct combat, all set to a groovy soundtrack.
Step Into the Unknown: RetroSpace Demo Available Now
Kwalee and The Wild Gentlemen have released a demo for their upcoming sci-fi horror immersive sim, RetroSpace, available now on Steam. The demo allows players to explore a medical sector and experience a time-jump mechanic aboard the Aurora 5 space station. RetroSpace is described as a disco-punk space horror game with stealth and action gameplay options.