independent studio Archives

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

New Free Steam Game Has a 95/100 Rating With Players

A new free game called Lavalamp was launched on Steam on January 10 and has received over 200 user reviews, with 95% of players rating it positively. The game features a first-person exploration experience centered around the Space Lemmings, who are trapped between dimensions due to bizarre experiments. Lavalamp has a gameplay duration of approximately one hour and is marked as "Playable" on Steam Deck, though some user configuration may be required. The game is developed by The Space Lemmings from Space Productions, a small independent studio.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

“Out of all the 40k options, they picked this?”: Fans are furious about the reveal of Darktide’s new class—and they might have a point this time

The new class revealed for Darktide is 'Hive Scum,' a character archetype centered around a common criminal. The announcement was met with disappointment from the community, with many fans expressing disbelief and frustration over the choice, feeling it lacked the excitement of more unique options available in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The Hive Scum's arsenal includes makeshift weapons like guns, shivs, and crowbars, which fans find underwhelming compared to the iconic weaponry in the setting. The decision to introduce this class may stem from practical limitations faced by the developer, Fatshark, as they may not have the resources to create entirely new character types in a short timeframe. The ongoing disconnect between community expectations and the developer's offerings has led to tension among players.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

A Saints Row prequel going “back to its roots” might actually happen, as its original director works on a pitch “to get the band back together”

Chris Stockman, the original director of Saints Row, announced his intention to create a pitch for a potential prequel to the game. He expressed a desire to reunite the original team and acknowledged that the project is in its early stages. Stockman criticized the current direction of the franchise, stating it has strayed too far from its roots and lacks beloved characters from the original games. He confirmed that there is interest in the project and that a pitch has been requested.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

PUBG creator’s roguelike survival game with machine learning-generated worlds hits Steam early access next month – the first step toward “realistic Minecraft” for “millions of players”

PlayerUnknown Productions, an independent studio, will launch its first title, Prologue: Go WayBack, on November 20, entering early access on Steam. This single-player survival game features roguelike elements and is the first part of a trilogy envisioned by Brendan "PlayerUnknown" Greene, who aims to create a dynamic survival ecosystem called Project Artemis. Prologue: Go WayBack includes challenging first-person survival mechanics and a free roam mode. The development of this game is part of a larger initiative to create a technology platform for large-scale emergent play, utilizing a proprietary engine called Melba.

AppWizard

September 28, 2025

Wolf Haus Games Reveals Co-Op Dark-Comedy Survival Game JOIN US at PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct

Wolf Haus Games, an independent studio based in Montreal, Quebec, introduced their debut title, JOIN US, during the PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct on September 28, 2025. JOIN US is a darkly satirical survival game where players take on the role of a doomsday cult leader preparing for an impending apocalypse. Players establish a new chapter in Bedford County, USA, shaping their cult's identity and operations while managing resources like food, ammunition, and followers. The game features both solo and multiplayer modes, allowing up to four players to engage in a narrative campaign within an open-world environment. JOIN US is set to launch next year on PC.

AppWizard

September 17, 2025

Red Square Games Announces its “Twilight Imperium Digital” PC Game

Red Square Games S.A., an independent studio founded in 2020, will release Twilight Imperium Digital, a digital adaptation of the classic 4X board game. The game aims to maintain the essence of the original while leveraging digital technology, allowing players to engage in galactic conquest and diplomacy from anywhere. Key features include enhanced automation and an intuitive user interface for streamlined gameplay, over a dozen unique factions with distinct abilities, dynamic multiplayer options for global connectivity, a reimagined interface with cinematic visuals and faction-specific soundtracks, and intelligent AI opponents for solo play.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

PixelAnt spins out from Sumo Group

PixelAnt Games has announced its independence from Sumo Group, focusing on developing its own intellectual properties and work-for-hire projects. This change pertains to PixelAnt's Polish operations, while the Czech studio remains with Sumo Group. Currently, PixelAnt is working with Bloober Team on a Nintendo Switch 2 port of Cronos: The New Dawn. The studio aims to seek partnerships, funding, and publishing opportunities. PixelAnt was acquired by Sumo Group in 2021 for £250,000.

AppWizard

September 8, 2025

After a messy legal battle, these devs are back with a brutal roguelike I’m so glad survived

Immortal: And the Death that Follows is the first release from the independent studio Mishura Games, formed by former employees of Limestone Games. The developers left due to allegations of unfulfilled financial promises and intellectual property disputes. The game is described as a "Kung-Fu Noir prison escape" inspired by Buddhist mythology, featuring high-octane combat, dating sim mechanics, and platforming elements. Players will face 16 mob bosses and make choices that affect relationships. The game is set to launch on Kickstarter with a free demo on September 16, and a full release is anticipated in 2027.

AppWizard

September 4, 2025

Newly-independent Chinese Room looking to keep budgets low

The Chinese Room, now an independent studio, is adopting a frugal approach to game development by keeping budgets modest for upcoming projects. Studio director Ed Daly emphasized the importance of managing risk and fostering creativity within financial constraints. The studio is currently self-funding its games but acknowledges the need for future partnerships. Daly noted that larger budgets can lead to unsustainable practices and highlighted a shift in the industry towards more cost-conscious development, with many studios now operating within low-single-million budgets for double-A projects. The Chinese Room, which was acquired by Sumo Group in 2018, recently completed a management buyout to regain its independence.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

Magical girl RPG Mirage: Miracle Quest announced for PC

French independent studio Toe Bean Club has announced its new project, Mirage: Miracle Quest, a magical girl RPG featuring innovative deckbuilding mechanics. The game will be available on PC via Steam, but the release date is not yet disclosed. Players will assume the role of Mirage, a young exorcist whose life is disrupted by a mysterious creature. The game combines traditional RPG elements with magical girl aesthetics and allows players to customize their gameplay through deckbuilding, fostering strategic approaches and character relationships. Screenshots showcasing the game's vibrant artistry and environments have been released.