indie studio Archives

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

PC Game Made Free For A Limited Time, Save $15

PC gamers can claim the free game "Blood and Zombies" from the indie studio Wild Monkey, which involves battling zombies in a first-person wave defense shooter format. The game is available for download at no cost on the PC digital platform, IndieGala, but the offer may be limited. It is currently priced at .99/£11.99 on Steam and the Epic Games Store. "Blood and Zombies" has not received reviews on Metacritic but holds a "Mixed" rating on Steam, with user feedback indicating both dissatisfaction and appreciation for its gameplay and visuals. The game is exclusive to PC and not available on consoles.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

The director of Tales of Kenzera: Zau learned his most important game development lesson while working with Ridley Scott: ‘That’s why we’re able to make games faster’

Surgent Studios faced challenges after the commercial failure of their first game, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, leading to layoffs and potential redundancy for the entire team by October 2024. However, the studio rebounded by launching two new games, including the horror game Dead Take in 2025, which was well-received on Steam. This shift in strategy focused on smaller, more sustainable projects rather than lengthy development cycles. The experience gained from Zau contributed to the studio's efficiency in producing new games. Salim, the studio's director, also created a child-friendly multiplayer game called FixForce. He remains open to larger projects in the future but acknowledges the competitive nature of the gaming market.

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

The Stanley Parable creator and Minecraft composer’s indie studio is shutting down after one cozy sim because “it’s a particularly tough time for raising game funds”

Ivy Road, an independent game studio, announced its closure effective March 31, 2026. The studio was developing a new title called Engine Angel but faced funding challenges. They are finalizing a tea-brewing simulation game called Wanderstop, which explores themes of burnout and trauma. Wanderstop is currently playable and available for purchase on all platforms, and a special code for a chapter select feature has been shared. Analysts predict that the upcoming PS6 and Xbox Project Helix will launch at a price point 50% higher than their predecessors.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

Fusing turn-based tactics and real-time action, Vaunted is a new strategy RPG from Starcraft creator James Phinney

Vaunted is a tactical RPG from indie studio Lost Lake Games, set a millennium after the collapse of the last galactic empire, where mercenaries and treasure hunters seek priceless relics. The game combines third-person shooter action with turn-based tactical gameplay, allowing players to plan from a high-angle viewpoint while executing actions in real time. Players manage three characters—Dyse, Gendril, and Kyvaath—each with unique skills and backstories, and their choices influence the narrative. The game features dynamic combat mechanics, customizable loadouts, and randomized upgrades. Tim Bender, CEO of Hooded Horse, praises the project, and while a release date is not yet announced, players can wishlist it on Steam for updates.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Echo Generation 2 First Demo Available Now on PC and Xbox

Cococucumber has released the first playable demo of Echo Generation 2, available for download on PC and Xbox consoles. In the demo, players control Sister M, who must escape the FST organization using her supernatural abilities and a new tactical combat system that allows for personalized deck building. Echo Generation 2 is scheduled for launch in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox for PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Game Pass, and PC (Steam). Players can wishlist the game on Steam and Xbox, and follow Cococucumber on social media for updates. Cococucumber is an indie studio based in Toronto, co-led by Martin Gauvreau and Vanessa Chia, known for developing games like Planet of the Eyes, Riverbond, Ravenlok, and the original Echo Generation.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

New Cyberpunk Game Available for Free for All Steam Users

Beat of Rebellion is a free-to-play isometric rhythm-based Hack & Slash game developed by the indie studio CyberRacoons and published by AIV. It has received an 86% approval rating on Steam, earning a “Very Positive” designation. Players control a character called a Pulsedrifter in the dystopian city of New Nexus, where music is used as a weapon against oppression. The game features a vibrant aesthetic, clever level designs, fluid mechanics, and an engaging soundtrack.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Millennium Whisper and the case for ethical, on-device AI in games

A recent survey by Google Cloud found that 90% of game developers are exploring generative AI. Millennium Whisper, a dating sim by Parable Studios, is the first game on Steam to run a large language model entirely on-device, avoiding cloud-based inference. This approach allows for unique in-game conversations and addresses ethical data usage, as actors retain ownership of their data and receive royalties. The game uses actor-led role-play sessions for character behavior, ensuring high-quality data. Running AI locally enhances energy efficiency and sustainability, contrasting with traditional server-based models that incur ongoing costs. Millennium Whisper received grant funding from Innovate UK and is currently in Early Access. Ambrose Robinson, the founder of Parable Studios, emphasizes the importance of energy savings and the sustainability of their AI approach.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Getting banned by Steam and Epic has made HORSES a best-seller — but this censorship bodes ill for creativity

Indie developer Santa Ragione's horror game HORSES has been banned from Steam without a clear explanation, leading to frustration from the developers and a lack of communication regarding the ban. Despite this setback, interest in the game has increased, resulting in strong sales on alternative platforms like GOG and itch.io, where it is currently a best-seller. The ban has made it difficult for Santa Ragione to secure external publishing deals, forcing them to seek private funding. Steam cited concerns over depictions of sexual conduct involving minors, while Epic referenced explicit sexual behavior and animal abuse, claims that Santa Ragione disputes. The game is available for purchase on GOG for .99 and on itch.io. GOG has expressed support for the game, emphasizing player choice in gaming experiences.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

An indie studio says it’s at risk of closure after Valve banned its game from Steam

Indie studio Santa Ragione is facing potential closure due to its game, Horses, being denied entry to Steam, which is a major sales platform for PC games. Horses is a first-person horror game featuring a college student on a farm where the "horses" are adults in horse masks, aimed at an adult audience. Valve blocked the game over concerns that it depicted sexual conduct involving a minor, a claim Santa Ragione disputes. The studio plans to release Horses on alternative platforms like the Epic Games Store, GOG, Itch, and the Humble Store on December 2. Santa Ragione invested approximately 0,000 in the game and struggles financially after their previous title, Saturnalia, underperformed. They believe a scene in the game may have triggered Valve's concerns despite the characters being adults. The studio has been unable to secure external publishing partnerships and is relying on the success of Horses on non-Steam platforms to survive. Co-founder Pietro Righi Riva acknowledged that the studio could close if the game does not perform well.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

After 2 years and $100,000 invested, acclaimed indie studio is “likely closing” due to Steam ban, says it was “tricked and betrayed” by Valve: “A system that allows that is broken”

Santa Ragione, an indie studio based in Italy, is facing a ban from Steam for its upcoming experimental horror game, Horses, which co-founder Pietro Righi Riva has described as "extremely frustrating." The studio, known for its innovative titles like Mediterranea Inferno and Saturnalia, has invested approximately 0,000 into Horses and is struggling to secure additional funding after traditional investors withdrew support. The ban stems from a scene depicting a "horse" that visually represents a naked adult woman carrying a young female child, which the studio modified to feature an adult character. Despite these changes, Valve has maintained its ban, while other platforms like Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Store have no issues distributing the game. Santa Ragione claims that Horses is neither "pornographic" nor intended to arouse, but rather aims to provoke discussion through unconventional material. The studio's access to over 75 percent of the PC gaming market is blocked, significantly impacting its financial prospects and future.