Daily Indie News Roundup #16 (6. 2. 2026.)

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February is now in full swing, and with it comes a clearer picture of how the indie and wider gaming scene kicked off 2026. From Steam’s strongest January performers and major simulation announcements to long-awaited retro revivals and deep industry discussions, today’s roundup covers a wide range of news.

January 2026’s Top New PC Performers Highlight Strong Indie Momentum

Despite January traditionally being a quieter month for releases, early 2026 delivered several breakout successes on Steam. According to GameDiscoverCo estimates, Quarantine Zone: The Last Check topped the charts with more than 650,000 copies sold. Following closely were StarRupture and LORT, which ranked second and third. StarRupture, a first-person factory-action hybrid, surpassed 500,000 sales, while co-op roguelite LORT reached over 250,000 units.

Further down the charts, Half Sword and Cairn represented the “best of the rest.” While Half Sword struggled with early technical issues, its physics-driven medieval combat has kept players interested. Cairn, a survival climbing game that launched late in the month, has already passed 300,000 sales after a strong demo reception.

ARC Raiders Dominates Steam Sales and Revenue Charts

Embark Studios’ ARC Raiders emerged as January’s most dominant paid title, reaching an estimated 2.1 million Steam units for the month and 3.8 million across all platforms. Lifetime sales now reportedly exceed 15 million units, cementing its status as one of the industry’s biggest recent successes.

Other strong performers included R.E.P.O., Peak, and RV There Yet?, which collectively represent the growing popularity of “friendslop” co-op experiences. Meanwhile, No Rest for the Wicked’s co-op update drove major growth, pushing lifetime sales to 1.5 million and adding roughly 650,000 units in January alone.

Roadhouse Simulator Revealed as Gas Station Simulator Prequel

DRAGO Entertainment has officially unveiled Roadhouse Simulator, a narrative prequel set in the Gas Station Simulator universe. Blending management systems with hands-on gameplay, players will handle bar operations, cooking, staff management, and territory expansion. Physical combat plays a major role, with hand-to-hand fights against unruly patrons and rival biker gangs.

Squeakross: Home Squeak Home Receives Major Free Content Update

Indie duo Alblune has released a substantial free update for Squeakross: Home Squeak Home on Steam and Nintendo Switch. The cozy nonogram puzzle game now features over 850 puzzles, including 236 new entries. Two new furniture catalogues have been added, alongside improved decorating systems that allow wall placement and grid alignment. Night mode has been upgraded, 13 new Steam achievements introduced, and new “Rodent Cheesemails” now showcase community photos and nonprofit tips.

Over The Top: WWI Launches March 6 on Steam

Flying Squirrel Entertainment and GG Publishing have confirmed that Over The Top: WWI will release on March 6, 2026. The multiplayer shooter supports massive 100-versus-100 battles set on detailed Western Front maps. Featuring historically inspired weapons, vehicles, and fortifications, the game emphasizes authenticity, aided by the development team’s background in historical reenactment. Twelve maps are planned at launch, with additional content expected post-release.

Nested Lands Enters Early Access on February 25

After a brief delay to implement key features, medieval survival-settlement RPG Nested Lands will launch in Early Access on February 25. Set during the Black Death, the game tasks players with building and protecting a village amid disease, raids, and psychological strain. Post-launch updates will expand settlement mechanics, introduce livestock systems, fishing, expeditions, and new story content. A major narrative update will eventually conclude the main storyline with the Dark Waters biome.

Dragon’s Breath: Chronicles of the Red Dragon Announced

Developer monsters&creatures has revealed Dragon’s Breath: Chronicles of the Red Dragon, a retro-inspired 2D action RPG. The game combines classic bump combat with a modern Action Command System that rewards precise timing. Players explore Firebreath Mountain, collect sacred relics, and battle toward a final confrontation with the Red Dragon. The title emphasizes nostalgic presentation while integrating contemporary mechanics.

Retro News

Hamster Corporation Launches Console Archives Series

Hamster Corporation has announced the first lineup for its new Console Archives initiative, which brings classic console games to PlayStation 5 and Switch 2. Early releases include Ninja Gaiden II, Cool Boarders, Doraemon, Nobunaga’s Ambition, MagMax, Sonic Wings Special, Dezaemon Plus, Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure, Master of Monsters, Monster Rancher Hop A Bout, and UFO: A Day in the Life.

Space Station Silicon Valley Joins Growing Wave of N64 PC Ports

Another Nintendo 64 classic is receiving modern treatment, as Space Station Silicon Valley joins recent PC recompilations like Holy Magic Century and Banjo: Recompiled. Known for its bizarre animal-possession mechanics and imaginative level design, the game is gaining renewed attention through native PC enhancements and mod support. For longtime fans, the revival represents growing recognition of N64-era creativity and experimentation.

Industry News

French Government Honors Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Developers

Sandfall Interactive has received France’s Order of Arts and Letters for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, recognizing its cultural contribution to French game development. President Emmanuel Macron praised the studio, highlighting the game’s impact on Montpellier and its historic Game of the Year win. The award reflects growing institutional recognition of video games as an art form.

Baldur’s Gate TV Series Moves Forward Without Larian’s Involvement

HBO’s upcoming Baldur’s Gate adaptation, led by Craig Mazin, will continue the story beyond Baldur’s Gate 3. However, Larian Studios will not be directly involved in production. While this breaks from recent trends of developer participation, Larian leadership has expressed cautious optimism. CEO Swen Vincke stated that the game’s endings were designed to support future narratives and welcomed discussions with the show’s creators.

Nintendo Addresses Rising Memory Costs and Switch 2 Strategy

Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed that rising memory prices are being closely monitored. While current profitability remains stable, prolonged increases could force future pricing adjustments. Furukawa emphasized maintaining user engagement through major updates for titles like Animal Crossing and Splatoon 3, encouraging gradual transition to Switch 2. Japan’s stronger-than-expected adoption has been attributed to major localized releases.

Japanese Artists Discuss Harsh Realities of Industry Hiring

A viral post by former game artist Noriba highlighted the intense competition within major Japanese studios, where only a small fraction of artists hold creative authority. Despite this, freelancer Kimiori offered a more optimistic view, explaining that company experience builds vital networks that lead to future freelance work. Former employees are often first in line for outsourcing opportunities, making corporate employment a valuable long-term strategy.

Console Sales Remain Slow as F2P Gains Traction

January saw limited console sales activity. On PS5, Cairn and Code Vein II led new releases but remained under 50,000 units. On Xbox, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade was the only notable performer. Free-to-play titles such as 2XKO, Highguard, and Arknights: Endfield showed moderate success, approaching one million players each. On Switch platforms, Final Fantasy VII Intergrade neared 100,000 sales, while Suika Game Planet and Dispatch continued slow but steady growth.