Cookie Cutter Developers Regain Control After Publisher Split

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One indie Metroidvania is getting a second life, this time fully in the hands of its creators. Cookie Cutter, the hand-drawn action-adventure from Subcult Joint, is entering a new phase after the team successfully regained full control of the project following a difficult split with its former publisher.

Originally released in late 2023 in partnership with Rogue Games, Cookie Cutter quickly stood out for its techno-pop-punk aesthetic, brutal combat, and protagonist Cherry, a rage-driven android on a violent path of revenge through a dystopian world. However, behind the scenes, the project ran into serious issues, leading to a prolonged dispute that resulted in temporary delistings on some platforms and public requests from the developers for players to hold off on purchases during the conflict.

That situation has now been resolved, with the developers confirming they are self-publishing the game moving forward. This means all future sales will directly support the team, marking a significant shift in both control and revenue. The PlayStation 5 version, which had been temporarily removed, is also set to return, giving players another chance to pick up the game while supporting its creators more directly.

Looking ahead, the studio is preparing to launch an expanded version of the game titled the “Overkill Edition +,” which will serve as an ongoing evolution of the original release. Rather than a one-time update, this version is planned as a continuous rollout of new content, including additional missions, areas, enemies, weapons, abilities, and story elements. Early details mention new quests set in locations like the Denzel Factory and Crystal Pits, alongside broader gameplay improvements and fixes.

Importantly, these updates are expected to be free for existing owners, with the first major expansion currently targeted for late summer 2026. The Overkill Edition + will be available on PC via Steam, as well as Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. Xbox support, however, may be discontinued as the team focuses its resources elsewhere, a decision they acknowledged with some hesitation.