Daily Indie News Roundup #11 (29. 1. 2026.)

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Welcome back to Daily Indie News Roundup #11, where we bring together the latest announcements, launches, retro discoveries, and major industry developments from across the independent and wider gaming world. Today’s edition spans everything from handcrafted stop-motion horror and cozy puzzle cats to ambitious RPG projects, financial turbulence at major publishers, and passionate fan-driven preservation efforts.

ABIDE Is a Handcrafted Stop-Motion Horror Experience Seeking Kickstarter Support

Cult indie duo Talha & Jack Co have officially unveiled ABIDE, an extreme first-person horror game built entirely around stop-motion animation, physical dolls, and practical prosthetic gore effects. Currently in development for PC, the project aims to blend unsettling craftsmanship with psychological horror, delivering a tactile, stomach-churning experience unlike anything in the digital horror space.

To fully realize their vision, the studio has launched a Kickstarter campaign seeking £25,000 in funding, which will run for 30 days and conclude on February 28. Backers can access a range of rewards, including digital copies, an art book, a soundtrack, and even the opportunity to be modeled as an in-game corpse. This marks the team’s third community-funded project following the successful campaigns for Judero and Mashina.

Chowdown Kitty Brings Cozy Match-3 Cat Collecting to Steam on February 12

Indie studio Lunar Peace is launching Chowdown Kitty on Steam on February 12, offering players a relaxed match-3 puzzle game centered on feeding endlessly adorable cats. The core mechanic revolves around matching tiles to drop treats into bowls, keeping feline residents satisfied and unlocking new companions. While levels are timed to provide light tension, the overall experience is designed to remain friendly and stress-free.

Asthenia Offers a Personal, Non-Handholding Dark Fantasy Adventure

Solo developer Manthos Lappas has revealed Asthenia, a dark fantasy adventure set in a decaying world consumed by a mysterious disease and endless war. Combat centers on the Ancient Gauntlet, a primordial artifact used both as a weapon and an environmental tool. Encounters are deliberate and close-range, emphasizing positioning and timing rather than button-mashing. Notably, the game avoids maps and quest markers, pushing players to rely on memory, observation, and intuition.

ICARUS: Console Edition Lands on PS5 and Xbox Series February 26

RocketWerkz and Grip Studios have confirmed that ICARUS: Console Edition will arrive on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles on February 26. Originally launched on PC in 2021 by DayZ creator Dean Hall, ICARUS is a player-versus-environment survival game set on a hostile, partially terraformed planet. Players must build shelters, craft tools, hunt for food, and survive toxic atmospheres, violent storms, and aggressive wildlife. While cross-play will not be supported, pre-orders are live and include the Pet Companions Pack DLC.

HUNTDOWN: OVERTIME Announced as Roguelite Prequel for 2026

Coffee Stain Publishing and Easy Trigger Studios have unveiled HUNTDOWN: OVERTIME, a grindhouse-inspired roguelite prequel to the original Huntdown. The game is scheduled to enter Early Access on PC in Q2 2026. Unlike its predecessor, OVERTIME adopts a roguelite structure built around fast, violent run-and-gun gameplay inspired by VHS-era action films and modern blockbusters like John Wick.

Hozy Brings Stress-Free Home Renovation to PC on March 30

tinyBuild and Come On Games have announced that Hozy will launch on PC via Steam on March 30. The cozy renovation title has already surpassed 250,000 wishlists, signaling strong interest. Hozy focuses on restoring abandoned homes using intuitive tools and satisfying mechanics. Players clean, decorate, and redesign spaces without timers, scores, or penalties. Every interaction is designed to provide small moments of satisfaction, from wiping windows to lighting candles and arranging furniture.

Darkhaven Revealed as a Dynamic Action RPG from Diablo Veterans

Moon Beast Productions, founded by Diablo veterans Philip Shenk, Peter Hu, and Erich Schaefer, has announced Darkhaven, a dark fantasy isometric action RPG coming to PC via Steam. The game will launch in Early Access, with a Kickstarter campaign planned. Set after the collapse of civilization, Darkhaven places players in a procedurally generated, persistent world shaped by player actions. Terrain and structures are fully deformable, allowing players to dig tunnels, drain lakes, redirect lava, and rebuild fortresses.

Dear me, I was… Expands to More Platforms on February 12

Arc System Works will release Dear me, I was… on Switch, PC, iOS, and Android on February 12 for $7.99. The interactive adventure previously debuted on Switch 2 in July. The game tells the story of a woman’s life through watercolor visuals and rotoscoped animation. It contains no traditional dialogue, relying instead on imagery and music to convey emotion. Designed to be completed in under an hour, it focuses on reflection, growth, and everyday experiences.

DO NOT PLAY Promises Retro-Inspired Psychological Horror This Summer

Japanese publisher SCRAP and developer Fahrenheit 213 have announced DO NOT PLAY, a first-person escape horror game coming to PC this summer. The game supports English, Japanese, and Chinese languages. Inspired by a rumored banned browser game from the 2000s, DO NOT PLAY simulates a system error that floods the screen with overlapping windows. Players must solve puzzles within this chaotic interface to progress.

ENDLESS Legend 2 Reveals Ambitious Early Access Roadmap

Hooded Horse and Amplitude Studios have unveiled the next phase of development for ENDLESS Legend 2, outlining an extensive Early Access roadmap during the studio’s Amplified event. Upcoming priorities include major quality-of-life improvements, expanded victory conditions, updated militia systems, and refinements to Hero skills. One of the most anticipated additions is the introduction of custom factions, allowing players to mix and match traits, abilities, and aesthetics to create their own personalized empires. A major end-game event, titled the Endless Monsoon, is also planned, featuring world-ending storms and the arrival of the Keeper of the Depths.

Rhell: Warped Words & Troubled Times Prepares for March Launch

Yogscast Games has shared new details on Rhell: Warped Words & Troubled Times ahead of its March 12, 2026 release. Developed by SlugGlove, the semi-open-world adventure invites players into a mystical realm shaped by ancient magic. Players control Rhell, navigating 14 interconnected regions and solving puzzles through magical “runes” composed of keyword combinations. Exploration and experimentation are central to the experience, with puzzles encouraging unconventional thinking.

The Defiant Brings a New Perspective to World War II Shooters

Publisher 4Divinity and developer Hoothanes have announced The Defiant, a narrative-driven FPS set during China’s War of Resistance against Japan in World War II. The game aims to explore a historically overlooked conflict through cinematic storytelling and culturally grounded design. A newly released trailer showcases early combat, environments, and tone, highlighting a focus on authenticity and emotional weight. The Defiant is currently planned for PC and consoles, with more details expected in the coming months.

Ranger’s Path: National Park Simulator to Enter Early Access Soon

Ranger’s Path: National Park Simulator will launch in Early Access on March 10, 2026, for Steam and the Epic Games Store, priced at €19.99 with an introductory discount. Developed by To-Go Games and published by astragon Entertainment, the simulation places players in the role of a U.S. park ranger in Faremont National Park. Gameplay includes trail maintenance, visitor management, wildlife protection, and emergency missions such as search-and-rescue operations.

Aegis Force: The Scorian War Launches Kickstarter Campaign

Indie studio Deseret Games has launched a Kickstarter for its debut project Aegis Force: The Scorian War, beginning February 1, 2026. The turn-based tactical RPG draws inspiration from classics such as Shining Force II, Fire Emblem, and Final Fantasy Tactics. Set in the world of Ianua, the game features character-driven storytelling, moral choices, and strategic combat. Backers can unlock beta access, digital rewards, and even contribute to enemy design. With a $10,000 funding goal, planned stretch goals include voice acting, Boss Rush mode, new story content, and a simultaneous console launch.

Omen Brings Extraction Combat to Sci-Fi Roguelike Design

Codex Interactive has announced Omen, an upcoming top-down extraction shooter coming soon to Steam, with a demo arriving February 5. Set in a post-apocalyptic galaxy known as The Voidborn, players assume the role of an immortal Astral pilot investigating a mysterious phenomenon called The Veil. Gameplay blends base defense, roguelike progression, and extraction mechanics.

Hotel Architect Expands Staff Management Systems

Hotel Architect has received a major Management Update from Pathos Interactive and Wired Productions, significantly enhancing its staff systems. The update redesigns attributes into separate Personality and Skill categories and introduces a new training system that allows staff to level multiple abilities. Employees can now specialize, encouraging long-term strategic planning. The game is currently free to play for a limited time and available at a 50% discount, celebrating its continued success in Early Access.

Good Boy Reveals New Narrative Gameplay Trailer

Team17 and Observer Interactive have released a new trailer for Good Boy, a cozy metroidvania creature collector starring a canine space rover. Players explore Terra II, capture alien creatures, complete quests, and bond with companions inspired by the developers’ real dogs. Designed as a low-threat experience, the game emphasizes exploration, emotional storytelling, and environmental discovery.

Way of the Hunter 2 Officially Revealed

Nine Rocks Games has officially unveiled Way of the Hunter 2, the sequel to its popular hunting simulation. Built on a new technical foundation, the game introduces a loyal canine companion, enhanced bullet camera systems, and upgraded lodges. Set initially in the Canadian wilderness, the story follows investigations into unusual wildlife behavior. Authentic gear from real-world brands further enhances immersion, with additional territories planned.

Godbreakers Receives New Content Update

To The Sky and Thunderful have released a new update for Godbreakers on PC and PS5, introducing a new enemy type, additional combat abilities, weapon skins, balance changes, and UI improvements. With six distinct biomes and fully cancelable combat systems, the roguelike continues to evolve into one of the genre’s more fluid action experiences.

Shipping Store Simulator 2037 Announced for PC

SayGames and PLAYSTROM have revealed Shipping Store Simulator 2037, launching on PC in Q3 2026. Players manage a futuristic shipping business staffed by robotic employees. The simulation focuses on automation, expansion, maintenance, and logistics management, blending cozy gameplay with optimization systems.

Signal Station Brings Analog Sci-Fi Thriller to PC

Cherrypick Games has announced Signal Station, a 2026 sci-fi thriller featuring diegetic, UI-free gameplay centered on analog equipment. Players decode alien signals using vintage machinery while navigating political pressure, survival mechanics, and branching narrative choices. The game emphasizes ethical dilemmas and psychological tension over traditional action.

Mewgenics Release Date Confirmed

Mewgenics, from Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel, launches on PC on February 10, 2026, at 9 AM PT. The turn-based roguelike has already attracted over 20,000 Steam followers.

Retro News

Sonic R&R Mod Turns Sonic R into a Platforming Sandbox

Hacker Bo Bayles has released Sonic R&R, a patch that transforms the 1997 Sega Saturn racer Sonic R into a more traditional exploration-focused platformer. The mod removes time limits and racing structures, allowing players to freely explore levels. Character controls have been reworked to support slower, more precise movement, making navigation more pleasant. While Bayles admits the game can become short if players already know collectible locations, the mod’s goal is to encourage relaxed exploration.

Halo Zero Demake Brings Master Chief to Amiga and Neo Geo CD

Developer Earok has released an early preview of Halo Zero (Unofficial Remake) for Amiga, Genesis, and Neo Geo CD. The project is a port of the classic 2000s PC fan game Halo Zero, reimagined for retro hardware. Built using Scorpion Engine 2025, the demo features one playable level and supports multiple platforms. The Amiga version pushes hardware limits, requiring significant RAM and CPU power.

Disney Afternoon Collection Confirmed for Switch and Switch 2

Capcom’s Disney Afternoon Collection has appeared on the Japanese eShop for Switch and Switch 2, confirming a February 26, 2026 release. The collection will cost approximately $15. In addition to the original NES titles, the new version adds two SNES games: Bonkers and Goof Troop. Goof Troop is notable for being one of Shinji Mikami’s earliest projects. Now published under Atari due to its ownership of Digital Eclipse, the collection represents the most complete portable release of these Disney classics to date.

PS2Recomp Project Aims to Enable Native PC Ports

Developer ran-j has announced PS2Recomp, an open-source project that seeks to recompile PlayStation 2 code into C++ for native PC and Linux ports. Inspired by N64Recomp, the project could enable large-scale PS2 porting. While still in early development with no playable results yet, PS2Recomp could eventually allow improved performance, modding, and modern features beyond traditional emulation.

Duke Nukem 3D Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary

Duke Nukem 3D officially turned 30 on January 29, marking the release of its original shareware version in 1996. Built on Ken Silverman’s Build Engine, the game helped define 1990s PC shooters and introduced Jon St. John’s iconic voice. Despite controversies over mature content and censorship in some regions, Duke Nukem 3D became a massive success and spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs. Its legacy remains influential despite the troubled history of Duke Nukem Forever.

MSX2 Classics Head to Switch via EGGCONSOLE

D4 Enterprise is bringing two MSX2 titles to Switch through its EGGCONSOLE line. Wonderland of Carbuncle launched on January 29 for $6.49, while Super Tritorn arrives on February 5. Both releases include save states, rewind features, galleries, and English guides. Wonderland focuses on apple-collecting arcade action, while Super Tritorn is an expanded action RPG featuring puzzle elements and boss battles.

Infamous Barbarian Gets Unofficial Atari 8-Bit Port

The controversial 1987 game Barbarian is being ported to Atari 8-bit computers by a Polish development team. Originally famous for its violent gameplay and provocative marketing, the game was a major commercial hit despite bans and criticism. This new port gives Atari owners access to a classic they missed during the original release era.

Retro Demake Brings The Last of Us to 8-Bit

Developer mourilo has released a browser-based demake titled The Last of Us Demastered, reimagining the original game as a vertical run-and-gun shooter. Players control Joel, protect Ellie, and survive waves of infected and enemies in a simplified but challenging format. The game is free to play online.

Industry News

Paradox Reports Major Profit Decline After Bloodlines 2 Struggles

Paradox Interactive has reported a 162% year-on-year drop in operating profit for Q4 2025, largely due to Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 underperforming. The company wrote down SEK 355.3 million in development costs and posted an operating loss of SEK 245.4 million for the quarter. Despite this, revenue rose 23% thanks to Europa Universalis V. For the full year, operating profit fell 80%. CEO Fred Wester described the period as intense and announced a renewed strategic focus and resource reallocation.

Jon Van Caneghem Joins Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era

Hooded Horse and Unfrozen have announced that Jon Van Caneghem, founder of New World Computing and creator of Might and Magic, has joined Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era as a creative advisor. Caneghem will assist with worldbuilding and design alongside Ubisoft’s ongoing involvement as IP holder. Both developers and fans have welcomed his return to the franchise.

Jessica Curry Speaks Out on Gender Inequality in Games

Composer Jessica Curry discussed systemic issues facing women in games during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. She highlighted the industry’s resistance to diversity and the professional risks faced by women who speak out. Curry, the first and only solo woman to win BAFTA’s Games Music Award, described mentoring other women while struggling against double standards. She also praised fans of The Chinese Room’s games and reflected on the emotional impact of her work.

Phasmophobia 2026 Roadmap Promises 1.0 Launch and Switch 2 Release

Kinetic Games has revealed its 2026 roadmap for Phasmophobia, confirming a major 1.0 release across all platforms. The update includes what was previously called Horror 2.0. Plans include a player character update with new animations and cosmetics, two map reworks, seasonal events, and a new mystery. The game will also launch on Nintendo Switch 2 and receive a Unity 6 network upgrade.

G2A Report Highlights Global Gaming Trends

G2A has released its 2025 Sales & Regional Trends Report, revealing major differences in gaming preferences across 15 regions. Minecraft remains the only universally dominant title, while Early Access betas have become major commercial events. ARC Raiders emerged as a breakout new IP, and survival sandbox games showed strong international growth.

Nintendo Clarifies Switch Online Poster Error

Nintendo has confirmed that an image shared with Walmart mistakenly included Metroid Prime 2 and Pikmin 2 for Switch Online’s GameCube library. The company stated that these titles are not currently planned for release and apologized for the confusion.

GDC Survey Reveals Platform and Layoff Trends

The latest GDC State of the Industry survey shows that developer interest in Xbox is roughly half that of PS5 and Switch 2. While 80% of developers prioritize PC, only 20% expressed interest in Xbox development. A separate survey section revealed that 28% of developers have been laid off in the past two years, with nearly half still seeking new employment. Industry leaders cited restructuring, budget cuts, and market instability as major causes.

Final Fantasy Classics Arrive on GOG

Four classic Final Fantasy titles are now available DRM-free on GOG:

• Final Fantasy III (3D Remake)
• Final Fantasy IV (3D Remake)
• Final Fantasy VIII Remastered
• Final Fantasy IX

The release supports long-term preservation and accessibility for PC players.

Xbox Free Play Days Return

Xbox’s Free Play Days event allows players to try Fallout 76, For Honor, Dead by Daylight, and Grounded 2 from January 29 to February 1, with extended access for select titles. Participants can carry progress forward if they purchase the games during discounted periods.