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Valkyrie Initiative Announces Fast-Paced 2D Platformer Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel

Valkyrie Initiative and solo developer 70`Strike today announced Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel, a fast-paced 2D platformer inspired by the 16-bit classics of the ’90s, coming to PC via Steam and GOG as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Packed with humor, destruction, grotesque enemies, and pure hellish energy, the game sends players into a bizarre underworld where the circles of Hell have been reimagined as the floors of a chaotic infernal hotel

Watch the official announcement trailer here

In Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel, players take control of Mr. K, an ordinary office clerk and all-around decent guy whose fate takes a darkly comic turn after a ridiculous accident sends him straight to Hell instead of Heaven. There, he arrives at the gates of the Inferno Hotel, a surreal place where each floor has its own rules, atmosphere, and dangers. With the hotel in chaos and its floors sealed off, Mr. K must fight his way through every trial in search of an audience with the Boss to set this cosmic mistake right.

The game will take players through nine floors of the Inferno Hotel and more than forty handcrafted levels, blending fast and dynamic platforming with strange mechanics, grotesque enemies and bosses, and surreal locations ranging from fiery factories to a park of homeless souls. Built around the spirit of the Mega Drive and Super Nintendo era, the game combines familiar retro sensibilities with fresh ideas, satirical humor, and an offbeat personality of its own.

To celebrate the announcement, Valkyrie Initiative has also opened Steam Playtest sign-ups for the game. Players who take part in the Playtest and meet certain conditions will have the chance to earn a range of exclusive in-game rewards, which will be granted at the full launch of the game. These rewards include a golden kettlebell skin, a smelly kettlebell skin, and a stylish yellow shirt for Mr. K.

Some of these rewards will require genuine skill. Players who complete every level in the Playtest build with an S Rank will unlock the Steam achievement “Golden Run”, qualifying them for the top reward, provided they also wishlist the game and follow Valkyrie Initiative’s publisher page on Steam. Additional rewards can be unlocked through other Playtest achievements and participation requirements. The Playtest start date will be announced at a later time.

“After working on the dark and demanding world of Skelethrone, I wanted to create something lighter, stranger, and more playful without losing the sense of challenge and personality that makes action games memorable,” said Ksayfar (Dmitriy Bukhtatov), solo developer at 70`Strike. “Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel is my love letter to the weird energy of ’90s platformers — games like Earthworm Jim, Boogerman, Bubba ’n’ Stix, and Sonic — filtered through a bizarre vision of Hell inspired by The Divine Comedy. It’s fast, surreal, hand-crafted, and intentionally a little unhinged.”

Key features of Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel include:

  • Fast-paced, dynamic 2D platforming
  • Two gameplay modes: Classic with limited lives, and Arcade, where players cannot die but lose more points when hit
  • Over 40 levels spread across nine floors of the Inferno Hotel
  • Grotesque enemies and bosses
  • Surreal locations and bizarre underworld humor
  • Hand-drawn pixel art and frame-by-frame animation
  • A retro-inspired soundtrack composed by the developer, blending jazz, ’80s disco, blues, and more

Players can wishlist the game and request access to the Steam Playtest here

70`Strike is the solo development label of Ksayfar (Dmitriy Bukhtatov). Following work on Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona, Bukhtatov began development on Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel as a more playful and eccentric project inspired by classic ’90s platformers, hand-drawn pixel animation, and a whimsical reinterpretation of Hell.About Valkyrie Initiative

Valkyrie Initiative is a publisher focused on bringing distinctive games to players across multiple platforms. The company works with development partners on publishing, platform releases, and community-facing initiatives for original indie and mid-core titles.

Demo for Chaotic Physics-Based Wheelchair game Wheelie Bad Now Available on Steam

Whisperlight Games today announced that the playable demo for Wheelie Bad is now available on PC via Steam.

Wheelie Bad is a hilarious, physics-based 2-player “coopetitive” game that answers one simple question: which of you is the deadweight? Players take control of crash test dummies in wheelchairs and battle against chaotic physics and absurd obstacles in one massive, continuous environment where failing is just as fun as winning.

Blending cooperation and competition, Wheelie Bad guarantees incredibly clumsy moments, unpredictable physics interactions, and completely broken friendships as you both struggle to progress and figure out who is dragging you both down.

Key Features:

  • Physics-Based Chaos: Master (or completely fail at) controlling a wheelchair.
  • Coopetition at its Finest: You need each other to progress, but every mistake will be used against you. It’s the ultimate test of cooperation and rivalry.
  • Find the Deadweight: The game is specifically designed to highlight who is the absolute worst player and the true burden of the duo.
  • One Massive Level: Survive everything from standard obstacles to unexpected meteor showers across one giant, seamless environment.

The demo is currently live and free to download. Players can try the game right now and add it to their Steam Wishlist.

Important Links:

About the Developer: Wheelie Bad is developed by Whisperlight Games, focused on creating unique, physics-driven multiplayer experiences that bring players together through humor and chaos.

Contact: Whisperlight Games 

whisperlightgames@gmail.com

Visual Novel “Ace & Aro: Heart-to-Heart” announced

Developer Kinmoku has announced their third game “Ace & Aro: Heart-to-Heart”, which welcomes players to talk freely to a-spec characters, understand their journeys, and make lasting connections.

Get to know an eclectic cast of characters across the asexual and aromantic spectrums, personalize your experience with how you identify, see your choices reflected throughout the game, and enjoy mini-games in the barcade setting!

Coming soon to Steam and itch.io for PC, Mac, and Linux.

Developer: Kinmoku
Release date: 2026
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux
Genre: Narrative, Visual Novel

Store Pages:

Steam
itch.io

XCOM-Style Roguelite Ex Sanguis Coming to Steam in Early Access May 21st

Lightbulb Crew is thrilled to announce that Ex Sanguis, their blood- and strategy-rich game, will release on Steam in Early Access May 21st!

So what’s Ex Sanguis all about? You’re here to lead elite warriors, called Stillae, to save a dying world from the forces of stasis. And how do you do that? Through many blood-filled turn-based battles, of course!

While engaging in turn-based combat, you’ll be able to strategically trigger a chain of events across the battlefield to turn the tide. Use Timeline Effects that can hasten, delay, or swap time positions to impact the turn order in a way that favors you and disadvantages foes.

As with any XCOM-style game, you can also use your surroundings to your advantage: explode objects, ignite enemies, or block the enemies’ path. Use spatial effects like knock-backs, forced facings, flanking bonuses, and damage-over-time to gain the edge!

The 30-second trailer hits fast with gameplay snippets, ending on a release window, now set for May 21 2026.

Watch the Early Access Release Date Trailer
 

Ex Sanguis adapts a pleasing roguelite loop into the turn-based combat. Defeat the challenging enemies to gain bonus ‘Corrupted Blood’ you can use to get access to epic bosses earlier, or to spend in the Map Events to gain upgrades for customizing your deadly squad. The further away you venture toward the outer rim of the map, the harder the standard Missions become.

As you play, the cycle never repeats. With each return, each playthrough, you carve new strength from failure and victory alike, unlocking forgotten powers and braving ever darker depths, where your greatest enemies await.

Developer Lightbulb crew plans for a six-month stay in Early Access:

“We’ll take the time needed to deliver a polished and complete experience. As such, the timeline may adjust based on player feedback and development progress. We plan to expand the game with additional content, improved balance, new features, and overall polish. We’re also exploring the possibility of new game modes. Our aim is to build on the core mechanics and continue refining the game’s performance and quality.”

Steam Page
​Press Kit: piratepr.notion.site/ex-sanguis
​Press Contact: press@piratepr.com & contact@lightbulbcrew.fr (interviews welcome!)

About The Game

From the creators of Othercide, Ex Sanguis delivers what the studio is known for: dynamic & epic turn-based combat in a visually striking world. Bleed the world to life; fight the agents of perfection and stillness through strategic blood baths in this evolved roguelite tactical RPG game!

Command the Stillae, elite warriors born from the Sanguis of the Mater, and lead them in a battle to save a dying world. Fight in tactical combat against the forces of Stasis and restore the flow of life.

In a world drained by the Purge, blood is defiance. Each drop of it paints the world in reds and blacks, as a reminder that life fights back. This is not just violence, it’s a vivid rebellion in a pale, colorless world. Key Features

For more updates on Ex Sanguis, ​ ​follow Lightbulb Crew on Twitter/X or BlueSky or join their Discord

About the Studio

Created in 2013, Lightbulb Crew is a Franco-Swedish studio, with most of the team based in Paris. They are an indiegame studio with distinctive design and strong art direction. They make games that tell a story, while the mechanics stay front and center. Their previous work includes Othercide and Nova Hearts.

lightbulbcrew.fr

Copyright © 2026 Lightbulb Crew, All rights reserved.

Official demo for “Sushi Claw Machine” Now Available on Steam

Mihaya is proud to announce that the official demo for “Sushi Claw Machine” is now available on Steam! After going viral in Japan with over 450,000 impressions on X (Twitter), players worldwide can finally test their skills in the world’s most absurd sushi restaurant.

In this shop, the only way to eat is to grab your dinner with a claw machine. If you miss, you stay hungry. Master the hilariously unpredictable physics and see if you have what it takes to clear the belt!

Key Features of the Demo

  • The Thrill of the “Big Drop”: Experience the rush of dropping a massive pile of sushi at once—just like a real arcade! Strategize your timing to trigger a powerful “Ultimate” and clear the entire tray in one go.
  • Hilariously Absurd Physics: Expect the unexpected. From “Dancing Salmon” to “Flying Tuna,” the physics-based comedy ensures that sometimes your dinner flies across the screen with ridiculous force.
  • Localized Experience: The demo fully supports multiple languages including English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), and also includes a deep “Sushi Preference” setting for true connoisseurs.
  • Steam Achievement Ready: Get a head start on the full game’s challenges. The demo features a glimpse of the quirky achievements waiting for you.

Essential Links 

Message from the Developer

“I wanted to combine the nostalgia of arcade claw machines with the chaotic joy of physics-based comedy. Whether the sushi lands on your plate or flies into the abyss, I hope players find the struggle as funny as I do! If you enjoy the demo, please add it to your Wishlist!” — Mihaya

SPECS

  • Developer: Mihaya
  • Game Title: Sushi Claw Machine
  • Genre: Physics-based Claw Machine Simulator / Wacky Arcade
  • Platform: Windows (Steam)

Contact 

Horsemen Four Productions unveils Survival Horror FPS “The Void”

Independent studio Horsemen Four Productions has officially announced “The Void”, a challenging wave-based survival horror first-person shooter. The game draws its thematic inspiration from the movie “The Mist” and spiritual theology. Players are trapped in a hostile environment where survival hinges on precise combat against an unrelenting horde of nightmarish creatures.


Developed solely by Jeffy Zachariah, The Void is a love letter to classic games that defined the survival horror genre. It strips away all modern gameplay conveniences – you only have one weapon and resource spawns are limited. Think Devil Daggers meets survival horror – an experience that demands both quick and tactile movements, careful resource management and planning, combined with tense moments where every decision is a calculated risk.
 
Survive the Void. Find Absolution.

Watch the Announcement Trailer Here
 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

About Horsemen Four Productions

Based in Thiruvananthapuram, India, Horsemen Four Productions is an independent game development studio founded by Game and Creative Director Jeffy Zachariah and Studio Director Joel Zachariah. The studio possesses an extensive background in real-time cinematography, lighting and level design, most notably playing a key role in lighting and cinematography for the critically acclaimed real-time strategy game Tempest Rising.

Duet Night Abyss Unveils The Final Chapter of Huaxu, “The Firmament Unbound”, Launching April 7th

Developer Pan Studio has revealed the final chapter update for its hybrid action fantasy RPG, Duet Night Abyss, The Firmament Unbound. This major content update was unveiled during a Special Preview Program livestream & will launch simultaneously across PC, Android, iOS, the Epic Games Store, and Steam on April 7. With new story content and half-anniversary rewards, players can prepare by downloading the game now on their preferred platform.

Duet Night Abyss players’ adventure through Huaxu will reach a dramatic climax in “The Firmament Unbound.” As they continue to explore the mysteries of the realm, players will witness the Grand Incense Rite and confront Lord Argent in five newly unlocked regions: the Outer Peaks, Youlai Alley, the Taixu Mausoleum, the Hall of Adjudication and the capital Haojing. The update introduces the Taixu Rover, a flying sword mount that lets explorers swiftly navigate the world. The chapter will culminate in intense fights against the mechanical guardian Terracolossus and the dual Loong bosses, Taihao and Zhuyin.

Two powerful new characters join the fray during this update cycle and will be obtainable for free through Immersive Theatre gameplay or Commission Letters:

  • Su Yi (Lumino): A genius engineer and aerial combat specialist who deploys custom mechs and wields the “Fledgling’s Gleam” shotgun.
  • Camilla (Pyro): The enigmatic tavern owner of Icelake City, who will bring her signature “Dregs of Glimmer” assault rifle to the fight when she arrives on May 5.

A new wave of cosmetic content arrives with the update. A limited-time skin banner will feature Su Yi’s exclusive costume “Azure Feather Skyward,” the universal update themed outfit “Rebel Riff”, along with a new skin upgrade system for deeper customisation. New idle animations, weapon skins, and exclusive teleport effects further enhance players’ ability to express themselves. Combat depth also grows with new weapons like the Aureate Drift and Jagged Growl, letting players refine their fighting styles. Fans can also look forward to the global release of the theme song “Binary Fate,” performed by Tiger Hu, on April 9.

Running for 56 days in April and May, the update coincides with the game’s half-anniversary celebration. Players can join story-driven events like “The Incense Proving” and “Starry Gleanings” to earn exclusive rewards, including the new Geniemon Qingluan Type II, commemorative avatars, and Prismatic Hourglasses. 

Duet Night Abyss newest update, “The Firmament Unbound”, is launching April 7th. New and existing players can enjoy the new content for free by downloading it on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and mobile devices. For the latest news, follow the official social media channels and use the limited-time redeem codes provided during the Special Preview Program:

  • THEFIRMAMENTUNBOND
  • THEGRANDINCENSERITE
  • WILLBENEATHTHEWINGS

Official Links:

About Duet Night Abyss:

Duet Night Abyss is a thrilling hybrid action RPG, featuring a dual narrative. Players can seamlessly switch between melee and ranged weapons, and freely combine dynamic movements like Helix Leap for fast-paced and fluid battles. The game unfolds across two story arcs, Chapter Noctoyager and Chapter Twilight, allowing players to explore the intertwined fates from two perspectives as the adventure blends high-impact action with deep, story-driven progression.

Indie racer Retro Drive: Revamped heading to Steam,PS4,PS5, & Xbox consoles March 17th

Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox players, fire up your engines for neon highway domination! Retro Drive: Revamped—the definitive synthwave arcade racer—launches March 27th across Steam, PS4/PS5, and Xbox, bringing laser-gate chaos, cop chases, and an authentic ’80s soundtrack that hits harder than a redline burnout.

Synthwave Soundtrack by Genre Legends

What truly sets Retro Drive: Revamped apart is its unforgettable synthwave soundtrack featuring legendary artists including Fantom ’87, Sunglasses Kid, New Arcades, Neon Nox, Michael Oakley, and many more synthwave pioneers. This is a soundtrack you’ll want to return to no matter the decade, perfectly complementing the high-octane racing action with authentic ’80s atmosphere.

Pure Retro Racing Action

Burn rubber through the neon-lit streets of Retropolis in this indie arcade racer steeped in ’80s nostalgia. Players will dodge deadly laser gates and outrun relentless police while chasing friends across vibrant, retro tracks. The game delivers precision racing mechanics wrapped in a stunning visual package that captures the essence of the Reagan era.

Key Features:

  • Heart-pounding gameplay with precise, challenging track mechanics
  • Customizable cars to rule the neon roads in style
  • VHS collectibles packed with authentic ’80s movie references
  • Retrofuturistic adventure with competitive high-score gameplay
  • Immersive storyline following a college student’s journey to catch up with friends

Critical Acclaim

“Retro Drive Revamped is a great-sounding blast from the past” – OpenCritic

“There was a precise retrofuturistic vision for the look and feel of this game, and I think the developers realised that vision stupidly well” – BestNerdLife

“There is something strangely addictive, or hypnotising, about Retro Drive Revamped” – TheSixAxis

About the Game: Retro Drive: Revamped is published by No Gravity Games & Development and developed by Retro Drive Studio Ltd. This game offers both single-player adventure and competitive high-score gameplay.

Turn the volume up, put the pedal to the metal, and get ready to race through the most authentic ’80s experience!

Watch the trailer here

About No Gravity Games & Development:
No Gravity Games & Development  is an indie boutique publisher specialized in console publishing and building up to games value. https://nogravitygames.com/

Realm of Ink Joins Steam Spring Sale with Major New Update 

Publisher 4Divinity and developer Leap Studio invite players to step into an ink-stained world of Realm of Ink during the Steam Spring Sale with a 10% discount, available now through March 26th, 2026.
 

Blending stunning ink-style visuals with razor-sharp action roguelite combat, Realm of Ink follows Red, a swordswoman who discovers her fate is bound to a scripted world ruled by unseen forces. To survive, she must defy destiny itself, rewriting her story through mastery of multiple combat forms, Ink Gems, evolving companions, and rebirth-driven progression.
 

Coinciding with the sale is the arrival of the brand-new Ink-Stained Spring Update which brings fresh gameplay content, meaningful system additions, plus a wide range of optimizations to the Early Access experience. With all five story chapters now available, this marks the most complete and compelling version of Realm of Ink yet, just ahead of its v1.0 launch on May 26.

At the heart of the update is the introduction of the Affinity System, allowing players to build deeper connections with key characters through quiet, reflective moments that hint at a mysterious unfolding event.
 

Players can also take on the return of Endless Mode, unlocked after achieving Realm of Ink’s true ending. In this evolving challenge, enemies grow stronger over time, pushing players to test their limits and compete against their own records in an ever-escalating cycle.
 

The update also delivers a host of gameplay improvements, including enhanced combat feedback through refined hit effects, enemy reactions, and sound design, making every encounter more impactful and satisfying. New bird’s-eye viewpoints have been added to end-chapter boss arenas, offering sweeping perspectives of the game’s striking environments, alongside numerous optimisations and fixes across the experience.
 

For a full list of the Ink-Stained Spring update, check out the Steam Community post HERE
 

Watch the Spring Update trailer here
 

Key features at a glance:

  • Evolving Action Combat – Switch between distinct combat forms, combine powerful Ink Gems, and build creative loadouts that change with every run.
  • Rebirth-Forged Progression – Death reshapes the narrative, unlocking new abilities, forms, and story paths as you fight to break the ink-bound cycle.
  • Deadly Ink Pets – Summon and evolve companion creatures that support you in battle with unique forms and abilities.
  • Master Ink Gems – Enhance your abilities with over 40 powerful Ink Gems, from Tiger and Dragon Ink to Venom, Curse, and Burning variants that reshape each run.
  • Deep Perk Synergies – Discover over 200 unique perks, including Shadow Kite, Octagram Dart, and Doom Gauge, enabling creative and devastating builds.
  • A Striking Eastern-Inspired World – Explore shifting realms filled with creatures and myths drawn from Chinese folklore, brought to life through expressive ink-style art.

Players can jump into Realm of Ink today via Early Access on Steam at a 10% discount until March 26, 2026. A free demo is also available for those looking to experience Red’s perilous journey before the full launch. 

Realm of Ink arrives May 26th, 2026 with a unified launch across consoles and PC V1.0. 

For more information on Realm of Ink follow 4Divinity on X | Instagram | Facebook | Discord | Steam 

MicroProse to Publish Gunship: Origins, a New Combat Helicopter Experience

MicroProse is proud to announce that it will publish Gunship: Origins, a new combat helicopter game developed by indie studio Jammin Games that places players in the cockpit of some of the world’s most iconic military rotorcraft. Designed as a modern combat helicopter experience, the game combines dynamic missions, cooperative multiplayer, and accessible yet rewarding flight mechanics.

Watch the publishing announcement here

Take the Pilot Seat

In Gunship: Origins, players step into the role of a U.S. Army helicopter pilot operating in a contested battlefield filled with armored vehicles, missile batteries, convoys, and fortified enemy positions.

Flying iconic helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache, AH-1 Cobra/Viper, and UH-60 Blackhawk, players must plan their approach, use terrain to avoid enemy defenses, and strike quickly before the enemy can respond.

Dynamic Combat Missions

Missions in Gunship: Origins are dynamically generated ensuring that each sortie presents new tactical challenges. Players may be tasked with destroying armored columns, escorting transport helicopters into hostile landing zones, intercepting enemy convoys, or striking high-value targets deep behind enemy lines.

Careful planning, teamwork, and quick decision-making are critical to completing objectives and surviving the battlefield.

Fly Solo or With Friends

Players can take on missions alone or join forces in cooperative multiplayer with up to eight players. Friends can occupy pilot and copilot/gunner seats within the same helicopter or coordinate as a multi-aircraft flight to complete complex mission objectives together.

AI wingmen can also assist in missions, allowing players to direct their flight and execute coordinated attacks against enemy forces.



Rise Through the Ranks

Beginning as a Warrant Officer Candidate, players progress through training and combat missions to earn promotions through the U.S. Army officer ranks.

Along the way, pilots can earn authentic military medals and awards that reflect their accomplishments and experience on the battlefield.

Accessible and Cross-Platform

Gunship: Origins is designed to be approachable for newcomers while offering depth for experienced players. Helicopters are easy to learn to fly, but mastering combat tactics and mission coordination will require skill and experience.

The game supports a variety of control setups-from keyboard and mouse to advanced flight hardware-and is optimized to run smoothly across a wide range of systems.

Gunship: Origins will support Windows, macOS, Linux, and Steam Deck.


Key Features

  • Fly iconic helicopters including the AH-64 Apache, AH-1 Cobra/Viper, and UH-60 Blackhawk
  • Dynamic mission generation with a wide variety of combat objectives
  • Single-player and cooperative multiplayer with up to 8 players
  • Pilot career progression with ranks, promotions, medals, and awards
  • Coordinate attacks with either AI or human wingmen
  • Terrain-based tactics using real-world terrain data
  • Accessible flight controls with support for keyboard/mouse and advanced flight hardware
  • Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Steam Deck

MicroProse, founded in 1982, is a world-famous simulation software company known for developing groundbreaking classics and new blockbuster titles such as Falcon, HighFleet, B-17 The Mighty Eighth, Ground Branch, Gunship and many more! Today, MicroProse is not only remaking select classics from its past but also paving the road to next-generation, state of the art games that will create the memories and experiences of new generations of gamers.

—

Jammin Games is an independent game development studio founded by Jamon Holmgren, a veteran software developer and entrepreneur based in the Pacific Northwest. With over two decades of experience in web and mobile development and a lifelong passion for game creation that began in the early days of QBasic, the studio brings together deep technical expertise and a strong appreciation for classic game design. Built around a modern toolset centered on the Godot engine, Jammin Games focuses on creating accessible yet engaging gameplay experiences that capture the spirit of traditional PC games while embracing contemporary design.

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