Okay, everyone, it’s time to stop playing Stray for half an hour to learn about its publisher’s upcoming titles. Games other than Stray that Annapurna Interactive has published lately includes Telling Lies and Twelve Minutes. The publisher is on fire lately, and I’m excited to see what game announcements, closer looks at previously-announced titles, and more will be revealed in its (second) annual showcase.
Thirsty Suitors (game update)
I’m so glad to see Thirsty Suitors here, as I’m really interested in this action-adventure turn-based RPG about dealing with your exes and finding yourself in a joyful and surreal world. The main character is a young woman named Jala. Aside from the combat, players can skateboard (more on that later) and cook. This trailer reveals more about the combat, such as Jala exposing her exes’ weaknesses by doing things like flirting. Through the combat portions of the game, shape her personality by making choices that build up her persona. As for skateboarding, that happens at an abandoned theme park run by a creepy cult of skater kids. Skateboarding is designed to be both accessible and complex, so we’ll see how that turns out. Thirsty Suitors will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and Xbox One when it launches.
Hindsight (game update)
It’s hard not to think about how time changes memories, until the version you remember isn’t real at all. It’s hard not to drift into the past while sorting through memories. Hindsight seems very sorrowful, but interlaced with happiness. It’s odd to describe the feeling this trailer gives me. It’s almost melancholy? Hindsight will be released for iOS, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch on August 4.
Cardboard Computer (developer spotlight)
The developer of Kentucky Route Zero, Cardboard Computer, is made up of three staff members in Chicago. Jake Elliott, Tamas Kemenczy, and Ben Babbitt. They moved directly into the new game after Kentucky Route Zero, but the idea has been in their minds for a long time. It features a lot of what they describe as tableaus, and not a lot of animation.
Bounty Star: The Morose Tale of Graveyard Clem (game reveal)
An ex-solider named Catherine McKinney has no peace and no purpose, but she ends up getting back into a mech and fighting bands of mercenaries while learning to care about the post-post apocalyptic desert she intended to rot in. Bounty Star: The Morose Tale of Graveyard Clem will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, and Xbox One in 2023.
Yarn Owl (developer spotlight)
One guy started out by streaming the process of making a game. Then one day, someone offered their help. Yarn Owl was born from these two people, one in Austin and one in Atlanta. They’ve been working full-time together for over a year but never met… until now! How cute! One does everything code, and one does everything art.
Outer Wilds (game update)
Let’s get this out of the way: yes, Outer Wilds will still be coming to Nintendo Switch, but it’s taking some time. But there’s also good news: it will be coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series on September 15 as a free upgrade!
Annapurna Interactive (platform updates)
- The Pathless: coming “winter” to Nintendo Switch and Xbox
- Maquette: coming “winter” to Nintendo Switch and Xbox
- Solar Ash: coming December 6 to PC via Steam, coming “winter” to Xbox
- What Remains of Edith Finch: free upgrades for Xbox Series and PlayStation 5 available now
Third Shift (developer spotlight)
Forever Ago is a story-driven road trip adventure game. Play as Alfred, an elderly man travelling in his old van. Travel down the west coast. The game started with Alfred (who has been redesigned to look more lifelike). His purpose is to document the trip.
Flock (game reveal)
Cute creatures and cute sounds. I’m in! Gather your friends for Flock, a multiplayer co-op game about the joy of flight and collecting adorable creatures. Soar through the landscapes seeking out rare creatures to add to your flock. Flock will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, and Xbox One.
Hohokum (game trailer)
Originally released for PlayStation, cult classic Hohokum is now available for PC via Steam. Become a kite-like being and travel to curious worlds, interact with characters and environments, and be amused by the surprises that unfold.
??? (game teaser)
Sorry, that’s literally all we know about Keita Takahashi’s next game, developed by Uvula! You’ll know him from his infamous Katamari series. The trailer starts with a boy and a dog snoring. That’s about it. More will be revealed… eventually.
Dreamfeel (developer spotlight)
Making games is a process. Trying to guide it is like trying to guide a river. The people who work for Dreamfeel form games based on their own experiences because it feels more real. Started as one developer, then two, then more and more. Its new game is set in a fantasy version of Ireland. All the characters are cats. I repeat: All. Characters. Are. Cats!
The Lost Wild (game reveal)
There’s dinosaurs. There’s vast wilderness. But there’s also contemporary buildings. How is this game any different from Jurassic Park? The game is described as a survival horror adventure about overcoming nature’s most formidable life forms. The Lost Wild will be released for PC via Steam.
Watch the entire showcase
