There’s a new indie game on the horizon that takes Lovecraftian horror in a fresh direction. It’s called Penguin Colony, developed by ORIGAME DIGITAL, the studio behind Umurangi Generation. This game isn’t just about cosmic horror. It dives into the colonial themes that Lovecraft’s works often hint at but never fully explore.
Penguin Colony has been in full-time development for two years. Naphtali Faulkner, ORIGAME DIGITAL’s founder, leads this mostly solo project. He’s brought in contractors and guest artists, most of whom are Indigenous people. That helps give the game an authentic perspective on the themes it tackles.
The idea began with a surprising source: the animated movie Happy Feet. After watching it, Faulkner sketched the first concepts. He noticed how the story made him think about colonial indifference, linking it to Lovecraft’s cosmic horror. Faulkner said, “It made me think about how cosmic indifference felt similar to colonial indifference.”
Writer Jessica Conditt described Penguin Colony as “a sincere attempt to bring into existence a Lovecraft renaissance.” She added that the game focuses on “inherent colonial themes—Invasion, Annexation, Indifference—and Lovecraft’s problematic history of racism and pseudo-science.” Conditt also pointed out that many people only know Lovecraft’s stories through vague images of gills and tentacles.
Orbitals: Anime Puzzle Adventure Coming to Switch 2
On a lighter note, a new game called Orbitals is gearing up for release on Switch 2 this fall. It’s a two-player puzzle adventure that works both locally and online. The art style throws back to ’80s and ’90s anime, capturing a nostalgic vibe.
Orbitals features work by Toru Yoshida, known for his role as guest director. Yoshida drew on his experience from the original Gundam series to shape the game’s look and feel. The art and cutscenes come from Studio Massket, adding polish and style.
The game will launch on September 3, 2026, and offers both Japanese audio and English dubs. It promises a mix of challenging puzzles and a strong visual identity that anime fans will appreciate.
The Long Road of Project Phoenix’s Kickstarter
Not all indie projects have clear timelines. The Kickstarter for Project Phoenix, an RPG, began in 2013 with over $1 million raised. The game was supposed to launch in 2015 but has faced years of silence.
After seven years without updates, the director recently revealed that production won’t finish until the end of 2031. That means the Kickstarter will span 18 years total. It’s an unusually long development cycle in a world where roughly 2,000 games launch on Steam every month.
This extended timeline highlights the challenges some ambitious indie projects face. Fans will have to wait a long time to see if Project Phoenix delivers on its promises.
Alongside these developments, the gaming industry continues to shift. Reports of layoffs and sales updates surfaced earlier in July 2026, reminding us the business side of gaming remains unpredictable.
In a crowded field, games like Penguin Colony and Orbitals bring unique stories and styles. They show how indie developers push boundaries, explore complex themes, and keep players curious about what’s next.
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