Real life is stressful enough, so why spend your leisure time stressing over K2D ratios, boss runs, and the fallout following a huge mistake that cost your team the match? Video games can also serve as relaxing experiences that allow you to simply vibe and enjoy the soothing music and pretty visuals. Why not soak up the gentle satisfaction of building a village on the back of a giant, dinosaur-esque creature, or the simple pleasure of designing a tranquil garden brought to life with hand-painted watercolor art?
Luckily for you, the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia is bringing some fabulously talented indie studios from Switzerland to GDC 2023 under its SwissGames banner, and they’ve got a heck of a selection of “chillcore” titles that are the perfect way to relax after a tough day. And if you’re heading to GDC and want to check them out yourself, simply click the link below and book a time to see them in person!
We’d be delighted if you could share the news with your audience, or book a time to meet the devs at GDC using the link below. We also have limited pre-GDC interview availability for SwissGames and the delegation if you won’t be attending the show, so please get in touch if you’re interested!
But you’re probably asking yourself, what ARE these games? Take a look below and see what these studios are cooking up!
Stray Fawn Studio
The Wandering Village
Description: A city-builder with a twist, The Wandering Village puts players in charge of building and designing a refuge for a group of citizens seeking to escape a world where mysterious plants are spreading all over the planet, emitting toxic spores as they grow. But the best location for their new village just so happens to be on the back of a giant, wandering beast known as Onbu. Sustainability and partnership are the keys to success in The Wandering Village, as keeping Onbu happy and healthy is just as important (and vital) as ensuring your villagers have a place to call home. With vibrant colors and a blend of 3D and hand-drawn, hand-animated 2D graphics, this is a chillcore city-builder like nothing you’ve seen before.
Platform: PC, MacOS, Linux
Trailer: https://uberstrategist.link/TheWanderingVillage_TrailerYT
Presskit: https://uberstrategist.link/StrayFawnStudio_Presskit
knit’n’purl game studio
Pocket Oasis
Description: Life in the city can be hectic, and as humans, we simply aren’t meant to be surrounded by bricks, glass, and stone on all sides. Everyone needs a tranquil refuge to experience the peace of mind that only a garden can offer, and in the aptly-named Pocket Oasis, you’ll be able to create the perfect balcony hideaway in cities around the globe. Plan and design your mini-Eden with a variety of plants, pets, and decorations, and watch your little garden grow from seedlings to lush (and delicious), fruitful plants. Along with a cozy soundtrack and beautiful hand-painted visuals, Pocket Oasis provides the perfect escape from city living.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch
Trailer: https://uberstrategist.link/PocketOasis_TrailerYT
Presskit: https://uberstrategist.link/PocketOasis_Presskit
SIRO GAMES
Wéko the Mask Gatherer
Description: Hop into the boots of Wéko, an adventurer and collector of magical masks, in this adorable 3D action-adventure that mixes exploration and real-time combat. Help the titular Wéko hunt down the seven primordial masks — each of which grants him special powers and abilities that are necessary for unlocking the different areas of a gorgeous and mysterious fantasy world. With splashes of Zelda and Banjo-Kazooie, Wéko the Mask Gatherer is the perfect throwback for players looking to re-ignite the magic of childhood exploration.
Platforms: PC
Trailer: https://uberstrategist.link/Weko_TrailerYT
Presskit: https://uberstrategist.link/Weko_Presskit
Team Kerzoven
Circle of Kerzoven
Description: Sustainability and our symbiotic relationship with the natural world are hot topics these days, and the relaxing city-builder Circle of Kerzoven will force players to decide what side they want to be on. Managing your city and its population is one thing, but with expansion comes the threat of intruding upon — and sometimes destroying — the natural world. Will you place the needs of your citizens above those of the local flora and fauna, or try to find a path that takes both into account? Circle of Kerzoven is a game that asks tough questions in a cozy, colorful, and comfy aesthetic that also allows players to take their time weighing the tough decisions thanks to the ability to slow down, or even completely pause, the time cycle.
Platforms: PC, Linux
Trailer: https://uberstrategist.link/Circle_of_Kerzoven_TrailerYT
Presskit: https://uberstrategist.link/Circle_of_Kerzoven_Presskit
