Welcome to our subsequent PAX Aus piece for 2026! We spoke to so many gifted indie devs on the present that we’ve divided our indie piece into two: Australian and New Zealand devs. Try the New Zealand devs we spoke to.
Did we miss you at PAX Aus 2026? Sadly, with just one reporter on the present, we couldn’t chat to everybody. When you have been there (and even should you weren’t) and also you’re an indie dev on the lookout for protection, tell us! We’d like to have a chat, and perhaps even characteristic you on our website, on our podcast, or in our printed journal.
Within the meantime, take a look at the superb titles under from throughout Australia. These are offered within the order we spoke to every dev crew. Tell us which recreation you’re most enthusiastic about!
Schrodinger’s Cat Burglar (Qld)
Schrodinger’s Cat Burglar comes from Brisbane-based studio, Deserted Sheep. We love the title, each of the sport and the studio. We spoke to director Martin Binfield about this distinctive title.
In Schrodinger’s Cat Burglar, you play the function of Mittens the cat. Technically, you play the function of two variations of Mittens. You see, Schrodinger’s Cat Burglar relies on the idea of a cat being in two potential locations without delay so long as nobody sees it. Keep in mind the thought experiment of the cat within the field that’s each alive and useless? Yeah, physics is difficult. However Mittens is cool.
The sport isn’t a tech demo; it’s obtainable proper now. And it reveals. That is one polished-looking title. You may play with one or two gamers. In a single-player mode, you management each cats, one with every management stick. With two gamers, you every management a cat.
The cats transfer effortlessly by way of the surroundings, emulating the motion of actual felines. I’m at all times impressed by builders mimicking animal motion; it’s not a simple factor to do. I’m reminded of titles like Little Kitty, Large Metropolis and Stray, each of which we reviewed and loved. And sure, Martin does have a cat at residence.
The story follows a cat on the prowl at 3am whereas the people are asleep. There are many puzzles to resolve, with a neat mechanic permitting the 2 cats to merge and break up to be able to clear up them. It’s performed from a top-down perspective. Oh, and you’ll accumulate lovely hats alongside the way in which. Who doesn’t love placing hats on cats? It’s actually one of the best.
Schrodinger’s Cat Burglar gained an AGDA award earlier this yr (congrats!). When you’re excited by enjoying, it’s at the moment obtainable on Steam with a really optimistic assessment ranking. For Nintendo followers like us, there’s even higher information: the sport will likely be coming to Swap sooner or later. Whereas we don’t have a launch window simply but, the crew is engaged on it as we converse (kind? learn?). They’d additionally like to convey it to Swap 2 – if they will get their arms on a dev package. Let’s hope Nintendo helps them out with that.
Yep, this recreation is already on lots of people’s radars. It must also be on yours. And now that it’s, we’ll make sure you hold you knowledgeable in regards to the Swap launch because it progresses.
On the Fireside (Qld)
On the Fireside comes from Earl Grimm Video games, a Queensland-based crew of 4. We spoke to Crystal at PAX Aus 2026. Crystal is the crew’s Technical and Surroundings Artist.
This narrative-driven thriller recreation sees you play as an apprentice throughout the top of the witch trials. The sport includes decrypting magical analysis to uncover spells, and exploring the wilds for reagents to assist convey these spells to life. In the meantime, there’s an inquisition afoot, so that you’ll want to assist out your fellow villagers alongside the way in which.
The sport has been in growth for a couple of yr. We sit up for seeing extra of On the Fireside as growth continues. It’s an attention-grabbing premise with a enjoyable potion-making mechanic on present at PAX Aus. We had enjoyable mixing issues collectively to see what we might create.
On the Fireside is slated for a Steam launch someday in 2027. The crew can be hoping for a Swap submit sooner or later.
You may wishlist On the Fireside on Steam.
Terramystra (SA)
Terramystra is an upcoming recreation from StarSword Video games, a comparatively new indie studio from South Australia. The crew of seven was shaped in 2025 by Valeriia Holik, aiming to create whimsical, artistic experiences. We spoke with artist Ruby about what makes Terramystra, their first title, so particular.
The sport is a 3D fantasy puzzle-platformer. You tackle the function of an lovely rock golem named Pebble, who groups up with historic rocks to resolve puzzles, defeat bosses, and restore steadiness to the world.
We love the colourful artwork fashion and enjoyable 3D platforming of the Terramystra demo. Within the recreation, there are 4 rock varieties to gather, together with an fulfilling boss battle on the finish.
The sport remains to be in early growth, although you may check the Terramystra demo on Itch.io. You may wishlist Terramystra on Steam. The crew can be seeking to get its arms on a Swap dev package to convey the sport to Nintendo’s moveable console sooner or later.
Lorenz Fries (Tas)
Lorenz Fries comes from a pair of Tasmanian builders who name themselves Faycrest Studios. We spoke to editor and producer Joey about Lorenz Fries, which occurs to be the studio’s first recreation.
Lorenz Fries has been in growth for about three years. Described as an action-adventure horror title, it includes a neat pixelated artwork fashion with top-down gameplay. The premise includes college students disappearing at a personal faculty. It’s as much as you to resolve the thriller whereas taking up creepy monsters and exploring the varsity. There’s additionally useful resource administration and puzzle fixing throughout the sport’s seven chapters.
The artwork fashion and music are highlights, making this one soar out at us instantly. It reminds us of a top-down model of one thing like Resident Evil, with terrifying creatures and stealth-based fight. We will’t wait to see extra because it develops additional.
The crew is hoping to convey Lorenz Fries to Nintendo and different consoles sooner or later. Within the meantime, you may obtain the Lorenz Fries demo on Itch.io.
Nuko (Vic)
Nuko is a card recreation from Loaded Deck Video games in Victoria. We spoke to developer Dave about his recreation, which is accessible on cell units now.
Nuko relies on the traditional recreation of Cheat. The purpose is to be the primary to discard all of your playing cards. Every flip includes dropping as much as 4 playing cards out of your hand. The tough half is that you need to discard playing cards of a primary larger or decrease than the earlier particular person. So, if somebody drops two 7s, you may drop 8s or 6s. That’s fantastic when you’ve got these playing cards; what should you don’t? Effectively,, you lie after all. Drop a ten or a queen as an alternative; however are you able to persuade the opposite gamers they’re truly 8s or 6s?
Gamers can name you out; in the event that they’re proper, you are taking all playing cards from the central discard pile. In the event that they’re improper, they take the playing cards. It’s tremendous enjoyable.
Nuko options cute animal characters to play towards, making it much more interesting to youngsters. The sport is aiming for a Steam launch in mid-2027. Whereas the present roadmap doesn’t embody a Swap or different console launch, we expect this is able to completely on Nintendo’s handheld console. Within the meantime, this reporter went again to the resort after PAX with a pack of real-life Nuko playing cards and performed together with her youngsters for hours. We had an absolute blast. Thanks once more, Dave!
Penguin Colony (Vic)
We walked previous Penguin Colony a number of instances earlier than we might even get shut sufficient to talk to the crew from Origame Digital. This was a well-liked title at PAX Aus 2026. It options an antarctic panorama set within the late Thirties. The very best half? You play the function of a number of penguins.
The sport is described as a lovecraftian adaptation, and has been in growth for about two years. The plot includes varied teams of people invading your colony to hunt out an historic being. It’s dubbed as historic fiction. You may play as one in all seven totally different penguins, swapping between them on the faucet of a button. Every with its personal capacity, permitting you to discover additional relying on which penguin you’re controlling.
We spoke to Tali, director and creator of Penguin Colony at PAX Aus lately. He advised us that the unique thought behind Penguin Colony was sparked from watching the animated movie Comfortable Toes. Seeing penguins sliding down a snowy mountain appeared like a enjoyable recreation mechanic. And after testing it at PAX Aus, we will testify that it actually is.
Penguin Colony was launched on Steam simply after the PAX Aus occasion. Congratulations to Tali and the crew! It’s additionally heading to Swap, with growth of the Swap port at the moment in growth. The crew has expertise with Swap ports. Try their earlier title Umurangi Technology on the Swap eShop.
Bravecart (NSW)
Keep in mind The Godfeather: A Mafia Pigeon Saga? We lined this recreation at PAX 2023 and previous to its Swap launch in 2024. Effectively, developer Hojo Studio is again with its subsequent quirky title, Courageous Cart. And issues are trying nice.
Colour us impressed with Rick and Yola from Hojo. This crew of two works part-time on their video games whereas juggling full-time jobs, but has managed to create a brand-new entry that’s virtually prepared for launch since we final spoke to them.
And Courageous Cart isn’t a small recreation. It options 100 ranges break up throughout 5 chapters. The premise is especially neat and noteworthy. You play the function of an deserted buying trolley (or cart relying in your area; right here in Australia, they’re often known as trolleys).
You crew up with a receipt often known as Scrappy, who helps you in your path to freedom. We beloved the little particulars just like the sound of the receipt being printed. Good consideration to element!
The purpose of every stage is to flee with out being caught by one of many company employees patrolling the world. Alongside the way in which are puzzles to resolve, gadgets to gather, and different deserted trolleys to rescue. Finishing every stage in a sure variety of strikes and accumulating the objects ends in a star ranking. Appears like there will likely be loads of replayability with this one.
What’s extra, the crew at Hojo Studios is utilizing this quirky idea of an deserted trolley to make a distinction. It’s not only a humorous premise; 10% of gross sales will likely be donated to supporting sustainable remedy of company waste. Moreover – and that is tremendous cool – the sport options an in-built instrument to report wayward trolleys of their neighborhood. We’re not sure if this characteristic will translate to the Swap and even to abroad markets, however it would actually assist hold Australia stunning.
The complete recreation can even characteristic a stage editor. This suits completely with the one-screen strategy to every stage, permitting gamers to unlock their creativity and share ranges with associates and the world. We will’t wait to get our arms on it.
Courageous Cart is seeking to launch on Steam and cell mid-2027 with a Swap launch later within the yr. Signal us up for day one, please!
Within the meantime, take a look at Courageous Cart particulars on Steam.
Multi-Merge Mayhem (NSW)
Multi-Merge Mayhem might very properly be the subsequent large factor in chaotic multiplayer gaming. It combines arena-based fight with minigames in an all-out brawl for as much as eight gamers. Think about Smash Bros. crossed with Wario Ware and also you’ll have some thought of what to anticipate.
The sport comes from Celebration Bomb Studio, a crew of eight based mostly in NSW. The straightforward premise includes choosing from a bunch of cute avatars earlier than setting off to bash them foolish. Every stage is a standalone display screen à la Smash Bros. Whereas duking it out for supremacy, you additionally need to consider varied minigames. These could possibly be something from lasers chasing you throughout the display screen, missiles chasing you, or math issues to be solved earlier than a timer runs out. It’s pure chaos. And it’s wonderful enjoyable.
Multi-Merge Mayhem is aiming for a Steam and Swap launch in direction of the top of 2027. We’re excited to see this one come to Nintendo’s hybrid console and might see ourselves having fun with a PN recreation night time. We’ll hold you posted.
Within the meantime, you may wishlist Multi-Merge Mayhem on Steam.
My Arms are Longer Now (Vic)
My Arms are Longer Now needs to be one of many craziest, quirkiest, and downright funniest titles we’ve ever seen. We chatted with the crew from Victoria’s Toot Video games at PAX Aus final yr. Issues have come a great distance since then.
We spoke to Millie and Matthew from Toot Video games, who’ve been engaged on the sport for about 5 years now. The crew has now signed on with writer Jackbox Video games. Their presence at this yr’s PAX was considerably larger, too, with a big stand within the central indie space.
The sport itself includes a lengthy, twisting arm that snakes its approach by way of 5 ranges to create as a lot mischief as potential. It’s all about inflicting chaos within the funniest approach potential. Consider it as Mr. Tickle if he gave up tickling and determined to only nick issues.
The sport options no time restrict, giving gamers the liberty to discover as a lot as they like. The titular arm may be totally personalized, too, making it really your personal. There’s additionally one thing a couple of unusual goblin man, however that’s a shock we’ll have to attend for within the full recreation.
If this outrageous title sounds interesting to you, we have now excellent news. My Arms are Longer Now could be aiming for a launch on Steam, Swap, and Swap 2 throughout the first quarter of 2027.
If you wish to strive it sooner, you may strive the My Arms are Longer Now demo on Steam.
Tank Society (NSW)
Tank Society was one of many easiest but most addictive titles we tried this yr. It comes from indie dev Bradley Lin, {an electrical} engineer who graduated from UNSW and represented the college on their PAX Aus stand this yr.
Bradley’s recreation is designed like an arcade traditional. You management a tank in a top-down surroundings and eradicate all enemy tanks. You solely get one life, so make it depend. It’s insanely enjoyable to fireside on foes, utilizing partitions to ricochet your bullets into. The straightforward design belies the addictive gameplay, with a powerful “only one extra” feeling.
The PAX Aus demo had three ranges, however Bradley is aiming to construct 100 for the ultimate recreation. That’s fairly bold, however actually, we will’t wait to strive extra. Bradley additionally had the best memento on the showroom ground. When you tried the demo, a small printer spat out your instances on a little bit sticker, which Bradley affixed to a credit-card-sized memento. There’s even room for different stickers should you run into Bradley and his recreation at different expos. Very neat.
Whether or not it involves a Nintendo console stays to be seen. This reporter thinks it could match the Swap’s moveable nature completely. For now, Bradley is aiming for a demo to launch on Steam in 2027, with a full recreation potential by the top of the yr. We’ll regulate issues within the meantime.
You may wishlist Tank Society on Steam.
Ranger (NSW)
Alongside Bradley was Man, one other pupil from UNSW. Man’s title at PAX Aus 2026 was often known as merely Ranger, a recreation that sees gamers navigate an isometric open world in quest of treasure and enemies.
The standout characteristic of Ranger is its neat visible fashion. It’s impressed by the 1980 recreation, Rogue, and sports activities a colourful, pixelated world. The sport began out below a distinct title. Initially often known as Soulful, it didn’t match with the texture of the sport as growth progressed.
Different options embody permadeath, together with an absence of on-screen directions. It’s all about exploring and surviving, and the longer you spend on this planet, the higher you perceive it.
Whereas no official launch date is at the moment deliberate, you may wishlist Ranger on Steam.
Dungeons and Eating Tables (SA)
We noticed Dungeons and Eating Tables at PAX Aus in 2024. Whereas the intelligent crew at Catalyst Video games wasn’t current final yr, they returned with a vengeance in 2026. And wow has this recreation come a great distance since we final noticed them.
We chatted with Aiden from Catalyst Video games in regards to the recreation. He’s the Artistic Director and works on this recreation in his spare time. Discuss dedication! Aiden describes Dungeons and Eating Tables as a cross between Animal Crossing and Diablo. It’s a terrific mashup that enables gamers to battle their approach by way of procedurally generated dungeons to earn crafting supplies and different loot. Then it’s time to make use of these things to furnish and enhance your own home.
We’re merely in love with the protagonist, a gender-neutral axolotl. You may customise this character to your coronary heart’s content material, making it your personal. And it’s tremendous lovely. The sport’s unique protagonist was a fox. Additionally they went by way of different iterations, like a badger, raccoon, and even a rat, earlier than selecting the cutest creature on this planet. We requested if the unique fox would possibly flip up someplace within the recreation, and it’s undoubtedly potential. So hold a watch out!
One of many neatest issues we realized about Dungeons and Eating Tables this yr is that the music is wonderful. When requested about this, it was revealed that there was some particular assist available from composer Nathan Cummins. Nathan dealt with the music manufacturing, orchestration, and typesetting for Hole Knight: Silksong. To place it mildly, Silksong options among the best gaming soundtracks on the market.
Sadly, there’s no information on a Swap model of Dungeons and Eating Tables simply but, however we’ll hold bugging Aiden till it occurs. The crew is seeking to convey the sport to Steam within the subsequent yr or so. Within the meantime, you may play the Dungeons and Eating Tables Steam demo.
That’s a wrap for this yr. Have been you at PAX Aus 2026? What have been your highlights? You’ll want to take a look at our ideas on what Nintendo and SEGA have been showcasing this yr, in addition to the New Zealand devs we spoke to.
