The Frosty Games Fest 2026 showcased a diverse range of Australian and New Zealand-made games, highlighting the talent and ambition of local developers. The event revealed a variety of genres, narratives, art styles, and approaches, with some games getting trailers, release dates, and others getting their first public reveal. The festival showcased the growing strength of the indie game scene in the region, with a focus on storytelling and innovation. Here's a breakdown of some of the notable game reveals from the festival, along with my personal commentary and analysis.
A Pocket Full of Slagford
This game caught my attention with its unique premise of a puzzle adventure set in a Northern city that's 'coming apart at the seams'. The idea of literally and figuratively piecing together the world to advance is intriguing, and the game's aesthetic and narrative promise a visually captivating experience. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm excited to see how this game unfolds.
Acting Out
JWT Production's 'Acting Out' is a co-op game where players film movie scenes with friends. The concept of creating cinematic experiences with friends sounds incredibly fun, and the early access release window in July 2026 is a great incentive for players to get involved. I'm curious to see how the game's pacing and the social aspect of filmmaking translate into gameplay.
Akashic Slingshot
Developer Jayden Everest's 'Akashic Slingshot' is a side-scrolling adventure game with a unique slingshot mechanic. The idea of harnessing a slingshot to defeat enemies and navigate levels is fascinating, and the release date of December 3rd adds a sense of urgency to the experience. I'm eager to see how the game's level design and enemy variety play out.
Allogloom
'Allogloom' from Galactic Ghosty is a point-and-click puzzle game with a macabre setting. The release date of September 24th is a good sign for players who enjoy this genre. The game's gothic atmosphere and puzzles promise a challenging and immersive experience, and I'm curious to see how the story unfolds.
Apathema
'Apathema' from Sammy Makes Games is a turn-based RPG with a 'grunge fantasy' theme. The game's inspiration from 'God Husk, Baroque, and King's Field' suggests a rich and complex narrative. The public demo's availability on Steam is a great opportunity for players to try it out, and I'm intrigued by the idea of 'ending a self-devouring cycle of Apathy'.
Apothecurse
'Apothecurse' from Lesser Key Studios is a game that follows a fledgling alchemist on a journey to Port Gelour. The premise of 'brave the seas' and 'a plague-ridden city on the brink of revolution' adds a sense of urgency and intrigue. The game's demo being available on Steam is a great way to attract players, and I'm curious to see how the story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Atlanta TD
'Atlanta TD' from Tin Man Games is a strategy game where players defend the Four Spectacular Realms from the Underworld. The early access release window in December 2026 is a good sign for players who enjoy this genre. I'm intrigued by the idea of managing resources and defending against encroaching armies, and the game's narrative promises a challenging and engaging experience.
Attack of the Astrals
'Attack of the Astrals' from Hewer's Workshop is a turn-based strategy roguelike with a cosmic theme. The game's premise of 'tactical puzzles' and 'a cosmic army that grows stronger as you do' adds a sense of challenge and urgency. The exclusive gameplay trailer is a great way to attract players, and I'm eager to see how the game's level design and enemy variety play out.
Bashful Adoration
'Bashful Adoration' from KittyWampus is a 3D platformer with a unique narrative about four witches in love with the same person. The game's use of 'bombastic combat and expressive movement mechanics' adds a sense of dynamism and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
BLIGHTEN
'BLIGHTEN' from Blight Software is a survival horror game set in an abandoned facility. The game's premise of 'mindless, infected creatures' adds a sense of danger and urgency. The exclusive gameplay trailer is a great way to attract players, and I'm eager to see how the game's level design and enemy variety play out.
Box Knight
'Box Knight' from We Made A Thing Studios is an office brawler with a unique twist of costumes based on Australian animals. The game's premise of dressing up in costumes and battling in an office setting adds a sense of humor and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Bravest Coconut
'Bravest Coconut' from Little Nebula is a story-rich puzzle adventure with a unique narrative about a young hero facing monsters and mysteries. The release date of July 10th is a good sign for players who enjoy this genre. I'm intrigued by the game's premise and the idea of a library book quest, and I'm eager to see how the story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Canvas City
'Canvas City' from Disc 2 Games is a turn-based strategy RPG with a unique narrative about roller-skating rebels. The game's premise of 'an oppressive regime in an urban city' adds a sense of urgency and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Cloudlings
'Cloudlings' from Middle Space is a colony sim with a unique narrative about controlling a floating island. The game's premise of 'gathering resources and growing a kingdom' adds a sense of challenge and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Cooking For MA!
'Cooking For MA!' from Tuatara Tea Party is a story-rich cooking simulator with a unique narrative about an adventure through the spirit world. The game's premise of 'saving a grandma from an evil serpent using the power of cooking' adds a sense of humor and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Cow Chess
'Cow Chess' from lablab is a 2D platformer with a unique twist of competitive gameplay elements. The game's premise of combining 'Worms' and 'Super Smash Bros' adds a sense of dynamism and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Cozy Game Restoration
'Cozy Game Restoration' from Parasol Corp is a soothing simulator where players restore forgotten video game cartridges. The game's premise of 'tearing wrapping away, peeling off old stickers, and cleaning grime' adds a sense of calm and engagement. The release date of September 24th is a good sign for players who enjoy this genre.
Doomsday Diner
'Doomsday Diner' from Space Rock Games is a stylish post-apocalyptic cooking sim with a unique narrative about a world where 'hot dogs are cheap and life is cheaper'. The release date of July 23rd is a good sign for players who enjoy this genre. I'm intrigued by the game's premise and the idea of a post-apocalyptic cooking experience.
DWARRF: A Pinball Roguelike
'DWARRF: A Pinball Roguelike' from YETIBYTES is a deck-building physics roguelike with a unique narrative about 'pinball, pachinko, and bubble shooter'. The release date of August 21st is a good sign for players who enjoy this genre. I'm eager to see how the game's level design and enemy variety play out.
Echo Zero
'Echo Zero' from Wildboy Studios is a tower defense rogue-lite with a unique narrative about a 'dangerous' sci-fi underworld. The game's premise of 'creating powerful bases and defending them against various forces' adds a sense of challenge and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Edwin Earstwhile: Medical Examiner
'Edwin Earstwhile: Medical Examiner' from Callum Page is a detective game with a unique narrative about 'getting to the bottom of a series of grisly murders'. The game's premise of 'examining meticulously hand-animated cadavers' adds a sense of intrigue and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Fishing Echoes
'Fishing Echoes' from DuoBonza is a collectathon RPG with a unique narrative about 'fish fight back with elemental magic'. The game's premise of 'battle all sorts of critters' adds a sense of challenge and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Freeline
'Freeline' from piers.zip is a speed-running parkour platformer with a unique narrative about a young cat 'on a mission to reclaim the rooftops'. The game's premise of 'a corporate surveillance state' adds a sense of urgency and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Ghost Writer
'Ghost Writer' from Lemon Jolly Games is an idle game with a unique narrative about 'overworked little ghost'. The game's premise of 'writing prompts via desktop' adds a sense of engagement and creativity. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
HAWKER
'HAWKER' from Tyrian Games is a roguelite action RPG with a unique narrative about 'paying or evading a debt to Death'. The game's premise of 'a procedurally-generated grimdark world' adds a sense of challenge and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
HYPER PRIMATE
'HYPER PRIMATE' from Totem Softproducts is a parkour platformer with a unique narrative about 'dangerous speed-runs through deadly obstacle courses'. The release date of July 17th is a good sign for players who enjoy this genre. I'm eager to see how the game's level design and enemy variety play out.
Janet DeMornay Is A Slumlord (and a witch)
'Janet DeMornay Is A Slumlord (and a witch)' from Fuzzy Ghost is a horror game with a unique narrative about being a renter to a strange witch. The game's premise of 'a horror tale about being a renter to an evil witch' adds a sense of intrigue and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
KUU
'KUU' from Interactive Tragedy is a story-rich management game with a unique narrative about 'making impossible choices while you survive for 30 nights on the moon'. The game's premise of 'surviving on the moon' adds a sense of challenge and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
L8R SK8R
'L8R SK8R' from Busalonium is a 3D platformer with a unique narrative about 'collect-a-speedrun'. The game's premise of 'a highly stylised, fast-paced run' adds a sense of dynamism and engagement. The release date of August 28th is a good sign for players who enjoy this genre.
Lone Pine
'Lone Pine' from Bang Bang Bang Interactive is a point-and-click adventure game with a unique narrative about 'exploring a fictional national park in search of mysterious and strange cryptids'. The game's premise of 'magical creatures found in modern myths and legends' adds a sense of intrigue and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Management In Space
'Management In Space' from Silver Stitch Productions is a strategy management roguelite with a unique narrative about 'finding yourself in debt'. The game's premise of 'building, mind, trading, dating, and defending' adds a sense of challenge and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Mingle
'Mingle' from Cookiecrayon is a hidden object puzzle game with a unique narrative about 'finding your perfect match'. The game's premise of 'match-making' adds a sense of engagement and social interaction. The release window of Q4 2026 is a good sign for players who enjoy this genre.
n00b's guide
'n00b's guide' from Just4Friends is a story-rich walking simulator with a unique narrative about a 30-year-old's experience in life. The game's premise of 'funny, introspective, and painfully earnest' adds a sense of engagement and self-reflection. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Night Shift: 1999
'Night Shift: 1999' from Winter Schloss Studios is a visual novel with a unique narrative about 'balancing work, vampirism, and socialising'. The game's premise of 'exploring Kings Cross, Sydney during the last year of the millennium' adds a sense of nostalgia and engagement. The release window of Q3 2026 is a good sign for players who enjoy this genre.
Penguin Colony
'Penguin Colony' from ORIGAME Digital is a cosmic horror game with a unique narrative about 'rival human factions seeking an ancient and inconceivable being'. The game's premise of 'observing their descent into insanity' adds a sense of intrigue and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
PUTRID/SHARP
'PUTRID/SHARP' from Unseconds is a horror romance game with a unique narrative about 'rot, love, and not being able to get things back'. The game's premise of 'carving one's way through the stages of decomposition' adds a sense of intrigue and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Radio Decay
'Radio Decay' from Rare Parrot Games is an action horror co-op game with a unique narrative about 'rebuilding one's body with prosthetic limbs'. The game's premise of 'extracting bounties of riches in competitive play' adds a sense of challenge and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Rusthaven
'Rusthaven' from Chaos Theory Games is a solarpunk management game with a unique narrative about 'rebooting the world in the anti-apocalypse'. The game's premise of 'a more hopeful and bright-eyed tone' adds a sense of optimism and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Shape Sender Deluxe
'Shape Sender Deluxe' from Dead Teapot is a puzzle sandbox simulator with a unique narrative about 'solving spatial challenges using magnets, springs, portals, fans, and other unique tools'. The game's premise of 'being taunted by an odd little mascot' adds a sense of humor and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Slayblade
'Slayblade' from Henry's House is a physics roguelite with a unique narrative about 'building special battle-tops and competing to become King of the Streets'. The game's premise of 'anime-inspired' adds a sense of dynamism and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Sludgineers
'Sludgineers' from Snickerdoodle Games & Funk Games is an idle clicker simulation game with a unique narrative about 'cleaning, mining, and refining pollution'. The release date of August 25th is a good sign for players who enjoy this genre.
Sting & Swing
'Sting & Swing' from MrCheeseAndPie is a collectathon puzzle metroidvania with a unique narrative about 'exploring a strange overgrown world as a bee'. The game's premise of 'a golf ball and club' adds a sense of humor and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
Straycloud
'Straycloud' from Beast Dance is a story-rich adventure with a unique narrative about 'restoring power to ancient magical technology'. The game's premise of 'a strange land that was once airborne' adds a sense of intrigue and engagement. While the lack of a release date is a bit of a bummer, I'm curious to see how the game's story and gameplay mechanics unfold.
