Everything Announced During Whitethorn Winter 2025

Image: A white snowflake with a cozy cabin in the center sits in the center of a cold hilly field. Snow gently falls across the image.

Our annual Whitethorn Winter Showcase premiered today, and it came with a blizzard of game news, developer talks, and more! We also sat down with special guests, Laura Kate Dale, Latin American Games Showcase, Safe In Our World, and Stream for a Cause to discuss our shared commitments to enhancing the gaming industry by fostering a more inclusive, accessible, and representative space for developers, industry professionals, and gamers alike. 

In case you missed the showcase, you can catch the replay on YouTube.

Here is a rundown of everything announced during the Whitethorn Winter 2025 Showcase:

New Calico DLC — Calico - Neat Things Out Today on PC and Nintendo Switch

We’re starting off with the biggest surprise from the showcase today as the new DLC for the beloved cat café Calico, Calico - Neat Things, is available on PC and Nintendo Switch! The Neat Things DLC introduces new quests, a new character, new mini-games, and, of course, cuddly new friends to invite to your café!

Features coming to the Calico - Neat Things DLC include:

• New Quest — Neat Things Scavenger Hunt: Your beloved aunt has a mission for you that takes you across the whole island in search of some really neat things!

• New Area and NPC — Mermaid’s Cove: Visit Clover Cove to uncover a new area, and meet a mythical new friend — Nahla the Mermaid!  

• New Animal Companions: Become best buds with new cuddly friends, including a mischievous raccoon, a smiley axolotl, a playful elephant, a loveable golden retriever, and, of course, a very familiar cat!

• Two New Mini-Games: The Cutie City arcade has two new activities to enjoy, so be sure to pay it a visit!

• New Café Decorations: Create your dream aquatic-themed café with furniture!

• And More to Discover: Wander around the island and explore the world around you to discover some fun new interactions, such as playing in piles of fallen leaves, making a wish on dandelions that have gone to seed, and more!

Right now, you can pick up both Calico and Calico - Neat Things for a discounted price as part of the Calico Complete bundle on Steam!

Calico: Neat Things is available today on PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch for $4.99 USD and requires the base game to access. Calico is available on PC — via Steam, Epic Games, Humble Bundle Store, itch.io, and Game Jolt; Xbox One and Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Nintendo Switch for $11.99 USD.

Watch the Calico - Neat Things Launch Trailer:

New Demo for Spray Paint Simulator Available on Steam on February 13

Can’t get enough Spray Paint Simulator? Well, you’re in luck! A new demo for the game will be available on February 13, featuring a whole new level to paint to perfection and — even better — no time limit! Now, you can take your time as you complete two jobs for your discerning customers in Career Mode or paint each level all the colours of the rainbow and hunt for hidden secrets in Free Spray Mode. 

Speaking of Free Spray Mode, Whitethorn Games revealed a new trailer showing it off during the showcase.

Spray Paint Simulator will be available on PC via Steam in 2025.

Watch the Spray Paint Simulator: Free Spray Mode trailer:

Two Characters for Kernel Hearts Revealed in a New Trailer

During the showcase, Momo, Lead Character Artist, shared details about two of the allies you’ll meet while battling your way up the Tower of Babel in the upcoming action-packed multiplayer roguelike Kernel Hearts.  

Combining challenging hack-’n-slash gameplay, role-playing, and roguelike elements with stunning anime aesthetics, in Kernel Hearts, you will battle your way up a deadly celestial tower, building your arsenal of skills with each mortal demise to eradicate monstrous angelic enemies and dethrone a god to save the world.

Kernel Hearts will be available on PC via Steam and Xbox Series X|S.

Watch the new Kernel Hearts video:

Whitethorn Brings Three Titles to PlayStation This Year

We’re bringing not one, not two, but three amazing games to PS5 and PS4 in 2025! Take on the role of a slime, combine skills on the fly, and battle through fearsome corrupted enemies in Slime Heroes; cook up some magical treats in the Metroidvania-lite-meets-cooking game Magical Delicacy; and go on a vacation in the Mediterranean with the Greek gods narrative adventure game Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island on PlayStation this year! Watch the announcement trailers below:

Watch the Slime Heroes PlayStation Announcement Trailer:

Watch the Magical Delicacy PlayStation Announcement Trailer:

Watch the Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island PlayStation Announcement Trailer:

For more information about the Whitethorn Winter Showcase, follow Whitethorn Games on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch, join the official Whitethorn Games Discord, and visit https://whitethorngames.com.

Whitethorn Games Announces Lake Coming to Nintendo Switch, Slime Heroes, Wytchwood Available Now on Mobile, and Release Date for Botany Manor During Whitethorn Winter 2024 Showcase

A white logo on a green hilly background. Text: Whitethorn Winter 2024

Whitethorn Games Announces Lake Coming to Nintendo Switch, Slime Heroes, Wytchwood Available Now on Mobile, and Release Date for Botany Manor During Whitethorn Winter 2024 Showcase
 
Plus, New Studio Partnerships, New Gameplay for Magical Delicacy, Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island Coming to Xbox at Launch, Skate Fish Release Date Announced, and More
 
Erie, Pennsylvania (February 8, 2024) — Today, Whitethorn Games — publisher of inclusive, accessible, easy-going games including APICO, Calico, Lake, and Wytchwood — premiered their annual showcase, jam-packed with game reveals, announcements about their line-up of upcoming titles, new partnerships, and more.
 
Revealed during the Whitethorn Winter 2024 Showcase, which premiered today on the publisher’s YouTube, Twitch, and Steam page, were new studio partnerships and titles to be added to the publisher’s line-up of games, including Pancake Games and their upcoming 3D action-adventure Slime Heroes, and new studio North Star Video Games, who are currently working on an unannounced title. In addition, release dates were announced for the upcoming plant puzzle game Botany Manor, Lake on Nintendo Switch, and Skate Fish, along with a surprise launch announcement for Wytchwood on Android and iOS. New gameplay was revealed for upcoming games Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island and Magical Delicacy. And finally, Usability and Accessibility Specialist, Britt Dye, provided a look at the company’s accessibility practices and features in some of their upcoming titles.     
 
This year, Whitethorn Games was also joined by a number of allies who are aligned with the publisher in their commitment to enhancing the games industry by fostering a more inclusive, accessible, and representative space for developers, players, and industry professionals. ID@Xbox, Safe In Our World, Take This, and video game accessibility critic, consultant, and host of the accessibility-focused YouTube Series Access-Ability, Laura Kate Dale, appeared on the showcase to share ongoing efforts to amplify underrepresented voices in game development, foster mental health awareness, discuss positive initiatives within the gaming community, and create an accessible space for as many players as possible. 

Watch the Whitethorn Winter 2024 Showcase below:

A detailed rundown of all the announcements, including video links and press kits, can be found below:

A blue logo on a colorful cartoony background reads: Slime Heroes

Slime Heroes — Game Reveal

 
In an interview with ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program Lead, James Lewis, CEO and Founder of Pancake Games, Tomas Gomez, announced a partnership with Whitethorn Games to bring the upcoming 3D action-adventure title, Slime Heroes, to launch. As part of the showcase, the publisher revealed a new trailer that shared one of the bosses players will encounter in the game.

Watch the Slime Heroes reveal trailer.
YouTube | Download

In Slime Heroes, journey through a whimsical world entrusted to an unlikely hero — a slime — tasked to save it from a mysterious corruption. Journey through the expansive 3D world — alone or with a friend — and encounter ferocious enemies, challenging but approachable puzzles, and forgotten treasures. Gain magical gems throughout the world and dynamically combine them to create unique and powerful magical skills that can take down even the most corrupt minions and bosses. Discover a touching story of overcoming expectations, friendship, and forgiveness as you progress because even slimes can be heroes!
 
Slime Heroes will be available on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, and on Xbox Series S|X.
 
Accessibility features for Slime Heroes will soon be available on the Whitethorn Games website.  

White text on top of a beautiful sunset over a lake: Lake

 Lake — Nintendo Switch Release Date Announced
 
Popular relaxing mail-carrier sim, Lake, is coming to Nintendo Switch! Revealed with a new trailer during the showcase, the game will be available on the new platform on February 15.
 

Watch the Lake Nintendo Switch reveal trailer.

 In Lake, travel back to 1986 and take on the role of 40-something-year-old Meredith, who leaves the fast-paced drudgery of her big city life and returns to her quiet, rustic hometown. During her two-week stay in the beautiful lakeside community of Providence Oaks, Oregon, she’ll fill in for her father – the local mail carrier – where she will not only deliver letters and parcels to new and old friendly faces but will also rekindle old friendships, make new ones, and maybe even find romance.
 
At the end of her vacation, will Meredith return to the big city, or will she choose a different path for her life? It’s up to players to steer the story how they see fit in this slice-of-life interactive game.
 
Lake will be available on Nintendo Switch on February 15, 2024. The game is currently available on PC via Steam, or Epic Games Store, on PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S.
 
Accessibility features for Lake can be found on the accessibility page of the Whitethorn Games website.

White text displayed over a beautiful spring garden background: Botany Manor

 Botany Manor — PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch Release Date Announced
 
The majestic doors of Botany Manor will be open to the public, as an April 9 release date for the gorgeous plant-puzzle game was revealed with a new trailer during Whitethorn Winter 2024. 

Watch the Botany Manor release date trailer.

 The enduring estate of Botany Manor is home to retired botanist Arabella Greene. After a long career, she has amassed a collection of rare, long-forgotten plants that require some research to help them live again. Play as Arabella and explore the stunning historic manor and its grounds to look for clues in her notes, books, posters, and items scattered around the residence to determine the correct set of circumstances to help the flora flourish. Unlock new seeds and plant them. Interactable items around the property that can be turned and flipped will provide information to help you solve each gardening puzzle, grow the plants, and discover their mysterious qualities.
 
Botany Manor will be available on PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch™, and for Xbox One and Xbox Series S|X on April 9, 2024. The game will be available day one with Xbox Game Pass.
 
Accessibility features for Botany Manor can be found on the accessibility page of the Whitethorn Games website.  

A yellow banner on a storybook-style fall forest background: Wytchwood

Wytchwood — Android and iOS Surprise Launch
 
Beloved fairytale RPG Wytchwood is now available on Android and iOS! The surprise announcement was revealed during the showcase alongside a new trailer. 

Watch the Wytchwood Android and iOS launch trailer.

 Wytchwood is a crafting adventure game set in an expressive land of gothic fables and fairytales. As the mysterious old witch of the woods, players will explore a strange countryside, collect magical ingredients, brew sorcerous enchantments, and pass their twisted judgment upon a capricious cast of characters and creatures. After all, how will they ever learn if someone doesn’t teach them the moral of the story?
 
Wytchwood is now available for Android via Google Play and iOS through the App Store for $4.99 USD. The game is also available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store for $19.99 USD.
 
Accessibility features for Wytchwood can be found on the accessibility page of the Whitethorn Games website.

A pink, yellow and blue logo on a grey and black patterned background: Skate Fish

 Skate Fish — Android and iOS Release Date Announced
 
A March 28 release date was announced for the upcoming skateboarding-meets-fishing game Skate Fish, alongside a new trailer. 

Watch the Skate Fish release date trailer.

From Sudden Event Studios, welcome to a world where the only way to catch fish is to impress them! Customize your character, board, and fishing rod, and ride your way through several chill environments, each with its own species to angle and obstacles to skate. Use nostalgic finger-deck two-finger touch controls to flip your board, grind ledges, and perform aerials as you become a skate-fishing legend by catching dozens of carp, bass, trout and other fish to support wildlife preservation efforts.
 
Skate Fish will be available for Android via Google Play and iOS via the Apple Store on March 28, 2024.
 
Accessibility features for Skate Fish can be found on the Whitethorn Games website.

Text logo on a beautiful, sunny Mediterranean background: Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island

Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island — Xbox Announcement
 
A new video from developer Polygon Treehouse shared an in-depth look at more of the gameplay, including a comprehensive look at the central friendship mechanic, treasure hunting, and more, for the friend-em-up adventure game Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island. As well, the developer confirmed that the game will be available on Xbox One and Series S|X at launch.

Watch the Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island gameplay video.

Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island invites you to take on the role of backpacker Alex, who has found herself stranded on the gorgeous shores of Ambrosia Island. As she begins to explore her surroundings, she discovers that she is not alone – the island is populated by the gods of Greek myth and legend! However, something is amiss – the gods are unable to remember who they are. In order to find her way home, she must befriend the inhabitants and help them to restore their memories.
 
Explore the dynamic island in this non-linear adventure and unravel its story to discover its celestial guests and build friendships with the gods through a unique relationship mechanic. The closer you become, the more they are willing to help Alex with their godly powers. Solve the mystery of Ambrosia Island, save the gods, and hopefully help Alex find a way back home!
 
Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island will launch on PC via Steam and Xbox One and Series S|X summer of 2024.
 
Accessibility features for Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island can be found on the accessibility page of our website.

Text on a colorful background: Magical Delicacy

Magical Delicacy — New Gameplay and First Steam Demo Announcement

Developer sKaule revealed new gameplay footage of the highly anticipated upcoming cooking-meets-metroidvania-lite Magical Delicacy. As well, players excited to get their hands on the game are able to play the first Steam demo until February 12. 

Watch the new Magical Delicacy trailer.

 In Magical Delicacy, play as Flora, a young witch who has ventured to the beautiful harbor town of Grat in order to grow her magical abilities. Using the power of magic, cook delicious dishes for the townsfolk from a vast array of ingredients you can purchase from local merchants, forage from around the town, or grow in your garden. Customize each dish to your customers’ tastes through a creative cooking system. Explore the charming 2D platforming environment inspired by Metroidvanias, gain new abilities, reach new areas, and unlock shortcuts.
 
Magical Delicacy will be available on PC and Xbox One and Series S|X — available day one with Xbox Game Pass — this year.
 
Accessibility features for Magical Delicacy can be found on the accessibility page of our website.

A white logo on a black background. Text: North Star

 North Star Video Games Partnership Announcement 

A new studio partnership was announced during the Whitethorn Winter 2024 Showcase between the publisher and UK-based developers North Star Video Games. The studio is comprised of veteran BAFTA-Award-winning developers with over four decades of combined development experience, having worked on titles ranging from family-friendly games to innovative indie projects, including Lawn Mowing Simulator. With the goal of creating relaxing, creatively inspiring games that are easy to pick up and hard to put down, the team is currently working on North Star's first major title. This unannounced project promises to be a journey of creativity and discovery. 

Watch the North Star Video Games video.

For more information about the Whitethorn Winter Showcase, follow Whitethorn Games on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch, join the official Whitethorn Games Discord, and visit https://whitethorngames.com.

ID@Xbox, Safe In Our World, Take This Join the Whitethorn Winter 2024 Showcase this February

Today, Whitethorn Games — publisher of inclusive, accessible, easy-going independent games — is thrilled to announce that ID@Xbox, Safe In Our World, and Take This will join them during the publisher’s upcoming Whitethorn Winter 2024 Showcase this February. Along with Whitethorn Games, these industry leaders are committed to enhancing the gaming industry by fostering a more inclusive, accessible, and representative space for developers, industry professionals, and gamers alike. During the showcase, they will share ongoing efforts to amplify underrepresented voices in game development, foster mental health awareness, discuss positive initiatives within the gaming community, and create an accessible space for as many players as possible.

"We’re thrilled for the opportunity to join with ID@Xbox, Safe In Our World, and Take This to showcase our commitment to making this industry a wider, more welcoming, more inclusive place for everyone,” said Matthew White, CEO of Whitethorn Games. “Together, we are shaping a future where every voice is heard, every player is represented, and the gaming experience is enriched for all."

Taking place on February 8 at 1:00 PM EST / 11:00 AM PST on Whitethorn Games’ YouTube, Twitch, and Steam Page, the publisher will share exclusive reveals about new and upcoming games, including Botany Manor, Magical Delicacy, and Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island, provide behind-the-scenes access to their partner studios and team, and offer insight into their efforts in accessibility. Viewers will hear from the organizations that Whitethorn Games has worked closely with to help bring diverse, inclusive, and accessible games to players everywhere.

ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program: The ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program’s mission is to empower underrepresented creators with the resources and information needed to bring their creativity, innovation, and originality to Xbox. By providing crucial resources, mentorship, and financial support, the program aims to break down barriers, ensuring diverse developers have the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in game development. This initiative underscores ID@Xbox's commitment to fostering inclusivity and driving positive change within the gaming community. Learn more about the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program here. 

Safe In Our World: Since 2019, Safe In Our World has dedicated itself to promoting positive mental health and well-being for players, developers, publishers, retailers, and other contributors to the gaming industry. With an overarching mission to facilitate conversations that can bring about transformative change in the industry's culture and foster a caring, supportive environment, Safe In Our World serves as a go-to resource for players and developers dealing with mental health issues, a place to ask for help, access information, and support systems. For more information, visit https://safeinourworld.org.  

Take This: Take This was the first mental health non-profit to serve the gaming community. Since 2012, our mission has been to decrease the stigma around mental health challenges in gaming spaces. Take This was founded on the idea that it’s dangerous to go alone, and that games can bring community, connection, empowerment, and joy into people’s lives. Take This fulfills its mission by supporting game players, developers, and content creators with mental health information, original research, advocacy, and resources. Our vision is a game community that welcomes and supports people experiencing mental health challenges, and that recognizes the humanity and mental health of game creators.

Visit https://www.takethis.org to learn more.

For more information about the Whitethorn Winter 2024 Showcase and to save the date, visit https://whitethorngames.com/wtw-2024.

Watch the Whitethorn Winter 2023 Showcase here.

Follow Whitethorn Games on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch, join the official Whitethorn Games Discord, and visit https://whitethorngames.com.

Whitethorn Winter Returns in February 2024!

Today, we’re excited to share that our annual Whitethorn Winter Showcase is making its grand return in February! 

Tune in on February 8 and join the team to catch some exciting announcements about our upcoming titles, including Botany Manor, Magical Delicacy, and Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island. We’ll also share some exclusive new game reveals and give you a behind-the-scenes peek to learn more about the studio and the amazing developers behind our inclusive, accessible, easy-going games!

You can catch the Whitethorn Winter 2024 Showcase on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST by visiting Whitethorn Games on:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhitethornGames 

• Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/whitethorngames 

We’ll have more details in the new year, but in the meantime, you can save the date here: https://whitethorngames.com/wtw-2024. 

And in case you missed the show last year, you can check it out below:

 For more information about the Whitethorn Winter Showcase, follow Whitethorn Games on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch, join the official Whitethorn Games Discord, and visit https://whitethorngames.com.

See you at Whitethorn Winter!

Join the Whitethorn Games 18-Hour Extra Life Charity Stream Marathon!

Whitethorn Games is excited to announce our Extra Life Charity Marathon to raise funds for our local Children’s Miracle Network at AHN Saint Vincent Hospital! On Saturday, November 4, we will be live from our studio in Erie, Pennsylvania, for at least 12 hours of games, giveaways, and great times!

We invite you to stop by the Whitethorn Games Twitch channel and enjoy the event with us, check out the special activities we have in store, and meet our adorable office cat, Venti.

One hundred percent of the proceeds raised through our Extra Life Charity Marathon will be donated to our local children’s hospital, AHN Saint Vincent, which has worked tirelessly to provide specialized care for Erie’s most vulnerable community members.

To find out exactly what we have in store, you can check out the full list of activities below:

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Plain text version of this image can be found here.

Children’s Miracle Network at AHN Saint Vincent provides services that benefit families and patients, including the hospital’s Family Assistance Program, Safe Sleep Initiative, Special Delivery Packages, and more. Through these programs, families receive gas cards and meal cards, as well as car seats and pack-and-play. Every baby born at AHN Saint Vincent receives a Special Delivery Package, including a onesie, sippy cup and sleep sack to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome(SIDS). In addition, Children’s Miracle Network funds top-of-the-line medical equipment like the isolettes in the NICU, warmers on the Mom+ Baby floor, and the NICU transporter that provides everything a NICU pod has to treat a baby if they need to be transferred via ambulance or helicopter. 

Donations recieved through events like Extra Life are integral in supporting these important, life-saving services to their most vulnerable patients, regardless of the family’s ability to pay. Now more than ever, our families need CMNs’ support with gas cards and meal cards, car seats, pack and plays, and more. Most importantly, CMN funds top-of-the-line medical equipment suitable to each child’s needs to ensure they not only survive but thrive. The funds recieved through partnerships and events like these also help the hospital provide a chance for the children under their care, things that allow them a break from the stress of facing one of the most challenging things in their young lives. Most recently, because of funds raised through Extra Life, CMN was able to purchase a gaming tower with a loaded Nintendo Switch for their patients on the pediatric unit!

Eager to contribute to a fantastic cause? Visit https://www.extra-life.org/team/64269 to donate to our team.

 Keep an eye on our socials for the latest news and announcements by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch, by joining the official Whitethorn Games Discord, and by visiting https://whitethorngames.com. And if you’d like to help us spread the word, any shares to your own network would be greatly appreciated.