Events

Monster Jam Showdown Press Event Roundup

25Jul

By StuartNo Comments

Monster Jam Showdown Press Event Roundup

Through my time running Thumb Culture, I have been to many press events. Running around herding sheep, watching motocross bikes fly through the air, a banquet dinner at Warwick Castle. One thing that these did not have though... Monster Trucks! The amazing people at Plaion and Milestone Italy invited us to not only see Monster Jam Live at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, but to get our hands on their upcoming title Monster Jam Showdown too. What made it even more incredible, was that the aforementioned amazing people, also allowed the TC Mini Crew to come along! We packed our bags, got the Mini Crew dressed in some Monster Truck outfits, headed off along the Motorway! Once in Cardiff we headed straight to the Principality Stadium to meet the Plaion team members and get our Pit Part...

Steam Next Fest June 2024 – Demos That Packed A Summer Punch

27Jun

By Rowen Cameron2 Comments

Features

Steam Next Fest June 2024 – Demos That Packed A Summer Punch

Summer weather may have been late to the party here in the UK, but one thing that never fails to deliver during summer is Steam Next Fest. Running from 10th - 17th June, the fest showcased the very best of upcoming indie gems with demos galore. From veteran devs to promising newbies, and mascot platformers to gritty survival horrors, it was the perfect summer smorgasbord. Every studio brought their A-game, literally. Being huge indie stans, we here at Thumb Culture were of course all over it and keen to bask in the Next Fest heat. So, flaky weather aside, here are five demos that made sure summer was off to a fabulous start. And guess what, console players? Almost all have a console release lined up! Huzzah! Akimbot Genre: Action-Adventure/Platformer Planned Release Date: 29th...

Feels, Felines and Finding Yourself – Steam Next Fest February 2024

29Feb

By Rowen Cameron3 Comments

Features

Feels, Felines and Finding Yourself – Steam Next Fest February 2024

Steam again got into the Valentine’s spirit this month with their thrice-yearly spreading of indie game love. Vals, gals or pals, it was the perfect pre-holiday experience. The first Steam Next Fest of 2024 ran from 5th - 12th February, boasting a vast array of upcoming indie demos from both new and known developers. Many also hosted devstreams and live Q&As to further whet players’ appetites for what awaits on the indie horizon. Spicy Souls-likes, artful adventures, pixel art platformers, quirky crafters - whatever your taste, everyone could easily come away with some favourites. Us included. So here are five memorable demos that captured my heart and made eyes at me long after ending: Hauntii Developer: Moonloop Games Publisher: Firestoke Planned Release Date: Q2 202...

3 MUST PLAY Steam Next Fest Demos – February 2024

27Feb

By JessyNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

3 MUST PLAY Steam Next Fest Demos – February 2024

There were endless game demos in the Steam Next Fest all vying for your attention. After hours of scrolling, and even more hours playing, I've found three demos I think everyone, regardless of what games you usually play, should check out. Don't forget to wishlist the games you like. It really helps the developers get eyes on their game! Finally, don't forget to share your favourite Next Fest demos in the comments. Analysis Paralysis - AWAY! These three demos featured in February 2024's Steam Next Fest, are games that I believe transcend genre. Hauntii Hauntii is the one demo this Next Fest that I suggest to everyone. Developed by Moon Loop LLC and published by Firestoke Games; it is a thoughtful, exploration game with puzzle elements. The game will be launching on Xbox game pass upon ...

Debug Announces 2024 Indie Game Awards Show Nominees

23Jan

By Paul WrightNo Comments

News & Updates

Debug Announces 2024 Indie Game Awards Show Nominees

The Debug Indie Game Awards, sponsored by Press Engine, is a brand new award show starting in 2024. It is taking place in Nottingham, UK on February 2nd and features an exhibit floor, developer talks and the awards themselves. Debug are a group dedicated to shining a light on indie games and the people that make them. As well as sponsored shows, such and the awards, another way they do that is by releasing a quarterly magazine. It is absolutely packed with previews, reviews, interviews, and nods to loads of games. And is set to become 16 pages bigger from Issue 4 later this month. If you're not a subscriber but love indie games, check them out. Bug Gets Excited For The Debug Awards Leading up to the show, Debug have announced the nominees for 16 of the award categories. Let's take a look...

The Game Awards 2023: All Nominees & Winners

12Dec

By Tom McMylorNo Comments

Features, News & Updates

The Game Awards 2023: All Nominees & Winners

2023 is perhaps one of the best years in gaming we've had in a good while, every month filled with brilliant games and Game of the year contenders for us all to not play because our backlog is too big. The Best Of The Best Don't agree with any of the winners? Who got snubbed? Are you happy with this years Decisions? Let us know! The Game Awards 2023: All Nominees And Winners Best Family Game Disney Illusion Island Super Mario Bros: Wonder - Winner Party Animals Pikmin 4 Sonic Superstars Innovation In Accessibility Street Fighter 6 Diablo 4 Forza Motorsport - Winner Hi-Fi Rush Spider-Man 2 Mortal Kombat 1 Best ESports athlete Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok - Winner Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut Phillip ”ImperialHal” Dosen Max “Demon1” Mazanov ...

12Dec

By Tom McMylorNo Comments

Features, News & Updates

The Game Awards 2023: Recap

The long anticipated game awards has finally arrived! Whether you missed the event, or just want a recap, your Game Awards 2023 Recap is right here! Wrap it up It’s understandable to have missed the event this year, concluding at 4am in the UK and filled with many ads that were sometimes inseparable from the main announcements. Listed is every bit of new information I could find. The Game Awards 2023 Recap Pre-show Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons Remake Developer- Avantgarden Platforms | PS5 | Xbox Series X/S | Steam | Epic games Release Date: February 28, 2024 https://youtu.be/RMTQ4HNuzu8?si=1GJu6IuDAI9Vpgvy Pony Island 2 Panda Circus Developer: Daniel Mullins Game's Platforms: Steam Release Date: 2025/2026 https://youtu.be/0h3delBc3uo?si=tNBSbpRJwJQkduH4 T...

12Dec

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

Features

#TheSimsForRent Expansion and Event

Recently The Sims For Rent event emerged to promote the new expansion. Offering players an extraordinary opportunity to meet the famous Landgraab family. This article recounts my experience participating in the event and delves into the new feature that allows players to become landlords within The Sims 4. Lucrative Landgraab Landlord Being a fan of The Sims, I eagerly requested to go when Stu mentioned an event in London to celebrate the new expansion release. The event for The sims for rent expansion , invited players to meet the iconic Landgraab family of the game in real life. Expecting an unforgettable experience, it was time to head to the event at a designated venue along with other fans. The atmosphere was electrifying, full of laughter and an Uncanny Valley vibe as it was held i...

11Dec

By JessyNo Comments

Gaming, News & Updates

Indie Cup ’23

Disappointed by The Game Awards this year? Here's a fantastic alternative where you can explore actual indie titles! Indie Cup The Indie Cup started in 2016 and originally focused on independent developers based in Eastern Europe; it focused here primarily because the founders are from Ukraine. This version continued from 2016 to 2022 with an increasing number of participating countries. In 2022 the event was relaunched as a global celebration of independently developed games, with dedicated editions including the UK, Germany and Canada. Over the past seven years, they've managed to showcase an incredible 2,300 indie titles! Indie Cup's mission was to build a digital space that supports and celebrates the many talented and hardworking people creating amazing games. Because games ta...

Zero Latency Launch VR Competition Worth $15k

17Aug

By Paul WrightNo Comments

News & Updates

Zero Latency Launch VR Competition Worth $15k

Celebrating 3 million players and its ongoing partnership with Vive, Zero Latency is launching a global VR gaming competition with a top prize of $15,000. Champions of the Undead will pit players worldwide against each other in the massively popular VR Arcade Shooter, Undead Arena. Have you got what it takes? World War Z-ero Zero Latency has been working with HTC Vive for the past 10 years, bringing cutting-edge technology to players worldwide. As global leaders in immersive entertainment, they now operate 70+ venues in 25+ countries. The Champions of the Undead tournament is another step in bringing audiences thrilling experiences they can't get elsewhere. They recently rolled out the HTC Vive Focus 3, a wireless headset - without a backpack or sensors - capable of streaming 5K content....