Play for Free: Pirate Game Surpasses 1 Million Wishes on Steam

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The survival indie game Windrose (formerly known as Crosswind) has entered Steam’s top 20 most anticipated games, surpassing 1 million wishlists before its release date was even announced. This achievement follows the positive reception of its recent demo during the Steam Next Fest. Currently, Windrose is the most played demo on Steam and has a more popular Steam wishlist than Marathon. The game’s popularity is driven by its free demo, which attracted tens of thousands of concurrent players. Developed by Windrose Crew, Windrose immerses players in an alternate Age of Piracy, blending survival mechanics with nautical exploration. Key features include: Dual Exploration: Seamless transitions between sailing the open seas and exploring procedurally generated island biomes on foot. Construction and Management: Gather resources to build bases and enhance ship components. Targeted Combat: Engage in a soulslike combat system against enemies and bosses, using an arsenal of sabers and muskets. Multiplayer: Play solo or cooperatively with up to four players.

Windrose Storms into Steam’s Top 20 with 1M Wishlists, Devs Plan Refinements and Early Access

Despite the high level of interest, the developer has not yet announced Early Access or final launch dates. The team first announced the game in December during the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted Showcase, targeting a 2026 release. They plan to use the additional development time to further refine core systems. During the Steam Next Fest demo on February 17, the game peaked at 22,000 simultaneous players. The developers celebrated the 1 million wishlist milestone with a message on Steam. They also confirmed that all users who play the current demo will receive an exclusive cosmetic item (a decorative telescope for bases) when the Early Access version becomes available. Notably, a creative director from Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag is contributing to the project. Windrose’s success during the Steam Next Fest, an event showcasing upcoming games with playable demos, underscores the anticipation for its release. \[Image credit: SteamDB]

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In an exciting week for gaming enthusiasts, we’ve got a trio of captivating stories to share! First up, Marcus Thompson has published an intriguing article on PlayersForLife.com that gives fans a sneak peek into how Sophie Turner’s Lara Croft will look in Amazon’s upcoming live-action Tomb Raider series. With the latest set photos revealing a fresh interpretation of this iconic character, you won’t want to miss these fascinating new images and the chance to discuss what’s ahead for Lara – head over here Sophie Turner’s New Pictures as Lara Croft on Set of Amazon’s Live-Action Tomb Raider Reveal a Different Look to join the conversation! Next, mark your calendars for March 14th as Jonathan Dubinski brings you Dev Game Show 2026 in São Paulo – a free event where 21 independent Brazilian game developers will showcase their latest projects and games in progress. From survival horror to shoot ’em ups and retro console titles, there’s something for everyone, plus the chance to interact with devs, enjoy local food, participate in tournaments, and contribute to a great cause by bringing non-perishable or pet food donations. Click here Brazilian Game Developers Gather for Free Event in São Paulo for more details! Lastly, Carlos Mendoza shares an insightful piece about a commendable project aimed at bridging tech and positive societal impacts – “Lelê and the Threats in the Metaverse,” an engaging 2D adventure game created by young apprentices from Prototipando a Quebrada to educate adolescents about digital security. Check it out here UFSC Project Launches Educational Game on Digital Security for Youth and Teenagers to explore this innovative gaming initiative!