- Wishlist Phenomenon: Surpassed 1 million Steam wishlists, ranking in the platform’s Top 50 most-anticipated titles.
- The “Cozyvival” Genre: A peaceful blend of open-world survival and nomadic lifestyle simulation.
- Your Van, Your Rules: Features a deep modular building system to turn an empty electric van into a high-tech mobile home.
- Kickstarter Success: Backed by a community that raised over €250,000 to bring the vision to life.
Dutch indie studio Square Glade Games, alongside publisher Silver Lining Interactive, has officially released a playable demo for their highly anticipated open-world title, Outbound. Currently sitting on over a million wishlists, this “cozy-survival” experience is quickly becoming the standard-bearer for stress-free exploration.
Nomadic Life in a Utopian Future
Set in a near-future utopia, Outbound tasks players with a simple yet engaging goal: take an empty camper van and make it home. Whether playing solo or in 4-player co-op, the journey involves scavenging the wilderness, crafting essential tools, and upgrading your vehicle into a self-sustaining sanctuary.
- Modular Customization: Players can build inside and outside the van, adding everything from workstations to cozy sleeping quarters.
- Sustainable Tech: The core gameplay revolves around renewable energy. You’ll need to install solar panels, wind turbines, and hydro-power systems to keep your electric van moving.
- Survival without the Stress: While you must farm plants, forage for mushrooms, and cook meals, the game prioritizes the “joy of the journey” over punishing survival mechanics.
A 1-Million Milestone for Indie Innovation
The release of the demo coincided with Outbound hitting the 1 million wishlist mark—a rare feat for an indie title. This places it in the company of major AAA releases, signaling a massive shift in player interest toward “wholesome” and “creative” genres. The new gameplay trailer released alongside the demo showcases the vibrant art style and the fluid transition between driving and base-building.
The Two-Man Powerhouse Behind the Wheel
Despite its massive scale, Square Glade Games consists of just two developers with remarkably diverse backgrounds:
- Tobi (Co-founder): A veteran of the modding scene who grew up creating custom maps for Warcraft 3 and Age of Empires. He left a stable corporate career in computer science to pursue full-time indie development.
- Marc (Co-founder): An expert in AI and Robotics who previously worked as an autonomous driving software engineer. His technical background is evident in the game’s intricate vehicle systems and energy management loops.
Their debut title, Above Snakes, sold over 60,000 copies in its first six months, proving their ability to deliver polished, engaging systems. With Outbound, they are doubling down on player freedom and intuitive design.
Release Information
Outbound is currently scheduled for a Q2 2026 release. For those eager to start their nomadic journey early, the free demo is available now on Steam.
Steam Store Page: Outbound on Steam
