- A new title from Spellgarden Games, the developer of Sticky Business, with over 4,000 ‘Overwhelmingly Positive’ reviews on Steam
- 90s-inspired pixel art, over 500 items, and even queer date nights and book clubs—a local community hub
A box containing a secret treasure, warmly smiling regulars, and a neighborhood hangout where anyone can drop by comfortably. ‘ Thrifty Business,’ the new game from Spellgarden Games, the developer of ‘Sticky Business’ which recorded over 4,000 ‘Overwhelmingly Positive’ ratings on Steam, was officially released on Steam on May 18.
Featuring 90s-inspired visuals, second-hand shop management, and community-centric gameplay, this title got off to a smooth start with a ‘very positive’ rating, recording a 95% positive rating based on 96 reviews on Steam immediately after launch.
‘My Own Flea Market’ decorated with 90s-style pixel art
Thrifty Business is a title where you can feel the unique sensibility of the previous work, Spellgarden Games, just through the colors and atmosphere that catch your eye at first glance.
The game features over 500 items created in a harmonious blend of colorful pixel art evoking 90s nostalgia, an isometric view, and a hand-drawn art style, completing a unique second-hand shop.
A defining feature of the game is its so-called “maximalist aesthetic.” As players add new shelves, hangers, and decorations, the shop gradually transforms into a space filled with human warmth. The soundtrack, harmonizing with the warm visuals, further enhances the game’s signature cozy atmosphere.
The fun of excavating treasures from mystery boxes and arranging them according to your taste
Players can collect profits to purchase shelves and display racks, and decorate their own store by arranging second-hand items as they wish. However, they cannot directly select the items they want. They must purchase boxes by category—such as kitchenware, clothing, or books—and open them themselves to check what items are inside.
In particular, the moment of opening clothing and book boxes provides the curiosity of opening a random box. Displays can also be freely arranged by color, theme, and purpose, allowing for the creation of unique spaces such as a colorful zone for queer customers or a mysterious corner with a witch concept.
The game links community points and progression rewards to these thematic layout configurations, emphasizing the fun of creative experimentation beyond simple interior design.
From book clubs to grief support groups… a vibrant community space
The shop in Thrifty Business is not just a place to sell goods. Players can host various events such as book clubs, queer date nights, and grief support gatherings, through which the shop naturally becomes a central space for the local community.
Regular customers and local residents who visit repeatedly are also important elements of the game’s appeal. Some characters have their own unique story structures, and their narratives unfold gradually through conversations, special orders, and regular visits. From lighthearted and cute stories to unexpectedly touching episodes, the game captures the diverse lives of people who visit a small second-hand shop.
Favored as “better than Sticky Business”… Repetitiveness pointed out as a drawback
Reactions from international media have been generally positive. Digitally Downloaded commented, “I already loved ‘Sticky Business,’ but I never thought I would like Thrifty Business even more.” LadiesGamers also highly praised the game’s accessibility, creativity, and humanistic moments, describing it as “a work that contains a deeper narrative than expected beyond its cute appearance.”
On the other hand, some media outlets cited the repetitive structure as a drawback. GameSpew pointed out that “as the store grows, it ultimately leads to more organizing and restocking,” noting that the repetitive structure can feel monotonous during long-term play. However, they added that it can be a sufficiently satisfying experience if enjoyed primarily in short play sessions.
Spellgarden Games’ third title… inheriting a warm worldview
Thrifty Business is Spellgarden Games’ third title, following ‘Sticky Business’ and ‘Ritual of Raven’. The five-person team consisting of Kathrin, Sophie, Zoë, Kasimir, and Malin has been consistently communicating with the community and sharing the development process since first announcing Thrifty Business at the Wholesome Snack Showcase in December 2025.
The game is infused with the development team’s characteristic meticulous care and inclusive atmosphere. ‘Thrifty Business’ is establishing itself as a healing game that goes beyond a simple shop management game, capturing small comforts and warm sentiments for everyday life, to the extent that there are even community comments from users purchasing and enjoying the game as a graduation gift.
Information regarding ‘Thrifty Business’
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Developer / Publisher | Spellgarden Games (Kathrin, Sophie, Zoë, Kasimir, Malin) |
| Genre | Cozy Shop Management Simulation / Life Simulation / Casual |
| Release platform | PC·Mac (Steam) / Steam Deck Official Verification |
| Release date | May 18, 2026 |
| price | $12.99 (10% off until June 1: $11.69) |
| Steam Review | Very positive 95% (96 items) |
| Art style | 90s Vibe Colorful Pixel & Hand-Draw / Isometric |
| Content | 500+ Items / Events (Book Club · Queer Date Night, etc.) / Custom Interior |
| Developer’s previous work | Sticky Business (2023) · Ritual of Raven |
| Language support | 9 languages including Korean, English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and Portuguese |
| Main Keywords | Cozy, second-hand shop, vintage, community, 90s, organizing, LGBTQ+ inclusion |
| Official Channel | Discord · Bluesky · TikTok · YouTube · X |
| Steam Page | Shortcut |
