- A dressmaking simulation that covers the entire process from fabric selection to cutting and sewing.
- itch.io Prototype Downloads + 100,000 … A sensational title that surpassed 200,000 on the wishlist
Cozy Lives, the healing game label of South African developer Free Lives, will officially release the dressmaking simulation ‘Dressmaker’ on Steam on September 21.
‘The Dressmaker’ emerged as a highly anticipated title, surpassing 200,000 items on the Steam wishlist ahead of the release date announcement. It is also drawing attention as the first project released by Free Lives, known for ‘Anger Foot’ and ‘Terra Nil’.
From fabric selection to cutting and sewing, a dress completed with your fingertips
‘Dressmaker’ is a healing simulation game where you directly handle the entire process of dressmaking, from fabric selection and pattern placement to cutting, sewing, and decoration.
Players select various fabrics such as cotton, linen, wool, silk, and velvet, draw a design in a sketchbook, arrange the pattern, and cut the fabric. The cut fabric can be tried on a mannequin beforehand, and then a dress is completed by sewing it together using a sewing machine.
You can freely utilize decorative elements such as buttons, ribbons, appliques, and lace. Completed dresses can be delivered to villagers to fulfill their orders or displayed in shop windows to be sold as ready-made clothing. Successfully completing orders earns you reputation and currency.
A 200,000-won wishlist that defied concerns that it would be “too niche”
Along with the release date announcement, the development team revealed that the game had surpassed 200,000 items on the Steam wishlist. Initially, there were concerns that a game based on sewing might struggle to garner sufficient public interest, but anticipation quickly grew as word of mouth spread through prototypes and various promotional videos.
The initial itch.io prototype recorded over 100,000 downloads, and users demonstrated the project’s potential by sharing the dresses they created on social media. This response led Free Lives to launch the Healing Lives label and expand ‘Dressmaker’ into an official project.
A project stemming from actual sewing experience while dreaming of becoming a costume designer
‘Dressmaker’ began with a collaboration between Jonathan Hau-Yoon and Sabrina Becker, an artist with a passion for costumes and fashion history.
Sabrina dreamed of becoming a professional fashion designer, but due to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, it became difficult for her to pursue that path. Jonathan conceived the project with the idea of allowing Sabrina to continue expressing her creative abilities and love for sewing through a game.
The game, which started as a small side project, grew into a full-fledged title as developers Luan Rotman, Sarah Lauppscher, and others joined. The music was handled by Meydän, known for his work on ‘Terra Neil’, and the scenario was written by Kerstin Hall.
Free Lives’ Unique Challenge, Official Version Released on Steam on September 21
For Free Lives, known for titles featuring intense action and comedy such as ‘Broforce’, ‘GORN’, and ‘Anger Foot’, ‘Dressmaker’ is a unique challenge. The game focuses on the joy of creating your own dress by combining colorful and charming visuals, a relaxed atmosphere, and tactile interactions inspired by real sewing.
Important elements of real sewing, such as fabric grain and diagonal cutting, have also been reflected in the gameplay. A key feature is that the appearance of the finished dress changes depending on how the fabric is arranged and cut, rather than simply stopping at selecting a design.
Attention is focused on how ‘Dressmaker,’ which has secured a massive wishlist despite initial concerns about being a niche subject, will be received by cozy game fans and fashion and sewing enthusiasts after its official release.
Information regarding ‘Dressmaker’
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Cozy Lives (under Free Lives) |
| Genre | Cozy Simulation / Crafting |
| Release platform | PC (Steam) |
| Official release date | September 21, 2026 |
| Player count | Single player |
| Wishlist | Over 200,000 cases |
| Download itch.io prototype | Over 100,000 cases |
| music | Meydän |
| scenario | Kerstin Hall |
| Steam rating | Pre-counting (Upcoming Releases) |
| Official Channel | Official Website, Discord, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit |
| Steam Page | Shortcut |
