Good morning, Readers!
So, a strange (for me) thing happened to me Canada Day this year. I was contacted out of the blue by a game developer, offering the opportunity to do what actual gaming streamers do - which is play and promote the game. There was a press kit and embargo details and everything!
I was, and remain, an odd choice for this kind of thing. I am not really a streamer. I mean, I game, but it’s just me mucking around on my ancient PS4 with some friends and a drink or two every Friday night. I do stream it, but it’s kinda just a fun way to end the work week for me - a nice hang, you know? I don’t have any sort of reach with my gaming stuff. Like, at all.
I also don’t have a gaming PC. It’s on the list of things I’d love to have if one day I start earning above subsistence, but that is far, far away at present.
Still, I took a look at the private trailer they sent, and you know, it was absolutely intriguing. It was the kind of game my puzzle-solving side would love to sink my teeth into. Still, without a PC, I couldn’t really play it and so could not promote it. I told the developers so.
They were very understanding about it all., and exceedingly kind
But I was intrigued enough by the game that I said I’d help out when they’re ready to launch. They are, after all, an independent studio, and we love that over here. They’re also located in Kyiv, which I mean… getting anything done in that part of the world needs to be supported and celebrated.
Anyway, true to their word, they sent me a press kit today, and I’m not lying when I say that this game looks great!
What is the game about? Well, from what I could figure, this is a blend of the shop management games that have become popular of late, with the “with a twist” part dialled up to eleven. In their own words:
“Shop Crush is a mysterious shop simulator with psychological horror elements, set in the early 2000s.
In this hybrid visual novel, you run a small thrift shop, getting to know your customers, figuring out what they really want, and deciding what to put in front of them. Every customer has their own personality, preferences, and hidden motives - and it’s up to you to figure them out. Behind every customer is a small psychological mystery waiting to be uncovered. By reading their behavior, making the right calls, and balancing profit against customer trust, you’ll do your best to keep the shop running for one more day.
But there’s more to the shop than meets the eye. To uncover its hidden story and secrets, you’ll need to solve a series of mysterious optical illusions, searching for things that are hidden in plain sight.
Shop Crush is being developed by Bsl Team, a three-person indie studio based in Kyiv, Ukraine.
The team is currently preparing a demo, planned for release by the end of 2026.”
The game mechanics look simple, but there is are story and mystery elements here that have absolutely piqued my interest.
And the stills from the game look fantastic. I’ve picked a few of my fabourites below.
Now, while I cannot play yet (I am told there are plans to bring this over to the PlayStation), I am more than happy to support a small studio doing what genuinely looks like great work.
If this game has intrigued you at all, you can access it via their Steam page. I believe there is a demo available to play. The full game isn’t out yet, as far as I’m aware (if you’re reading this, devs, feel free to correct me).
A note for any other developers hoping that I’ll be able to do this for them - I won’t. As much as I’d LOVE to, I am already swamped with my own work and deadlines, and I’m afraid that these folks benefitted from being the first people to ever contact me regarding their own game. I’m afraid that I won’t be able to help out everyone who does. Please understand.
Alright, I have SO much work to do, and I’m very far behind. I hope you check out the game. Let me know if you do, and what you think of it! I’ll be watching these guys, fingers crossed they go far.
Thanks for reaching out, BSL Team!
Slán go foill!
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