Hunt, build, and battle cryptids and horrors in a deadly open-world Western survival game.
[Austria] March 10, 2025— The wait is over. Hauntsville, the Western open-world horror survival game set in 1897, officially launches today on Steam. Developed by solo developer Michael Janisch and published by independent publishing platform indie.io, Hauntsville offers an immersive experience that blends tense first-person combat, base-building, and survival mechanics with the eerie isolation of the Old West into a relentless fight to stay alive.
Players step into the boots of a nameless traveler stranded in a once-thriving frontier town, now shrouded in mystery and terror. The hired hands have vanished, the horses are missing, and the townspeople are nowhere to be found. Fleeing inhabitants left behind cryptic messages and occult artifacts, hinting at a darkness that took root long before your arrival. Some say the town’s secrets are buried with the dead, but one thing is certain—the horrors that lurk in the valley are far from human. And as the howls echo through the trees, one chilling truth emerges: something is out there, watching, waiting.
Survival demands resourcefulness. The Cursed West is harsh and unforgiving, forcing players to scavenge for supplies, craft weapons and tools, and construct strongholds to withstand the horrors. The land itself holds everything needed to endure—trees to fortify defenses, mines filled with precious ores, and abandoned structures with remnants of the past. Those willing to live off the land can grow crops, collect rainwater, and carve out a foothold in a world determined to erase them. But the valley never stays safe for long.
With dynamic weather and pitch-black nights, danger is never far. A simple supply run can quickly turn into a desperate fight for survival when the skies darken and the wind carries the sound of something moving in the woods. The creatures of Hauntsville are drawn from the depths of North American folklore—cryptids, spectral horrors, and something far worse. Every encounter is a test of skill, timing, and sheer grit. Every bullet matters. Every mistake could be your last.
For those who don’t want to face the horrors alone, up to four players can join forces in online co-op. Working together to pool resources, fend off attacks, and uncover the valley’s darkest secrets may provide an edge, but the Cursed West has a way of turning even the best-laid plans into chaos. Each night survived is a victory, but the question remains: how long can players last?
During February Steam Next Fest, Hauntsville’s demo caught the attention of players, earning a spot on GameSpot’s “30 Best Demos You Can Download Right Now.” Players praised its unsettling atmosphere, dynamic survival mechanics, and the unpredictable dangers lurking in its world.
The Cursed West awaits. Hauntsville is now available on Steam for USD 18.99 with a 20% 14-day discount. Join the community on Discord and follow on Instagram for updates, content, and more.
ABOUT MICHAEL JANISCH
Michael Janisch is an independent game developer making his debut with Hauntsville, a Western horror survival game blending cryptid folklore, UFO legends, and the harsh realities of frontier survival. With a background in computer science, Janisch spent over three years bringing Hauntsville to life, crafting a world where players must battle both the elements and the unknown. Inspired by his fascination with supernatural myths and open-world survival mechanics, Hauntsville is his first step into game development, delivering a fresh take on the survival horror genre.
ABOUT INDIE.IO
indie.io is home to over 100 of the world’s best independent video games and developers. Our platform was built to provide independent developers with the resources, services, and management tools needed for success. Through collaboration and passion, we strive to cultivate a diverse and vibrant gaming landscape that resonates with players and creators alike!
留言