adminStupendium Softworks is a new UK-based independent game studio founded by industry veteran Alex Oxspring and YouTube musician The Stupendium. The team is working on its debut game, a first-person horror survival title, and says it aims to build games through sustainable development without generative AI.
Image credit: Stupendium Softworks
Stupendium Softworks’ debut game
The studio’s first project is in development, with principal photography and production scheduled for this summer. The developers have described it as a first-person horror survival game, but have not shared further details about its setting, platforms, release date, or gameplay systems.
For readers following the project, those details are important to keep in mind: the game is still in development, so a confirmed release window or platform list should not be assumed until the studio announces one.
A focus on sustainable game development
Stupendium Softworks says it wants to prioritise sustainability and creative craft. Oxspring has criticised industry practices such as poor management, high staff turnover, and limited investment in craft, arguing that developers should place greater emphasis on sustainable working practices and creativity.
The studio has also stated that it does not use generative AI in its games. This is part of its stated development approach; it does not, by itself, provide details about the tools or production processes being used on the debut title.
Who founded Stupendium Softworks?
Oxspring brings more than a decade of games industry experience. His roles have included game designer positions at nDreams, Dambuster Studios, Sumo Digital, and Firesprite, as well as managing director at Hitpoint Games.
The Stupendium is a nerdcore musician known for songs inspired by video games, including Alan Wake 2, Frostpunk 2, and Genshin Impact. The pair first worked together on the dating sim OnlyCans: Thirst Date in 2021 and reunited this year for Polyarmory: High Calibre Love. The Polyarmory team is now developing the studio’s debut game.
Creative influences and future plans
Oxspring says the studio hopes to make games that are joyful, celebratory, queer, and surprising, while drawing on the team’s creative talents and paying tribute to favourite games and films. He also noted that the studio’s work will extend beyond the off-colour romance and political commentary found in Polyarmory.
The Stupendium has said that moving from making songs and videos about games to creating games was a long-standing goal. The new studio brings those interests together with Oxspring’s development background. As production continues, official announcements will be the best source for confirmed information about the horror survival game’s name, platforms, and launch plans.
What to know about Stupendium Softworks
- Location: United Kingdom.
- Founders: Alex Oxspring and The Stupendium.
- Debut project: A first-person horror survival game.
- Stated approach: Sustainable development and no generative AI in its games.
Stupendium Softworks is an independent studio to watch as it develops its first title. Its combination of experienced game development leadership, music and video creativity, and a stated commitment to sustainable production gives the project a distinct starting point, while many release details remain unannounced.
