Friday Follow-UP #14 2026

Newsletter #14 of 2026 Featuring: indie games to wishlist, games to crowdfund, latest soundtracks, gaming club, and more!

Welcome to this week’s Friday Follow-UP, covering games to wishlist, crowdfunding, merch, soundtracks, and more! Subscribe to get the weekly newsletter and reviews straight to your inbox.

Wishlist XP | Hidden around the World, Nippets

I just received the key for Hidden around the World, and I can’t wait to get started! This adorable-looking hidden object game is one of the cozy games I saw at the recent Wholesome Direct.

Travel the world in this cozy hidden-object adventure with decoration and discover the charm of cities like Tokyo, Paris, New York, and many more!

🎮 Hidden around the World on Steam
🗓️ Release Date | April 6th, 2026 (demo available)

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Okay, I get it. This is the second cozy game I am sharing, and it’s ALSO a hidden object game—they are completely different! Nippets has a great hand-drawn animation style that is completely my vibe.

A hand-drawn hidden object game inspired by the joy of people watching and telling small stories. Shake trees, peek through windows and spin curious objects to uncover secrets and follow the lives of its charming inhabitants.

🎮 Nippets on Steam
🗓️ Release Date | April 7th, 2026 (demo available)

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Crowdfunding Checkpoint | Boss Fight Books Presents

I backed Boss Fights Books’ last campaign, and I am excited to share that they are back. Age of Empires is the focus now, with over 29 interviews of those involved in the game.

Age of Empires is a game I have never played, but I am fascinated by the development and can’t wait to read this. Also, I love the contrast between the the hardcover and paperback covers. The campaign is at $13,500 of the $5,000 they asked for! 👀 AND we still have 26 days left on the campaign.

The creation & legacy of the 1997 real-time strategy game, based on interviews w/ 29 former Ensemble & Microsoft staff.

🎮 Age of Empires: How Ensemble Studios Made History | Kickstarter

Quest Vibes | Hozy (Original Game Soundtrack)

Hozy was released a few days ago, and it’s a cozy sandbox game. Its design is beautiful and almost realistic in its style. It is cozy in the relaxing gameplay of restoring a forgotten world to its former glory. The soundtrack by Morusque is charming and chill.

If you don’t try out the whole soundtrack, at least listen to Sea Change, one of my favorites.

🎵 Yann Van Der Cruyssen | Morusque | Hozy (Original Game Soundtrack)
🎮 Hozy on Steam
🗓️ Release Date | Out now!

Quest Loot | Mewgenics Original Sountrack | Lost in Cult

Margot recently shared a song from the soundtrack of Mewgenics, so I naturally checked it out. I am loving what I am hearing, so it’s no surprise that Lost in Cult is not only making the records, but has made a ton of beautifully designed ones.

Quest Loot really is 80% Lost in Cult at this point, huh? Maybe I should get paid for this? XD What other gaming merch or brands should I check out? Let me know in the comments!

📔Mewgenics 3xLP Vinyl | Lost In Cult

Gaming Club | Chants of Sennaar

Want to play Chants of Sennaar? Have it sitting in your backlog? Join the Gaming Club! It’s like a book club, but for games. Each month, the community picks a new game to play, and we discuss our experience with it.

It’s our game of the month for April 2026. Fun fact, it’s available on the March Humble Bundle if you want to get it and a handful of other great games.

Want to join the club? Join my Discord here.

🎮 Chants of Sennaar on Steam | Humble Bundle (AD)

Full disclosure, I get a kickback on any Humble Bundle bought through the link above. :)

Also, we picked Tunic and Disco Elysium for May and June. :)