906 Games and Big Blue Sky Games have revealed Cutout, a side-scrolling action-horror adventure set in a handcrafted fairy tale world, during the Find Your Next Game showcase at gamescom 2026, with a demo available for attendees and a 2027 release planned
Italian indie studio 906 Games, in partnership with publisher Big Blue Sky Games, has officially unveiled Cutout, a side-scrolling action-horror adventure, during the Find Your Next Game showcase at gamescom 2026 in Cologne. The game introduces players to a dark fairy tale world constructed from cardboard, paper, fire and shadow, with a playable demo accessible throughout the event in the Indie Castle area. Cutout is currently scheduled for release in 2027 on Steam and the Epic Games Store, with potential for additional platforms to be announced at a later date.
Gameplay and Customisation
Cutout centres on Lena, a child abandoned by her village and the dying forest she calls home. The narrative follows her quest to retrieve a powerful scepter capable of granting dominion over the land. The game's core mechanic, described as the Cut & Paste Combat system, allows players to sever limbs from defeated enemies and attach them to Lena, unlocking new attacks and abilities. This system is designed to encourage experimentation and customisation, enabling players to adapt Lena's abilities to suit their preferred playstyle or to discover new combinations as they progress.
Visual and Audio Design
The visual identity of Cutout is shaped by its papercraft aesthetic, with environments and characters crafted to resemble a diorama assembled from real-world materials. Art direction is led by Giulio Perez, whose background in high-end fashion design is evident in the game's attention to detail and distinctive style. The soundtrack, composed by Sergio Missaglia, employs unconventional instruments and recording techniques to create an avant-garde soundscape that matches the unsettling atmosphere of the game world. Missaglia's approach involves using unfamiliar and even broken instruments to evoke the raw emotion and sense of wonder central to Lena's journey.
Development Approach and Release Plans
906 Games has emphasised that every asset in Cutout, from art and animation to music and writing, is entirely human-made, with no generative AI involved in the production process. The game is being developed using a blend of modern and traditional techniques, reflecting the studio's commitment to handcrafted quality. Cutout will be available on Steam and the Epic Games Store, with players able to wishlist the title now. The release is targeted for 2027, and further platform announcements may follow as development progresses.
Gamescom 2026 has seen a number of notable indie reveals, continuing a trend of strong independent showcases at major events. For readers interested in the broader landscape of indie announcements and retro revivals, Pixel Arcadia's recent event highlighted the return of classic titles and new projects, as covered in our feature on Pixel Arcadia's showcase of retro and revived games.
Handcrafted visuals in games like Cutout rely on physical materials and manual techniques to create a unique aesthetic that stands apart from digital or AI-generated art. This approach often involves building real models or using traditional art methods before digitising assets for use in the game engine. The result is a tactile, distinctive look that can enhance immersion and narrative tone, especially in genres where atmosphere and world-building are central. As more studios explore the boundaries between digital and physical artistry, handcrafted design remains a marker of intentionality and creative vision in modern game development.
