Stupidi Pixel has announced Splatchinko, a pachinko-inspired roguelike with turn-based strategy elements, is coming to Steam later this year, blending cosmic narrative with physics-driven combat and procedural runs
Splatchinko, the latest project from Milan-based indie studio Stupidi Pixel, has been officially announced for release on Steam later in 2026. The game combines pachinko mechanics with turn-based strategy and roguelike progression, set against a backdrop of cosmic entities and a narrative centred on star-crossed lovers. Developed solo by Fabio Taurisano, Splatchinko aims to offer a blend of physics-based combat and procedural variety, with a playable demo now available as part of the Steam Pins & Pegs Fest.
Gameplay and Core Mechanics
At its core, Splatchinko tasks players with launching and upgrading a collection of over 100 unique eyeballs, each with their own mutations and effects. These eyeballs serve as the primary means of attack, bouncing through pachinko-style boards filled with pegs that influence damage, abilities, and physics. The more pegs an eyeball strikes, the greater the potential for explosive combos and devastating chain reactions. Players can experiment with more than 70 mutations, allowing for a wide range of build customisation and emergent strategies across multiple runs.
The game features seven playable characters, each offering distinct playstyles and unlockable mutations. Every run presents new boards, planets, and boss encounters, with procedural generation ensuring that no two playthroughs are identical. The narrative follows two cosmic horrors seeking reunion, with the player's actions shaping the fate of galaxies along the way. While the story is woven throughout, the focus remains on physics-driven combat and strategic decision-making.
Release Timing and Demo Access
Splatchinko is scheduled to launch on Steam in late 2026, with no specific date yet confirmed. The announcement coincides with the release of an updated demo, available now during the Steam Pins & Pegs Fest. This demo offers a hands-on look at the game's core mechanics, character selection, and mutation system, though it does not represent the final content or balance. Players interested in following development can wishlist the game on Steam or track updates via Stupidi Pixel's and Stratos Publishing's official channels.
For those interested in other recent indie launches on Steam, the free prologue for Road Diner Simulator was also released this year, bringing a different take on management and simulation gameplay within the Gas Station Simulator universe. More details on that release can be found in our coverage of the Road Diner Simulator Prologue launch.
Studio and Publishing Context
Stupidi Pixel, led by solo developer Fabio Taurisano, is known for its experimental approach to indie game design, previously releasing Death Noodle Delivery and several game jam projects. Splatchinko continues this tradition, with Taurisano handling design, programming, art, animation, and music. The game is being published with support from Stratos Publishing, an Italian hub focused on helping indie studios navigate development, marketing, QA, and post-launch support. Stratos operates under Tied Company S.r.l. and provides a range of services from financing to localisation, aiming to give indie projects a stronger chance of reaching players.
Splatchinko's development reflects a growing trend of solo and small-team projects leveraging procedural generation and physics-driven systems to create replayable, systems-rich experiences. The game's blend of pachinko mechanics, roguelike structure, and turn-based strategy sets it apart from more traditional action or puzzle titles, while its cosmic narrative offers a thematic twist on the genre.
Procedural generation is central to Splatchinko's design, ensuring that each run presents new challenges, board layouts, and enemy encounters. In gaming, procedural generation refers to the use of algorithms to create content dynamically rather than relying on hand-crafted levels or scenarios. This approach can increase replayability and unpredictability, but also requires careful balancing to avoid repetition or unfair difficulty spikes. For players, it means that no two sessions will play out the same way, encouraging experimentation and adaptation with each attempt.
