Future Games Show reveal sets the tone for psychological chills with fresh trailer and Steam demo drop
The minds at Sonka have pulled a classic survival horror move—jumping out of the shadows with a surprise reveal. During the Future Games Show: Live From LA, the Polish indie developer dropped a brand-new trailer and a massive demo for their upcoming psychological survival horror game Holstin, and it’s available to download now on Steam.
This isn’t just a quick taste or vertical slice. The new Holstin demo delivers the full opening two hours of the game, immersing players in its eerie 1990s Polish setting, steeped in rot, grime, and things best left unexplained.
Step into the ooze
Set in the unsettling town of Jeziorne-Kolonia, Holstin puts you in the shoes of someone searching for a missing friend—and finding only madness. You’ll get to grips with the core gameplay loop straight away: tense combat, scavenging supplies, solving disturbing environmental puzzles, and trying to figure out which locals have turned… and which ones are just hanging on.
This meaty new demo showcases far more than previous builds, offering an unfiltered look at how the game opens and introduces its story, world, and sense of dread.
Lighting tricks and camera shifts
One of the standout features in Holstin is its custom 2XD Rendering tech. This allows for real-time dynamic lighting and multiple camera modes across pixel art environments—something rarely seen in the genre. During gameplay, you’ll seamlessly shift between isometric views, over-the-shoulder shooting, top-down exploration, and even first-person driving sequences. It’s unnerving in the best way.
The whole experience feels like a grim love letter to Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Twin Peaks, but with its own uniquely Eastern European vibe.
Kickstarter campaign coming soon
In addition to the surprise demo, Sonka is prepping a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the final development stretch and unlock extra features. Players can sign up now to be notified when it launches later this year:
Platforms and release plans
Holstin is in development for PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch (both current and next-gen models). It’s aiming to be one of 2025/26’s standout horror indies, and this demo might just seal the deal.
Try the demo on Steam here:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2235430/Holstin/
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