Michigan Level Up | IGDA2

July edition! Also the First edition!

Author

Corbin Reeves
July 03, 2025

Hello friends and fellow devs! Welcome to the first-ever edition of the Michigan Level Up newsletter. We are so excited to bring this newsletter to the community and hope that it becomes a useful source of information and insight into the community.

👾State of the Michigan Games Industry

This month is going to be an interesting one, to say the least! With Xbox Game Camp kicking off the 12-week program at the end of this month and hopeful participants learning their status in a week or two, we are excited to see an uptick in commercial-focused developers. It’s always been a challenge to start a studio, and without proper support, it can be even more challenging.

Xbox is looking to solve that issue by providing support and insight into industry practices and how to create sustainable studios. We will be keeping a close eye on the teams that form and some of the impact it has on the ecosystem.

Additionally, we are excited to announce the launch of the IGDA Ann Arbor & Detroit Quarterly Game Playtest. Our goal is to provide an opportunity to get playtesters and gather feedback for your game. Our focus is on teams (or individuals) who are looking to release a commercial title.

The event will be held at the Canton Public Library on Sunday, August 24, from 12:30 to 3:00 pm.

If you are interested in participating, sign up here [Link]. Spots are limited!

🚀 Kickstarter & Fundraising Spotlight

Echoes of Astra TCG by Parhelion Studio (Launching Soon!)

Echoes of Astra is a new trading card game that combines tactical elements with world-class illustrations from top anime illustrators around the globe. Developed locally by Parhelion Studio in Ann Arbor!

Rifts Promise of Power Reforged by Palladium Books (Closing Jul 18th)

Discover the lost Rifts video game and play it on the PC with updated graphics & gameplay. Join our crowdfunding campaign to bring this iconic Rifts tactical computer RPG to a new generation!

  • Back the project here!

🎮 Game Launches (Michigan Devs)

No Way Home – SMG Studio

Stranded in a strange galaxy, you must fight for survival using only your wits, your ship, and your party planning robot companion Matey. Explore the universe, befriend bizarre aliens, and blast through hordes of monsters as you endeavor to find a way home.

Below Nowhere – Dylan Bassett, Bassett Interactive

A man made of red flesh is hunting you. He is the Meat Man. Below Nowhere is a first-person survival horror game that will pull you into the depths of evil. While exploring strange memories that aren't yours, you will be pushed to your limits in this terrifying tale of humanity and second chances.

Office Sirens Hard at Work – Yusuke "Juicy Chicken" Hasegawa

A real-time interactive visual novel about a group of office sirens who compulsively blurt out “That’s what she said” in response to every innuendo at work. Time your interruptions to survive the corporate chaos.

Ara: History Untold – Stardock Entertainment

[Start of Re-release under Stardock]
Build a nation starting at any point in human history and compete for supremacy in this epic turn-based strategy game. Engage in diplomacy, fight wars, and go head-to-head with other leaders from history.

All recently launched and ready to play. Congrats to these teams!
(Want to be featured here? Fill out this link!)

🧪 New Demos & Itch.io games

Check out these playable demos and awesome Itch.io games. Share feedback if you have a chance!
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💡 Game‑Dev Tip of the Month

Anton Slashcev created this phenomenal infographic to support teams in refining their game pitch. One thing we hear over and over again from publishers and angel investors is that teams often struggle to explain their game. Understanding how to share your game and make it memorable is half the battle. Give this method a try and see if it works for your game.

📅 Upcoming Events

  • IGDA Detroit - Studio Showcase: July 17th - 7 pm @ Michigan Central – Come see and learn about a local artist, Keith Brown! [Link]

  • IGDA Ann Arbor - Convention Breakdown: July 30th & 6 - 10 pm @ Ann Arbor SPARK Central – Join us as the Cubicorn Games team breaks down the process of attending PAX and the best practices behind it! [Link]

  • Xbox Game Camp Kickoff: July 29th @ Virtual – This virtual kickoff is held for all participating members in the Xbox Game Camp and serves as the start of the 12-week program.

🎪 Upcoming Game Festivals

  • The Love, Romance, and Heartbreak Debutante Ball: Deadline (2025-07-31) - Curated event. "for games about that tricky thing called love (or about a desire to remain single), taking place in February around Valentine's Day" [Link]

  • The Hungry Ghost Festival: Deadline (2025-07-05) - "The game has horror, dark, creepy, mysterious, or supernatural theme" [Link]

  • Indie Assemble: The 123 Stars: Deadline (2025-07-13) - Curated event. "The participating titles will be selected by Excaliber, with support from a Jury of industry experts" [Link]

For more festivals, check out HowToMarketAGame’s spreadsheet! [Link]

⚡ Stay Connected & Get Involved

A special thanks to every local team who’s building, demoing, and launching! Your hard work makes this community shine, and makes putting together supports like this worth it!

— Corbin John Reeves, IGDA Ann Arbor Co-organizer 🕹️

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