Playtests & Showcases & Game Launches, oh my!

Michigan Level Up | IGDA2 November Edition

Author

Corbin Reeves
December 03, 2025

Hello friends and fellow devs! We’re back with all the latest from our local scene, including some amazing successes in the Kickstarter space, some new up-and-coming game launches and wishlists, and plenty of showcases and events happening in the area as we wrap up the year!

👾State of the Michigan Games Industry

We have had an exciting month in the games industry here in a Michigan, with a busy few weeks still ahead of us!

We have had some amazing successes on the Kickstarter front. In our last newsletter, we mentioned how Parhelion’s Kickstarter, Echoes of Astra, had their Kickstarter goal fully funded in the first 20 minutes. Their Kickstarter has ended with an incredible success, having raised over $750K to date!

Likewise, Nochi Studio’s Kickstarter for Lovebyte.exe was a success, having fully funded their goal and raised over $23K to date! Nochi is also running another Kickstarter for their game Stellifier: The Comeback, which has also successfully hit their goal with just a couple days left to go! Congrats to both these amazing teams and their successes!

We are officially in student showcase season, which gives you a great chance to come out and support new developers, provide feedback, and check out some new games! Between the ECCS 494 & EMU showcase and MSU’s showcase, we have some awesome student projects coming out!

This month also includes the IGDA Ann Arbor & Detroit Winter Quarterly Playtest! We have once again been graciously provided the space over at the Canton Public Library to showcase some amazing games being developed locally here in Michigan. Doors open Sunday, December 7th at 12:30pm and go until 3pm, so come out and play some games!

Due to the ECCS 494 & EMU showcase, IGDA Ann Arbor will not have a December meetup. Luckily, IGDA Detroit should be announcing their event soon, so stay tuned!

🚀 Kickstarter & Fundraising Spotlight

Stellifier: The Comeback / Nochi Studios

  • Stellifier: The Comeback is a typing game that is the sequel to original "Stellifier" game. Test your typing accuracy and speed as you navigate your schedule and life with your chosen love interest. Based on your typing results, unlock game content and collectibles.

  • Support the project here!

  • Wishlist early on Steam!

🎮 Game Launches (Michigan Devs)

Yinglet Creator – Tabski

Merp in Merpworld – maybell🌻

  • An adventure platformer, explore fields of warm grass and wildflowers. Glide through the sky with your leaf. Elude predating fauna, or make mischief instead.

  • Merp in Merpworld by maybell🌻

Crystal Wizard – Electric Sun

  • Crystal Wizard combines Tower Defense, Real-Time Strategy, Exploration, and Resource Management into one mystical adventure!

  • Crystal Wizard by Electric Sun

All recently launched and ready to play. Congrats to these teams!
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🧪 New Demos & Wishlists!

Check out these new games coming soon and add them to your Wishlist!
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📅 Upcoming Events

  • IGDA Ann Arbor & Detroit Winter Quarterly Playtest: Sunday, December 7th @ Canton Public Library – Come out to the quarterly playtest to play some exciting new games in development that are looking for your feedback and support! The playtest will be held from 12:30 - 3:00pm.

  • ECCS 494 & EMU Showcase: Monday, December 8th @ University of Michigan - Come down and see the combined showcase of both the ECCS 494 UM students and EMU student showcase at 7:00pm EST.

  • MSU Showcase: Thursday, December 11th, @ Com Arts Room 147 – Come out to MSU’s Game Showcase at 4:00pm EST.

⚡ 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!

— Connor Thompson, IGDA Ann Arbor Collaborator🕹️

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