A relaxing diorama-builder about fitting life into small spaces will feature fresh content and festive touches during Steam’s February showcase
February 2026 – Publisher Kinephantom and solo developer Erik Rempen of Silk Softworks have announced that ShantyTown will be featured in Steam Next Fest this February, giving players another chance to enjoy its peaceful, urban-diorama building ahead of its full launch this spring.
Alongside the festival appearance, a brand new trailer is available for viewing, offering a deeper look at the calming atmosphere and the layered charm of its neighbourhoods.
To celebrate the season, ShantyTown will also introduce festive decorations for the Year of the Horse and other Chinese New Year-themed upgrades, bringing subtle festive details and limited-time additions inspired by the holiday. These seasonal touches add even more personality to its cosy worlds, inviting players to express themselves through their own unique town creations.
Over the past year, the game has grown significantly in detail and colour. Early versions of ShantyTown were darker, simpler, and colder in tone but were atmospheric in its own way. Today the same locations feel transformed, filled with more object variety, brighter lighting, and richer detail.
This evolution has been shaped directly by player feedback. Closed playtests began in February of last year, followed by a public demo launch in June. The demo has continued to evolve through multiple iterations and remains available to explore during Next Fest.
The latest Steam Next Fest demo will feature updated content, seasonal enhancements, and a refreshed look at the creative freedom at the heart of the experience.
Key Features
Building with instinct – Objects can be placed wherever they make sense to the player, creating a town that feels natural, personal, and full of character
A relaxing, adaptive atmosphere – As lights shift from day to night, players are accompanied by a custom soundtrack by artist Macroblank, designed to keep the experience peaceful and immersive
Playful world details – Walking houses, drifting birds, and small visual surprises await players, giving it a unique sense of personality
In-depth photography – Complete a diorama, photograph it, and add it to your in-game dossier to later revisit or share with friends
Seasonal Chinese New Year upgrades – Festive and limited-time additions inspired by the holiday bring extra charm to the February build
As previously announced, ShantyTown will launch April 16th, 2026, inviting players to explore its unusual locations and craft their own small, meaningful dioramas in just a few months.
Players can wishlist ShantyTown on Steam today and explore the demo during Steam Next Fest this February.
Players can also stay up to date with the latest news and community updates by joining the official Discord server.
About Kinephantom
Kinephantom is a small team that loves working closely with indie developers and helping thoughtful projects find their true audience. They take a hands-on, people-first approach, supporting creators with marketing, community development, and launch planning so that developers can stay focused on what matters most.
About Silk Softworks
ShantyTown is created by Erik Rempen, a solo developer and the mind behind Kainga, a well-received strategy title known for its creative systems and distinctive worldbuilding. Working under his studio, Silk Softworks, Erik builds games with a warm, human touch – inspired by dense cities and cosy aesthetics.
With ShantyTown, he continues to create spaces that feel imperfect, meaningful, and full of quiet life.
