Thinky Direct 2025: Everything Announced

Thinky Games launched their first Thinky Direct on May 29, 2025, an hour-long celebration of indie puzzle games from the Cerebral Puzzle Showcase. Hosted by Rachel Watts and Joseph Mansfield, the event streamed live on Steam and the Thinky Games website. It revealed exclusive trailers, surprise demos, and launch dates for many “thinky” games from studios like Draknek & Friends, Akupara Games, and Wholesome Games.

The Thinky Direct spotlighted The Mermaid Mask by SFB Games and Echo Weaver by Akupara Games, both showing off new trailers hinting at their complex mysteries. Parallel Experiment from Eleven Puzzles locked in a June 5 launch, while Sunken Stones by Spritewrench is set for July 18. He Who Watches by Danga Games and EMUUROM by borbware are both planned for later in 2025. Also, a new demo for Strange Antiquities, the anticipated sequel to Strange Horticulture, drops on June 5, and 868-BACK by Michael Brough impressed with its latest trailer.

Kiko’s Apple Adventure by Paw Paw Games launched today, along with a surprise release of parts 2 + 3 DLC for Bonfire Peaks by Corey Martin and Draknek & Friends. City of Voices, a detective mystery from a Golden Idol designer at Kini Games, released a demo. Shape Sender Deluxe by Dead Teapot and The Button Effect by Frycandle offered limited-time demos during the Showcase. Plus, Railbound by Afterburn received a level editor update, letting players create their own puzzles, and Pup Champs added free, tougher puzzles for fans.

Other highlights included Isles of Sea and Sky’s Mysterious Update coming in July, packed with new areas and secrets. Birdigo, a roguelike deckbuilder by John August, Corey Martin, and GameTeam 6, debuted a trailer and demo. NONOLITH by JUSTCAMH teased its 2026 escape adventure, and CIPHER ZERO by Zapdot showcased over 300 minimalist puzzles. Draknek’s Spooky Express, a haunted twist on Cosmic Express, rounded out the show with a demo that’s live now, charming players with its creepy train-routing puzzles.

Thinky Direct also kicked off the Cerebral Puzzle Showcase, which runs through June 5. With discounts on games like Blue Prince and Animal Well, plus plenty of demos, it’s a great week for puzzle lovers.