Indie publisher Pixel Doors has announced a new publishing partnership with London-based studio Beyond the Pixels for an upcoming retro-inspired action title called Astro Burn. The announcement was made during the Game Developers Conference 2026, and a playable demo for the game is now available on Steam.
Astro Burn is described as a fast-paced side-scrolling “cute-em-up,” blending classic shoot ‘em up gameplay with colorful bullet-hell chaos and an intentionally absurd tone. Players take control of Astro, a genetically enhanced cat who was lured into experimental alien tech upgrades with promises of tasty fish treats. Now stranded far from home, Astro blasts through waves of bizarre enemies while trying to make his way back.
The game leans heavily into arcade-style action while layering in modern mechanics. Central to the experience is a “stack-’em-up” weapon system that allows players to combine multiple power-ups at once, creating increasingly chaotic attacks capable of clearing massive enemy waves. Astro is also joined by a robotic companion, and the game supports local couch co-op for players who want to tackle the mayhem together.
Adding to the game’s playful tone is the Catnip power bar. Filling the meter unleashes anime-inspired super moves that push the screen-filling chaos even further, with waves of adorable yet dangerous creatures swarming the battlefield.
The studio behind the game was founded by director and producer HaZ Dulull. Dulull brings a long history of work across both games and film to the project. Earlier in his career, he worked on titles during the PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 eras, and more recently served as Cinematics Director on Dune: Awakening. Outside of gaming, his directing credits include indie films that have appeared on Netflix and series released on Disney+, along with visual effects work on films such as The Dark Knight and Hellboy II: The Golden Army.
According to Dulull, Astro Burn draws inspiration from classic early ’90s shoot ‘em ups, particularly titles like Parodius, while embracing the chaotic humor and meme-driven creativity of modern internet culture.
Pixel Doors says its publishing model is designed to give developers more creative freedom while the publisher handles operational support and distribution. The company will work alongside Beyond the Pixels to bring Astro Burn to a wider audience while allowing the studio to focus on development.
Astro Burn is currently in development for PC and Mac and is planned to launch on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG. Console versions are also being considered, though no specific platforms have been confirmed yet. Players interested in trying the game early can download the demo now and wishlist it on Steam.
