Greenville, South Carolina—May 22, 2026—Hybrid Fiction Games today announced a release window for their first game, Stratagem Lost. The game's Steam demo has also been updated with revamped content.
*found in press kit as Key Art and Logos/Logo_Full.png
Stratagem Lost is a turn-based strategy RPG and visual novel hybrid with a gritty punk aesthetic set in a world left broken and paranoid from war. Funded on Kickstarter, it is a single-player indie game currently being developed for PC.
Wishlist the game on Steam:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3041220/Stratagem_Lost/
Watch the new trailer:
https://youtu.be/GJg3kJ0sKQI
About the Development
A 30-day Kickstarter campaign started on October 14th, 2024 to fund the game’s development. With the help of 346 backers, Stratagem Lost has received over $27,000, being 153% funded. Since then, Hybrid Fiction Games has consistently posted updates on the games progress, and was also included in Turn-Based Thursday Fest 2026! The game will also be making an appearance at Indie Quest 2026, showcasing new gameplay and story!
*found in press kit as Key Art and Logos/2026_Key_Art_3840x2160.png
As development nears its final stages, the release window has been set as this Winter. The final game features 25+ playable chapters coupled with a deep and mysterious narrative, spanning over 30 hours of gameplay! Throughout the campaign, players will utilize 25+ playable units—each with their own unique looks, personalities, and animations! A roster of 20 assistant characters also join the battle to bolster the army!
For those who want to try the game first, Stratagem Lost has also updated its free demo on Steam. The demo contains 5 story chapters, providing a playtime of 2-4 hours. This time around, the demo features new music, story scenes, and a plethora of improvements to the game!
About the Game
Stratagem Lost follows a ragtag team of drafted soldiers uncovering a grim conspiracy as they come to blows with terrorists and otherworldly entities. Gameplay has a focus on unique characters and teambuilding, creating an experience that forces players to make tough decisions both in and out of combat.
*found in press kit as Screenshots/Grid_Overview.png
Stratagem Lost's combat adopts a fluid and fast-paced dynamism unique to the turn-based strategy genre. Characters can both move and attack—in any order, however many times possible—using Stamina, transforming strategy encounters into freeform, high tempo offensives.
*found in press kit as Screenshots/Story_0.png
Compared to other games in the genre, Stratagem Lost’s identity is found in its eclectic, over-the-top attitude. Aggression is rampant, both in the gameplay and world of Stratagem Lost. The game sports an outspoken demeanor, inspired by art movements like Dadaism and pop art, as well as music genres like hard rock and nu-metal. The 2000's influence is worn on its sleeve, crafting an experience that breaks boundaries and upends conventions.
Stratagem Lost features expressionist, vibrant illustrations during cutscenes and combat. Battles play out with a punchy style, like they’re snapshots out of a comic book. Characters express themselves firmly, with each pose accentuating personality and individuality.
*found in press kit as Screenshots/Anyta_Critical.png
Between battles, the player can spend more time with their allies and learn more about them in Off-Time Segments. These segments offer insight into the characters’ individual stories and the world around them while also unlocking new skills in combat. Build up your relationships off of the battlefield and see your options increase on it.
*found in press kit as Screenshots/Comrade_Duo.png
Stratagem Lost features professional voice actors from the industry, including Amanda Hufford (The Amazing Digital Circus, Date Everything, Genshin Impact), Joshua Waters (Witch Hat Atelier, Fire Emblem Heroes, Honkai Star Rail), Gianni Matragrano (Ultrakill, Anton Blast, Zenless Zone Zero), and Allanah Fitzgerald (Gameoverse, The Gaslight District, Murder Drones).
The music in the game is composed by dante gofar, known for his work in AD: Trance, Paper Perjury, and UNBEATABLE [white label]. Stratagem Lost boasts a stomping nu-metal soundtrack, complete with live guitars, enhancing the experience with a heavy groove.
For more information, follow Hybrid Fiction Games on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. To connect with the community, join the official Discord.
About Hybrid Fiction Games
Hybrid Fiction Games is an indie game duo from the Carolinas crafting eclectic experiences with strong presentation and authenticity. Their work is inspired by a wide range of mediums, leading to experimental and thoughtful adventures that come from the heart.
Media Contact
hybridfictiongames@gmail.com
Press release
