Embark on a hilariously harrowing dive into developer despair
SUNDAY 8 JUNE 2025 - Swedish indie developer Elden Pixels (Alwa’s Legacy, A Void Hope) are excited to announce the demo for their upcoming comedic metroidvania The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest is now available to download on Steam as part of Steam Next Fest.
A Press Release on a sunday? Hey, it's not just developers who get depressed and overworked! Consider the timing of this PR in-theme!
Step into the frazzled brain of Fletcher Howie Jr., a developer hanging on by a thread during the final stages of a massive project. After a post-crunch therapy session goes sideways, Fletcher finds himself trapped in his subconscious, where he’ll double-jump through trauma, shoot his inner demons, and yes… literally jump the shark.
To celebrate the demo’s release, Elden Pixels has prepared a new gameplay trailer, offering a minds-eye view of Fletcher’s fractured psyche.
Here's what early Steam demo reviewers are saying:
"It’s a smart, stylish, and emotionally resonant experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously"
"The "I'm depressed" song had me rolling."
"The humor hits, the movement’s tight, and the art is doing overtime."
"Booted it up for ‘just a few minutes’ and somehow it’s 3:17 a.m. and I’m emotionally attached to a game that keeps insulting me."
"Great surreal Warioland/Pizza Tower vibes and SUPER tight action platformer"
"I played the demo and immediately questioned my life choices—in a good way."
Steam Page: store.steampowered.com/app/2725470/The_Prisoning_Fletchers_Quest
Demo: store.steampowered.com/app/2725720/The_Prisoning_Fletchers_Quest_Demo
About The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest
After a visit to the psychologist that went horribly wrong you’re trapped in the mind of a game developer on the brink of physical and emotional burnout during the last stages of an intense project. Experience a metroidvania drenched in anxiety based on a very true story.
Help Fletcher Howie Jr. escape his mental prison and save the day!
The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest demo features
Explore part of the starting zone and one full level of the game. We held nothing back… except 90% of the game!
We’ll give you double jump right from the get-go, as well as an extra bullet for your gun…You’re welcome!
Find and defeat the demo’s boss: he's jaws-ome!
Discover classic 2D pixel-art metroidvania action, packed with secrets, shortcuts, and strange surprises
The demo for The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest is available to download today on Steam, and Elden Pixels will reveal the official release date in the near future. Eager to experience some shared trauma with a tormented game dev? Slip into Fletcher’s subconscious on Steam now!
Info
Game Title: The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest
Developer: Elden Pixels
Publisher: Elden Pixels
Platforms: PC
Release date: TBD 2025
For more updates on the game, follow the devs on Twitter or Facebook!
About the Studio
Elden Pixels was founded in 2016 when a group of friends got together and started making the game Alwa’s Awakening. What started just like a small side project eventually turned into a real studio when the game became successful. Now the goal is to create fun, creative and cool games with a focus on gameplay.
eldenpixels.com
Copyright © 2025 Elden Pixels, All rights reserved.
