ProbablyMonsters, an American independent game developer and publisher, recently launched their debut game, Storm Lancers, for the Nintendo Switch 2 and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The title was initially introduced for the Nintendo Switch in September 2025 and is available for $19.99. Notably, users of the original Switch can upgrade to the Switch 2 version at no additional cost.
We reached out to the development team with a series of questions pertaining to their recent release and the studio’s mission. Their responses highlighted the Nintendo Switch 2 as ideal for Storm Lancers, particularly emphasizing the new GameShare functionality. While they expressed interest in employing AI for administrative and repetitive tasks, they clarified that their games remain a product of human creativity, explicitly stating that AI is not utilized for artistic creation or decision-making. Continue reading for their detailed insights.
Exploring ProbablyMonsters
Introducing Storm Lancers
Storm Lancers is an exhilarating action rogue-like game that melds retro 80s aesthetics with fast-paced combat while innovating the rogue-like genre through the inclusion of couch co-op. Players team up as they navigate a crumbling alien world filled with unstable magic, working collaboratively to harness new abilities, fend off escalating hordes, and strengthen their characters.
Designed primarily for two-player cooperation, Storm Lancers can also be experienced solo. The game leverages GameShare on Switch 2 and Remote Play Together on Steam, allowing players to join forces even if only one owns a copy. Integrating cooperative gameplay into a rogue-like was an enjoyable undertaking for our developers, and we hope players are relishing their adventures as legendary champions of Cryptica.
The feedback on Storm Lancers has been predominantly positive, with players praising the game’s cooperative functionality, vivid artwork, and fluid controls. As our inaugural title, we intentionally limited the initial scope, enabling us to gain valuable insights for future projects. The requests for expanded content signal that our audience enjoys the experience we crafted, reinforcing our goal of delivering engaging gameplay.
We’ve acknowledged reports of performance issues in the Steam version and are diligently working on a patch, which we expect to roll out in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on our Discord and social media for updates regarding the patch release.
Navigating Console Choices
Our decision to debut Storm Lancers on Nintendo platforms stemmed from a fruitful partnership with Nintendo. The Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 are perfectly suited for our co-op title, allowing players to enjoy it at home or on the move. We specifically designed Storm Lancers to facilitate gameplay using a single Joy-Con controller to promote shared experiences. Additionally, our involvement in Nintendo’s Direct presentation last September provided a valuable opportunity to launch the game discreetly.
Currently, we do not have plans to introduce Storm Lancers on PlayStation or Xbox platforms, but we will inform our community should that situation change. Our primary focus rests on expanding our audience on Steam and ensuring a successful release of the Switch 2 version in Europe on January 22nd.
The Significance of GameShare
Storm Lancers was created with a strong emphasis on cooperative play, and GameShare provides a unique avenue for enhancing the couch co-op experience for friends separated by distance. This functionality encourages social engagement by allowing players to share the same screen and enjoy the same game copy, expressing immense value for friends and families wishing to bond over gameplay.
From our perspective as developers, we view GameShare as a strategic tool for organically promoting Storm Lancers within communities.
The Ease of Implementation
Integrating GameShare into Storm Lancers proved straightforward, with our agile engineering team managing to complete it in just over a month. The technology offers an efficient solution for adding online multiplayer capabilities without needing extensive overhauls.
Switch 2’s Capabilities
At ProbablyMonsters, we look forward to the capabilities provided by the Nintendo Switch 2. The enhanced hardware will enable us to elevate the artistic elements, performance, and overall quality of our games. Experiencing Storm Lancers in 4K resolution at 60 FPS has been particularly fulfilling, reflecting the advancements offered by this new platform.
Critiques on HDR Performance
While some have criticized the HDR feature on the Nintendo Switch 2, we have not encountered challenges during our development and are impressed with how Storm Lancers visuals enhance through the expanded color range. Consumer feedback plays a crucial role in shaping technology, and we respect their right to voice their experiences.
Future Developments in Horror Gaming
In addition to Storm Lancers, we recently introduced another title, Ire: A Prologue, which offers a distinct horror-themed experience. As we continue to diversify our portfolio, we have multiple titles in the pipeline across various genres to cater to a wide range of players, with more announcements set for the months ahead.
Ethics of AI Use in Game Development
As a small studio, we’ve established a conscientious approach to the use of AI in game development. While we acknowledge the potential of AI technology, we remain committed to the philosophy that our games should reflect human creativity and intention.
Thank you for taking the time to engage with us.
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