New UK Indie Publisher Kinetic Publishing Confirms Five PS5 Games for 2027 and 2028

A new name is entering Britain’s independent games publishing sector, with Kinetic Publishing unveiling five upcoming titles scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5. The UK-based publisher has emerged from the team behind the hugely successful horror game Phasmophobia, and its first line-up spans science fiction, racing, action RPGs and narrative horror.

Kinetic Publishing Unveils First PS5 Games

Kinetic Publishing has signed five independent games, with releases currently planned across 2027 and 2028. All five titles are set to arrive on PS5.

Although none of the projects is due in the immediate future, the publisher’s opening portfolio covers a notably broad range of genres and development styles.

Among the most prominent is Precognition, the latest project involving Sam Barlow, the creator associated with narrative-driven games including Her Story and Immortality. Few details have been revealed so far, and no gameplay footage was shown during the publisher’s presentation.

Contact Protocol – Spring 2027

Contact Protocol is scheduled for spring 2027 and presents players with a science-fiction take on document-checking and decision-making gameplay reminiscent of Papers, Please.

Players will determine the fate of arriving spacecraft by examining their documents and deciding whether they qualify to dock on Jupiter’s largest moon. Those decisions are expected to form the core of the experience, placing responsibility for each incoming vessel in the player’s hands.

Crescent County – Summer 2027

Arriving in summer 2027, Crescent County is a colourful, cosy racing game with an illustrated storybook aesthetic.

The project has an unusual British connection, taking inspiration from the Isle of Wight off England’s south coast. Its visual and thematic influences also draw from two very different strands of Japanese animation, combining elements associated with Kiki’s Delivery Service and Akira.

The result is intended to blend relaxed gameplay with racing and a distinctive fantasy-inspired world.

Precognition – Spring 2028

Precognition is currently expected in spring 2028 and is likely to attract considerable attention because of Sam Barlow’s involvement.

The project is described as a science-fiction horror game, although Kinetic Publishing has yet to disclose substantial information about its setting, mechanics or story.

During the presentation, Barlow indicated that the game is being designed to give players greater agency and more control over how the narrative develops and ultimately concludes.

His previous work on Her Story and Immortality has become known for experimental approaches to interactive storytelling, making Precognition one of the publisher’s most intriguing early projects.

Shellbound – Summer 2028

Shellbound, scheduled for summer 2028, is a Metroidvania-style game that remains relatively early in its development.

Its developer has said the visual style is being substantially changed ahead of release. That means the finished game is expected to look noticeably different from its current presentation, which has drawn comparisons with Hollow Knight.

Further details about its gameplay and final artistic direction are likely to emerge as development progresses.

Aether Wizard Life – Autumn 2028

The final title currently scheduled is Aether Wizard Life, which is being developed in Thailand and is expected to launch in autumn 2028.

The fantasy game combines cosy life-simulation mechanics with action RPG elements. A calendar system will require players to decide how to use their available time, with possible activities including growing crops and caring for mythological creatures.

This mixture of everyday management and fantasy combat gives the project a different identity from the other titles in Kinetic Publishing’s initial portfolio.

Phasmophobia Success Provides Strong Foundation

Kinetic Publishing is entering an increasingly competitive independent games market, where attracting attention has become a significant challenge as the number of new releases continues to grow.

However, the publisher begins with considerable experience behind it. The team responsible for Phasmophobia has sold 27 million copies of the game to date, giving Kinetic an established record of turning an independent project into a major commercial success.

That experience could prove valuable as the publisher works with external developers and attempts to introduce unfamiliar games to audiences on PS5 and other platforms.

An Eclectic First Line-Up for Kinetic Publishing

With Contact Protocol and Crescent County due in 2027, followed by Precognition, Shellbound and Aether Wizard Life in 2028, Kinetic Publishing has opted for variety rather than concentrating on a single genre.

The games remain some distance from release, and several are still at stages where substantial details have yet to be revealed. Even so, the first five projects establish Kinetic Publishing as a UK indie publisher worth watching as it attempts to build on the extraordinary success of Phasmophobia.

Graham Greene

Graham Greene is a contributor to Dealmakerz, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that matter to them. His work highlights relevant stories, emerging trends, and key issues, presenting them in a balanced, accessible, and reader-friendly way.