Potions: A Curious Tale, a potion-crafting adventure from women-led developer Stumbling Cat, conjured surprise console launches with new endgame content today on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
It was revealed during today’s Women-Led Games Showcase: The Game Awards Edition.
Eager to master her new skills, Luna sets out to prove her prowess as a capable witch and a potions master. Traverse snow-covered mountains, blistering volcanoes, and lush forests alongside her feline companion Helios in an empowering coming-of-age tale about creativity and perseverance.
Making it to the consoles was a big accomplishment, as Potions is mostly the work of a solo developer, Renee Gittins. She hired the team that executed on her vision but worked on the title herself over the course of more than 10 years.
Gather Chimera Fur, Kelpie Jelly, and other rare ingredients to brew more than 100 potion types. Put Luna’s elixir-crafting skills to the test against whimsical beasts, including Icehogs, Imps, and Onibi. Solve devious puzzles and procure precious collectibles throughout her journey, all while meeting iconic folklore characters to assist along the way.
Turn the page towards a new chapter in the new endgame dungeon: the Temple of Spirit! Entrusted with a mysterious key from Prince Charming, Luna ventures to unlock the ancient ruins hidden deep within the Fairy Forest. Overcome elemental puzzles, face a new boss, and utilize every lesson Luna’s learned in this ultimate test.
“After the incredible support Potions: A Curious Tale’s PC launch received, I wanted to share Luna’s story with players on all major platforms,” said Renee Gittins, studio head at Stumbling Cat. “I hope Potions’ story of wit and resilience is empowering for everyone. I’m excited for even more people to realize their own intellect and creativity in Luna’s new adventure into the Temple of Spirit.”
Potions: A Curious Tale is available now on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Windows Store for $20. The new Temple of Spirit endgame content is available now on all platforms.
Stumbling Cat is an indie studio founded in 2014 in Seattle by Renee Gittins, a multi-disciplinary leader with expertise in operations, engineering, and creative direction. Formerly the general manager at Phoenix Labs – Vancouver and the executive director of the IGDA, she now serves as the chair of the IGDA Alumni Board.
A staunch advocate for game developers, Renee consults for various organizations and vocally supports initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity within the gaming industry, striving to foster growth and inclusivity for all.
I asked Gittins about the timing of the console launch. In a message to GamesBeat, Gittins said, I have always wanted Potions to come to consoles, but I knew it was no small task to port a game. When I’ve shown Potions at conventions like GeekGirlCon, I noticed that many of our most enthusiastic fans, usually young girls, often have little or no keyboard gaming experience.”
Gittins added, “While we were able to launch Potions with controller support, few children have their own computers to game on, and many cozy gamers also have strong preferences for consoles. I can understand wanting to escape from my computer, too! Thankfully, we were shown enough support of our Steam version that I felt it was possible to undertake the effort to bring Potions to more fans, and I was eager to add more content for them to enjoy as well.”
I also asked if any other circumstances led to this new announcement. Gittins replied, “When my commentary about the challenge of being an indie developer in the shadow of a larger studios’ announcement went viral, I received both unexpected support and harassment. While the toxicity and threats initially shook me, I’ve collected all of the kind fan mail, comments, and reviews and focused on the lovely folks who have provided their praise.”
She added, “I am truly grateful to have earned such enthusiastic support. Shadowdropping the console release and the Temple of Spirit endgame update is a way for me to reclaim the joy of sharing my work. Not as a dramatic comeback statement, but as a way for me to give the fans of Potions a gift for the holidays and to reframe what a shadowdrop means for our team.”
And Gittins said, “Afterall, Potions’ message is about kindness, creativity, and persistence! I aim to reflect that in both my work and how I work. did you also assemble a bigger team, or is it more solo or small team work? Our team is smaller than ever right now! We brought back our talented artist, Atlas Lin, to help with art for the new content, but all of the porting work itself was handled in-house by Zak Whaley and me. Zak and I also planned our wedding during that effort, too! We’ve been quite busy.”