Cosmic Base-Builder ‘Adaptory’ Guides Stranded Explorers to Gamescom’s Indie Arena Booth

Adaptory, a 2D sci-fi base-building adventure from developer Stormcloak Games and publisher Indie.io, will appear at the Indie Arena Booth during Gamescom from Wednesday, August 20 through Sunday, August 24, 2025. The game is scheduled to launch on PC via Steam Early Access and Itch.io shortly after.

After a crash landing on a remote planetoid, players are tasked with guiding a small crew through survival and discovery. Construct and maintain a functional outpost, oversee essential systems, and support the physical and emotional health of the team. The game’s vibrant visual design and expressive art style enhance an experience that blends simulation mechanics with personal storytelling.

As players dig into the planet’s surface, automate workflows, and weather cosmic disruptions, a deeper mystery begins to surface. Through logs, dialogue, and journal entries, the crew’s past and the cause of their misfortune slowly come into view. According to Stormcloak Games founder Jevon Wright, Adaptory brings together complex colony systems and character-driven narrative in a way that’s both challenging and emotionally engaging.

What We Can Expect

• A character-driven base-building experience where players manage oxygen, electricity, and emotional wellness for a stranded crew of four.

• Striking hand-drawn visuals with colorful line work and a slightly comedic, sci-fi aesthetic.

• Environmental hazards like meteor showers, solar flares, and eclipses that challenge players to adapt and repair.

• A layered narrative told through crew diaries, system logs, and conversations that hint at the mystery behind the crash.

My Thoughts

Adaptory instantly reminded me of the classic 1980s board game Labyrinth. It’s that same feeling of discovery and planning, carefully navigating challenges one step at a time. I absolutely adore the hand-drawn aesthetic, which gives the game a distinct and inviting personality. It also evokes the spirit of The Martian, with its focus on survival, exploration, and problem-solving through ingenuity. I’m genuinely excited to dive in and see what kind of base I can build while guiding this quirky crew toward home.

Check out the trailer below!