Last week, I let you know that Charmed Geek was officially invited to serve as media at Endix, a virtual gaming showcase which had several large cozy games attending, Hawthorn (see picture above) being one of them.

This week, I'm happy to share that the NearStudios have provided me a review code for this game which is expected to release in October 2026.

If you're interested in getting a first-look at this game, make sure you're following me on Twitch on Tuesday, Dec 2, at 7pm Central. (I plan to do my best to cross-platform stream but I will for sure be streaming to Twitch.)

About Hawthorn

Self-described as "Skyrim meets Stardew [Valley]," I'd personally say the gameplay looks like if fairytale woodland forest animals became the main characters in a Hobbit town.

We're off on an adventure! ∙ Images by NEARstudios

I find the artwork to be very charming and the character actions – like getting to use your mouse avatar to hop on the back of an owl to go fishing – to be both creative and fun. This fully-funded Kickstarter game looks how drinking a warm cup of tea while snuggling under a plush throw feels.

And I have very high expectations for it for a good reason. Much of the team are veterans of the industry, servicing big studios like Naughty Dog and Bethesda; and carrying credits such as The Last of Us, Dragon Age, Fallout 76, Elder Scrolls, and even Skyrim.

On top of that, this game was 100% crowdfunded via Kickstarter, meaning there are no big wigs getting in the way of creativity. This game will be the essence of the dev's imagination with no holds barred.

As of November 10, the game has raised $450,159 between 5,3497 backers – blowing their goal of $200,000 out of the water.

Here are some of the promised gaming features:

  • Housing – you'll be able to assign a home to each villager, including yourself, and customize each one. You can help the NPCs decorate and leave them to their own wills.
  • Solo & Co-op Play
  • Building relationships – Befriend the NPCs and learn their routines.
  • An individualized "Storyteller System" – Each player's narrative will be unique with "nearly limitless combinations" of events that will impact your gameplay, like decisions you make and relationships your build (or destroy).
  • Combine abilities - You'll be able to combine your creature's abilities to complete tasks, like using the mouse to ride an owl to catch fish.
  • Seasonal celebrations – each season will have unique built-in traditions to look forward to.

Beyond launch, NEARStudios promises that provided game support will continue long term. So expect plenty of updates like new items, characters, and locations to keep the world living and breathing.