Cosy RPG Hawthorn Launches Steam Demo as NEARStudios Opens Crowdfunding

If I had a penny for every time I heard that some ex-Bethesda and BioWare developers were making a game together, I'd probably have enough to afford the seventeenth remaster of Skyrim. That isn't to disparage Hawthorn though—quite the opposite. This game looks extremely cute.

Developed by NEARStudios, a team composed of veterans who have worked on staples like FalloutThe Elder Scrolls and Dragon AgeHawthorn is a cosy sandbox RPG where you take control of a woodland creature. If you are looking for a shorthand, the general consensus online is essentially Skyrim meets Wind in the Willows.

The Move to Crowdfunding

The studio is no stranger to fan support; a 2025 Kickstarter campaign for the game successfully raised over $450,000. Since then, the team has been in discussions with various publishers, but they ultimately decided to remain independent. According to a recent Steam post, the offers they received either provided insufficient funding to expand the game experience or came with concessions that did not align with the studio's values.

"[The offers were] not enough money to substantially add to the game experience when contrasted with the amount of revenue share we would have to give up or the terms and/or companies didn’t align with our values and vision," the team stated. They noted that increased traction on Steam—specifically via wishlists and online engagement—may allow them to secure more favorable terms with a publisher in the future.

What to Expect from the Demo

The version available during Steam Next Fest is the same early tech demo that fans were introduced to roughly a year ago. However, the studio has promised that those who choose to support the project by joining the "Hawthorn Village Council" will receive access to an updated build once the festival concludes. A portion of these proceeds is earmarked for The Nature Conservancy and other non-profit organizations, and backers will also receive exclusive playable characters.

At its core, Hawthorn tasks players with rebuilding a struggling village, either solo or with friends. It leans heavily into farming, crafting, and exploration mechanics, wrapped in a whimsical aesthetic that feels reminiscent of the Redwall series. While the project is clearly in its early stages, the concept of managing a village of fairies and woodland animals has already found a dedicated following.