Windup Games is looking to prove that cozy games can still pack a punch in terms of tension and drama with its upcoming title, Hela: Of Mice and Magic. Set for a 2026 release across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, the game casts players as a mouse serving as a familiar to a local witch.
During a demo at this year's Summer Game Fest in Los Angeles, studio head Alexander Benitez explained that the team wanted to prioritize curiosity and exploration over traditional failure mechanics. Instead of combat, the game focuses on helping the witch protect her town by gathering potion ingredients and magic spell components.
No Combat, No Fail States
While the world is filled with threats like foxes and owls, Windup Games has opted to remove death and damage entirely. If a player is caught by a predator, the witch simply whisks them away to safety. Benitez noted that this approach creates a sense of danger and alters the game's tempo without the frustration of traditional fail states.
This design philosophy extends to the platforming elements as well. According to Benitez, there is no fall damage in the game. If you tumble from a high tree or mountain, you won't lose health, and the team has worked to ensure you aren't forced to repeat lengthy climbs, keeping the focus on fluid movement.
Traversal and Co-op Design
Movement is a central pillar of the experience. Players have access to magical gadgets that allow for gliding, double-jumping, and what Benitez calls “Spider-Mousing,” which involves swinging between trees. For longer distances, players can befriend and ride animals including hares, magpies, and pikes.
The co-op mode is specifically built for groups with varying skill levels. To ensure less experienced players don't get left behind, the game allows for teleportation between teammates. Benitez envisions this as a perfect title for parents to play alongside their children, emphasizing that the game is designed to respond positively to player curiosity.
“We want people to poke at things—be curious,” Benitez said during the demonstration. “If you ask, ‘what happens if I do this,’ we just want to make sure that it responds in a positive way.”
While Windup Games has not yet confirmed an exact release date, the title is currently scheduled for a 2026 launch. You can find more PC Gaming and console updates on our Gaming News page as more information becomes available.