Mowlo Games has officially released the first playable demo of Hollow Mire, a new choice-driven psychological horror adventure that draws inspiration from The Shining and Disco Elysium. Launching today on Steam, the demo invites players into a fractured, snow-swept Britain still reeling from the emotional scars of war.
Set in the somber years following World War II, Hollow Mire explores the fragile line between memory and madness through a deeply atmospheric narrative, haunting visuals, and emotionally charged character performances. With a full release planned for late 2026, the demo marks the public’s first opportunity to step into Mowlo Games’ chilling new world.
A Post-War Britain Haunted by Loss
At the heart of Hollow Mire is John Rowe, a war veteran turned journalist whose life has been shattered by the unexplained disappearance of his wife and daughter. When John takes an investigative assignment at the remote and unsettling Breken House, suppressed memories begin clawing their way back to the surface. The world around him bends with his unraveling sanity, forcing players to question what is real, what is memory, and what is terror.
Parallel to John’s descent is the story of Detective Gwen Porter, who is investigating a missing patient and the mysterious death of an orderly at the grim Bordon Down Asylum. As her case deepens, a disturbing thread begins to tie her story directly to John’s, setting the stage for a narrative that spans decades, tragedies, and psychological fractures.
A Hand-Painted World Steeped in Tension
One of Hollow Mire’s most striking elements is its visual design—hand-painted 2D environments meticulously inspired by mid-century England. These richly detailed, bleakly beautiful scenes pair with a haunting dark-cello soundtrack that mirrors the game’s emotional evolution. From moments of quiet sorrow to heart-pounding tension, the score elevates every moment of horror, memory, and revelation.
The game’s fully voiced cast further enhances the experience, delivering gripping performances that bring its cast of survivors, investigators, and haunted souls to life.
A Narrative Built on Choice, Memory, and Consequence
Hollow Mire weaves gameplay and narrative into an intricate web of decision-making and psychological mystery. Players can expect:
- A branching story that leads to eight unique endings
- Intertwining timelines across the past and present
- Investigative puzzles that challenge perception and logic
- Memory reconstruction sequences that uncover hidden truths
- Thrilling wartime flashbacks that reveal John’s darkest moments
These layered systems work together to create a psychological horror experience where every decision shapes the ultimate fate of John, Gwen, and those connected to the secrets buried beneath Breken House.
A Story Rooted in a Nation’s Grief
In discussing the game’s direction, the Mowlo Games team emphasizes the emotional weight behind its themes:
“Hollow Mire is inspired by a time when Britain was still recovering from war, and families were learning to live with the painful reality that many soldiers would never return home. That sense of lingering absence sits at the heart of the story. Players should expect Hollow Mire to visit mature themes in some of the most difficult times in human history.”
Demo Available Now on Steam
Players can experience the beginning of this haunting psychological mystery starting today, December 9, by downloading the official demo on Steam.
The full release of Hollow Mire is planned for PC via Steam in late 2026.
Wishlist the game and follow development updates via the official channels linked below.
Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3357160/HOLLOW_MIRE/
Official Site: https://www.hollowmire.com
X (Twitter): https://x.com/MowloDev
