Forget sprawling city builders and complex simulations; a new kind of urban creation is taking shape. Erik Rempen, the mind behind the acclaimed “Kainga: Seeds of Civilization,” unveils “ShantyTown,” a unique “diorama-building” experience under his new studio, Silk Softworks. Launching in Q4 2025, “ShantyTown” invites players to craft dense, vibrant urban environments, one curated location at a time, in a world that feels both familiar and wonderfully strange.
Two years in the making, “ShantyTown” is nearing completion, offering a fresh take on the cozy genre. Players are tasked with building “dioramas” in a fictional city, each location presenting a distinct theme and a curated set of objects. Imagine crafting a floating tea shop at a ferry terminal, a nightlife district nestled within a transit pipeline, or a mountain-top temple bathhouse.
“ShantyTown” taps into the player’s artistic and architectural instincts, encouraging creative object placement and vertical thinking within limited spaces. There are no rigid win conditions, but optional objectives provide guidance for those who prefer structure. Upon completion, players capture their creations in photos, adding them to a “dossier” of completed projects.
The core gameplay revolves around creating “Unconventional Locations.” Objects, presented in sets of three, encompass buildings and upgrades that add decor, light, and utility. As players progress, the purpose of each location unfolds, transforming from, say, an industrial warehouse district into a bustling street food market.
“Capture Your Creation” is a central element, allowing players to document their artistic achievements. When the “dossier” is full, players can complete the game, cementing their legacy as a master diorama builder.
“Relax and Soak in the Environment” is a key design philosophy. The game prioritizes atmosphere, inviting players to immerse themselves in the beauty of their creations while enjoying original, dynamically adjusting tracks composed by vaporwave artist Macroblank.
A public Steam Playtest is currently open for registrations, allowing players to experience “ShantyTown” firsthand. The final release date and pricing will be announced this summer.
