A relaxing diorama-builder centred on fitting life into small spaces will fully launch in April 2026
Publisher Kinephantom and solo developer Erik Rempen of Silk Softworks have shared a fresh look at ShantyTown – a relaxing, small-scale diorama-builder about layering details until a world comes to life. With a new trailer available today and the public demo recently updated, the game is steadily moving towards its full April 16th, 2026, release on Steam.
ShantyTown is a calm, atmospheric builder where players create improvised neighbourhoods in unexpected spaces. Players stack shops, tuck rooftop gardens into corners, and build by instinct rather than rules. Four years in the making, the project has evolved from a modest experiment into a complete, thoughtfully crafted game that reflects the charm and honesty of imperfect design within dense cities.
Key Features
- Building with instinct – Objects can be placed wherever they make sense to the player, creating a town that feels natural, personal, and full of character
- A relaxing, adaptive atmosphere – As lights shift from day to night, players are accompanied by a custom soundtrack from artist Macroblank designed to keep the experience peaceful and immersive.
- Playful world details – Walking houses, drifting birds, and small visual surprises await players, giving it a unique sense of personality.
- In-depth photography – Complete a diorama, photograph it, and add it to your in-game dossier to later revisit or share with friends.
Players can wishlist ShantyTown on Steam today and jump into the newly updated free demo. Press, creators, and community members are welcome to reach out for interviews, preview access, or additional assets as Kinephantom prepares for launch.
Graphic Screenshots
Gameplay
About Kinephantom
Kinephantom is a small team that loves working closely with indie developers and helping thoughtful projects find their true audience. They take a hands-on, people-first approach, supporting creators with marketing, community development, and launch planning so that developers can stay focused on what matters most.
About Silk Softworks
ShantyTown is created by Erik Rempen, a solo developer and the mind behind Kainga, a well-received strategy title known for its creative systems and distinctive worldbuilding. Working under his studio, Silk Softworks, Erik builds games with a warm, human touch—inspired by dense cities and cosy aesthetics that were picked up throughout his lifetime.
His work focuses on authenticity, simple joys, and inviting players into worlds that feel imperfect yet meaningful. With ShantyTown, he continues to build on the imagination and care that made Kainga stand out.
