This upcoming indie game called Finding Polka is definitely one that grabs your attention immediately. First: it’s about a cute pup, plus there’s another pup in the story. Second: because it doesn’t even look like a video game at first. And third: it’s actually based on the creator’s real dog!
The game’s USP is that everything is drawn by hand with a ballpoint pen. Solo Japanese developer Shinnosuke Kumazawa really drew the artwork with a ballpoint pen. In fact, when the game was showcased at BitSummit in May, people visiting the booth could even flip through a sketchbook full of the original drawings.
Kumazawa calls his game development studio lidlocks, inspired by A Clockwork Orange. Meanwhile, his new title Finding Polka is a tribute to his late dog, whose spirit lives on through the game’s dog Polka’s paw prints.
lidlocks and publisher Parco Games just announced the release date for Finding Polka
It’s launching on Steam on August 12th, 2026, with a new trailer out now. It shows behind-the-scenes from development and features appearances from a bunch of content creators who joined the project. Watch it here!
The story follows Frendy, a little girl living peacefully with her beloved dachshund Jazz. One day, while walking through town, they spot a chunky French bulldog that looks exactly like Polka, Frendy’s childhood dog.
So, Frendy, along with Jazz, start chasing after it, kicking off a cosy adventure where you’re searching the map for Polka. The journey takes you through bustling towns, quiet forests, sparkling seas, and plenty of other places.
There are a lot of mini-games, too. Optional side activities include putt-putt golf, whac-a-mole, soccer shootout, boat racing, watermelon splitting, and volleyball. None of these is required to finish the story, though.
Also, read our news on Cosy City Builder and Life Management Game Spiritstead.
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