Beyond The Pixels, a new game development studio based in London, is bringing retro gaming back to life. The studio has announced its first project, Astro Burn, and released a demo on Steam. This high-energy, fur-packed shooter is scheduled to launch in early 2026 on mobile, PC, Mac, and consoles.
The studio is headed by HaZ Dulull, a director with experience across film, television, and games. His portfolio includes work on Netflix and Disney+ projects, as well as titles like Fortnite, Evil Genius 2, and Dune: Awakening. His new studio focuses on creating original and licensed intellectual property that can expand across games, films, TV series, and user-generated content.
It’s More Than Just a Game
Astro Burn is a retro-styled shoot-’em-up, and true to Dulull’s vision, it won't be limited to a single medium. The plan is to build stories that unfold across multiple formats—in fact, an animated TV series based on the game is already in the works.
Returning to the game itself, you take on the role of Astro, a feline space pilot. She is journeying home from a mission with her robotic companion, AL, only to find Earth overrun by colossal AI war machines—with no humans in sight.
Through fast-paced combat, Astro’s nine lives will be put to the test as she battles swarms of enemies in intense bullet-hell environments. The game features ten unique levels, ranging from deep space and mechanical arenas to underwater zones, Earth’s skies, and sprawling cityscapes.
Try the Astro Burn Demo
While mobile store listings aren’t live yet, Beyond The Pixels has released a demo for Astro Burn on Steam. If you’re a fan of 16-bit pixel art and sci-fi themes, this is your chance to give it a shot.
The team also dropped a trailer offering a sneak peek at the action. Watch it below.
Astro Burn will include a two-player cooperative arcade mode, allowing players to share weapons, team up against enemy forces, or compete against each other. For those seeking added difficulty, a roguelite mode and online leaderboards will also be available.
That covers everything we know so far about this upcoming release. Also, don’t miss our next feature on Ninja Arashi 2: Shadow’s Return.
