Finnish independent game development and publishing studio MiTale has signed a publishing agreement with Finnish developer Horsefly Games to release The Polar Darkness, a Lovecraftian folk horror mystery set in 1980s Finland, on PC via Steam in Q3 2027 and consoles. The game is developed by a solo-developer Juho Kuorikoski of Horsefly Games and takes players to the remote fictional village of Sysiluoma during the Finnish winter solstice.
The game combines Finnish folklore, psychological horror and cosmic horror, and features a distinctive visual style combining photographic 2D characters with atmospheric 3D environments. The game's three-day time-based structure creates a living village where characters follow their routines and player decisions determine which events and perspectives can be experienced.
Through the partnership, MiTale will provide a comprehensive publishing package, including project funding, localization, quality assurance, porting and international publishing support. The collaboration will also explore opportunities for transmedia expansion, developing the game's world and intellectual property beyond its original digital release.
The game's release is planned for Q3 2027 on PC via Steam, with a showcase at Steam Next Fest in February 2027 followed by an early access period before full release.