The stunning 2D life sim Sunkissed City, developed by former Stardew Valley dev Arthur ‘Mr. Podunkian’ Lee has been delayed once again. However, despite a ‘taxing’ year, the indie dev is still trying to get the game over the line in 2025, but warned to take that ambition “with a heap of salt.”
Lee was originally set to launch the incredibly beautiful life sim in late 2024, however the release window has now been shifted to ‘2026’ on the game’s Steam page.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Lee revealed that the reason for the slip was a year that proved more ‘taxing’ on his mood than he anticipated. “I think it’s time I have to admit to myself that SKC’s 2025 release window’s slipped :(,” he wrote. “I’ve been working very hard on the game, but generally, this year was more taxing on my mood than I thought it’d be.”
Despite the 2026 release window, Lee did say to a fan that there could well be a chance it could sneak into 2025. “All I can really say is that I’m working as hard as I can towards getting it out by then,” he responded. “I’m a bit of an idealist when it comes to deadlines, so take it with a heap of salt, but I’m still aiming for 2025, as absurd as it might seem at this point.”
Taking place in the fictional Apollo City, described as “a sun-kissed seaside metropolis that’s pumping with funky vibes and quirky characters”, fans of Stardew Valley will instantly click with the gorgeous 2D visuals.
As expected, the game promises “deep customisation” allowing you to create characters and living spaces that are truly your own – rewarding players who take time to build rapport with the people they meet. To help pass the time, you can tend to gardens, go fishing for ‘the big one’, or take up gigs for some extra cash.
In the background, Apollo City is facing a few, say, environmental issues, such as monsters popping up out of the sewers. Luckily, you won’t need to deal with it alone, as Sunkissed City supports both online and split-screen multiplayer cooperative modes.
Lee left work on Stardew Valley back in 2022 to focus on his own game, which does appear to be shaping up very nicely. Since then, Stardew has seen numerous collaborators, and even has a team working on its upcoming 1.7 update.
