South African game developer Team Lazerbeam has scheduled the Early Access launch of its fungal-themed roguelike deckbuilder, Shroom and Gloom, for September 10, 2026. The title, which features hand-drawn aesthetics and a dual-deck system for combat and exploration, represents a significant milestone for the Johannesburg-based studio. The initial Early Access release will include five playable characters, with plans to expand the roster throughout the development cycle.
The project has demonstrated strong community engagement, largely driven by a robust social media strategy. In September 2025, the studio reported that content across TikTok and Instagram generated over nine million views within a 30-day period. This digital visibility translated into substantial growth on Steam, where the game surpassed 100,000 wishlists in late 2025. Momentum continued into 2026, with wishlist figures climbing to 150,000 in February and reaching 206,233 by June.
As the studio approaches the launch date, it has set a new target of 250,000 wishlists to maximize visibility and player acquisition. The development of Shroom and Gloom has been supported by a publisher partnership with Devolver Digital and the release of a playable Steam demo. By leveraging community interaction and consistent social media outreach, the studio aims to maintain its current growth trajectory as it transitions into the Early Access phase.