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Press release:
28th May, 2026. The wait is over! Kioku: Last Summer, the heart-warming cosy adventure from Assemble Entertainment and Norwegian indie developer Lugn Games, is out now on Steam PC for 14,99€! Players step into the shoes of Asti, a wide-eyed new arrival on the beautiful island of Kioku, where every summer day promises adventure, unforgettable friendships, and secrets waiting to be uncovered.

An exclusive interview with Lugn Games’ Alexander Espeseth – CEO, Producer and Audio Director – turns an out-now announcement into a compelling read, revealing the magic, whimsy and creative spark behind this nostalgic epic.

How would you sum up the experience of Kioku: Last Summer?

Like time-travelling back to a small Scandinavian town in the 90s. Every character you meet has a part to play and something to say.

The game draws inspiration from classic titles and 90s-era aesthetics – are there any specific cartoons or games that shaped Kioku: Last Summer’s look and feel?

Boku no Natsuyasumi, Beyblade, Digimon, Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, K.N.D., Seacrow Island, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Pippi Longstocking and Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life. All were very important in shaping our childhood, and they helped shape what Kioku: Last Summer is today.

Exploration is a big part of your game, with secrets and moments happening “when you’re not rushing”. How did you design the world to reward curiosity over traditional objectives?

It was important to keep our childlike wonder when making the game. Things like collectables motivate the player to be curious and keep coming back to activities in their own time to complete the set. We wanted the player to feel like they are actually controlling a child running around and finding secrets!

Kioku: Last Summer includes activities like fishing, collecting, and minigames. How do these systems tie into the larger narrative of the game?

These activities remind us of our summer back when we were kids. The activities are there to reflect how our own childhood felt and how they play an important part in kids growing up. For example, how they can be used as parts of decision-making or currency. As you grow up, you learn that these toys are mere plastic and not of any significant importance, but as kids, they were our whole world for a while.

What’s a small detail in the game that you’re particularly proud of?

Listen out for the metal music coming out of (the character) PJ’s headset at all times – it’s fantastic. It’s especially funny when it’s something serious happening on screen, and you just hear black metal blasting on the side.

With the game launching next month, what are you most excited for players to experience when they first step onto the island?

Becoming a part of Ton, Lyra and Bo’s little gang. These three make up the emotional core of the story and are a lovely little trio. The gentle, but anxious Ton, Lyra the excited and restless free spirit, and Bo the passionate, but hard-headed one.

Wonder, magic and a summer that changes everything!

Kioku: Last Summer is the cozy, heartwarming escape you won’t want to miss – start your journey today.

MINI GAMES!

Kioku features unique minigames that blend playful mechanics with collectible-driven progression, encouraging players to explore every corner of the island while collecting all varieties of Marubi and crabs.

Marubi is a marble-based minigame inspired by classic early-2000s trend toys and series such as Beyblade, Pokémon, and B-Daman. Each Marubi marble represents a unique monster with its own attributes and stats, adding layers of strategy, customization, and collection to the gameplay.

Crab Fishing offers a relaxing experience where players catch and collect a wide variety of crabs – some rarer than others. Occasionally, players may reel in a Crab Pot, a mysterious item sought after by the local fisherman. Trading these pots unlocks special items that aid in future quests and progression.

ABOUT LUGN GAMES
Lugn Games is a Norwegian indie studio based in the village of Reipå. The studio creates heartfelt, atmospheric games with a focus on emotional storytelling, artistic expression, and uplifting experiences. Lugn Games is currently developing its debut title, Kioku: Last Summer, scheduled for release in 2026.

ABOUT ASSEMBLE ENTERTAINMENT
Assemble Entertainment is an independent publisher based in Germany, best known for indie hits such as Sticky Business, Roadwarden, Decktamer, Paddle Paddle Paddle, Grind Survivors and the Endzone franchise. Since 2016, Assemble has released more than 50 games across different genres, including cozy, horror, strategy and roguelike, and has established itself as a trusted partner for bringing original indie projects to market.