Starhelm Studios is crafting Project Shadowglass in the Godot engine, showing that the viral AI-generated pixel art style can absolutely be done for real. Indie developer Dominick John is creating a stealth-focused immersive sim that looks like those “impossible” AI game concepts everyone’s been sharing online, but this one’s truly playable. Drawing from classics like Thief, Deus Ex, and System Shock in a dark fantasy world, players will plan heists and sneak through forbidden areas, facing lasting consequences for their choices. The visuals capture glowing evening light, starry skies, and red moons over kingdom villages, all in real-time 3D pixel art.
What’s cool about this is the timing. Just weeks ago, artists and developers were debating if this aesthetic could even be built without AI, with some online chats calling out claims as fake. Project Shadowglass shuts that down by being real and runnable. John has shared dev clips proving no AI was used—everything’s captured straight from the engine using unique 3D tech that creates nostalgic pixel art with full 360-degree movement. You can wishlist it on Steam now as development continues.
Beyond the proof, Project Shadowglass promises solid stealth gameplay where planning counts and mistakes stick. The Steam page teases “daring heists” and “priceless artifacts” in a world where actions matter.
Gameplay Highlights
- Navigate with Light and Sound: Hide in shadows, study patrols, and choose quiet paths over noisy ones.
- Manipulate the Environment: Douse torches, create distractions, and use surroundings to your advantage.
- Infiltrate Secure Areas: Pick locks, steal keys, and climb to hidden spots for the upper hand.
- Deal with Threats: Knock out guards, hide bodies, or risk close-quarters combat.
- Complete the Heist: Access the target, grab treasures, and escape.
Key Features
- Multiple Approaches: Sandbox design lets you solve challenges your way.
- Unique Rendering Tech: Full 3D space with nostalgic pixel art.
- Reputation System: Get caught, and security ramps up based on how bad it was.
- Become a Murderer: Citizens flee if you’re known for violence.
- Research Before Heists: Choose when, where, and how to strike.
- Jail Breaks: Get caught alive, and escape on your own.
Challenges Await
- Armed Guards: Ready to fight.
- Magical Security: Crack complex codes.
- Deadly Heights: One wrong step is fatal.
- Front Door Risks: Quickest entry, but loudest.
- Traps: Set for sneaky thieves.
- Enemy Tactics: They’ll use lights and torches if they suspect you’re hiding.
What do you think about this pixel art immersive sim? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Sources: Project Shadowglass @Steam, via Time Extension, @dominickjohn, Shadowglass
I’ll be sharing this with my team.