Daniel Mullins, the creator of the critically acclaimed meta-horror game Inscryption, is offering one of his earlier titles, Pony Island, for free on Steam. The giveaway is available until October 12, 2026, aligning with the spooky season and the upcoming release of its sequel.
Pony Island, originally released in 2016, began as a 2D endless runner featuring unicorns but evolved into a meta-horror experience. The game guides players through various genres as they attempt to escape a malevolent arcade cabinet. It was lauded for its innovative design and postmodern narrative. Mullins' subsequent game, The Hex, released in 2018, explored six characters, each associated with a distinct gameplay genre.
In 2021, Mullins released Inscryption, another meta-horror title that blended deckbuilding mechanics, escape room puzzles, and roguelike elements, earning praise for its atmosphere and gameplay.
Pony Island 2: Panda Circus Details
Pony Island 2: Panda Circus was revealed at The Game Awards 2023. Similar to its predecessor, the sequel appears to follow a protagonist attempting to escape a video game world. According to its Steam description, the game is "a phantasmagorical voyage through time, myth, divinity, and video games." The narrative suggests a trapped soul, possibly Genghis Khan, must escape the underworld deities. Despite the title, the developers have stated it is "not a game about ponies."
Mullins has indicated that Pony Island 2 will feature a mix of disparate genres, with trailers showcasing elements of real-time strategy, first-person exploration, command prompts, and 2D action. The game is slated for release on April 27, 2027. A Steam playtest for Pony Island 2: Panda Circus is currently ongoing and accepting applications.