- Big demo update for Out-of-the-Box fest! - 21 September 2026
Dreadline Express has been selected for the Out-of-the-Box festival. This event celebrates distinctive games built on unexpected, bold ideas. The kind that might make you say, “I’ve never played anything like this!”To the festival page, here!You'll find lots of amazing games there. It's an honor to be a part of it.To mark the occasion, I'm releasing a major update to the demo.Dreadline Express has come a long way over the past few months, and the original demo no longer reflected its current state.Here are some of the major changes, many of which are based on YOUR feedback:New sprint mechanic (just hold the forward button long enough)Refreshed passenger modelsRefreshed certain card illustrationsLots of new interactionsPolish translation of the demo (credits: Ondra Kelka and his wife) — however, this does not automatically mean that the full game will be translated as wellGeneral improve…
- Devlog #4: We're Releasing Next Month! (Oh, and also Gamescom) - 7 September 2026
We're back from Gamescom, and I'd like to share a few tidbits.But first, I have an important announcement: Dreadline Express will be released this October!Tell your friends, family, and any pets that happen to have a Steam account. But now let's talk about my first Gamescom!Ever since I started taking games seriously and learned about E3, I've dreamed of attending an event like that one day. Later, an even crazier dream took hold: taking my own game there. Since E3 is gone, I had to do with the world's largest gaming event instead.Horror games are my jam!When I first walked into Gamescom’s exhibition halls, the feeling of awe immediately hit me. There’s something mesmerising about seeing all those worlds crafted by talented people under one roof. But, of course, I wasn’t there just to wander around and check out games (though the Alien: Isolation 2 demo was tight!).I always heard that t…
- Devlog #3: How the train came to be. Itch.io page. Demo reviews. - 20 July 2026
Festivals and events always inspire me to share some behind-the-scenes insights, and Train Fest will be no exception. Today, I’ll share what led me to set the game aboard a train, and what’s great about it.Itch.io pageBut first, a quick announcement. Dreadline Express now has its official page on Itch.io. A demo version is also available there, so if you have any friends who doesn't use Steam, send them the link!Dreadline Express on itch.ioDemo reviewsMore than 2,000 people have already played the demo.Please don't forget to leave a review — it really helps, and we're close to reaching the 50-review milestone.Why is the train such an ideal setting for a deductive psychological horror?In fact, it all started many years ago when I had an idea for this card-based game mechanic. With it, I wanted to create an immersive, story-driven game that would allow players to be creative and clever. A…
- Play Dreadline Express demo! - 15 June 2026
It's here—the demo is out!After more than two years of development, here’s a little preview of what we’ve been cooking!Enjoy the game, soak up the gloomy atmosphere, get to know the fading train passengers, and please give us your feedback.If you could even write a review, it would mean a world to us.You can discuss the game with us on the Steam discussion forum or on our Discord.Steam subforum: https://steamcommunity.com/app/3327120/discussions/1/Discord: https://discord.gg/ACCM8e8Xqg- David
- Demo next week, new trailer, and publisher - 8 June 2026
So many updates!You might have already seen the new trailer that premiered last week at the Horror Game Awards Showcase!We tried to demonstrate the core gameplay loop, hint at the protagonist's story, and convey the ever-present danger aboard the train. Karel even composed a custom track for it, and I think it turned out pretty well. What do you think?Most importantly of all, though, we’ve announced a demo!With a tight throat, I’m happy to tell you that the demo will be released in just one week as part of the June Next Fest.We’ve really put a lot of work into polishing it. Dozens of people have tested it, and I’m honestly proud of what you’re about to try. But, of course, anything can happen, and to say I’m a little nervous would be a gross understatement of my current heart rate.In any case, add the game to your wishlist to receive a notification when the demo is released.Dedicated de…
- Devlog #2: How is the card made? - 4 May 2026
To be real with you, I didn't expect Dreadline Express to be accepted into the Deckbuilder Fest. After all, it's not your typical deckbuilder; these cards are narrative tools – memories that you can physically use. But here we are, the odd game out.To celebrate this opportunity, I would like to give you a sneak peek at the card creation process with this behind-the-scenes time-lapse video:The author of all those pretty illustrations is a talented artist who approached me after one of my talks in a nearby city and asked if I was looking for help with the game (after seeing my horrible placeholder images).His name is Kryštof Kolář, and it's only fair to link his portfolio here:https://kykyn.artstation.com/ Each card usually begins with a brief description from me that is typically blurry and full of contradictions.Something like this:Hehe. You know, it's kind of like something a kid would…
- New trailer for Lovecraftian Days Showcase 2026 - 9 April 2026
For the past few years, as a cosmic horror geek, I’ve always looked forward to one particular Steam Festival: the Lovecraft Days. "How cool would it be to participate in the festival?" I kept saying to myself. And now, it's happening!A new exclusive trailer for Dreadline Express has just debuted at the showcase, alongside all the other beautifully dreadful games. You can watch it right here on the game's Steam page, or via the link below (subtitles included):This was the first time I had worked on a narrated trailer. I wrote the script and held a small audition. The nerves were there, but I believe it all turned out well in the end. Decide for yourself (and let me know)!The menacing voice in the video belongs to John MacElwee, a great guy.Now excuse me, I need to go and spend a lot of money on some quality Lovecraftian games! Farewell!- David
- A New Year wrap-up through the passing train window - 31 December 2025
As the end of the year approaches, I'm starting to get a little sentimental. So I'd like to thank you, the fans of Dreadline Express, recap the past, and outline the future.How can I put this... You are breathtaking! Dreadline is a game that requires a great deal of attention and concentration from the player. And my jaw drops every time we exhibit the game somewhere, and you are willing to spend an hour playing it, stand in line for 40 minutes or more, fully immerse yourself in the world of the last human train, and experience my story with me.Thank you! I wish you a happy New Year and look forward to embarking on this journey together. 2024Development began in early 2024. The first year was a year of finding its feet. There was a lot of conceptualization and a lot of testing. Each day, I was learning something new about the thing I was creating, until a solid framework for the game em…
- Devlog #1: What preceded the PirateSoftware stream - 22 December 2025
Since yesterday, you can watch the whole PirateSoftware stream on YouTube:On this occasion I want to give you a small look behind the scenes.I must admit that I was really nervous as you can probably tell from the Dev interview part. The game is still a work in progress, and hundreds of things could easily go wrong. This was the first time that someone had played the game publicly in front of thousands of people without me being able to provide any guidance.However, the game proved that it is already in a pretty solid state. I was surprised at how well the current version worked and at how it silently guided Thor, who quickly grasped the mechanics and had a really good time!Designing a game that values player freedom and intelligence is all about giving the player just enough information so that they don't get stuck, but not so much that they feel guided on rails. It's often the small c…
- #INDIECEMBER stream with PirateSoftware - 7 December 2025
I am happy to inform you that Dreadline Express will be featured in today's #INDIECEMBER game showcase!As one of the 90 lucky games chosen from hundreds of submissions, it will be played by PirateSoftware, who will also conduct a short interview with me.Watch here: 6AM PST3PM CET#INDIECEMBER is a wonderful initiative aimed at raising visibility for promising indie games, and I'm thrilled to be involved.- David
- Recommendations for Czech & Slovak GAMES WEEK! - 19 November 2025
Monday, November 17, is the day we celebrate The Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy in the Czech Republic.As in previous years, this year's celebration is accompanied by a week-long festival showcasing Czech and Slovak games on Steam.Visit the event page to see the astonishing number of incredibly good games from our part of the world, many of which are on sale!Here are some of my personal favourites:An unjustly overlooked psychological horror that will leave scars on your soul.A beautifully grim adventure, whose puzzles can match Portal 2 in their ingenuity.Atmospheric thriller in which you search for a lost boy in a dark forest, armed only with a walkie-talkie.An incredibly original puzzle adventure in which you control a strange train with a mechanical squid.A high-octane, crazy shooter — like Saving Private Ryan, but with eggs.A beautifully executed PSX horror game about a sa…
- Dreadline Express is heading to Berlin - 11 November 2025
Until now, you could only try out my game at gaming events in the Czech Republic.However, this week Dreadline Express is venturing beyond the borders for the first time, to Berlin's Games Ground. Tickets are very affordable, so come along, say hello, and meet the passengers of the last human train!Visit the event website for more info.- David
- GDS Prague 2025 & Discount for you - 4 November 2025
GDS Prague 2025 is taking place next month, on 5–6 December, and you’ll be able to play Dreadline Express right there at the festival!I'm telling you now because you can get tickets for this international game development festival at a discounted price.🎟️ Want in? Use the code DREADLINEEXPRESS for 10% off your ticket.The discount stacks with early bird pricing, which ends this week — so don’t wait too long.https://gdsprague.com/index.php?action=registration&code=DREADLINEEXPRESSThe game made its debut at last year’s event, and it’s incredible to see how much it’s evolved since then.
- Watch the Scream Fest STREAM! - 27 October 2025
As a horror fan, I couldn't miss the opportunity to be part of this year's Steam Scream Fest. In fact, I've prepared something special for it.If all goes well, you'll be able to watch me play the latest version of Dreadline Express at the festival. I literally built it this afternoon!Hop in to see what the game has to offer!- David
- Dreadline Express is riding for the DevGAMM Awards 2025! - 17 September 2025
Dreadline Express has been accepted into the competition, which offers the chance to win a share of the $100,000 prize pool. More importantly, though, it is an opportunity to gain visibility.For indie developers with limited resources, events like this are essential.As part of the competition, there is also a community award. You can play your part in this.Don't be shy!Use the attached link and help a small developer with limited resources get noticed.The nominees will be announced on October 7. Fingers crossed! 🤞- David
- Perfect blend of design, art, and gameplay - 8 September 2025
Hey! My game won the Best Game award, and I've just realised that I forgot to mention it here!In June, my team and I showcased the game at the Game Access 2025 Conference in Brno. As part of the event, there was an awards ceremony, which we attended to see which of the 80+ exhibited games would win the prize. When the moderator (and the general manager of Hangar 17) announced, "The best game of Game Access 2025 is Dreadline Express", I nearly failed to stand up!Please do enjoy these photos of our disbelieving, blissful faces:I believe both players and professional judges appreciated the game's emphasis on player intelligence and cleverly constructed mysteries that encourage internal motivation. This creates a unique gaming experience that leaves a lasting impression.According to proposition, the award is given to a game that demonstrates the perfect blend of design, art, and gameplay. W…
- Dreadline Express has reached four-digit wishlist territory! - 23 August 2025
Over 1,000 souls currently await the arrival of the phantasmal train.Not among them? There’s still time to board. The train can always use more human sacrifices.You cannot imagine how proud I am of what grew from my idea, and of all the attention the project attracts. I know it's a small number compared to other games, definitely not high enough to properly lubricate divine internet algorithms, but it's still an unimaginable amount of people to me. I thank every single one of you!- David
- Debut festival 2025! - 7 August 2025
I'm happy to announce that Dreadline Express is part of the 2025 Debut Festival. After all, it is my debut.Take a look at all of these awesome titles!Debut Festival 2025- David
- LIVE GAMEPLAY COMMENTARY at Gamer Pie Night - 22 July 2025
Awesome news! I've been invited to give live commentary on Dreadline Express gameplay at Gamer Pie Nights in Brno, Czech Republic.Expect insights about player-centric gamedesign and some juicy behind-the-scenes trivia you won't hear anywhere else.📅 Mark your calendar: August 28–30🗣️ Commentary in English.If you're in the area, don't miss out!Event website- David
- 🚂 ALL ABOARD — UPDATED TRAILER ARRIVES! - 2 July 2025
The Dreadline Express has evolved significantly over the past six months. To give you a sneak peek, we updated the trailer. Take a look at how great it looks!You may notice improved graphics, new NPC characters, additional story elements, redesigned core systems, updated illustrations, and more. However, the sum of all the changes greatly exceeds what you can see.Farewell generative AIFrom day one, the AI-generated art was just a placeholder. And now? It’s outta here.Enter Krystof—our brilliant new illustrator who has been bringing to life all the bizarre and beautiful ideas I throw his way. The card art has leveled up: more creative, more unified, and delightfully surreal when it needs to be.It's finally time to remove the "AI Generated Content Disclosure" from the Steam page.More steam!It's not only Krystof. The Dreadline Express team has practically doubled in size over the last six…
