Indie developer Nozomu Games has announced this week that its narrative-driven deck-building game Burn With Me will launch on Oct. 12 for PC via Steam.
Blending strategic deckbuilding with an emotionally charged supernatural narrative, Burn With Me introduces players to the “deck-burner” genre, where sacrificing your own cards grants immense power – but burn too much, and you’ll be left with nothing. Every decision carries weight as players navigate forbidden rituals, dangerous obsessions, and the cost of making a pact with a demon.
Set within an occult university, the game follows a group of students drawn into ancient rites by their enigmatic, obsessive teacher. As each student confronts their deepest desires, fears, and ambitions, players must decide whether to master their obsessions or be consumed by them. Each of the game’s six chapters introduces its own cast, mechanics, cards, bosses, and emotional themes, ensuring every ritual feels distinct.
At the heart of Burn With Me is its unique deck-burning mechanic. Rather than protecting every card, players are encouraged to sacrifice valuable tools in exchange for devastating effects, constantly balancing immediate power against long-term survival. The mechanic mirrors the game’s central themes, where every gain demands a sacrifice.
An unsettling atmosphere is brought to life through distinctive hand-drawn artwork created entirely by narrative designer and artist Eva Manuilovich. Alongside the illustrated world, the mysterious Hand appears through live-action footage, creating a striking contrast that reinforces the game’s surreal, otherworldly tone.
Originally conceived during the Ludum Dare 55 game jam, Burn With Me finished in the competition’s top 1 percent and drew over 20,000 prototype players. The project also caught the attention of Inscryption creator Daniel Mullins, whose early praise helped push the prototype into a full commercial release.
Burn With Me launches on Oct. 12 for PC via Steam, where fans can currently play the demo and wishlist the game.
