Descent into Darkness: Development Progress on PENANCE

The investigation continues in the bowels of the abbey

PENANCE's development is progressing steadily toward its demo for Steam Next Fest in February 2026. Recent weeks have been dedicated to completing two of the game's most atmospheric and disturbing phases.

The Abbey What was once a place of communion and spiritual nourishment now reveals its true nature. The stained glass windows don't depict Christian saints, but the heretical symbols of the Order of Balance: the scales, the sword, the all-seeing eye. Here, Elías discovers that heresy wasn't hidden—it was in plain sight.

The Crypt Underground, where the dead should rest in peace, specters remain chained to their eternal torments. Rusted cages, profaned altars, and endless corridors where faith becomes the only refuge against absolute darkness.

Development Status Currently, 5 of the 7 phases are fully operational, representing approximately 70% of the completed game. The contemplative prayer-based combat systems, the faith/guilt mechanics, and the four specter types (Wraith, Seeker, Punisher, Envious) are implemented and polished.

Next Steps The coming weeks will be dedicated to polishing the demo, which will include the first three phases of the game, preparing marketing materials, and of course, completing the final two phases: the Library and the Spiritual Threshold.

If you haven't already, add PENANCE to your wishlist. Every wishlist helps tremendously in giving visibility to this solo-developed indie project.

Atonement awaits in the darkness. Are you ready to descend?