Maschinen-Mensch, the creators behind the popular Curious Expedition series, have revealed that they will host a new Open Beta playtest for their upcoming game, Mother Machine.

So, what can you expect from Mother Machine? This engaging 1-4 player co-op action platformer seamlessly blends RPG elements as you take on the roles of adorable gremlins exploring the depths of a mysterious underground world. Set on an abandoned planet in a distant future, the story unfolds as the Mother Machine begins to malfunction, leading her to fabricate nameless organisms—essentially 3D-printed life forms—tasked with uncovering the secrets of this eerie, wildlife-infested realm.

While the game steers clear of heavy dialogue, it excels in immersive environmental storytelling. Each desolate cavern and dark corridor serves as a canvas for an engaging narrative, revealing the haunting beauty of the world around you. As you venture deeper into the game, you’ll unlock new areas filled with fresh challenges, abilities, and mechanics that enhance gameplay and encourage exploration. Prepare for vertical challenges—navigating the diverse terrain will require skill as you scale walls, unearth hidden pathways, and gather valuable resources along the way.

The Open Beta starts on 22 November 2024, at 1 AM PT (5 PM MYT) and runs until the same time on 25 November 2024. This version is a work-in-progress build, allowing players to provide vital feedback that will help refine core mechanics and enhance online multiplayer features.

In this exciting beta, you’ll explore multiple levels set across stunning and varied biomes, all while connecting in a central Hub where you can team up with fellow players and enhance your gremlin hero. While customization options may be limited—serving mainly as a fun touch for this playtest—your character will feel uniquely yours as you embark on this adventure.

This round of the playtest brings several new features not seen before, including mouse-and-keyboard support, fresh user interface animations, improved visual and audio effects, and much more. And the best part? There’s no player cap, so everyone can jump in and join the fun on Steam! You can sign up here.

Mother Machine is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2025, for unspecified consoles and PC.