Breaking today at the Game Developers Conference (GDC), indie publisher Pixel Doors has announced a partnership with London-based studio Beyond the Pixels for Astro Burn, a fast-paced sidescroller cute-em-up filled with colourful bullet-hell chaos, adorable animals wielding alien technology, and a title song so cat-chy it feels mildly illegal. A playable demo is available now on Steam. 

Founded by director and producer HaZ Dulull, the studio builds on decades of cross-industry visual pedigree. Dulull’s gaming roots span PS1 and PS2 classics to his recent role as Cinematics Director for DUNE: Awakening. Outside of games, his directing credits include indie feature films that have been on Netflix and series on Disney+ and he has VFX credits for Hellboy 2, and The Dark Knight. Astro Burn is his studio’s debut title.

In Astro Burn, players control Astro, a space-jacked cat lured into genetic manipulation with tasty fish treats and now desperately blasting his way home. Aided by a robot companion and a unique “stack-’em-up” weapon system, players combine wild powerups simultaneously to annihilate screen-filling waves of cute-but-deadly critters. Featuring local Couch Co-Op, the retro arcade action leans into internet-era absurdity and playful nonsense, such as the Catnip power bar, which, when filled, unleashes feline fury of anime-inspired super moves.

HaZ Dulull, Founder and Game Director at Beyond The Pixels, said: “Astro Burn is my love letter to early 90s cute-em-up classics like Parodius. Today’s meme-driven culture has created real space for cat-shit-crazy creativity that offers escape, warmth, and genuine joy. Partnering with Pixel Doors was a natural fit. Their transparent model and support gives us the creative freedom to bring that strange, joyful feeling back to players without traditional industry pressures.”

Nic van ‘t Schip, Co-Founder of Pixel Doors, said: “HaZ and his team are building something unapologetically fun. We are immensely proud to be their operational engine, allowing them to focus entirely on their craft while we help bring Astro Burn to the world.” 

Astro Burn is in development for PC and Mac via Steam, Epic Game Store and GoG, with console platforms under consideration. Players can jump into the chaos today by downloading the free demo on Steam.