Having checked out the promising-looking indie title Witchery Academy for a preview last year, I can safely say that it’s one of my most anticipated upcoming titles.

With a focus on exploration and combat-free quests (for now, at least, with the team’s emphasising exploration over conflict) – not unlike the absolutely sublime RPG-esque Yonder, which also distinguishes itself by being entirely devoid of combat – it certainly looks as if Witchery Academy will be a title that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels.

I described it in my previous article as a compelling hybrid of Harry Potter, Animal Crossing and Studio Ghibli; it looks more and more as if these elements have been combined in an extremely compelling way. Players will be attending classes to learn how to magically grow vegetables, catching, collecting or healing mythical creatures and even brewing potions, crafting charms and engaging in numerous other activities – all at their own pace. A newly added feature also allows players to customise their feline spirit companion.

The all ages, open world whimsical nature of Witchery Academy can’t come soon enough in my opinion. Despite the many challenges that are likely to have been faced by the two person development team at Cubenary throughout 2020, it seems that progress on Witchery Academy is going well. In these trying times, a sweetly whimsical, magical life simulator is probably just what we all need.

Though no release date is set at this stage, the game does have its own Steam store page, which means you can now add it to your wishlist.