Prague, January 22, 2026—Independent developer Hardwired Studios has confirmed continued progress on its cyberpunk sci-fi action RPG Carbon.
Rather than prioritizing final visuals early on, Hardwired Studios is building Carbon around fully functional gameplay systems. This method allows the team to validate the game’s core pillars before transitioning into full production and content polish.
By focusing early on how the game feels to play, the team aims to ensure consistency, reliability, and scalability throughout development.
Strong Community Traction and Early Validation
The approach is resonating with players. Tens of thousands of players have already played the Carbon demo, driving strong enthusiasm and sustained interest. On Steam, the game has surpassed 40,000 wishlists, showing continued momentum and growing anticipation for future updates.
Beyond player engagement, Carbon has also drawn attention from industry veterans evaluating the project’s design, production readiness, and commercial potential. One such evaluation came from Łukasz Kubiak of WhitePress, who reviewed the project from a publisher and investor perspective.
“I had a chance to review the materials behind the Carbon project, and, honestly, it’s solid. From the outset, everything feels well prepared and clearly thought through. Most importantly, the playable demo already functions as a proper vertical slice, as it immediately showcases the core systems, visual direction, and overall production quality,” said Kubiak.
“The project is also gaining real traction—close to 40,000 wishlists on Steam and very positive player feedback. What stood out to me the most, though, is the team behind it. Studio Hardwired is made up of experienced industry professionals who are developing Carbon fully independently, self-funding the project alongside their regular work.”
Strategic Investment for Full-Time Production
While development continues independently, Hardwired Studios has confirmed that it is open to discussions with strategic partners who align with the studio’s long-term vision. The team is seeking a low single-digit million USD investment, which would allow them to move into full-time production and accelerate development of Carbon’s core systems.
As a result, the studio believes the game’s sci-fi cyberpunk setting positions it strongly within the current ARPG market, which is still heavily dominated by fantasy titles. In turn, this distinct theme—combined with fast-paced combat and atmospheric worldbuilding—appeals to players seeking something different within the genre.
A Long-Term Vision Built on Transparency
Hardwired Studios presents Carbon as a project built on transparency, iterative development, and a clear creative direction. Backed by an experienced team of industry professionals, the studio focuses not only on delivering a high-quality game but also on building meaningful long-term partnerships with collaborators who actively invest in the project’s future.
About Hardwired Studios
Hardwired Studios operates as an independent game development studio and focuses on ambitious action RPGs. The team brings together experienced industry professionals who have contributed to numerous international projects and prioritize a strong creative vision with long-term development goals.
About Carbon
Carbon is a cyberpunk sci-fi action RPG set in a dark, hostile future where survival is never guaranteed. The game blends fast-paced combat with deep character progression, diverse equipment, and flexible playstyles, placing heavy emphasis on atmosphere, fluid action, and long-term progression.
More Information
- Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3012300/Carbon/
- Media & Investor Contact: press@thehardwired.com
