A new indie game just dropped on Steam, and its publisher isn’t being shy about what they want from players. Valkyrie Destruction launched today with something you don’t see every day — a direct request for positive reviews right in the announcement.
Shiravune and Co-FUN Games aren’t just playing it safe with their latest release. They’re putting their cards on the table and asking players to help them out if they enjoy the game. It’s refreshingly honest in a world where most publishers dance around the topic of reviews.
The announcement came straight from the publisher’s social media, and they weren’t holding back about their plans.
“Valkyrie Destruction is OUT NOW!! Please consider leaving a positive review if you enjoyed the game. Your support means a lot to us!” — @echen- on Twitter
But here’s where things get really interesting. The tweet wasn’t just about Valkyrie Destruction. It came packed with Steam links to over 15 upcoming games from the same publishers. We’re talking about titles like “Liz and Roses Alchemy Factory,” “Eye of the Incubus,” “Girls Dorm Managing an all-girls dormitory,” and many more.
That’s a massive pipeline for any indie publisher. Most small studios are lucky to have one game in development. Shiravune is basically showing off an entire catalog of projects.
Now, some players might feel weird about publishers asking for positive reviews upfront. It’s not exactly the norm in gaming culture. Usually, developers hope for good reviews but don’t come right out and ask for them in their launch announcement.
The move could backfire if players feel like they’re being pressured before they even try the game. Steam reviews are supposed to be honest feedback, not requested favors. Some gamers take that pretty seriously.
There’s also the question of whether this sets a weird precedent. If more publishers start asking for positive reviews in their launch posts, it could change how we think about Steam’s review system entirely.
But you know what? There’s something kind of refreshing about the honesty here. At least Shiravune isn’t pretending they don’t care about reviews. Every developer wants good scores on Steam — it directly affects visibility and sales. Maybe being upfront about it is better than the usual corporate dance.
This whole situation tells us a lot about where indie gaming is right now. Publishers like Shiravune are getting bold. They’re not just hoping their games find an audience — they’re actively building communities and asking for support.
The massive list of upcoming games shows serious confidence too. You don’t announce 15+ titles unless you believe in your ability to deliver and market them. That takes either serious funding or serious faith in the Steam platform.
Steam continues to be the go-to platform for indie developers, and for good reason. The built-in audience, the review system, and the discovery tools all help small games find players. Shiravune is clearly betting big on that ecosystem.
The direct approach might actually work in their favor. Players appreciate transparency, and there’s something to be said for a publisher that’s willing to be vulnerable and ask for help. Gaming communities often rally behind developers who seem genuine.
Plus, the focus on building a catalog of games shows long-term thinking. Instead of putting everything into one title and hoping for the best, they’re spreading their bets across multiple projects. Smart strategy in an unpredictable market.
Valkyrie Destruction is available now on Steam, and those 15+ upcoming games will be worth watching. Whether the direct review request pays off remains to be seen, but you can’t fault Shiravune for trying something different.
The gaming industry needs more publishers willing to take risks and be honest with their communities. If this approach works, we might see more developers following suit. If it doesn’t, well, at least they tried something new.
Either way, indie gaming just got a little more interesting.
