Sometimes a name change tells you everything about a game’s soul. Knights Peak and Windup Games just revealed their gamescom award winner has a new identity: Hela: of Mice & Magic. It’s not just a rebrand – it’s a declaration of what this cozy adventure really means.
The original title never quite captured the magic brewing beneath the surface. But ‘Hela: of Mice & Magic’ speaks to something deeper. It puts the spotlight exactly where it belongs: on the extraordinary bond between a kind witch named Hela and her tiny, fearless mouse familiars. This isn’t just about cute characters running around – it’s about friendship that transcends size, courage that comes in small packages, and magic that flows through every relationship.
The name change reflects the game’s two core pillars. First, there are the mice themselves – not just adorable sidekicks, but characters with real abilities and personalities. They’re brave explorers who can achieve incredible things when they work together. Second, there’s the magic system that weaves through every corner of this handcrafted world. It’s not flashy spell-slinging, but something more intimate and wonder-filled.
Set in a world inspired by Northern Sweden, Hela: of Mice & Magic won both ‘Most Entertaining’ and ‘Most Wholesome’ awards at gamescom 2025. That combination tells you everything about what Knights Peak accomplished. They created something that’s genuinely fun to play while staying true to its gentle heart. In a gaming landscape often dominated by high-stakes action, there’s something revolutionary about celebrating the small moments.
The developers released a new Deep Dive video that showcases the game’s connection to nature and music. Watching the footage, you can see how the world breathes with life. Every forest glade and mushroom grove feels carefully placed, not just as scenery but as part of the story being told. The musical elements aren’t just background noise – they’re part of how players interact with this living world.
What makes this particularly interesting is how it positions cozy gaming in 2026. These aren’t simple, mindless experiences anymore. Hela: of Mice & Magic has depth and meaningful relationships while maintaining that comforting, accessible feel. It’s proof that ‘wholesome’ doesn’t mean ‘boring’ and ‘cozy’ doesn’t mean ‘shallow.’
The magical froggy backpack mentioned in the press materials hints at the creative solutions players will discover. This kind of whimsical detail shows how the developers understand that great cozy games live in the specifics. It’s not enough to just make things cute – every element needs to serve the story and make players smile.
For co-op gaming, this represents something special too. Too many cooperative experiences focus on competition or challenge. Hela: of Mice & Magic seems built around collaboration and shared wonder. Playing with friends or family becomes about exploring together, not proving who’s better at virtual combat.
The game launches in 2026 across Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. That broad platform release suggests Knights Peak believes this story can reach players everywhere, regardless of their gaming setup. Smart move for a game about connection and community.
Check out the new Deep Dive:
The footage reveals gorgeous environments that feel both magical and grounded. You can see why the developers drew inspiration from Northern Sweden – there’s something mystical about those landscapes that translates perfectly to a world where mice can be heroes and witches can be kind.
With its new name and clear vision, Hela: of Mice & Magic positions itself as more than just another cozy game. It’s a story about finding extraordinary magic in ordinary friendships, about how the smallest creatures can have the biggest hearts. In 2026, that might be exactly the kind of adventure we all need.
