Have you ever created something better because you couldn't do it the "standard" way?

We're an indie game studio called Cutting Corner Games. Despite the name, we're not about taking shortcuts. We're about finding creative solutions with the resources and knowledge we have.

Recently, we wanted to add an axe to our game. The traditional approach would have involved creating new animations and reworking several connected assets, including the character's hands, which would be time-consuming.

But instead of forcing the original idea, we asked ourselves: What can we create with the tools we already have?

That question led us to a completely different design. Not only did it solve the technical challenges, but it also ended up feeling far more unique and memorable than the original axe concept.

Ironically, this feature would probably never have existed if we'd had unlimited resources and experience from the start. And that's what our studio is all about. The name reflects our belief that true innovation comes from rethinking conventional approaches, not by compromising quality, but by making smart, strategic choices.

It made us curious: Have you ever created something better because you couldn't do it the "standard" way?

Whether it's game development, art, programming, engineering, design, or anything else, we'd love to hear your stories!

u/CuttingCornerGames — 2 hours ago

We’re developing a relaxing automation game so you can focus on building your factory

Many automation games also include some form of combat, which can sometimes be frustrating when you're focused on building your factory. That’s why we wanted to create an experience without hostile enemies or the stress of having to defend your factory.

Pistonica invites you into a calm, open world where steam and machines meet. In this first-person steam automation game, you build and automate a refined factory, work with mechanical energy, explore an island, research tech, and trade goods - all because of a strange radio signal.

We want to bring a unique perspective to the automation genre by its relaxing setting and quirky machines, wrapped in a warm, witty, retro tone.

You can read more about Pistonica here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4018480/Pistonica/

We’re interested to hear what kind of player you are. Do you enjoy combat in automation games, or do you prefer not being interrupted and being able to fully immerse yourself in building and automating? And if you're someone looking for a more relaxed automation game, what aspects are important to you for you to feel satisfied with the experience?

u/CuttingCornerGames — 6 days ago
▲ 76 r/AutomationGames+2 crossposts

Pistonica - The Steam Automation Game | Teaser Trailer

Pistonica invites you into a calm, open world where steam and machines meet. In this first-person steam automation game, you build and automate a refined factory, work with mechanical energy, explore an island, research tech, and trade goods - all because of a strange radio signal.

Pistonica brings a unique perspective to the automation genre by its setting and quirky machines, wrapped in a warm, witty, retro tone. Pistonica isn’t steampunk in the sense that it’s set in the ‘future’; rather, it stays true to its time period, but with slightly more advanced technology.

Coming 2026.

Read more and wishlist here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4018480/Pistonica/

We hope you're excited to see more of Pistonica in the future, because we have much more to show!

Thanks,
Cutting Corner Games

u/CuttingCornerGames — 5 days ago