SHERIDAN, WYOMING – August 19, 2025 – Fans of quirky strategy and offbeat humor have a new reason to get excited at this year’s Gamescom: Mars Attracts, a park management sim where aliens take center stage, is landing at the Indie Arena Booth in Hall 10.2. Visitors can try out a hands-on demo before the game heads into Early Access later this year.
The game flips the genre on its head by asking players to design and manage a theme park unlike any other—one powered not by roller coasters and ferris wheels, but by abductions, experiments, and retro sci-fi chaos.
A Playable Slice of Martian Mischief
For Gamescom attendees, Mars Attracts offers the first chance to explore the Early Access build. That means hands-on time with:
- New maps, alien-themed buildings, and quirky characters
- Darkly funny “attractions” featuring abducted humans from across history
- Deep management tools for staffing, park design, and resource balancing
It’s a bold twist on the classic simulation formula, pulling inspiration from favorites like Roller Coaster Tycoon and Theme Hospital—but infusing it with the gleeful absurdity of Mars Attacks™.
Why It Stands Out
Most park sims put the player in the shoes of a human entrepreneur. Mars Attracts hands you the antennae instead. With its 1960s B-movie aesthetic and Tim Burton-style humor, the game blends nostalgia with irreverent gameplay.
For fans of the cult-classic Mars Attacks IP, it’s also a milestone—the very first officially licensed video game in the franchise. The result feels part throwback, part innovation, and entirely unique.
From Teaser to Gamescom Spotlight
The buzz started in 2024 with the reveal trailer, which quickly hit over one million views on YouTube. Earlier this summer, the demo proved a hit during Steam Next Fest, drawing attention from both casual players and streamers.
Now, Gamescom offers the most complete sneak peek yet. Anticipation is high for the Early Access release later this year on Steam, followed by a full launch in 2026.
Editorial Extra: How It Compares
If you’ve ever loved…
- Roller Coaster Tycoon → Build attractions and balance guest needs.
- Theme Hospital → Expect the same mischievous tone, but with aliens in charge.
- Zoo Tycoon → Instead of lions or pandas, your “star exhibits” are kidnapped humans from across time.
The mechanics feel familiar, but the alien twist makes it fresh and playful.
Meet the Minds Behind the Madness
Dublin- and Belfast-based Outlier Games is leading development. Known for the indie hit This Means Warp, the studio focuses on inventive strategy games. With support from Northern Ireland Screen and the Government of Ireland, the team has expanded steadily since 2018 to bring projects like Mars Attracts to life.
Rather than recycling ideas, Outlier leans into creative scenarios that invite players to laugh, strategize, and share the chaos with friends.
Ready to Join the Invasion?
Mars Attracts will soon be available in Early Access on Steam, giving players a chance to shape the game’s future before its 2026 full release. Fans can wishlist it now or join the community through Outlier’s Discord and social channels.
For those at Gamescom, the Indie Arena Booth in Hall 10.2 is the perfect place to get abducted early.
Learn more at www.MarsAttracts.com.