Indie Spotlight | Steam Next Fest 2026
A.I.M. War Protocol is an ambitious return to a science-fiction world built around machines, survival and the pursuit of knowledge. Rather than simply piloting one vehicle through scripted battles, players are promised a large alien world in which they can fight, trade, salvage and improve their machines.
Survive through technology
The game combines RPG progression with simulation and survival systems. Players can choose between anti-gravity combat vehicles and walking mechs, equip different weapons and customise recovered modules. Destroyed enemies become a potential source of components, encouraging scavenging as well as combat.
An alien world that fights back
According to the developers, day-night cycles and changing weather affect play. The environment itself can pose a danger to machinery, while exploration promises mysteries and knowledge that help players survive.
A series with history
The developers have described the project as a continuation of the A.I.M. series, and a recent message to Coloured Static Press refers to the return of an original writer. That is a promising subject for a future interview, though we will seek direct confirmation of individual credits before detailing the series’ writing history.
Release information
Steam credits Bulat Dautov and SkyRiver Studios as developers, with SkyRiver Studios and Synthetic Domain publishing. Its current release status is Coming soon. View A.I.M. War Protocol on Steam.
Editor’s note: This is a discovery feature based on official descriptions, not a hands-on review. No public Next Fest demo is confirmed here.
See more indie coverage in The Switchboard.