First Look | Upcoming indie games
Sometimes the simplest ideas leave the deepest impression. A Game About Digging a Hole turned the act of digging into a quietly compelling loop. Now its follow-up, A Game About Digging a Hole Together, is taking that same premise to the beach and adding something players repeatedly asked for: friends.
Watch the official trailer
The teams behind the game
Mi’pu’mi Games
rokaplay select
DoubleBee
One hole. Up to four diggers.
Revealed as part of the 20 October ID@Xbox x IGN Showcase, the new game builds on the original’s dig, collect, sell and upgrade formula. This time, players can excavate together in online co-op for up to four people, with cross-platform multiplayer planned. There’s a promised treasure somewhere beneath the sand, but getting there is the appeal: each discovery funds better equipment and another trip underground.
According to the development team’s announcement, the sequel introduces a larger world, different terrain types, four categories of tools, additional upgrades, collectibles and more secrets to unearth. Solo play is also supported, so anyone who preferred the original’s peaceful rhythm needn’t recruit a full digging crew.
Why the sequel matters
There’s an interesting development story behind this one. Original creator Ben explained that the first game’s code wasn’t designed with a sequel in mind. Development of the follow-up was handed to Mi’pu’mi Games, which rebuilt the experience to support multiplayer and crossplay. That makes this more than an extra mode bolted onto the original: the studio is building a new foundation for the same unusually satisfying idea.
Our biggest question is whether playing together preserves the original game’s gentle sense of discovery. Four people digging at once could make the underground expedition more surprising and social, but the pace, progression and balance will matter. That’s something we’ll need hands-on time to judge.
Release date and platforms
A Game About Digging a Hole Together launches on 4 December 2026. Xbox has confirmed Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC and Game Pass for that date. The publisher also lists PC via Steam, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, although platform-specific availability should be checked closer to launch.
Developer: Mi’pu’mi Games. Publisher: rokaplay select (with Shochiku also listed on Steam). The game can be wishlisted on Steam.
Our first impression
The hook is refreshingly direct: take a game about digging a hole, make the world bigger, and let friends join in. We’re keen to see whether the expanded systems add depth without burying the charm that made the first game memorable.
This is an announcement-based first look, not a hands-on review. Details are drawn from the developer’s announcement, the publisher’s game information and the ID@Xbox showcase. Coloured Static Press has been offered the opportunity to request review access, but has not tested the game for this feature.
Sources: Xbox Wire showcase recap · Developer announcement · Official publisher page.