Independent studio Filiokus has officially launched its debut title Cal & Bomba today, October 16, 2025, on Steam. This tactical puzzle game invites players to plan, sequence, and unleash explosive chain reactions across more than 170 handcrafted levels. With its first release, the studio combines its passion for mathematics with a mission to help players rediscover the joy of problem-solving through play.

“We want to spread matteglede, the joy of math, through games,” says co-founder Martin Lothe Sæterdal. “When you solve a tough puzzle, it feels good. That feeling stays with you, and it’s something we want everyone to experience.”

Founded by Martin Lothe Sæterdal and Gjermund Mørkved Bohne, Filiokus explores the intersection of mathematics, design, and entertainment. The studio’s philosophy is rooted in the Norwegian word matteglede, meaning “the joy of math,” and aims to transform logical thinking into creative expression. This idea lies at the heart of the experience, encouraging curiosity, mistakes, and experimentation as part of learning and fun.

The story follows the explosive adventures of Cal, a pyromaniac gnome with a knack for numbers, and Bomba, his troll companion who delights in the colors of big booms. Together, they travel through themed worlds filled with humor, color, and clever puzzles. Players must program their actions in advance, loading bombs, potions, and commands into a wagon cannon, then watch as their plans unfold in spectacular chain reactions.

The journey spans three main worlds, a prologue, and intense boss battles, offering both accessibility and challenge. Normal Mode welcomes players who may have struggled with math before, while Hard Mode provides complex puzzles for veterans who enjoy mental challenges. Each attempt becomes an opportunity for discovery, and every mistake turns into a burst of color that teaches through play.

Among the game’s highlights are its puzzles that reward planning and logic, a design inspired by mathematics that turns abstract reasoning into vivid reactions, and more than 170 handcrafted stages that celebrate persistence and creativity. The charismatic duo of Cal and Bomba adds humor and warmth to each level, making the experience both inviting and rewarding.

At the core of Filiokus’ creative vision is the belief that challenge can become joy. The studio sees every puzzle as a chance to transform logic into satisfaction and discovery, showing that problem-solving can be just as entertaining as it is enlightening.