Solo developer EbonForgeGames has released a playable demo of Corner Quest on Steam, coinciding with the Steam Tower Defense Fest, which takes place from March 9 to March 16, 2026. A new trailer has also been released, offering players a more complete first look at the gameplay. The project presents an experience that combines automatic progression and RPG elements, designed to run in the background while users continue using their computers for other activities.

The game is described as a 2D pixel art idle incremental auto battler. Its core idea is to coexist with the desktop rather than compete for the player’s full attention. Inspired by experiences such as Desktop Defender, the project introduces magic, spell builds, and a meta progression system that encourages players to return repeatedly.

During gameplay, the player’s mage automatically fights endless waves of enemies. As creatures are defeated, players earn Essence, a resource used to unlock new spells and upgrade existing abilities. At the same time, rare runes can be collected and used to create unique power combinations, allowing different progression styles.

When players decide to push further, they can activate the Awakening system. This feature resets the current run, but grants permanent upgrades, making each new attempt stronger and more efficient, creating a continuous cycle of progression.

Ivan Ganza, Solo Developer at EbonForgeGames, explains the design philosophy behind the project and the type of experience he aims to create for players. "I see a real gap in the market for games like this. There's room for more titles that sit alongside your life rather than demand all of it. Corner Quest is my take on that, a game that's always making progress, even when you're not looking."

The demo allows players to experience the core progression loop, defeating enemies, collecting Essence, unlocking spells, and searching for runes. Players can also test the Awakening system by resetting their run to gain permanent bonuses and see how each attempt grows stronger than the last. The demo also includes a higher difficulty mode for those seeking an additional challenge, increasing replay value even in a short experience, while the full release is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026 and can already be added to the Steam wishlist.