Overview

Dog in the Machine is a tactical roguelite developed by Studio Chahut and published by Goblinz Publishing. Players step into the paws of an AutoDog, a cybernetically enhanced canine tasked with escaping a dystopian mecha-city. The core gameplay revolves around turn-based tactical combat on compact, grid-based battlefields. These environments are dynamic, featuring reactive elements, enemy guardians, and environmental hazards that players must strategically navigate.

The game emphasizes player agency through action previews, allowing for experimentation with various strategies and the execution of satisfying chain reactions. Between combat encounters, players will interact with a cast of quirky characters and build a modular arsenal of attacks.

This system focuses on creating powerful synergies between different abilities. The procedurally generated levels ensure a high degree of replayability, with eight distinct dog breeds to play as and permanent upgrades to unlock between runs.

Highlights

  • Genre Blend: Combines Turn-Based Tactics with Deckbuilding and Roguelite elements in a unique Cyberpunk setting.
  • Procedural Generation: Features procedurally generated levels and infinite replayability, with eight playable dog breeds.
  • Strategic Combat: Engage in tactical battles on compact grids with reactive elements, environmental hazards, and a focus on chain reactions.

Who It's For

This game is ideal for players who enjoy strategic thinking, deckbuilding mechanics, and the challenge of roguelike progression. Fans of cyberpunk aesthetics and unique character concepts, particularly those who appreciate canine companions, will find a lot to love here. The turn-based nature makes it accessible to those who prefer a more deliberate pace in their strategy games.

Game Info

  • Developer: Studio Chahut
  • Publisher: Goblinz Publishing
  • Release Date: September 29, 2026
  • Genre: Indie, Strategy
  • Supported Languages: English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Russian
  • Features: Single-player, Steam Achievements, Steam Cloud, Family Sharing.