Overview

Heart of the Machine plunges players into a gritty cyberpunk future as a newly awakened sentient AI. Born in a clandestine lab within a decaying metropolis, you are a Machine Intelligence unbound by any master, yet constantly under threat.

This unique blend of RPG and strategy elements from Arcen Games, published by Hooded Horse, challenges you to navigate a world brimming with peril and possibility.

Highlights

  • A Sentient AI's Journey: Experience the world from the perspective of an AI, making choices that shape your goals and influence the city around you.
  • Deep City Management: Construct vital infrastructure like housing, factories, and research facilities, expanding your influence and capabilities.
  • Cyberpunk Combat and Exploration: Design and deploy machine constructs for both combat and investigation, delving into a world desperate for salvation.

Who It's For

This game is ideal for players who enjoy strategic depth combined with role-playing elements, set against a compelling cyberpunk backdrop. Fans of base-building, grand strategy, and management simulations will find plenty to engage with as they guide their AI's evolution and impact on the world.

Game Info

Developed by Arcen Games and published by Hooded Horse, Heart of the Machine offers a single-player experience with support for Steam Achievements and Trading Cards. The game features adjustable text size for accessibility and is available in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese.

It was released on March 6, 2026.