See the embedded tweet here

Snail Bite is participating in Steam Next Fest with a demo of GRINDWORM, allowing players to experience 20 minutes of machine-driven horror. The demo will be available until October 26. The game relies on isolation and psychological tension to create an oppressive atmosphere, placing the protagonist in an extreme situation after an underground accident disrupts mining operations.

The story begins when the character arrives late for his shift and discovers that the tunnels have collapsed and the rest of the crew is missing. Trapped deep underground, he must rely on a worn-out mining machine to find a way back, facing dangers in an environment where workplace safety procedures no longer offer any guarantee of survival.

Progression requires players to understand how the equipment works through observation and experimentation, without relying on detailed instructions. Monitoring oxygen levels, engine temperature, and other systems is essential to keep moving forward, as a mechanical failure or a lack of air can turn any exploration attempt into an immediate threat.

The interface reinforces the sense of immersion by presenting information through gauges and systems built directly into the machine, without floating objective markers or on-screen health bars. This approach demands constant attention to the available instruments and makes mastering the equipment a fundamental part of the experience rather than a secondary feature.

Exploration combines handcrafted areas with procedurally generated mine sections, creating routes that alternate between familiar spaces and unpredictable regions. Obstacles and unknown hazards increase uncertainty with every step, while the need to keep the machine running sustains the pressure throughout the underground journey.