2026-06-04 18:02 UTC · Community Announcements · Chimeric
Hey, all! I've got a few updates for you. Games For Waves First, the WDC's World Ocean Day Steam Sale just hit and runs for a week from today. There are a lot of games, including Nova Drift, running deep sales, and a % of the profits from each title goes to whale and dolphin conservation! You can view the Steam Sale here: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/41670686-Whale-and-Dolphin-Conservation/ Buy a great game, tell your friends, help a cetacean. Everyone wins! If you'd like to read more about WDC, and the good work they do, you can do so here: https://uk.whales.org/ Utopia Must Fall ES
2026-03-27 16:34 UTC · Community Announcements · Pixeljam Games
Hello all,Today we are launching not one but TWO major versions that have been brewing in the beta branches for months: 1.2.37 : Save and Quit Feature + minor fixes 1.2.35 : A huge amount of fixes, tweaks, and a balance pass But of course this is all rolled into 1.2.37, which you should now have access to in the default branch. Read the entire patch notes here.Here are the highlights:- Added a Save and Quit feature: Resume your game-in-progress anytime!Note that when using Resume, your score will not be submitted to online leaderboards.Added settings for the Save and Quit / Resume run feature
2026-03-10 15:24 UTC · Community Announcements · Pixeljam Games
Hello all, It's been a while since we dropped any news, and as usual there is a lot going on: Nova Drift Mobile - Now AvailableThe mobile version features a highly customizable touch-control scheme, mobile gamepad support, optimized performance, and all features from the PC version.You can buy the Premium version or try out the free, but limited Lite version. The Premium version is the full game, and the Lite version is a free demo that lets you play until wave 60 and limits unlocks.Neither have any ads or IAP. There's even itch.io build for Android if you don't use the Play store.🔹iOS Premiu
2025-09-08 20:19 UTC · Community Announcements · Pixeljam Games
Dear Drifters, I know I've been pretty quiet lately, but there's been a lot going on behind the scenes. I'll catch you up, and then I'd like to tell you about the next Pixeljam game, Dino Run 2, which I was a big part of way back before Nova Drift!Chimeric News:If you're not already aware, Nova Drift was built in GameMaker. This often surprises people. I think this is partially because of how far we've pushed its capabilities, but also because people don't realize how far GameMaker has come since its early days when it was known as more of a hobbyist's tool. It's powerful now! Still, as we wor
2025-06-05 17:11 UTC · Community Announcements · Pixeljam Games
Nova Drift's new game mode, Daily Challenge is now included as a free update! But before I get into the details, I'd like to remind everyone that the World Ocean Day Steam Sale is live now. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/33285787/f06c2d5fd9425bd87d5cbd72b784fe4124de7607.png 100+ other games are participating, and any of your purchases will support vital conservation work to create safer seas for whales and dolphins, as well as fund a brand-new project to retrieve lost ocean fishing gear. Also, there are some amazing titles in the mix! See what's for sale: World Ocean Day Steam Sale 2025 One week left to c
2025-06-03 13:53 UTC · Rock, Paper, Shotgun
Every few moments in the current build of arcade space shooter Nova Drift there's a chance the game will spawn a Cargo Train. Whenever the game decides to spawn a Cargo Train, there's a 1/7777 chance it will spawn a Space Whale instead. "Nonsense," you bellow. "Space Whales are a myth. Designer Jeffrey Nielson has been telling us they're not real ever since the original Kickstarter in 2017." Ah, you poor, unsuspecting mooncalf. You chirpy little starfish. Consider the subtleness of the sea; how its most dreaded creatures glide treacherously hidden inside downloadable software packages. Nielson
2025-06-01 18:40 UTC · Community Announcements · Pixeljam Games
I have a confession to make. I have been living a lie for far too long, and the guilt weighs on my conscience like a great, barnacled, blubbery mass. Lately, it's taken all my energy to keep my head above water, so I'm just going to spout it out: It exists. There is a Space Whale. Whew... That's a relief. I feel like I can breathe again. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/33285787/4fb97419a1d842da5112aca8d78bca55ceedfb2b.jpg So... context. If you're not already a member of our Discord community, this statement makes no sense. You see, I have been denying its existence for more than 7 years. It does exist, tho
2025-05-28 14:52 UTC · Community Announcements · Pixeljam Games
Hello all, If you didn't already know, the Daily Challenge Update will launch on June 5th. It's stable and ready for you to preview in the BETA branch if you want to check it out early. Thanks to everyone that helped us shape it up over the last few months. Also, Pixeljam is going to start streaming again to support the Kickstarter Campaign to get the Nova Drift soundtrack on vinyl and CD. The campaign is 40% funded with only 2 weeks left, so we really need your support to make it happen! Even if you don't want vinyl or CDs, there are plenty of digital-only rewards for those that pledge. Click
2025-05-20 14:07 UTC · Community Announcements · Pixeljam Games
The Kickstarter Campaign to bring the Nova Drift Soundtrack to Vinyl and Compact Disc has launched! Check it out: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/milestilmann/nova-drift-soundtrack-on-vinyl-and-cd {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/33285787/587eeee0b9683b5a1776b0b61f8aa69ddbc3435b.png Printed on BioVinyl, no toxic dino-sludge involved. Compact disc options for those that could give 2 craps about vinyl. Digital-only rewards for those that could give 3 craps about physical rewards. Grab some extra discounted Steam keys for your buddies! No-reward option for those that like to put money into creative projec
2025-05-02 17:11 UTC · Community Announcements · Pixeljam Games
Hello Drifters, After much blood, sweat, and a few minor electrocutions, the Daily Challenge Update is ready for beta testing! Switch to the BETA branch on Steam to check it out. Here are the details: Take on a new seeded challenge each day. Here are 3 examples: Boss Rush: Face a gauntlet of every boss. Bosses are faster and much tougher. You earn massively increased score and experience. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/33285787/392487bf39b673374c3378093945b141d5fb60f1.jpg Serpentine Drift: Begin your journey as a Leviathan and munch orbs to increase your size. Protect your head, and don't chomp your own t
2025-04-08 14:19 UTC · Community Announcements · Pixeljam Games
Hello all, I'm considering pressing up vinyl for the Nova Drift Soundtrack, but I only want to move forward on it if there is enough interest. It would not be the entire soundtrack (since it's almost 3 hours long), but probably 2 discs (4 sides, about 15-20 mins each side) of select tracks from the OST, with some player input about what's included as well. So... drop any comment here (doesn't matter what the comment says, "+1" is good enough) if you would actually be interested in purchasing it on release. Price would probably be around 30 dollars for a double disc set or 20 dollars for a sing
2025-01-28 12:38 UTC · GamingOnLinux
Nova Drift from developer Chimeric is a very well-received rogue-lite space shooter that released back in 2024, and the dev continues working on it. The latest update includes some changes to improve it on Steam Deck. Read the full article here: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/01/popular-rogue-lite-space-shooter-nova-drift-gets-updated-for-steam-deck-verification/
2025-01-27 17:07 UTC · Community Announcements · Pixeljam Games
Made a few changes to comply with Steam Deck verification requirements: Fixed non-value settings items getting greyed out incorrectly on Steam Deck Fixed Window Size setting being selectable on Steam Deck Fixed loading and saving settings that are disabled on Steam Deck Fixed Custom Skin sprite overlapping the score on the End Score screen Upgrade screen descriptions now use the standard-scaling small font to comply with Steam Deck text size requirements We now hide key indicators in construct UI when using gamepad controls We now don't grey out the Online Leaderboard setting item on Steam Dec
2025-01-14 19:27 UTC · Community Announcements · Pixeljam Games
Announcing our latest Steam Bundle: {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/33285787/52ed2fd2748cdcb3a46f8845b28b5a2be993fe80.png Genome Guardian is a criminally underexposed game and I aim to do something about it. It's a perfect fit alongside Nova Drift, so we are bundling UP. Genome Guardian is a turret roguelite survival game. There's a lot I like about it. It's well presented, creative, funny, and inventive. There is also a huge amount of content to unlock. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/33285787/866686d1c624a11dca3a08fd72cfa92e2b22f965.gif I particularly like the weapon combination system which is a blast to experiment
2025-01-13 19:36 UTC · Community Announcements · Pixeljam Games
Hello Drifters, This update focuses on achieving two main goals: Offering an even smoother experience on Steam Deck than we already do, and preparing the game for porting. While there are many optimization challenges associated with porting (the focus of the next update), I'm particularly excited to share the game experience with mobile and Switch players. {STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/33285787/1a0e5e0faa2b5d5db36c52e535a41210cfe12c9e.jpg A few highlights from 1.1: Reworked the Settings menus: Each category section is now a tabbed page Fonts are crisper & more readable, especially at non-native / small r
Full appinfo as delivered by Steam PICS, changenumber 38801141. Also at /api/app/858210/raw.
{
"appid": "858210",
"common": {
"name": "Nova Drift",
"type": "Game",
"releasestate": "released",
"logo": "35830ddc96e13fa4a7cf5d342f2c3352ff558a23",
"logo_small": "35830ddc96e13fa4a7cf5d342f2c3352ff558a23_thumb",
"icon": "5b679343f9b0c0f19bb50843c225ceb44f2e604f",
"clienticon": "e5056fc7636dce9f59af336abab3929f09d87379",
"clienttga": "6e00943c372a8fe4a58445767013cb9605cf7224",
"oslist": "windows,macos",
"osarch": "",
"osextended": "macos64",
"languages": {
"english": "1",
"german": "1",
"french": "1",
"koreana": "1",
"spanish": "1",
"schinese": "1",
"tchinese": "1",
"russian": "1",
"japanese": "1",
"polish": "1",
"brazilian": "1"
},
"name_localized": {
"schinese": "新星漂移 Nova Drift"
},
"steam_deck_compatibility": {
"category": "3",
"steamos_compatibility": "2",
"steam_machine_compatibility": "3",
"test_timestamp": "1738195200",
"tested_build_id": "17096096",
"tests": {
"0": {
"display": "4",
"token": "#SteamDeckVerified_TestResult_DefaultControllerConfigFullyFunctional"
},
"1": {
"display": "4",
"token": "#SteamDeckVerified_TestResult_ControllerGlyphsMatchDeckDevice"
},
"2": {
"display": "4",
"token": "#SteamDeckVerified_TestResult_InterfaceTextIsLegible"
},
"3": {
"display": "4",
"token": "#SteamDeckVerified_TestResult_DefaultConfigurationIsPerformant"
}
},
"steam_machine_tests": {
"0": {
"display": "4",
"token": "#SteamMachine_TestResult_DefaultControllerConfigFullyFunctional"
},
"1": {
"display": "4",
"token": "#SteamMachine_TestResult_ControllerGlyphsMatchDevice"
},
"2": {
"display": "4",
"token": "#SteamMachine_TestResult_DefaultConfigurationIsPerformant"
}
},
"steamos_tests": {
"0": {
"display": "3",
"token": "#SteamOS_TestResult_GameStartupFunctional"
}
},
"configuration": {
"supported_input": "gamepad",
"requires_manual_keyboard_invoke": "0",
"requires_non_controller_launcher_nav": "0",
"primary_player_is_controller_slot_0": "0",
"non_deck_display_glyphs": "0",
"small_text": "0",
"requires_internet_for_setup": "0",
"requires_internet_for_singleplayer": "0",
"recommended_runtime": "proton-9.0-4RC",
"requires_h264": "0",
"requires_voice_files": "0",
"gamescope_frame_limiter_not_supported": "1",
"hdr_support": "0",
"requires_proton_soundfonts": "0"
}
},
"metacritic_name": "Nova Drift",
"controller_support": "full",
"small_capsule": {
"english": "f97bc6543c43e6faa3ea6e8d29b560050a35783b/capsule_231x87.jpg"
},
"header_image": {
"english": "32823a9525b5b4fdcdad9b8306e77fe52869b3af/header.jpg"
},
"library_assets": {
"library_capsule": "en",
"library_hero": "en",
"library_logo": "en",
"library_header": "en",
"logo_position": {
"pinned_position": "UpperCenter",
"width_pct": "100",
"height_pct": "98.10021372595584"
}
},
"library_assets_full": {
"library_capsule": {
"image": {
"english": "library_600x900.jpg"
},
"image2x": {
"english": "library_600x900_2x.jpg"
}
},
"library_hero": {
"image": {
"english": "library_hero.jpg"
},
"image2x": {
"english": "library_hero_2x.jpg"
}
},
"library_logo": {
"image": {
"english": "logo.png"
},
"logo_position": {
"pinned_position": "UpperCenter",
"width_pct": "100",
"height_pct": "98.10021372595584"
}
},
"library_header": {
"image": {
"english": "32823a9525b5b4fdcdad9b8306e77fe52869b3af/library_header.jpg"
},
"image2x": {
"english": "32823a9525b5b4fdcdad9b8306e77fe52869b3af/library_header_2x.jpg"
}
}
},
"store_asset_mtime": "1753713580",
"associations": {
"0": {
"type": "developer",
"name": "Chimeric"
},
"1": {
"type": "publisher",
"name": "Pixeljam"
},
"2": {
"type": "franchise",
"name": "Pixeljam"
}
},
"primary_genre": "1",
"genres": {
"0": "1",
"1": "23"
},
"category": {
"category_2": "1",
"category_28": "1",
"category_22": "1",
"category_25": "1",
"category_23": "1",
"category_45": "1",
"category_46": "1",
"category_62": "1"
},
"supported_languages": {
"english": {
"supported": "true"
},
"french": {
"supported": "true"
},
"russian": {
"supported": "true"
},
"schinese": {
"supported": "true"
},
"tchinese": {
"supported": "true"
},
"japanese": {
"supported": "true"
},
"polish": {
"supported": "true"
},
"brazilian": {
"supported": "true"
},
"koreana": {
"supported": "true"
},
"spanish": {
"supported": "true"
},
"german": {
"supported": "true"
}
},
"steam_release_date": "1723465439",
"community_visible_stats": "1",
"community_hub_visible": "1",
"gameid": "858210",
"store_tags": {
"0": "42804",
"1": "5547",
"2": "4885",
"3": "4255",
"4": "3959",
"5": "1773",
"6": "1774",
"7": "1716",
"8": "3871",
"9": "4231",
"10": "19",
"11": "1755",
"12": "597",
"13": "4305",
"14": "4182",
"15": "4004",
"16": "492",
"17": "4711",
"18": "1756",
"19": "493"
},
"review_score": "9",
"review_percentage": "95"
},
"extended": {
"developer": "Chimeric",
"publisher": "Pixeljam",
"homepage": "http://www.novadrift.io"
},
"config": {
"installdir": "Nova Drift",
"launch": {
"0": {
"executable": "NovaDrift.app/Contents/MacOS/NovaDrift",
"type": "default",
"config": {
"oslist": "macos"
}
},
"1": {
"executable": "NovaDrift.exe",
"type": "default",
"config": {
"oslist": "windows"
}
}
},
"steamcontrollertemplateindex": "4",
"steamdecktouchscreen": "1",
"steamconfigurator3rdpartynative": "6"
},
"depots": {
"858211": {
"config": {
"oslist": "windows"
},
"manifests": {
"public": {
"gid": "2938477016656490420",
"size": "852099730",
"download": "399258432"
},
"legacy_syzygy": {
"gid": "5279583769096817935",
"size": "323977670",
"download": "255008064"
},
"legacyosx": {
"gid": "5304541821136198299",
"size": "217493390",
"download": "165879664"
},
"beta": {
"gid": "3083615954328884885",
"size": "852260536",
"download": "399290080"
},
"experimental": {
"gid": "3083615954328884885",
"size": "852260536",
"download": "399290080"
}
}
},
"858212": {
"config": {
"oslist": "macos"
},
"manifests": {
"public": {
"gid": "8173298630894466231",
"size": "865218229",
"download": "403657536"
},
"legacy_syzygy": {
"gid": "7267479229058318140",
"size": "333392048",
"download": "253031664"
},
"legacyosx": {
"gid": "1076532687523827581",
"size": "403054859",
"download": "319492480"
},
"beta": {
"gid": "2003130220611074915",
"size": "911378747",
"download": "436832864"
},
"experimental": {
"gid": "2003130220611074915",
"size": "911378747",
"download": "436832864"
}
}
},
"5217190": {
"dlcappid": "5217190"
},
"branches": {
"public": {
"buildid": "24055484",
"timeupdated": "1785339987",
"timebuildupdated": "1783196119"
},
"legacy_syzygy": {
"buildid": "6568309",
"description": "Legacy version: Syzygy",
"timeupdated": "1642438817",
"timebuildupdated": "1618896229"
},
"legacyosx": {
"buildid": "8179462",
"timeupdated": "1644493857",
"timebuildupdated": "1644493857"
},
"beta": {
"buildid": "25258960",
"description": "Open beta testing",
"timeupdated": "1789148019",
"timebuildupdated": "1789148019"
},
"experimental": {
"buildid": "25258933",
"description": "Early beta testing",
"timeupdated": "1789147925",
"timebuildupdated": "1789147925"
}
},
"privatebranches": "1"
},
"ufs": {
"quota": "1000000",
"maxnumfiles": "10",
"savefiles": {
"0": {
"root": "WinAppDataLocal",
"path": "NovaDrift",
"pattern": "*.ini",
"platforms": {
"1": "Windows"
}
},
"1": {
"root": "MacAppSupport",
"path": "com.pixeljam.stardriftmac",
"pattern": "*.ini",
"platforms": {
"1": "MacOS"
}
}
}
}
}