PAX Aus 2023 in Melbourne provided a showcase moment for small teams and indie creativity, and Hojo Studio’s booth was no exception.
The two-person team from New South Wales presented The Godfeather: A Mafia Pigeon Saga, a top-down action title that mixes bright, cartoony visuals with an absurd premise.
The Steam version of The Godfeather is available now, and Hojo Studio has scheduled a Nintendo Switch release for early 2024.
During hands-on demonstrations on the PAX show floor, The Godfeather stood out for its approachable controls and distinct comedic hook.
Players take the role of a pigeon flying over a neighborhood from a top-down perspective, seeking out human targets that have disturbed the local avian community.
The core mechanic is intentionally ridiculous: instead of firearms, the pigeon uses bird droppings as its primary method of attack.
A single button press launches the projectile, and a visible “poop meter” tracks available ammo.
Gameplay loop and challenges are straightforward and polished.
As players swoop around town they can replenish their poop meter by diving into dumpsters.
Enemies and obstacles include surveillance drones and larger birds that will pursue the player once detected, forcing evasive maneuvers and strategic retreats.
Visually, the title leans on big, saturated colors and a top-down presentation that recalls classic overhead crime games but with a lighthearted, cutesy tone.
Hojo Studio’s background adds context to the project.
The small team has been developing games for roughly ten years and lists four prior titles in its catalog, including Puffington and Nappy Cat.
When asked about their design approach, director Rick told Pure Nintendo that the studio intentionally begins with the silliest possible concept and then focuses on refining it into a fun, polished experience — a philosophy evident in The Godfeather’s precise flying controls and sound design.
The Godfeather’s Steam launch means PC players can experience the game today, while Nintendo Switch owners can expect the title on the platform in early 2024, typically distributed through the console’s eShop.
Fans and industry watchers should monitor Hojo Studio’s channels for official release details and potential additional platform announcements.
For more information, visit Hojo Studio’s website or follow the developer on Twitter or Instagram.
Coverage from PAX Aus 2023 also highlighted other indie projects on the floor, underscoring the event’s ongoing role as a proving ground for creative small teams.
The two-person team from New South Wales presented The Godfeather: A Mafia Pigeon Saga, a top-down action title that mixes bright, cartoony visuals with an absurd premise.
The Steam version of The Godfeather is available now, and Hojo Studio has scheduled a Nintendo Switch release for early 2024.
During hands-on demonstrations on the PAX show floor, The Godfeather stood out for its approachable controls and distinct comedic hook.
Players take the role of a pigeon flying over a neighborhood from a top-down perspective, seeking out human targets that have disturbed the local avian community.
The core mechanic is intentionally ridiculous: instead of firearms, the pigeon uses bird droppings as its primary method of attack.
A single button press launches the projectile, and a visible “poop meter” tracks available ammo.
Gameplay loop and challenges are straightforward and polished.
As players swoop around town they can replenish their poop meter by diving into dumpsters.
Enemies and obstacles include surveillance drones and larger birds that will pursue the player once detected, forcing evasive maneuvers and strategic retreats.
Visually, the title leans on big, saturated colors and a top-down presentation that recalls classic overhead crime games but with a lighthearted, cutesy tone.
Hojo Studio’s background adds context to the project.
The small team has been developing games for roughly ten years and lists four prior titles in its catalog, including Puffington and Nappy Cat.
When asked about their design approach, director Rick told Pure Nintendo that the studio intentionally begins with the silliest possible concept and then focuses on refining it into a fun, polished experience — a philosophy evident in The Godfeather’s precise flying controls and sound design.
The Godfeather’s Steam launch means PC players can experience the game today, while Nintendo Switch owners can expect the title on the platform in early 2024, typically distributed through the console’s eShop.
Fans and industry watchers should monitor Hojo Studio’s channels for official release details and potential additional platform announcements.
For more information, visit Hojo Studio’s website or follow the developer on Twitter or Instagram.
Coverage from PAX Aus 2023 also highlighted other indie projects on the floor, underscoring the event’s ongoing role as a proving ground for creative small teams.
