In the competitive world of independent game development, BROKENCIGS, a New York-based studio, has unveiled the intricate journey behind their upcoming co-op title, "The Hilltop Funeral." This report delves into the team's experiences, from adapting to a remote work environment and navigating the unexpected challenge of a similar game concept emerging, to their deep involvement in New York City's burgeoning indie development scene. Through candid conversations with director Luke Li and lead developer Cindy Fan, we gain insight into the creative process, the unique gameplay of their morbidly humorous title, and their ambitions for expanding its reach to Nintendo Switch platforms.
BROKENCIGS Shares "The Hilltop Funeral" Development Saga and NYC Indie Dev Scene Insights
New York, NY – January 30, 2026 – The independent game development studio BROKENCIGS, founded three years prior by Luke Li and Cindy Fan, recently offered an exclusive look into the arduous yet rewarding creation of their latest game, "The Hilltop Funeral." This cooperative physics-based puzzle game, currently available in early access on Steam, challenges two players to meticulously transport a corpse in an open casket to its final resting place. The game is characterized by its distinct Tim Burton-esque visual style, humorous dialogue infused with dark wit, and a compelling narrative that the developers are deliberately keeping under wraps until the official launch.
A significant portion of the development period saw the team grappling with the complexities of remote collaboration. Cindy Fan, based in Florida, initially faced considerable pressure being the sole remote member. The team ingeniously overcame this by implementing dedicated Discord voice channels, fostering an environment where instant communication mirrored in-person interaction, thereby enhancing workflow and team cohesion.
One of the most notable hurdles for BROKENCIGS was the emergence of other games featuring strikingly similar core concepts. While initially intimidating, the team discovered that "The Hilltop Funeral" offered distinct gameplay mechanics, particularly emphasizing the delicate balance required to transport the coffin rather than traditional platforming. The game's engaging dialogue, which provides levity and character interaction even amidst challenging levels, has been a significant highlight for early access players.
The studio's decision to establish roots in New York City, rather than seeking tax incentives elsewhere, proved instrumental. Luke Li emphasized the city's vibrant and interconnected community of game developers, highlighting organizations like Playcrafting and GUMBO that facilitate networking and collaboration. This strategic placement has opened doors to numerous opportunities exclusive to New York-based teams, including a prestigious invitation to attend the Tokyo Game Show with Empire State Development.
Looking ahead, BROKENCIGS plans a full 1.0 release on PC later this year, with Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 versions slated for the first half of next year. The developers anticipate potential challenges in porting to Switch, particularly regarding aspect ratio adjustments and UI scaling for handheld mode. They also expressed an intriguing desire to integrate Joy-Con motion controls for coffin lifting, adding a unique interactive layer. While the Switch 2 is expected to offer graphics and resolution enhancements, the team is evaluating its capacity to support an ambitious eight-player race mode due to the larger map sizes and potential hardware demands.
The journey of BROKENCIGS illustrates the resilience and innovative spirit required in today's indie game landscape. Their commitment to creating a game that truly reflects their artistic vision, despite external pressures and logistical complexities, sets a compelling example for aspiring developers.
