Lost in Cult, the creative studio behind the Design Works art books, has announced a new Criterion Collection-like physical games publishing label.

The new publishing label is focused on the three pillars of “prestige, preservation, and curation” and will release physical versions of games, completely playable offline with no downloads or internet connection required.

Each game will be available in two formats: mass retail editions for broad accessibility via PM Studios, and premium “EDITIONS” versions that are limited-run, high-end collectors’ releases with gallery-quality presentation exclusively via the Lost in Cult online store.

The first wave of titles from Lost in Cult is as follows:

Thank Goodness You’re Here! (Nintendo Switch/PlayStation 5) – a BAFTA-nominated comedy adventure

IMMORTALITY (PlayStation 5) – a critically acclaimed interactive film, winner of BAFTA’s Best Narrative

The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow (Nintendo Switch) – a folk horror standout, nominated by PC Gamer for Game of the Year

Each EDITIONS release includes:

• Exclusive outer slipcase with original commissioned artwork.
• Variant cover for the retail case inside.
• Developer signature card and a set of art cards.
• Fold-out poster and collector’s checklist.
• Custom sticker.
• A prestige booklet edited by acclaimed Edge Magazine alum Chris Schilling, including developer interviews and analytical essays.
• All-new artwork across packaging and even the mailer box – with three designs rotated seasonally.

This announcement marks Lost In Cult’s formal entry into video game publishing, with future releases set to be unveiled in the coming months.

Here’s comments from each of the developers and staff:

IMMORTALITY developer Sam Barlow

“Collaborating with Lost in Cult has been nothing short of a delight — their attention to detail and their drive to keep adding more and more to everything they put out is evident in the quality of what they release. Each new treasure they create feels like a genuine companion piece, not just a ‘nice to have.’ The most common request we’ve had since releasing IMMORTALITY has been for a physical edition, but we always knew that if we did do it, we’d need to do it right — and so, working with Lost in Cult on this amazing new series was a no brainer!”

As the world around feels more and more impermanent, physical media seems even more essential,” adds IMMORTALITY producer Natalie Watson. “With that in mind, ensuring that IMMORTALITY could be assured of its own immortality was of utmost importance to the team, and we are so grateful to have worked with Lost in Cult to make that happen.”

The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow designer Shaun Aitcheson of Cloak and Dagger Games

“We are beyond thrilled and honoured to be part of Lost in Cult’s physical launch line-up – alongside two games we genuinely love. It had long been our dream to release a physical Switch version of The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow, but every avenue we had investigated ended up coming to nothing. I decided to issue one final tweet, in the hope that someone out there might help us make it happen – and that someone was Lost in Cult. It has been an immense pleasure working closely with their team to craft something very special indeed – the end result is a beautiful physical release truly beyond our wildest dreams. The art that has been created for this release genuinely blows my mind.

In an era where games are becoming increasingly ‘digital only’, Lost in Cult is doing wonders for the future preservation of indie games – and we are so proud to be a part of this.”

Lost in Cult head of publishing Ryan Brown

“We’re being bold. I can unashamedly say we set out to create a new standard for physical games. And this is a multi-faceted mission. Our EDITIONS are designed to preserve not just the game, but the story and artistry behind its creation. At the same time, our retail releases ensure no one is locked out of owning great games physically, giving everyone a chance to play their favourites for the decades to come, internet connection willing or not.

DoesItPlay? owner Clemens Istel

“Working with Lost In Cult is a match made in gaming heaven for us. We’re proud to apply our knowledge and experience in quality-testing, having tested over 2600 titles, with a company that matches our vision on game preservation and also sees video games as art.

We work tirelessly to ensure these fantastic experiences remain accessible now and always. Aligning with Lost In Cult’s mission to provide the best physical games publishing to date is now the next step in our efforts to ensure quality physical releases that stand the test of time and make developers and players equally proud.”