Inward

Early access since Feb 2023

Create a beautiful sanctuary and nurture your mental well-being through mindfulness and journaling practices. Embark on an inner journey of self-discovery and create a sanctuary that reflects your journey.

82% positive · 220 reviews

Not yet

In early access, content planned but development status unclear

Low confidence

Content Planned

Development Uncertain

Not yet

In early access, content planned but development status unclear

Low confidence

Content Planned

Development Uncertain

Where to get it

Free on Steam

Steam Free

Evaluation

Inward is a free-to-play mindfulness and meditation game currently in Early Access, released on February 2, 2023 by solo developer Krish Shrikumar. The store description notes that registration is required to support future cross-platform play when Inward comes to mobile, indicating that mobile support was a planned goal from the start. After launch, the developer was active through early 2023, shipping a feature patch on January 6, 2023, another on January 13, 2023, and a more substantial "Campfire Update" on March 22, 2023 that added new habit-tracking gameplay modes along with numerous bug fixes. This was the last Inward-specific development update. From May through June 2024, the developer posted several announcements — but these were all about a Kickstarter campaign to bring a separate game, PLAYNE, to mobile. The campaign was successfully funded by June 25, 2024. These posts do not describe any new Inward content or development progress. Since March 22, 2023, there have been no patch notes, feature updates, roadmap posts, or development status communications specific to Inward. The game remains in Early Access with no announced 1.0 release date. Given that the developer appears to have shifted focus toward PLAYNE Mobile — and has not communicated anything about Inward's development path in over three years — it is genuinely unclear whether Inward is still being actively developed toward a full release.

Evidence

Campfire Update added dynamic habit-building campfire feature with multiple modes, plus numerous bug fixes. This is the last Inward-specific development post from the developer.

news post · Mar 22, 2023 source development ongoing

high

Store description states the game requires registration to support cross-platform play when Inward comes to mobile, indicating planned mobile expansion

store metadata source content planned

medium

Content

1 of 1 released · no outstanding content

Released

Donate $5

Feb 2023

Media

Details

Developer

Krish Shrikumar

Publisher

Krish Shrikumar

Achievements

—

Platform

Windows

Controller

—

Steam Deck

Playable

Players

Single-player

Nature Philosophical Colorful Minimalist Stylized Atmospheric Crafting Indie Fantasy Early Access Simulation Immersive Beautiful Relaxing

About this game

Please note

Inward requires registration to support cross-platform play when Inward comes to mobile. Please only get Inward if you are okay with this
About Inward

Build a daily mindfulness meditation practice through innovative gameplay
Design your sanctuary with elements earned through the habit-building progress
Track your progress through the collection of trees you have nurtured on your journey
From the creator of Playne: The Meditation Game
95% of players said feeling more relaxed and calmer after playing Inward
86% successfully built a daily mindfulness-based self-care routine by playing Inward

Cultivate Habits for Calm and Healing

Inward is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth designed to promote positive well-being through habit-forming gameplay

Discover mindfulness through guided meditations
Express and reflect on your experiences with various journaling techniques
Guided meditations that adapt to your session length

Create a Beautiful Sanctuary

Watch your well-being thrive as you revisit Inward and establish daily habits. As you grow, the game world transforms and expands, granting you access to new elements to create a personalized sanctuary that reflects your journey.

Customize your sanctuary with a variety of elements, including grass, flowers, and wildlife
Unlock visual upgrades as you form habits for improved well-being
With over 500,000 possible combinations, design a sanctuary that reflects your journey.

Discover and Grow Your Own Tree Species

Create and name your own unique tree species among the hundreds of thousands waiting to be discovered. Select the trunk, branches, and leaves of your creation in Inward, and let other players find it. Join forces to bring back the thriving forests of the past.
From the Developer

I am grateful for your support of my small game. Everything I share through Inward is based on my personal experiences and what has helped me in my journey towards well-being. Your early support as a self-published game developer means the world to me, thank you.