Ethan Crossfield 
Players looking for an autumn game with witches, magic, and mystery—but without horror or combat—may want to check out Songs of Glimmerwick. The new Steam release from Eastshade Studios turns enrollment at a magical university into a relaxed life sim, combining classes, friendships, gardening, fishing, music, and island exploration. Early reception has been strong, with the game holding a 91% positive rating from 170 Steam user reviews at the time of writing.
What players get in Songs of Glimmerwick
Songs of Glimmerwick begins when players join the Etchery, a university of magic located on the woodland island of Glimmerwick. Rather than focusing on battles, the game follows a school year filled with lessons, festivals, rumors, personal relationships, and local drama. Players can maintain the university garden, fish, gather seashells, join a band, explore the island, and head into the surrounding forest on expeditions. Every major and minor character has English voice acting, giving the school community more personality as players settle into its routines.
The peaceful setting also hides a larger problem. Glimmerwick's source of magic is weakening, while the nearby forest is dying. Different characters offer different explanations, creating a mystery that gradually sits beneath the game's everyday activities.
How the magic and exploration systems work
Magic is built into ordinary tasks instead of being reserved for combat, since Songs of Glimmerwick does not include a combat system. Players cast spells through music with a flute and songbook, using supernatural abilities to support farming, exploration, and problem-solving. Spells can bring rain to crops, enchant tools so they work independently, allow conversations with trees, and raise sections of earth to open new routes.
That design gives the game a clearer identity than a standard farming sim with a fantasy skin. Gardening, exploration, and progression are connected through the same magical systems, while the hand-drawn presentation and woodland environment reinforce its calm tone. Eastshade Studios spent roughly eight years developing the project, with lead designer and artist Jaclyn Ciezadlo directing the game's creative vision. Danny Weinbaum worked on programming, technical direction, design, and writing.
Is it worth trying during spooky season?
Songs of Glimmerwick is a fit for players who enjoy Halloween aesthetics more than outright scares. Witches, curses, magical forests, unusual creatures, mysteries, and seasonal festivals create an October atmosphere, but the overall experience remains gentle rather than frightening. It is closer to a cozy autumn game than a horror title, making it suitable for players who want a softer alternative to dark corridors and chase sequences.
The game launched on Steam on September 30 and normally costs $24.99. It is discounted to $22.49 through October 14, while a free demo remains available for anyone who wants to sample life at the Etchery first. Its 91% positive user rating suggests that the atmosphere, art, music, voice acting, characters, and world-building are connecting with early players.
What players should know
- Songs of Glimmerwick is available on Steam.
- The game centers on a magical university and a full school year of activities.
- There is no combat; magic supports farming, exploration, and environmental puzzles.
- The island's fading magic and dying forest provide the broader mystery.
- A free demo is available, and the $24.99 game is discounted to $22.49 through October 14.
- The game had a 91% positive rating from 170 Steam reviews at the time of writing.
Expert View
Songs of Glimmerwick appears best suited to players who value atmosphere, character-driven routines, and low-pressure exploration over action. Its school setting and music-based magic help distinguish it from more conventional farming sims, while the lack of combat may limit its appeal for players seeking a traditional RPG. The demo makes the decision easier, particularly for anyone unsure whether its slow, cozy pace is the right match for their Halloween gaming plans.
