Independent video game publisher Silver Lining Interactive today announced a global publishing partnership with Studio Abattoir to bring an ambitious psychological horror RPG title The Pines to players everywhere.
InThe Pines, players step into the boots of Edward Walker, a burnt-out former detective seeking solace at a remote, secluded therapy retreat following a cold case. Beneath the calm exterior and promises of recovery lies a dark conspiracy. Combining Alan Wake-style paranoia, open-world investigation, and a unique choice-driven Stalker System, players must unravel the secrets of the woods before the wellness retreat turns deadly.
“You find yourself in this deeply unsettling world, and you buy into the reality of it instantly. It takes maybe three seconds before the panic sets in and you realize you have to get out. From there, it’s just paranoia, gut-wrenching horror and brutal consequences.” said Ross Griffith, Head of Marketing at Silver Lining Interactive. “Helping Studio Abattoir bring an atmosphere that terrifying to life is an absolute thrill.”
“We built The Pines around a twisted premise: a self-help book came to life and it’s just as bad, if not worse than you imagined – it’s absolutely horrifying, and all your choices might have unforeseen consequences,” said Kevin Jochems, Founder of Studio Abattoir. “Partnering with Silver Lining Interactive gives us the platform, reach, and independence needed to deliver The Pines without compromises. We can’t wait to welcome players to The Pines retreat, and see who makes it out alive.”
WELCOME HOME… MISTER WALKER
After a case went cold, former detective Edward Walker is exhausted and desperate for peace. His therapist advises him to travel to The Pines, a secluded retreat that promises quiet, recovery, and therapists on site. It seems like the perfect place to leave his troubles behind. It isn’t. Beneath its calm exterior, something is deeply wrong.
A PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR RPG
The Pines is an open world waiting to be explored, but it is no vacation. Dark things lurk among the trees. Discover its secrets, get to know its residents, and uncover the truth behind the retreat’s carefully constructed facade. Your choices matter. They shape not only Edward’s story, but also the lives and fates of those who live there. Grow stronger, smarter, and more persuasive. Join various groups and factions, each with their own stories, and shape Edward Walker to fit your playstyle. Talk, fight, or investigate your way through the dangers you face. And if all else fails… run.
FAST AND FLUID COMBAT
While guns and ammunition are scarce, tools are plenty. Wield bats, axes, and many more weapons as you face the dangers hunting you from the dark.
Dodge, parry, and strike at the right moment. Survival depends on timing, awareness, and sometimes… something very sharp.
THE RESIDENTS OF THE PINES
The Pines is home to a wide variety of residents from all walks of life, each carrying their own history, trauma, and secrets. What initially feels a warm and welcoming community gradually reveals itself to be something far more unsettling.
Everyone has a story. Everyone has a motive. And no one is quite who they claim to be.
ONE BIG CONSPIRACY
Nothing quite adds up. Minor details refuse to align, and the more you investigate, the harder it becomes to ignore the feeling that everything is connected. Edward Walker must uncover the truth behind The Pines. All while trying to stay sane… and alive.
ONCE A DETECTIVE, ALWAYS A DETECTIVE
Being a former detective comes with its perks. You notice details others overlook, connect clues that don’t seem related, and uncover hidden truths through investigation.
Gather evidence, piece together stories, and decide who to trust. Because a good decision is an informed one.
A UNIQUE STALKER SYSTEM
The Pines uses a unique Stalker System where your actions have consequences. Say the wrong thing, cross the wrong person, or dig too deep, and a resident who once seemed harmless may return as a stalker, haunting you throughout the forests of The Pines. You, however, are not defenseless. Grow strong enough, and you may be able to turn the tables and confront your pursuer. The forest remembers… and some residents never forget.
A game studio from a basement. Quite literally.
After years of working in corporate film and 3D animation, Kevin Jochems, born and raised in the Netherlands, discovered Unreal Engine while creating client work. He soon became obsessed with game development. Four years later, that obsession has grown into The Pines, the first major game project from Studio Abattoir. The Pines is being developed by solo developer Kevin Jochems, with additional 2D art support from Daphne Betten for the key artwork. Yaron Mesika contributes motion capture and voice acting.
The Pines reflects the studio’s focus on atmospheric, story-driven games with a strong visual identity, blending cinematic storytelling, psychological horror, player agency, and RPG mechanics.
About Silver Lining Interactive
Silver Lining Interactive is a collaborative video games publishing house based in the North of England. Founded by seasoned industry professionals with one goal: make games publishing feel like a partnership. With a passion for fostering creative talent and great games, the team is committed to bringing innovative, high-quality games to players worldwide, physically and digitally.
