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GaMaYo 26 Showcase: The Vaults Below Durn: A Field Study by Gongylus Games

At Project House, Leeds over 40 games will be demoing, along with 300+ developers, game industry publishers, investors and platforms in attendance for GaMaYo 26! Join us on the 21st of May for a day full of demos and round tables, networking and more.

This event is brought to you by Game Republic along with their Official Partners Red Kite Games, Xsolla and Double Eleven, with event sponsors Plus Accounting, Kudos Games and Steel City Interactive.

Today we are looking at ‘The Vaults Below Durn: A Field Study‘ which is confirmed to be at the event, from Gongylus Games!

The Vaults Below Durn: A Field Study, by Gongylus Games

 

What would be your description of your game?

An atmospheric deduction-based dungeon exploration game. In each room you are presented with three doors. Use what you learn from the notes you find, and the subtle environmental clues, to deduce the safe path forward. As you explore, you unravel the mystery of the last explorer’s disappearance. Do you have the wits to survive where no one has returned?

 

How did development start? (Were there any key inspirations or ideas that drove you?)

The Vaults Below Durn started as Gongylus Games’ entry to the Brackeys Game Jam 2026.1 where it ranked highly. The mechanic of deducing the correct door was inspired by “no evidence” runs of Phasmophobia where players observe the subtle behaviour of the ghosts to deduce the correct type, without relying on overt evidence. Inspiration is also being drawn from What Remains Of Edith Finch for its fragmented storytelling, as well as Ico’s rich atmosphere and cinematography.

Tell us about the team behind the game?

Gongylus Games is the studio of indie developer Natasha Handley. Natasha is known for pushing creative boundaries and implementing innovative and rarely seen mechanics in her games. Her games are also noted for their rich atmosphere and high levels of polish.

What kind of experiences do you hope to bring players?

The Vaults Below Durn is quietly solemn in tone. The game rewards careful observation and attention to small details. It may have the dark themes of a horror game or a dungeon crawler, but it is neither. There is no combat. No jumpscares. Just the path forward, and the story that unfolds from it.

 

In 10 words or less, highlight the appeal of the game.

Three doors. One safe path. The others… lead somewhere else.

 

Any links to access/wishlist the game?

Yes! The Steam page is live. Wishlist the game to be notified when it is in early access!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/4494830/The_Vaults_Below_Durn_A_Field_Study/

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