ShantyTown Launches On Steam, A Diorama City-Builder About Fitting Life Into Small Spaces

ShantyTown, a diorama-style city-builder from solo developer Erik Rempen of Silk Softworks, has launched on Steam. Published by Kinephantom, the game tasks players with constructing dense, improvised neighbourhoods within compact spaces.

The full release follows appearances at Steam Next Fest and PAX East earlier this year, where the game drew attention for its atmospheric approach to the city-building genre.

Building by instinct

ShantyTown differs from conventional city-builders in that it does not rely on optimisation loops or rigid placement systems. Instead, the game encourages intuitive construction, with players stacking buildings and discovering compositions through experimentation.

Each diorama evolves organically as players place objects. The environments include details such as textured graffiti, flickering street lights and large birds drifting overhead, alongside other interactive elements.

The game is driven by player aesthetic choices, meaning each playthrough produces a different result depending on how the player approaches the space.

Adaptive soundtrack

The game features a fully adaptive soundtrack composed by vaporwave artist Macroblank. Rather than looping a static score, the music shifts dynamically in response to player progress and actions, building atmosphere as the diorama takes shape.

A dynamic day-night cycle accompanies the soundtrack, adding another layer of environmental change to each build.

Features

ShantyTown includes over 150 decorations and objects for placement across tightly packed locations. Players can place objects freely without grid constraints, creating layered neighbourhoods.

The game also includes a photography system with an in-depth camera and dossier feature for capturing and cataloguing completed dioramas. A Creative Mode allows players to revisit locations or build new compositions without restrictions.

Shaped by community feedback

The game began as a small-scale experiment exploring how much character could be conveyed within confined spaces. Over time, it developed into a full release through multiple demo updates and community playtests.

Rempen has credited player feedback with shaping many of the game’s refinements, noting that the project grew in colour, detail and flexibility based on how players chose to build and express themselves during testing periods.

Pricing and availability

ShantyTown is available on Steam for US$15 with a 10 per cent launch discount running for 14 days.

About the teams

Silk Softworks is the studio of solo developer Erik Rempen, who focuses on systems-driven games with an emphasis on atmosphere and player expression.

Kinephantom is a UK-based team that works with independent developers on marketing, community and launch strategy.

Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Nick Ross