HexNest Games

HexNest Games is an independent Australian game developer and publisher focused on self-funded multiplayer PC games. Based in Melbourne, the studio develops and operates its own intellectual property rather than providing work-for-hire services.

The team’s debut commercial release, Birds of War, launched globally on Steam on 22 July 2026. Built in Unreal Engine 5, it is a fast-paced 3v3v3 aerial PvP arena game in which players use specialised bird classes to raid opposing nests and defend their eggs. Its gameplay combines aerial combat, ragdoll-driven melee interactions and unrestricted proximity voice chat.

Multiplayer and creator-focused design

HexNest builds competitive experiences around emergent social play and shareable moments. For Birds of War, the studio incorporated native short-form capture tools, including a 9:16 vertical camera mode, alongside community-accessible map-modding tools integrated with Steam Workshop.

The studio also operates live-service infrastructure for the game, using AccelByte Gaming Services public cloud and multiplayer servers to support global matchmaking, relay regions and dedicated server fleets. Community updates and ongoing support are coordinated through its player community channels.

Commercial approach

HexNest’s live-operations model uses a “Pay to Flex, Not Pay to Win” approach: monetisation is limited to cosmetic items rather than gameplay advantages. The studio’s development and publishing activity is centred on its own games, combining multiplayer design, technical operations and direct community engagement.

Following a Steam Next Fest demo in June 2026, Birds of War attracted more than 25,000 unique players and over 100,000 wishlists without paid advertising before its commercial release. The title remains the studio’s known released game credit.