Sunnyside Games

Sunnyside Games is an independent video game development studio based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Established in 2013, it creates games for PC, consoles and mobile devices, with a particular focus on hand-drawn 2D animation, expressive visual worlds and action-driven gameplay. Its work combines backgrounds in classical animation with interactive design, bringing frame-by-frame character animation, stylized environments and fluid combat into its games.

The studio's capabilities span concept art, storyboarding, visual worldbuilding, animation and full-cycle game development. Alongside its own productions, it offers visual asset production, porting and external co-development. Its catalog ranges from compact arcade experiences to side-scrolling action games and Metroidvania adventures.

From mobile arcade games to action adventures

Sunnyside released The Firm in August 2014. Developed during a game jam, the mobile arcade game puts players in the role of a bank trader making rapid decisions under pressure. The studio subsequently developed Towaga, a 2D action and defense game released in January 2017.

The expanded Towaga: Among Shadows joined Apple Arcade's launch lineup in 2019 and later reached PC and consoles through publisher Noodlecake Studios. Its animated presentation continued the studio's emphasis on handcrafted visual design within action-focused games.

Released in June 2023 through Dear Villagers, Nocturnal brought Sunnyside's work to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch. The side-scrolling action platformer centers on a flame-wielding mechanic that allows players to cut through a suffocating mist, connecting its combat and exploration to a defining environmental feature.

Independent production

By 2024, Sunnyside had begun Nocturnal 2, its first fully self-funded and self-published project. The hand-drawn Metroidvania action-adventure takes place in the ancient city of Ytash and extends the studio's focus on animated 2D action. As of November 9, 2026, its release was scheduled for November 10, 2026, on PC through Steam and Nintendo Switch.