// Play Canadian

We started the Play Canadian label because we want to use our (admittedly small) voice to help promote Canadian-owned video games. These days in particular, thanks to a certain difficult neighbour, many Canadians find themselves looking around for more homegrown options.

We’ve got a lot of good stuff up here! I was amazed just how many incredible games are being developed in Canada. Especially indie games that don’t get a lot of coverage.

I’m super stoked to write a feature about each and every one of them. Hopefully you’ll find some more games for your wishlist too, whether you’re Canadian or not, eh.

To kick things off, we have a feature on an upcoming title called Button Man.

// What is Button Man?

Button Man is a side-scrolling adventure game set in a fictionalized version of Nova Scotia. It’s set during the time of prohibition.

The game’s Steam page describes the premise as:

“Welcome to Kingsport! Home to the best views, friendliest of neighbors, and base to one of the biggest bootlegging operations on the Atlantic Ocean. Join us as Bruce McKenzie, professional Button Man to the local Kingpin, in his quest to find the killer of his boss and beloved socialite.”

Button Man offers players a choice between talking or punching your way out of problems with a combination of point-and-click and beat-em-up styles of gameplay.

Visually, the game takes inspiration from comic books of the 1920s and 30s with beautiful hand-drawn artwork.

The full list of features includes:

• Meaningful choices that changes the lives of the people of Kingsport.
• Tactical beat ’em up against myriad enemies.
• Peaceful paths depending on choices and puzzle-solving.
• An explorable city full of activities and collectibles.
• A number of companions that will join you in battles and in puzzles.
• Reputation and mental health systems
• Multiple endings.

// Who is Making Button Man?

Styrax Studios was founded in 2021 and are based in – you guessed it – Halifax.

Their website lists them as a five-man crew plus one advisor.

Button Man is their debut title.

// When and Where can I Play Button Man?

Button Man is planned for release on PC with an estimated release period of Q4 2025. There is currently a demo available on Steam.

I’ll leave you with this quote from their website:

At its heart Button Man is a love letter to Halifax, its history, the good and the bad. It is about the people of the town, those born in it and those that found it, their connections and your influence on their lives.