After a 16-year long dev period, Faraway, a shooting star arcade game about siphoning the energy of other stars, is out now

Faraway, an arcade-style game about a shooting star that survives by siphoning energy from other stars, has been released today after a 16-year development period. The game was created entirely by Steph Thirion, known for the cult mobile title Eliss. The project’s lengthy development reflects the challenges of solo game creation, particularly in an era before free-to-play dominated mobile markets. Its procedural generation ensures each playthrough offers fresh constellations and challenges.

The game casts players as a fleeting spark meant to shine briefly before vanishing, yet players extend their existence by connecting to stars and harvesting their energy. This mechanic drives both survival and score accumulation in an arcade-style loop. The visual design emphasizes poetic, procedurally generated star systems that evolve with each run. The result is a game that prioritizes replayability and immediate engagement over complex narratives.

Faraway’s creator, Steph Thirion, previously gained recognition for Eliss, a mobile game released in the early days of smartphone platforms. The game’s development spans over a decade and a half, highlighting the perseverance required for solo projects. Its release on Steam marks the culmination of a personal and artistic journey rather than a commercial pursuit.

The game’s announcement arrives at a time when arcade-style titles are less common, offering a nostalgic yet fresh alternative to prevalent roguelike trends. Available now on Steam, Faraway invites players to experience a minimalist, high-score-driven experience. Its release underscores the enduring appeal of simple, replayable arcade mechanics in a modern context.