Discover Crescent County: The Must-Play Witch-Tech Racing-Life Simulation Game

Before diving into the preview version of Crescent County, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the idea of a magical, motorized broomstick in a game. But soon enough, I found myself weaving smooth curves through the isle of Morah’s softly undulating grass, picking out perfect little hills to soar from, and naturally tracing paths of flowers that lead to hidden shortcuts. It’s hard to imagine there’s a “right” way to capture such eccentric gameplay, and yet, with the rumble of my controller signaling a leyline-powered speed boost, I started to think, “Perhaps, they’ve nailed it.”

Created by Electric Saint, a duo of developers consisting of Anna Hollinrake from Fall Guys fame and Pavle Mihajlović of Erica, Crescent County blends open-world exploration with elements of dating, gig economy delivery challenges, racing, and life simulation, all revolving around those captivating motorbrooms. It might seem like a complex mix of ideas thrown together piece by piece, but its inception was actually quite simple.

Anna Hollinrake has been crafting “witch-tech” art for years, drawing people into her enchanting and vibrant worlds through her paintings. When she decided to leave behind the AAA game world and reached out to Mihajlović to handle the technical side, they were both drawn to one universe in particular.

“The biggest feedback I get at conventions when people see my art,” Hollinrake tells me, “is that they wish they could live inside these paintings.” As an art generalist in the gaming industry, she has run the whole gamut of artistic roles but is particularly adept at weaving together worlds that feel lived-in, with stories laced through every nook and cranny. She wanted to build a space that’s both idyllic and tinged with a touch of melancholy, where people feel truly at home.

The result? Crescent County is thoughtfully constructed, harmonizing all its elements rather than piecing together disparate ideas. Even in the early stages of the game that I experienced, this theme is evident. You play as Lu, whose motorbroom is central to every adventure – from racing upon arrival, becoming the island’s delivery expert, to fostering relationships with residents and decking out your apartment. Here, motorbrooms aren’t mere transport – they’re a lifestyle.

According to Hollinrake, “Motorbroom racing is akin to an underground culture with a hint of punk DIY spirit, much like the vibe within roller derby circles. It’s not about grand races with sponsors and spectators. Instead, think of playful challenges among friends, like seeing who scales the mountain first.” Mihajlović adds, “Winning might reveal island secrets or help you find special broom parts, but you can also just hang out and get closer to someone you fancy.”

This interconnectedness, where every action influences another, is core to Crescent County. Lu builds a life on the island – races might lead to love, courier jobs could score new furnishings, and even decorating your home can impact the broader narrative.

“We’re passionate about transforming cozy home decorating into a story-driving mechanic,” says Hollinrake. Commercial gigs on the island might reward you with a new (albeit secondhand) couch, recalling the sense of achievement from making an impersonal space feel like home, just like in your post-grad apartment days. These elements create a satisfying cycle – the more you play and engage, the more opportunities arise, emphasizing a living world dynamic over a basic playground. Days and nights don’t just tick by—they adapt depending on your actions, inviting you to choose excitement over efficiency.

“Every day opens up new chances to make money, brighten up your apartment, and uncover island drama,” Mihajlović explains. Who you help can lead to revelations, gossip, or a coveted broom upgrade. You can meticulously plan your day or just explore and see where you end up. And at night, you might take that quirky new couch and invite friends over, even if you’re missing a TV for the movie night.

Ultimately, Crescent County’s charm lies in making everything feel naturally connected and exhilarating. The detailed and mysterious world, deeply rooted in Hollinrake’s artwork, and the exhilarating broomtip excursions make it compelling enough to just wander aimlessly. The final element in this thrilling puzzle is personalizing your motorbroom to suit your unique style.

Mihajlović notes, “Customizing your broom is about aesthetics and utility, whether zipping across plains, edging cliffs, or mastering canyon glides. You can use Sigil Stickers for cool abilities, like nudging rivals off with a sudden shift or rewinding time for a perfect corner retake.”

This seamless combination of gameplay mechanics and narrative rewards isn’t just innovative—it’s rare, and could have struggled under traditional game studio structures. This is where their self-publishing journey with ID@Xbox proves advantageous.

“We love ID@Xbox—the past and present,” Mihajlović shares. “It’s championed numerous games, and fueled the indie wave that drew us into the industry. I remember the exhilaration of seeing indie games legitimized on console during the first Summer of Arcade. Now, being part of that legacy is surreal.”

With just two creators at the helm, the journey to Crescent County’s release is ongoing, with no firm launch date yet. However, even at this stage, it’s clear Electric Saint is achieving something uniquely ambitious and exciting. Crescent County, like its iconic motorbrooms, might be unconventional, but it’s definitely hitting the right notes.

Crescent County is coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Add it to your wishlist today.