Cinematic Puzzle-Platformer Inspired by Classic Adventure Films Heads to Steam This Summer
“LIFTED,” a cinematic puzzle-platforming adventure created by former Disney Imagineer Jeffrey Ashbrook, is scheduled to launch for PC via Steam on July 22, 2026.
The release date was revealed during The MIX Summer Game Showcase, where developer Adventure Works also debuted updated visuals for the game, including enhanced character animations and expanded environmental detail.
Console versions for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 are currently in development and will launch at a later date.
The upcoming title blends puzzle-solving, platforming and family-friendly storytelling into a time-travel adventure inspired by the blockbuster films and adventure stories of the 1980s.
From Disney Theme Parks to Independent Game Development
Before founding Adventure Works, Ashbrook spent years working as a Disney Imagineer, contributing to immersive theme park attractions including “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run,” one of the centerpiece rides at Disney Parks’ Star Wars-themed lands in California and Florida.
After helping design large-scale interactive experiences for Disney guests, Ashbrook launched Adventure Works to focus on original storytelling through video games.
According to the studio, “LIFTED” reflects many of the cinematic and immersive design principles Ashbrook developed while working on theme park attractions.
Time-Travel Adventure Combines Humor and Exploration
The story follows Ari Buktu, a student seeking extra credit from Professor Lionel Raventhorpe. What begins as an ordinary academic encounter quickly evolves into a globe-spanning and time-traveling journey involving a legendary tiara intended as a gift for the professor’s longtime love interest, Miss Barton.
Players will travel through a variety of historical settings, including 1818 Egypt and locations inspired by ancient Mayan civilizations, while solving puzzles and avoiding dangerous adversaries throughout the adventure.
The game emphasizes exploration, humor and cinematic storytelling rather than combat-heavy gameplay.
Adventure Works describes the experience as an action-adventure inspired by classic family films, but designed without graphic violence, making it accessible to younger players while still appealing to adults who grew up with 1980s adventure movies.
Puzzle-Platforming Meets Movie-Style Storytelling
“LIFTED” combines traditional platforming mechanics with environmental puzzles and comedic sequences intended to create the feel of an interactive animated film.
The game’s script was written by Nick Gambino, a winner at the Austin Film Festival known for narrative-focused storytelling work.
Ashbrook said the project was designed to recreate the sense of wonder found in the movies and games he experienced growing up.
“I grew up loving movies and games that made the world feel bigger than my living room. LIFTED is the closest I’ve gotten to making one,” said Jeffrey Ashbrook, founder of Adventure Works.
“I wanted it to be a game kids could love on their own, and that parents could hand to them feeling like they were passing along a little of what they grew up on.”
Expanding Trend of Family-Friendly Indie Games
As independent developers continue exploring cinematic storytelling and nostalgic influences, games aimed at all-ages audiences have become an increasingly important segment of the indie market.
Titles emphasizing cooperative experiences, lighthearted storytelling and accessible gameplay have gained traction among families and players looking for alternatives to darker or more competitive releases dominating the broader gaming industry.
“LIFTED” appears positioned within that growing category, combining cinematic presentation with puzzle-solving gameplay and a tone centered on humor and adventure.
Multiple Language Support Planned at Launch
The PC version of “LIFTED” will support text localization in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Slovak, Japanese, Korean and both Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
“LIFTED” launches July 22, 2026, for PC via Steam, with PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 versions planned for a future release.
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