Lifted Release Date Set for July 2026 on PC, Switch 2, and PS5

The cinematic puzzle-platformer Lifted will officially launch on PC via Steam on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, as confirmed during The MIX Summer Game Showcase. Developed by Adventure Works, founded by former Disney Imagineer Jeffrey Ashbrook, the title is also slated for future release on the Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5, though specific launch windows for these consoles have not yet been announced.

The Development Background of Lifted

Jeffrey Ashbrook brings a unique professional history to the gaming industry, having spent years designing immersive attractions for Disney Parks. His portfolio includes work on high-profile rides such as Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. According to the official announcement, Ashbrook founded Adventure Works to apply the specific narrative design techniques and interactive storytelling methods he refined while working in the theme park sector to a new medium.

In our coverage at In Game News, we have tracked how developers from the entertainment sector often bring distinct pacing and world-building skills to independent titles. Ashbrook stated that his goal with this project was to create a narrative-driven experience that captures the feeling of classic cinema. He intended for the game to be accessible to younger players while maintaining a level of quality that resonates with adults who grew up on 1980s adventure films.

Gameplay Mechanics and Narrative Structure

The story of Lifted centers on two primary characters: Ari Buktu, a student seeking extra credit, and Professor Lionel Raventhorpe. The narrative follows their unexpected partnership as they travel across time and space. Their primary objective is to secure a legendary tiara, which serves as a gift for Miss Barton, a colleague of the professor. The game is framed as a non-violent adventure, focusing on exploration and problem-solving rather than combat.

Players will navigate a variety of historical and fantastical settings, ranging from 1818 Egypt to ancient Mayan civilizations. The gameplay loop consists of:

• Solving complex environmental puzzles to progress through the story.
• Platforming through distinct, time-period-accurate locations.
• Evading historical figures and antagonists who act as obstacles to the protagonists' goals.

The design philosophy behind these mechanics relies on the immersive storytelling techniques Ashbrook developed during his tenure as an Imagineer. By removing traditional combat, the studio emphasizes the puzzle-platforming elements, ensuring the experience remains focused on the central quest.

Platform Availability and Future Updates

While the PC version on Steam has a confirmed release date of July 22, 2026, the console versions are currently in development. The inclusion of the Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 as target platforms indicates a broad release strategy for Adventure Works. We will continue to monitor our Nintendo coverage and our PlayStation coverage for updates regarding when these versions will reach the market.

The decision to prioritize the PC platform for the initial launch allows the team to finalize the technical aspects of the game before adapting the controls for the unique hardware of the Nintendo Switch 2, including its Joy-Con controllers, and the haptic features of the PlayStation 5. As of the current announcement, no specific release dates for these console ports have been provided by the studio.

Comparative Development Context

When looking at the history of indie adventure games, titles like 2016's Joana's Life established a precedent for narrative-focused experiences on PC. However, Lifted distinguishes itself by utilizing the cinematic background of its lead developer. The project is designed to bridge the gap between passive media consumption and active gameplay, a core tenet of the Adventure Works philosophy.

The following table outlines the current platform distribution status for the title:

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the official release date for Lifted?

Lifted is scheduled to launch on PC via Steam on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Is Lifted coming to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2?

Yes, Adventure Works has confirmed that versions for the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 are in development and will be released at a later date.

Who is the developer behind the game Lifted?

Lifted is developed by Adventure Works, a studio founded by former Disney Imagineer Jeffrey Ashbrook.