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Springdale-Based Causeway Studios Launches Debut Video Game

The Haunting of Joni Evers Launches Today On Steam

Northwest Arkansas has a rich tradition of folklore and storytelling, and now it’s home to a game that brings those tales to life in a way you’ve never seen before. Causeway Studios, an independent developer based right here in the Ozarks, has officially launched its debut title, The Haunting of Joni Evers, available now on PC via Steam. This atmospheric adventure blurs the line between memory, reality, and the supernatural, taking players on a journey that’s as introspective as it is eerie.

🏚 Step Inside the Cunningham House

At the heart of the story is Joni Evers, a woman estranged from her family and drawn back to her ancestral home, the Cunningham House—a sprawling, decaying mansion full of shadows and secrets. To uncover the truth, players must solve puzzles and confront ghosts that are as tied to the family’s past as they are to Joni’s own identity.

“This isn’t just a haunted house game—it’s a story about the ghosts we all carry within ourselves,” says Greg Rogers, Creative Director of Causeway Studios. “It’s about reckoning with loss, healing old wounds, and finding clarity through the darkness.”

With its haunting atmosphere, The Haunting of Joni Evers invites players to explore forgotten rooms and long-buried memories at their own pace. Whether uncovering the curse tied to the Cunningham family’s legacy or piecing together fragments of Joni’s memories, the game is equal parts emotional storytelling and supernatural adventure.

🎵 A Game That Stays With You

The atmosphere of The Haunting of Joni Evers is as much a character as the Cunningham House itself. The game features Kelly Pekar’s evocative voice acting and a haunting score by Gustavo Coutinho (PAYDAY 3) that enhances every twist and turn. From creaking floorboards to ghostly whispers, the world feels alive, yet heartbreakingly haunted.

“Each room in the house holds fragments of lives once lived—memories players can connect with, discover, or mourn,” says Brianna Jenkins, Art Director. The result is a richly layered narrative that rewards curiosity. Forgotten relics and secret passages reveal not just the house’s secrets but the deeper wounds that shaped Joni’s family.

🌎 From the Ozarks to the Strange and Supernatural

Based in the Ozarks, Causeway Studios drew inspiration from local folklore and Southern storytelling traditions to craft The Haunting of Joni Evers. The game marks the first entry in their Worlds Across the Causeway anthology—a connected universe of stories where reality collides with the surreal. Each game in the series promises to explore deeply human struggles through supernatural lenses, creating worlds where mystery and meaning intersect.

For a studio making its debut, Causeway Studios is already making waves in the gaming world. With professional experience working on Unity tools and educational games, the team has blended their technical expertise with a love of storytelling to create something truly unique.

🎮 Ready to Play?

Whether you’re a fan of narrative-driven games, atmospheric exploration, or just love a good ghost story, The Haunting of Joni Evers will satisfy the itch. Step into the Cunningham House today on Steam, where every room is waiting to tell its story. But beware—some truths may be harder to face than others.

Learn more about Causeway Studios and their upcoming projects HERE.