PlateUp! (2022)

PlateUp! challenges up to four players to establish and operate a bustling restaurant from scratch. Players curate their menu from a wide selection of mains, sides, desserts, and more, then strategically purchase and place appliances, with the option to daisy-chain equipment for ambitious automatic kitchen setups. The game offers free rein to design and lay out the kitchen and dining areas, which expand and develop between shifts, unlocking additional content and challenges through consistent progression. Beyond the frantic co-op cooking, players also manage front-of-house tasks like seating customers, delivering orders, and handling their patience, all while attempting to conquer 15 hectic days to unlock a brand-new franchise in a procedurally-generated environment. Between shifts, the restaurant closes, allowing for crucial planning and customization. Players decide on new equipment, from turbo-ovens and conveyors for a high-tech robo-kitchen to art collections and updated decor for a fancier establishment. Exceeding daily goals allows the franchise to relocate, bringing new unlocks and upgrades, and enabling players to tailor their brand towards gourmet dining or a fast-food empire. PlateUp!'s innovative blend of chaotic co-op, strategic progression, and deep customization made it an undeniable hit for Yogscast Games. It quickly became one of their most successful and critically acclaimed publications, exemplifying their knack for backing indie titles that capture widespread appeal and provide endlessly replayable, engaging experiences, solidifying its place among their best offerings.