Jumping into Crescent County for the first time, I hadn’t imagined a digital world where buzzing around on a magical, motorized broomstick could feel so utterly right. Yet, there I was, swooping through vast arcs across the Isle of Morah’s quivering fields, excitedly searching for the ideal hill to launch off and intuitively navigating through trails of flowers that beckoned me towards hidden shortcuts. At first glance, you might think depicting such an oddity would be near impossible, but as I felt the surge of a leyline-powered boost reverberate through my controller, I thought, “Well, maybe it’s not so bizarre after all.”
Crescent County marks the first venture of Electric Saint, a two-person indie team made up of Anna Hollinrake, known for her work on Fall Guys, and Pavle Mihajlović, who contributed to Erica. This ambitious project blends open-world exploration, dating sim elements, gig economy delivery challenges, racing, and life simulation, all revolving around the thrill of the motorbroom. Despite its complexity, the genesis of the game remained quite straightforward.
Hollinrake, who has captivated fans with her “witch-tech” themed art for years, made a leap from AAA game development to create this immersive universe with Mihajlović. They were driven by the countless fans who wished they could dive right into the vibrant, whimsical worlds she paints.
“Whenever I’m at conventions or posting online, the feedback is almost universal: people dream of living in my paintings,” Hollinrake explains. “I’m an all-round game artist specializing in creating enticing worlds that look inviting and slightly wistful. My goal was to transform these painterly spaces into virtual environments where people could feel joy and solace.”
The cohesiveness of Crescent County isn’t an accident. It wasn’t formed from a medley of disparate mechanics the developers fancied; every element exists because it harmonizes with the overall theme. In the preview I experienced, this connectedness was already apparent. Playing as Lu, the game’s protagonist, your trusty motorbroom becomes indispensable. After arriving on the island, you partake in races and later work as a courier, allowing you to interact with a variety of characters, some of whom you may even romance. The proceeds from your delivery gig can be used to spruce up your apartment and optimize your broom for speed and distance. Here, motorbrooms aren’t just transportation—they’re a cultural heartbeat of this virtual community.
“Motorbroom racing is a niche sport engaged by only the coolest crowd,” shares Hollinrake. “Influenced by roller derby and my passion for quad skating, we infused this punk, DIY ethos into the motorbroom subculture.”
Mihajlović continues, “Races are about friends testing their limits, like racing up a mountain, rather than grand sponsored events. Winning might reveal island secrets or help you snag a coveted broom upgrade, but you can also opt for a leisurely day to nurture a budding romance with a racer.”
In Crescent County, each activity feels interconnected. Building a life in this world involves a delicate balance—winning a race could lead you to romance, while a delivery gig might earn you new decor, tangibly improving your life experience.
“We’re keen on how something as cozy as house decoration can propel the story, not just serve aesthetics,” Hollinrake explains. “Like our early twenties scrounging for furniture in house shares, each piece you acquire transforms the space and opens up new social opportunities.”
This establishes a satisfying gameplay cycle: the more you accomplish, the broader the horizon. Crescent County thrives as a living world, not just a game. Its day-and-night cycles revolve around player choice, enhancing interest over efficiency.
“Every day is filled with new possibilities—from earning cash and sprucing up your space to unraveling island stories,” Mihajlović highlights. “Decide who to help, whether it’s Rava, offering her not-so-pretty couch in exchange for herding her sheep, or simply roam around and see where your broom takes you. End your day by furnishing your place with quirky finds and inviting friends over to point out you’ve got no TV.”
The game wouldn’t be nearly as enthralling if the brooms weren’t a delight to ride or if the Isle of Morah wasn’t so captivating. The art-driven world design makes it a joy to explore—silhouettes pierce the skyline and the thrill of exploration captivates you enough to forget about Lu’s tasks. Crucially, customization lets you tailor your broom to your tastes and needs.
“Customizing your broom isn’t just about style but also about how you’ll traverse the island,” Mihajlović says. “Whether it’s speed in open stretches, mastering rugged terrain, or soaring across gaps, different setups unlock new paths and play styles. Sigil Stickers offer special powers like shifting to knock rivals off track or rewinding time to perfect your route.”
This intricate blend of mechanics and narrative benefits feels groundbreaking. It’s the kind of creative freedom that might have struggled to take root at larger studios, making their partnership with ID@Xbox instrumental.
“We adore the ID@Xbox program,” Mihajlović reflects. “It brought to life many beloved games and fueled the indie wave that defined a generation of game development. Being part of this legacy feels like a dream come true.”
Though there’s much ground to cover before Crescent County’s release, the preview already highlights Electric Saint’s bold creativity. Like its motorbrooms, what might initially seem odd is swiftly proving itself a perfect fit. Crescent County is slated for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, and you can wishlist the game now.
