Indie studio Nexent Games brings an interesting and different approach to “cozy” games with their new project Kernelbay, which will be released on May 13, 2026, on PC via Steam.
Kernelbay is an idle fishing game designed to be constantly present on your screen – like a small overlay that fits into your everyday work on the computer. While you perform other tasks, your fisherman automatically sails the seas, catches fish, and explores new locations.
The game is based on a relaxed pace and occasional interaction. Instead of constant active play, it’s enough to occasionally engage to manage progress and make decisions. During gameplay, you can:
discover various types of fish
upgrade your boat and equipment
explore hand-designed islands
A special atmosphere is created by the ability for the game to change your desktop background depending on the location you are in, making Kernelbay a sort of “living” part of your computer.
Kernelbay is ideal for players looking for a non-intrusive and relaxing experience, as well as for those who want to have a game running in the background while they work or surf. The combination of idle mechanics and desktop integration makes it one of the more interesting indie projects in this genre.
