South African game developers Free Lives have done it again, releasing another critically well received game on Early Access. Their latest title, Stick It to the Stickman, launched on August 18, 2025, and is already making waves with critics and players alike.

According to early performance data from Video Game Insights, the Unity-powered beat ’em up has sold over 45k units in its opening stretch. With an impressive 97.2% positive review score on Steam and a rapidly growing player base of more than 2,400 concurrent users, the game is shaping up to be one of South Africa’s strongest indie releases this year.

Even more telling is the community anticipation: the game boasts almost 200k outstanding wishlists, a clear signal of sustained momentum ahead. Publisher Devolver Digital has partnered with Free Lives to ensure Stick It to the Stickman reaches a global audience, with strong traction in key markets such as the United States (22%), Turkey (6%), and Brazil (5%).

This success is not new territory for Free Lives, the Cape Town–based studio behind cult hits like Broforce and Anger Foot. But what sets Stick It to the Stickman apart is how quickly it has resonated with players worldwide thanks to its chaotic physics-driven combat, quirky humor, and affordable $4.99 price point.

The studio’s achievement is part of a broader trend: South Africa’s game development scene is no longer an underdog on the global stage with developers proving they can consistently deliver high-quality, commercially successful titles.

The game is available to wishlist and or purchase on Steam now.