23 October 2025

Indie studio The Planar Danse has announced The Fool’s Apprentice, a wizard academy management sim set to launch on Steam in Q1 2025. In this mystical strategy game, players take on the role of an Arcanist, tasked with establishing and managing a magical academy, guiding hapless apprentices through rigorous studies, groundbreaking research, and, occasionally, perilous experiments.

Shape the Future of Magic

As a renowned Arcanist, your reputation among the elite wizards of the Arcane Conservatory has granted you the opportunity to shape the next generation of spellcasters. The city of Golryon looks to you for leadership, but whether you use your knowledge for the greater good or hoard your arcane discoveries for power is entirely your choice.

With a flood of eager apprentices at your doorstep, you must determine how best to educate them. Will you nurture their potential with patience and guidance, or take a more “practical” approach by using them as subjects for experimental magic? After all, some of the greatest discoveries come with a little sacrifice.

Cast Spells, Control Fates

Your magical prowess grants you the ability to directly influence your students. Cast spells such as levitation, mind control, and even disintegration to “guide” them toward their full potential. The most promising apprentices may go on to achieve greatness under your mentorship—while others may meet an unfortunate fate in the pursuit of knowledge.

Forge Your Own Path

The success of your academy will shape your standing in Golryon. Will you seek out long-forgotten arcane secrets, conducting increasingly risky research to push the limits of magic? Or will you challenge the traditions of the Arcane Conservatory and create a haven for aspiring spellcasters, offering them a peaceful place to study?

Your choices have consequences. The ruling class and common folk alike will watch your every move. Siding with noble patrons may grant you favor and resources, but ignoring the needs of the people could spark a rebellion.

Key Features:

  • Spell-Slinging Studies – Educate apprentices by managing their studies, honing their magical abilities, and utilizing their skills to unlock new advancements in arcanoscience.
  • Customize Your Academy – Design your wizarding institution with unique decorations and workstation upgrades while navigating narrative dilemmas that shape the future of magic.
  • Meet Golryon’s Demands – Fend off or fulfill requests from the city’s rulers and citizens, take in noble offspring, and decide which factions to support in times of conflict.
  • Decide Who Gets Magic – Bring arcane knowledge to the people or hoard it for the elite—but beware, your decisions may incite loyalty or revolt!

The Fool’s Apprentice is set to release on Windows PC via Steam in Q1 2025. A playable demo is available now on the Steam page.