Screenshots
Watch trailer on Steam ↗Pixel Detective: Curse of the Paintings
NorthLightPixels · Published by NorthLightPixels · Official site ↗
Content notice: This game contains depictions of pixelated violence, blood, and scenes of death, including poisoning and injury. Although the visuals are stylized in pixel-art, some players may find certain themes disturbing. There are also references to alcohol in the game. No sexual content or nudity is present. The game does not include any depiction of sexual assault, non-consensual acts, or self-harm. Player discretion is advised due to scenes involving murder and crime investigation.
Last updated 28 Sept 2026
A short pixel-art mystery where you play as Nathan, a private investigator drawn into a curious case. Interrogate suspects, examine clues, and uncover hidden details
Adventure, Indie, Free To Play, Casual · 2026 · More free games
Explore a short, intriguing mystery as Nathan, a private investigator, solves puzzles and uncovers secrets through interrogations and clue examinations. Dive into the world of Pixel Detective: Curse of the Paintings, where each decision matters.
About this game
Pixel Detective: Curse of the Paintings
A pixel-art mystery short story.
Step into the shoes of Nathan, a seasoned private investigator, as a cryptic phone call draws him into a case filled with secrets, strange paintings, and suspicious characters.
A Quiet Office, A Disturbing Call
Nathan’s routine day is interrupted by a cryptic phone call — and nothing feels quite right after that. A subtle opening scene that draws you into the mystery.
Late-Night Talks at the Bar
Conversations flow as smoothly as the drinks. Secrets slip in between the sips.
Interact with colorful characters and learn the truth in this moody bar setting.
Culinary Alchemy - A Deadly Award
Not your average recipe book. Poison included. An award-winning cookbook with a curious reputation. What makes it so special?
System Requirements
Will my PC run this? →Minimum
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i3-2100 / AMD FX-4100
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel HD 4000 / GeForce GT 520 / Radeon HD 6450 (DX10)
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 300 MB available space
Supported Languages
Latest news
AnnouncementsOfficial
Pixel Detective: Curse of the Paintings has been cancelled
Hello everyone, We have decided to cancel the Steam release of Pixel Detective: Curse of the Paintings. The game will not launch on 18 September, and the store page will be retired. This was a collaborative project and that collaboration has come to an end. Rather than ship something we cannot properly stand behind and support, we would rather close it cleanly and be straight with you about it. The game was never sold and never released, so no one has paid anything and no refunds are involved. If you had it on your wishlist, you can remove it. Thank you for putting it there in the first place. It genuinely meant something to us. WHAT COMES NEXT Northlight Pixels is not going anywhere. Our next game, Pixel Nightshift: The Vesta Protocol, is confirmed for release on 27 October 2026. That one is happening. Wishlist Pixel Nightshift: The Vesta Protocol here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/5083960/ You can follow everything we are working on at northlightpixels.com Thank you for the support. Northlight PixelsRead full article on Community Announcements (northlightstudios25)AnnouncementsOfficial
Pixel Detective will be free, and launches 18 September
Two things changed since our last post.Pixel Detective will be freeWe had planned a small price tag on it. We changed our minds. It is a short mystery, around 20 to 30 minutes, handcrafted from the first pixel to the last line of dialogue, and we would rather it simply reach people than sit behind a paywall.So on launch day you press install and that is the whole transaction. No demo version, no cut content, nothing to buy inside the game.The new release date is 18 September 2026Ten days later than the date we first announced. Nothing else about the game changes.If you already wishlisted itNothing to do. Steam will notify you on 18 September, and from that moment the game is free to add to your library.What you are gettingA pixel-art mystery short story. A cryptic phone call pulls private investigator Nathan into a case built out of secrets, strange paintings, and people who answer questions with other questions.Interrogate suspects, read between the lines, and catch the details everyone else misses. Available in English, German and Turkish.See you on the 18th.Read full article on Community Announcements (northlightstudios25)AnnouncementsOfficial
Pixel Detective launches September 18
Nathan's case opens on September 18.Pixel Detective: Curse of the Paintings is a short pixel-art mystery. A cryptic phone call, a bar where everyone talks a little too much, and a set of paintings nobody wants to explain.What's inside:A handcrafted pixel-art mystery you can finish in a single sitting, around 20 to 30 minutes.Interrogate suspects and read between the lines.Examine clues and catch the details everyone else misses.Available in English, German and Turkish.The game launches on 18 September 2026.If you like slow-burn detective stories with something off about them, add it to your wishlist. For a studio our size that is the most useful thing you can do.Read full article on Community Announcements (northlightstudios25)
