Before diving into an early version of Crescent County, I couldn’t have imagined that a motorized magical broomstick would feel so spot-on in a game. Yet, here I am, gracefully curving through the wind-swept grasses of the Isle of Morah, on the lookout for the perfect spot to launch into the sky. The paths of flowers lead me towards hidden shortcuts across this open world, and as the leyline boost shakes my controller, I can’t help but think, “This just works.”
Crescent County, the brainchild of the dynamic duo at Electric Saint—Anna Hollinrake, known for Fall Guys, and Pavle Mihajlović, with his work on Erica—is a delightful blend of open-world exploration, dating, racing, and life simulation, all centered around the whimsical “motorbroom” experience. It’s a bold endeavor with so many elements in play, but surprisingly, the inspiration behind it all is remarkably straightforward.
Anna Hollinrake has spent years painting vivid “witch-tech” worlds, capturing imaginations both online and at conventions. Trading in her AAA career to partner with Mihajlović on the tech side, there was one enchanting setting they both wanted to bring to life.
“The feedback I treasure most is when people tell me they wish they could step into my paintings,” Hollinrake shared. “Having worked all along the art pipeline, my real passion is worldbuilding—creating rich, inviting 3D environments filled with story and emotion. I want players to set foot in a beautifully crafted, painterly world where they feel both joy and a melancholic sense of belonging.”
With Crescent County, every game element is designed to fit this artistic vision seamlessly. In the demo I played, you embody Lu, whose motorbroom becomes her everything—from greeting the island and joining races to becoming the go-to delivery courier, sparking relationships, and personalizing her broom. In this universe, motorbrooms are more than vehicles—they’re a whole culture.
“Motorbroom racing is an underground scene, much like roller derby and skating communities,” Hollinrake noted. “There’s a punk, DIY vibe we wanted to capture.”
In terms of racing, Mihajlović added, “It’s more about friendly rivalries—seeing who ascends the mountain first—than corporate races. Winning might uncover island secrets or tips for broom upgrades, but you could also just hang out with a racer you fancy.”
This intertwining of activities—where each can influence another—is fundamental to building a life for Lu. Racing can spark romance, deliveries might net new home decor, and even furnishing your apartment isn’t just decorative but plays into the greater narrative.
“We’re intrigued by making even home decoration drive the story,” Hollinrake explained. “Like finding treasures on Facebook Marketplace—by helping locals, you might score a slightly unwanted couch, inspired by our own experiences in shared living spaces. Each piece changes your social circle—can’t host a dinner without a table, and that could lead to late-night chats, regardless if dinner turned out a bit basic.”
This results in a compelling loop—the more you immerse yourself, the richer your options become. Crescent County is designed as a living world, not just a playground. Days and nights progress by your choices—whether delivering by day, racing by night—presenting engaging possibilities over mere efficiency.
“Every day is a chance to earn, spruce up, and dive into drama,” Mihajlović said. “Choose who to help based on your goals—be it for gossip or that hard-to-get broom part. Or, go with the flow, riding around to see what unfolds. End your day by taking home quirky finds, placing them just right, and inviting pals for a movie night—that is, if you had a TV.”
Without a delightful broom experience and a mesmerizing Isle of Morah, none of this would matter. Hollinrake’s art infuses the world with intrigue—strange horizons invite exploration as much as completing Lu’s tasks. The last touch is crafting a motorbroom that mirrors you.
“Broom customization is about crafting a ride that feels uniquely yours while steering your island adventures,” Mihajlović described. “Whether it’s darting across fields or soaring over canyons, each setup shapes new pathways and styles. Sigil Stickers can give you quirky abilities, from nudging rivals to rewinding time for a redo.”
Combining these gameplay and narrative perks isn’t just inventive; it’s rare—something their old studios might’ve hesitated at. Thus, self-publishing with ID@Xbox has been instrumental for them.
“We adore the ID@Xbox program,” Mihajlović enthused. “It brought forth indie games that inspired our entry into gaming creation. Being part of that legacy feels surreal.”
With a two-person team, Crescent County’s release still lies ahead, with no set launch date yet. However, the early version shows Electric Saint’s wild, ambitious vision taking root beautifully. Like its motorbrooms, Crescent County may seem peculiar, but it fits just right.
Crescent County is gearing up for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Don’t forget to wishlist it now!
