Before diving into the early version of Crescent County, I couldn’t have imagined what it would be like to ride a magical motorized broomstick in a game. Yet, here I am, sweeping wide curves across the gently swaying grasses of the Isle of Morah. Picking out the perfect hill to launch off from, I’m drawn to follow floral trails that hint at shortcuts around this open-world setting. Depicting something as unique as this might seem daunting, but as the leyline-powered boost makes my controller hum, I’m beginning to think, “maybe it can be done.”
Developed by Electric Saint—a dynamic duo consisting of Anna Hollinrake, known for Fall Guys, and Pavle Mihajlović, of Erica fame—Crescent County combines elements of open-world exploration, dating sim, gig economy delivery challenges, racing, and life simulation. It’s a game centered around the motorbroom experience, ambitious in scope but emerging cohesively from a straightforward genesis.
For years, Hollinrake has been crafting art pieces she calls “witch-tech,” drawing admirers to the vibrant, whimsical worlds she brings to life. Deciding to leave AAA game development behind, Hollinrake teamed up with Mihajlović to create a world from one of her beloved artistic settings.
“At conventions, when I sell art based on this world, or on social media, the feedback is always how people wish they could step into the paintings,” she explains. “I draw on my experience as an art generalist in gaming to create environments that tell stories and feel inviting yet tinged with melancholy. Crescent County offers that chance to step into a lovingly constructed, painterly world.”
This isn’t a hodgepodge of mechanical ideas glued together; every aspect of the game is designed to fit the overarching theme. Even in this early iteration, that vision shines through. As Lu, the protagonist, your motorbroom is essential for everything—be it arriving, racing, or taking up the local delivery job. This gig lets you bond with characters, which might turn romantic, spruce up your living space, and enhance your broom. Here, motorbrooms transcend transportation; they form a cultural backbone.
“Motorbroom racing is a niche passion, much like roller derby,” says Hollinrake, drawing from her own love for quad skating. “We wanted to reflect the punk, DIY spirit of these communities within our motorbroom subculture.”
Mihajlović adds, “Racing here is more about friendly challenges—racing to the top of a mountain, perhaps—than formal events. Win, and you might uncover island secrets or insider tips on broom parts, but you could just as easily choose to hang back, enjoying the company of a fellow racer you’re sweet on.”
Everything in Crescent County is interconnected. A race could spark romance, a delivery run might score you new décor, and even homebuilding—often a mere side quest—can impact the broader game universe.
“We wanted house decoration to drive our narrative forward, not just serve as eye candy,” Hollinrake explains. “You can do odd jobs around the island for bits of furniture, in classic Facebook Marketplace fashion. From our own experiences in shared, modest houses, we know how each item can shape your space socially and emotionally. Having a proper dining table is crucial for hosting friends, after all.”
This creates a gratifying cycle of play; invest time and engage deeply, and the game world evolves with new possibilities. Crescent County is crafted not as a sandbox but a living world, with days and nights moving by your activity choices, encouraging exploration over efficiency.
Mihajlović outlines, “Every new day in the game offers fresh chances—earn some money, fix up your flat, uncover island gossip. Decide who to help based on what intrigues you, whether it’s securing a broom upgrade or simply being there for a friend in need. Your reward might be an ugly couch, but it’s adventures like these that fill your day, leading to fun evenings with friends—even without a TV.”
The joy of Crescent County is heightened by the tactile pleasure of broom riding and the enchanting landscape of the Isle of Morah, each piece connected to Hollinrake’s art. This world captivates with its newness; it invites as much as it challenges, making exploration a delight. Customizing your broom is another layer of connection.
“Customization is about creating a broom that feels personally yours, but it also influences how you traverse the island,” says Mihajlović. “Whether you love speeding through straights, soaring over fields, or skimming across canyons, different setups unlock unique pathways and playstyles. Sigil Stickers add a twist, offering powers like a lateral phase shift to jostle rivals or a time rewind for that perfect turn.”
The intertwining of mechanics and narrative is not just intriguing but rare, something that might have been difficult to realize within traditional game studios. Fortunately, the pair has found freedom in the ID@Xbox program:
“We’ve long admired ID@Xbox and its predecessor, Xbox Live Arcade,” reflects Mihajlović. “These platforms launched countless games we love, shaped the indie landscape, and inspired our own journeys into game design. Being part of this program now is a dream come true.”
As a two-person team, Crescent County still has some distance to cover before completion—especially with no set release date—but the preview I experienced shows how bold and wonderfully peculiar Electric Saint’s vision is. Even at this stage, Crescent County’s motorbrooms might be unconventional, but they’re perfectly tuned.
Look out for Crescent County coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. You can add it to your wishlist now.
