October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

Dan Houser’s Absurd Ventures Reveals Absurdaverse Animation and Game Projects

Absurd Ventures is developing Absurdaverse animation and an untitled story-driven open-world action-comedy game. Here’s what its announcements reveal—and what remains unknown.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Absurd Ventures’ Absurdaverse is a new comedy-satire universe planned to span animated projects and a story-driven action-comedy adventure game. The January 2025 reveal introduced character artwork and a broad description—not gameplay, a game title, platforms, or a release plan. In April 2026, the company announced an initial voice cast and a Los Angeles screening event for animated shorts, while saying the series and game remained in development.

What is the Absurdaverse?

The Absurdaverse is one of the fictional settings being developed by Absurd Ventures, the company founded by Dan Houser. The company describes it as comedy and satire, with characters and stories intended to appear across animation and open-world games. It is distinct from Absurd Ventures’ other universes, American Caper and A Better Paradise.

At the January 2025 reveal, Absurd Ventures teased the setting with the line, “Prepare to meet some new kinds of heroes (and watch them suffer).” Video Games Chronicle reported that the accompanying image showed 20 colorful characters, including familiar GTA-style protagonists, a Viking, and a hooded ghoul. Those are descriptions of the image, not official character biographies. VGC’s report and GamesBeat’s coverage summarize the initial reveal.

What game is Dan Houser making?

The first description was an “original story-driven action-comedy adventure game” set in the Absurdaverse. In April 2026, Absurd Ventures described the game as an untitled AAA story-driven open-world project. That later description establishes an open-world scope, but the company has not disclosed specific gameplay systems, missions, or other mechanics.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
LEGO Super Mario Game Boy - Retro Building Sets for Adults, Ages 18+ - Gifts for Birthdays - Collectible Model with Game Paks and Display Stand - 72046
  • BUILD AN ICON – Build the ultimate retro gaming display with the LEGO Game Boy (72046) model kit for adults ages 18 and up
  • RELIVE THE EXCITEMENT – Remember powering up your Game Boy for the first time? Experience the thrill again with this authentic of the handheld gaming sensation
  • DISCOVER AUTHENTIC DETAILS – The instantly-recognizable Game Boy features classic button layout, contrast dial, and interchangeable Game Pak and lenticular screens
  • RETRO ROOM DECOR – Display this buildable model kit on any flat surface in your home or office as an eye-catching centerpiece that celebrates your love of LEGO and Game Boy
  • GIFT FOR MEN & WOMEN – This unique DIY Building kit for adults is sure to thrill retro gaming fans, Nintendo collectors, and pop culture enthusiasts who remember their first Game Boy

The January 2025 announcement was not a gameplay reveal: it offered character images and a broad project description, without a game title, gameplay footage, platform list, or launch plan. The April 2026 update still did not name platforms or give a release window.

What animation has Absurd Ventures announced?

Absurd Ventures announced animated projects in the Absurdaverse alongside the game. In April 2026, it said the untitled animated series and game were still in development and that release windows and platform partnerships would be announced later. The company’s announcement also described an initial set of animated shorts.

Rank #2
Sale
Exquisite Gaming: Call of Duty: Monkeybomb - Original Mobile Phone & Gaming Controller Holder, Device Stand, Cable Guys, Licensed Figure
  • Iconic Monkeybomb Design: This officially licensed Call of Duty collectible features the legendary Monkey Bomb character rendered as a detailed 8.5 in tall gaming accessory that expresses your passion for the franchise
  • Dual-Purpose Controller Holder: Heavy-duty PVC construction with a sturdy base securely holds gaming controllers, smartphones, and devices without tipping, combining functional organization with display appeal
  • Universal Device Compatibility: Grips most gaming controllers including PlayStation 5 DualSense and Xbox Series S/X, plus iPhones, Android phones, TV remotes, and eBook readers for complete desk organization
  • Authentic Licensed Collectible: Officially licensed by Activision, this Cable Guys figure delivers genuine Call of Duty authenticity that counterfeit alternatives cannot match for true COD gamers
  • Premium Gaming Desk Accessory: Transforms any gaming setup into a professional space while keeping your devices within reach, perfect for streamers, competitive players, and collectors who value quality

The shorts were scheduled to premiere at an exclusive live event on May 7 in Los Angeles during the Netflix Is A Joke Festival. That announcement is for a festival screening; it does not establish a general release date or where the shorts will be available afterward. Absurd Ventures’ April 2026 post announced the event and first cast names.

Who is voicing the Absurdaverse characters?

The company’s first announced voice cast includes Rachel Dratch, Dan Soder, Ari Matti, Annie Lederman, Yamaneika Saunders, and Steph Tolev. Absurd Ventures said the projects may involve a cast of hundreds; that is an expectation, not a confirmed final cast size.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
POP Funko Games: Astro Bot
  • IDEAL COLLECTIBLE SIZE - At approximately 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) tall, this vinyl mini figurine complements other collectable merchandise and fits perfectly in your display case or on your desk.
  • PREMIUM VINYL MATERIAL - Made from durable vinyl, this collectible is built to last and withstand daily wear, ensuring long-lasting enjoyment for fans and collectors alike.
  • GIFT IDEA FOR ASTRO BOT FANS - Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions and as a present this figurine is a must-have addition to any Smile merchandise collection
  • EXPAND YOUR COLLECTION - Add this unique Astro Bot vinyl display piece to your growing assortment of Funko Pop! figures, and seek out other rare and exclusive collectible items for a complete set
  • LEADING POP CULTURE BRAND - Trust in the expertise of Funko, the premier creator of pop culture merchandise that includes vinyl figures, action toys, plush, apparel, board games, and more.

The republished announcement also identifies several short-film roles: Dan Soder voices a Chief People Officer, Rachel Dratch voices a sovereign-citizen podcaster, and Samantha Alton voices an MMA fighter. Lazlow Jones, a longtime collaborator, said the aim is to work with comedians on characters and stories that cross between animation and open-world games. Houser described the shorts as an introduction to a group of characters from the new universe. The republished announcement includes those role details and quotes.

How does the Absurdaverse differ from A Better Paradise?

Absurd Ventures has announced more than one fictional universe, and the projects should not be conflated. The Absurdaverse is the company’s comedy-satire setting; American Caper is crime fiction that began as a graphic novel, while A Better Paradise began as audio fiction.

Rank #4
Exquisite Gaming: Halo: Master Chief - Mobile Phone & Gaming Controller Holder, Device Stand, Cable Guys, Xbox Licensed Figure, Green
  • Master Chief ready for action: This iconic Halo character stands eight inches tall in his signature green armor, poised to protect and display your gaming devices with commanding presence
  • Heavy duty construction: Sturdy PVC figure with reinforced circular base designed to securely hold phones, controllers, and remotes without tipping or wobbling during gameplay
  • Versatile device holder: Easily accommodates most smartphones, Xbox and PlayStation controllers, business cards, eBook readers, and other hand-held items for multi-purpose functionality
  • Official Xbox licensed collectible: Authentically styled Master Chief figure featuring detailed battle-worn armor and gold visor brings genuine Halo franchise appeal to your gaming setup
  • Perfect gaming gift: Essential collectible for Halo enthusiasts and Xbox gamers who want to combine fandom expression with practical desk organization and display value
Project Universe Announced format or description
Untitled Absurdaverse game Absurdaverse Story-driven action-comedy adventure; later described by the company as an AAA open-world project
Absurdaverse animation Absurdaverse Animated shorts and an untitled series; a shorts screening was announced for a festival event
Separately announced open-world game A Better Paradise AAA open-world science-fiction action-adventure game; Smilegate announced global publishing and development funding in August 2025, when it was in early development

The A Better Paradise game is a separate project, not the Absurdaverse game. Smilegate’s August 2025 announcement identifies its project as part of A Better Paradise.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

When will the Absurdaverse game come out, and what platforms will it use?

Neither a release window nor platforms had been announced in the company’s April 2026 update. The game remained in development and untitled at that point. Absurd Ventures said release windows and platform partnerships would come later; it did not provide dates for those announcements.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Master Chief Deluxe Helmet with Stand- Helmet with LED Lights on Each Side - Battle Damaged Paint - No SFX - One-Size-Fits-Most
  • DELUXE HELMET: Fight back the Covenant with the Master Chief Deluxe Helmet
  • LED LIGHTS: Features LED on each side that allows you to spot the enemy in the dark
  • BATTLE DAMAGE: Includes special battle damage design painted throughout
  • DELUXE STAND: Maximize play and display by placing the helmet on its Deluxe Stand
  • OFFICIAL PRODUCT: Officially licensed Halo product from Jazwares

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Turn On Vibrant Visuals in MinecraftMinecraftBlog3min
  2. Best Multiplayer Games for Low-End PCsBlog4min
  3. Minecraft: How To Use And Install OptiFineBlog5min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.