At a Glance:
- Release Date: Released
- Genre: Casual / Walking Simulator / Tech Demo
- Platform: PC (Steam)
- Cost: Free to Play
- Developer / Publisher: Ludagon
What Is Postcard?
Postcard is not your typical game. It is a short, free, playable technical demo from Australian indie studio Ludagon that lets you walk around photorealistic 3D scans of real-world locations — complete with the actual lighting, ambient sounds, and even the crunch of gravel recorded on-site.
There is no story to follow, no enemies to fight, and no objectives to chase. Postcard exists purely to showcase what immersive reality-capture technology can look and feel like when it’s turned into a playable experience — and it does so beautifully.
What Can You Do?
1. Explore Real-World Locations
All seven locations currently available in Postcard are captured from real places in Canberra, Australia. Every environment has been painstakingly constructed from approximately 15 to 30 minutes of continuous on-site video footage, processed through a combination of traditional photogrammetry and gaussian splatting to create a stunning visual layer that goes far beyond what a 360-degree video can offer.
- 10 Characters: Choose your avatar before stepping into each location.
- 7 Locations: Each one a unique, real-world environment captured with incredible detail.
- Free Movement: Walk, run, jump, and orbit the camera freely around each space.
2. The Technology Behind It
For the tech-curious, Postcard is a fascinating peek behind the curtain. The environments combine traditional mesh photogrammetry for terrain shapes and shadow-catching, with gaussian splats providing the rich visual layer on top. Spherical HDR photography was captured at the centre of each scene for authentic lighting. Even the footstep sounds were recorded live at each location with a microphone near the developer’s shoes.
Notably, no generative AI was used in the creation of any environment. Everything is handmade from real-world captures.
Who Is This For?
Postcard is perfect for anyone curious about where game technology is heading, or simply for players who appreciate beautiful, tranquil environments. It is also a genuinely interesting free experience for fans of walking sims and exploration games who want something calming and visually impressive without any pressure.
If Ludagon adds more locations based on community interest, Postcard has the potential to become a truly special little project worth keeping an eye on.
Pro Tip: Use a Controller
Postcard lists controller support, and the experience genuinely feels more natural and immersive when played with a gamepad rather than a keyboard and mouse. If you have one handy, plug it in before launching — it makes walking around each scan feel much more like a relaxed stroll through a real place.
