The Indie Studio Using Puzzles to Make People Fall in Love with Mathematics Again
Indie studio Filiokus is set to launch its debut title Cal & Bomba, on Steam this Thursday, October 16, 2025. Priced at $9.99 with a 20% launch discount, this tactical program-before-you-play puzzle game invites players to plan, sequence and unleash explosive chain reactions across more than 170 handcrafted levels.
With Cal & Bomba, Filiokus brings its passion for mathematics and its mission to help players rediscover the joy of problem-solving through play. Founded by Martin Lothe Sæterdal and Gjermund Mørkved Bohne, the studio explores the intersection of math, design, and fun - aiming to help people overcome math anxiety by turning logic into creative expression.
The answer became Filiokus’ philosophy, rooted in the Norwegian word “matteglede”, the joy of math. Cal & Bomba is designed to spark this feeling by turning abstract logic into playful, visual problem-solving. Instead of punishing mistakes, the game turns them into colorful explosions, surprises and opportunities to learn by doing.
Cal & Bomba follows the explosive adventures of Cal, a pyromaniac gnome with a knack for calculations and Bomba, his troll partner, who delights in the colors of big booms. Players program their moves in advance, loading bombs, potions and commands into their wagon-cannon, then watch their plans unfold in spectacular chain reactions.
With a mix of humor, color and deep logic, the game blends accessibility and challenge across three themed worlds, a prologue and boss battles. Normal mode welcomes players who might have struggled with math in the past, while Hard mode delivers brain-melting puzzles for veterans who love a mental challenge.
Key Features
Program-before-you-play puzzles where every move sparks a chain reaction
Math-inspired design that turns logic into colorful chaos
170+ handcrafted levels across 3 themed worlds and a prologue
Two difficulty modes: accessible for newcomers, challenging for veterans
Playful duo: Cal the calculating gnome and Bomba the explosion-loving trol
At Filiokus, the focus is on creating games that reward persistence and clever thinking with moments of discovery. Cal & Bomba embodies this approach, turning challenge into play and showing how logic can spark joy.
“We want to spread matteglede - the joy of math - through games,” says co-founder Martin Lothe Sæterdal. “When you solve a tough puzzle, it feels good. That feeling stays with you and it’s something we want everyone to experience.”
Release Information:
Title: Cal & Bomba
Developer / Publisher: Filiokus
Release Date: October 16, 2025, 15:00 UK time
Platform: PC (Steam) - Windows, Mac, Linux
Price: 9.99$ (-20% discount)