The curtains have drawn on the latest presentation dedicated to the crème de la crème of indie games. For those who missed it, fear not! A thorough breakdown of the best offerings—21, to be precise—has been compiled for easy consumption. It’s like fast food, but much more fulfilling and minus the feeling of regret afterwards.
Since its inception in 2012, this showcase has transformed into an independent non-profit organization, dedicated to shining a spotlight on the games that make players do a happy dance in their living rooms.
Some games were brand-spanking-new, while others updated the audience on previously teased titles. Either way, the show was a delightful buffet of pixels and creativity, just a day before the prestigious Game Awards. Buckle up and take a look at the alphabetically ordered lineup, complete with developer words of wisdom.
Astromine
Alientrap
This is not just a stroll through someone’s backyard; it’s a co-op survival game set in a fully destructible voxel solar system. Players will dig through worlds, burn bases, and dig into alien creatures without remorse. Expect to be knee-deep in sabotage, as rival robot factions obliterate each other across diverse and dangerous planets. Who knew planetary destruction could be so… entertaining?
Awaysis
17-Bit, Cult Games
Think of this one as the ultimate dungeon brawler where physics plays as much of a role as combat. Players will find themselves jumping, sliding, and colliding all over an ancient floating relic called Awaysis. Expect the unexpected, as you bop enemies along the way, all while jamming to an epic soundtrack by the legendary Hip Tanaka. Because nothing says ‘adventure’ quite like a little funky music in the background!
Beastro
Timberline Studio, Kepler
Chef hats on! Gather ingredients, care for adorable farm animals, and grow your own fruits and veggies to craft a picturesque town-to-table restaurant. This is basically Animal Crossing, but with a lot fewer anthropomorphic animals and a lot more culinary creativity.
Big Hops
Luckshot Games
Enter the froggy fitness world! This action-packed platformer features Hop, a young frog. What’s his quest? Collect Airship Parts scattered across colorful worlds while taking on pirates, crime families, and a punk band, all in the name of family reunification. It’s like Finding Nemo, but with more leaps and tongue-swinging. “Hop” to it!
CorgiSpace
Adam Atomic, Finji
Welcome to CorgiSpace, where short legs reign supreme! This quirky collection comprises over a dozen bite-sized games that promise a variety of unconventional experiences, each easily consumed in under an hour. A delightful mix of original ideas and developer diaries may just make this the cutest gaming collection on the planet.
Demon Tides
Fabraz
Join Beebz and her crew on an existential voyage across watery expanses as they confront self-discovery. Players will navigate vast oceans filled with hidden treasures while also engaging in speedrunning competitions. Why just play when you can compete with ghostly remains of others? It’s self-exploration with a twist!
Dogpile
Studio Folly, Toot Games, Wings
Merge cute dogs into bigger dogs!! What a world! This deck builder game is essentially a doggy business where players chase tails, gather loot, and customize their beloved canines. Woofing great fun!
The Dungeon Experience
Bone Assembly, Devolver Digital
This one’s for the laugh lovers. A first-person comedy about a low-level mudcrab pursuing the heavenly dream of helping players achieve Financial Freedom. Because nothing says ‘joy’ quite like a crustacean aiming for career success!
Find Your Words
Capybara Games
Take a relaxing summer camp experience and add some funky campfire shenanigans. This cozy little game is all about forming bonds, taking leisurely strolls, and discovering other quirky campers—because who doesn’t want a slice of summer fun?
Frog Sqwad
Panic Stations, Skeleton Crew
This multiplayer game is all about storming the sewers in homage to the Swamp King, with plenty of ridiculousness thrown into the mix. Solve physics puzzles, use sticky tongues, and aim for that coveted mega-frog transformation. Just don’t forget to fulfill those royal demands—or become the King’s next meal! Talk about high stakes.
Into the Fire
Starward Industries
Battle fire spirits and nature’s fury all while working to expand your base and save the day. This cataclysmic extraction survival game sounds like a thrill ride through chaos and adventure—a real steamer!
Lucid Falls
Eldamar Studio
Step into a nightmare and battle terrifying creatures while navigating gravity-bending worlds in Lucid Falls. A puzzle-packed horror adventure that encourages players to embrace the terrors lurking in the shadows and face their fears head-on!
Mirria
Carl Burton, Mografi
When dream and reality overlap, players will dive into an atmospheric puzzle adventure. With cryptic secrets lurking, this game is all about unveiling hidden meanings—think brain gymnastics for the mind.
Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth
Hyper Games
For fans of Moomin, this winter adventure is bound to bring a warm smile. Join Moomintroll on a journey filled with delightful experiences that prove that sometimes, cold can be cute!
Rockbeasts
Lichthund, Team 17
Manage a rock band looking to climb the ladders of music stardom while battling the pitfalls of the industry. Sound familiar? This story-driven RPG will have players reminiscing about the ambiguous definitions of ‘success’ in the music world.
Scramble Knights Royale
Funktronic Labs
Jump into classic adventure-inspired battle royale glory with 32 players. Sail off on turtles and traverse islands filled with quests and treasures—only to have a firewall force everyone closer together for a showdown. It’s like dodgeball, but with whimsical quests!
Soundgrass
Soundgrass Studio
This is where sound takes center stage in an innovative game that merges gameplay mechanics with audio. Players will explore lush environments where plants respond to sound—think of it as Mother Nature’s quirky playlist!
Stretchmancer
Triangle Wave
Become the stretchy hero known as The Stretchmancer, squashing and stretching environments to solve mind-bending puzzles. Expect silly characters and whimsical challenges, with humor and adventure intertwined extravagantly. Definitely not your average stretch session!
Un:Me
Historia, Shueisha Games
Delve deep into a girl’s psyche as she faces her labyrinthine fears. This game not only entertains but forces players to confront their personal anxieties—creepy but oddly cathartic! Consider it therapy with a controller.
Unshine Arcade
Mardt
Take a dive into a dark psychological mystery set in an abandoned arcade, where every ticket collected unveils layers of eerie secrets. Perfect for those who enjoy a side of suspense with their gaming experience!
Virtue and a Sledgehammer
Deconstructeam, Selkie Harbour, Devolver Digital
Explore nostalgia and detachment in a narrative-driven experience that invites destruction for the sake of self-discovery. It’s a quirky adventure where breaking apart your hometown is the only way to uncover buried memories. Talk about a heartwarming demolition!
