Indie Games
Ongoing coverage on Indie Games.
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"NO GAME NO LIFE": Grasshopper Manufacture have leapt from the jaws of NetEase and gone indie again
Grasshopper Manufacture, the studio behind No More Heroes and Killer7, has regained its independence after splitting from NetEase, which acquired them in 2021. Founder Goichi "Suda51" Suda stated the move reflects a desire to "deliver titles in an even wider variety of styles." The studio plans to continue creating unique games with its signature flavor.
Steam is swapping its curated discounts section for a more personal touch, and it could be "a big win" for indies
Steam is replacing its curated discount sections with a more personalized, algorithm-driven system in early 2027. This change is expected to significantly improve game discovery for players and provide greater visibility for developers, particularly for indie titles. The CEO of Hooded Horse believes this shift is a major benefit for both consumers and creators.
Snabbkollen: Remake eller remaster?
This article discusses player preferences regarding remakes versus remasters of older video games. A poll indicates a strong majority favor remakes, where games are rebuilt from the ground up, over remasters, which offer graphical enhancements to existing titles.
Putting Together A Game Showcase Means Treating 45 Minutes Like A Puzzle
Evil Empire's co-founder Benjamin Laulan discusses the meticulous process of curating the Triple-I Initiative video game showcases, emphasizing respect for viewer time with a 45-minute, trailer-only format. The initiative focuses on high-quality indie games and aims to be a cornerstone of marketing campaigns, with plans to expand reach and collaborations.
58 other games are out the same day as GTA 6 and we've not heard of any of them
Despite the monumental anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6, scheduled for release on November 19, at least 58 other video games, primarily indie titles, are launching on the same day. Publishers like Devolver Digital and Fairy Mount Games are strategically releasing their PC-exclusive games to target different demographics and avoid direct competition, with some even humorously embracing the challenge.
How indie studios can survive industry volatility | Opinion
Denis Fedorov of Nova Assembly outlines a six-part strategy for indie game studios to survive industry volatility, emphasizing a multi-project model, avoiding sole reliance on publishers, fostering collaboration, and maintaining high-quality, differentiated games. The advice aims to improve odds in a crowded and risky market.
"Why should we just give up the entire month of November?" – The indie games going head to head with GTA 6
Several indie games, including Flame, Forest and Flood and Volvy's Adventure: Reslimed, are set to launch on November 19, directly competing with the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. While analysts caution against this strategy due to GTA 6's massive marketing pull, developers like Fairy Mount Games and Devolver Digital see it as an opportunity to stand out by offering distinct experiences, particularly on PC where GTA 6 will not initially release.
Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida's highlights of Tokyo Game Show include Sonic's new indie spinoff and a…
Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida shared his favorite titles from the Tokyo Game Show, highlighting the indie game Hair Removal Salon Simulator. He praised the game's satisfying core loop and unique premise, comparing it to Power Wash Simulator. Yoshida also mentioned Sonic Pico Park and other indie titles, continuing his role as a champion for independent developers.
Thank You Bus Driver Brings Double Fine Chaos on October 14
Double Fine's chaotic black-and-white bus driving game, Thank You Bus Driver, is set to launch on October 14 for PC platforms including Steam, GOG, and itch.io. This marks Double Fine's first release since its split from Xbox, and it will be published under their new Double Fine Action Labs label for "weird, little games."
Podd-dags: Vi snackar Justin Wack and the Big Time Hack
This podcast episode discusses the indie game "Justin Wack and the Big Time Hack," highlighting its success in revitalizing a classic genre with elements of time travel and engaging gameplay. The hosts explore the game's unique mechanics, such as time portals and dinosaur encounters, and debate character attributes.
Double Fine's first game since being dumped by Xbox will be out in just 2 weeks
Double Fine Productions is releasing its new game, Thank You Bus Driver, in two weeks, marking its first title since being dropped by Xbox. This experimental driving simulator, described as 'Crazy Taxi meets Papers, Please!', will be available on PC via Steam, GOG, and Itch.io on October 14.
Double Fine's releasing its next game, Thank You Bus Driver, just months after splitting from Xbox
Double Fine Productions is releasing its new game, Thank You Bus Driver, on October 14 for PC storefronts like Steam, GOG, and Itch.io. This marks the studio's first release since regaining independence from Xbox earlier this summer, following Xbox's corporate restructuring and Double Fine's own workforce reduction.
"I couldn't be more proud": With 98% Overwhelmingly Positive Steam reviews and surging player numbers, indie dev says "it seems I may have peaked with a dressmaking game"
The indie dressmaking simulation game Dressmaker has achieved overwhelming success on Steam, reaching a peak of over 35,000 concurrent players and maintaining a 98% positive review score. Developer Ruan Rothmann expressed pride in the game's performance, which far exceeded his initial expectations.
Steam Week in Review: Great, haystack slop is a thing now
The Steam storefront is experiencing a surge of "haystack slop" games, with numerous titles focused on finding a needle in a haystack, often with repetitive gameplay loops. While some developers claim coincidence, the trend highlights the ease with which viral concepts can spawn unoriginal clones seeking profit. This phenomenon is contrasted with the success of games like Wardogs and EA Sports FC 27, and the surprising performance of Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter.
State of Indie 2026 Part 1: Winners and Losers
The indie game landscape has shifted significantly since 2021, with AAA games experiencing a resurgence while many indie publishers have struggled. Genres requiring more skill and manpower, like open-world and Metroidvanias, are seeing higher returns due to less competition, while easier-to-make genres are oversaturated. Co-op games are increasingly popular, particularly among younger audiences, but success remains challenging, with a large percentage of indie games selling fewer than a thousand copies.
Why I chose to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 instead of GTA 6 - Reader’s Feature
A reader explains their decision to purchase a Nintendo Switch 2 over Grand Theft Auto 6, citing a loss of interest in the latter due to perceived lack of innovation and an underwhelming reveal. They found more appeal in the Switch 2's upcoming titles and indie game library.
My favorite $6 RPG on Steam just got a beastmode free 'Enhanced Edition' update
The $6 first-person RPG FlyKnight has received a free 'Enhanced Edition' update, adding multiple difficulties, item and enemy randomization, new weapon types, and performance improvements, especially for the Steam Deck. The game, praised for its satisfying combat and low price, is currently on sale for $4 on Steam.
"Steam is on an absolute historic run": Valve quietly made a huge change that's helping game devs, says…
Valve has implemented significant changes to Steam's "Discounts & Events" feed, greatly improving game discovery for indie developers. Tim Bender, CEO of Hooded Horse, reports a massive increase in visibility for niche titles, transforming a previously negligible traffic source into the best on the store. This update is seen as a major win for players seeking relevant recommendations and for developers struggling to gain traction.
PAX West 2026 - Scenes from the Show Floor
PAX West 2026 highlighted a strong showing of indie games, with major publishers like Nintendo and Capcom absent. The event featured new sections like the Indie Incubator and Artist Alley, drawing large crowds to independent developers. Several promising titles were showcased, including the roguelite FPS MURDEER, the JRPG-inspired Terra Nova: Legend of the Runes, and the physics-based 3D platformer The Box is Alive.
007: First Light, Big Walk, and Resident Evil: Requiem lead the Golden Joystick Awards nominations
The nominations for the Golden Joystick Awards 2026 have been revealed, with 007: First Light and Big Walk leading the pack with five nods each. Resident Evil: Requiem follows with three nominations. Voting for most categories is open until October 23, with the Ultimate Game of the Year award to be decided later.
