Indie Games
Ongoing coverage on Indie Games.
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Choo-Choo Charles reader review - Reader’s Feature
This reader review discusses Choo-Choo Charles, an indie horror game where players must defeat a monstrous train-spider hybrid named Charles on Aranearum Island. The game, available on PC and PlayStation 5, features a first-person perspective where players upgrade their own steam engine using scraps found throughout the island to combat the titular monster. Despite some basic visuals, the game's unique premise and atmospheric setting are highlighted as strengths.
Alongside its own big successes, Saber Interactive is sticking with indies - here's why
Saber Interactive's Tim Willits and Todd Hollenshead discussed the studio's commitment to supporting indie games, even as they work on their own larger titles like Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2. They highlighted lessons learned from working with smaller teams on games like Bus Bound and The Knightling, emphasizing the importance of focused game design and proper scoping. Saber Interactive aims to continue partnering with independent developers in the future.
What on earth is happening to the video games industry? - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses frustration with the current state of the video game industry, citing issues like mass layoffs, Sony's focus on live service games, and Microsoft's acquisition strategy. Concerns are raised about the move towards digital-only sales and the potential high cost of future consoles like the PlayStation 6. Despite these criticisms, the reader acknowledges the strength of the indie scene and the resurgence of companies like Capcom.
The latest Chinese PC gaming hit is an indie game that spent the last 8 years growing into something you've never…
The Chinese indie game The Scroll of Taiwu has officially launched its 1.0 version on PC after eight years in early access. Developed by ConchShip Games, the title blends elements of Crusader Kings 2, Kenshi, and Baldur's Gate, featuring deep simulation mechanics, martial arts learning, and town management within a Wuxia and Chinese mythology setting. The recent addition of English localization aims to attract a wider Western audience.
Prime Slimes: A Guide To Gaming’s Greatest Goo-Getters
This guide explores the history and evolution of slime monsters in video games, from their origins in Dungeons & Dragons to their iconic status in franchises like Dragon Quest and Puyo Puyo. It highlights notable slime characters and games where players control slime protagonists, showcasing their enduring appeal as a beloved monster archetype.
First-Person PSX-Style Horror FEED IT Set To Land on Steam on August 17
The psychological horror game FEED IT, developed by Games On A Chair and published by Pretty Soon, is set to release on PC via Steam on August 17th. The game challenges players to survive a symbiotic relationship with an insatiable monster, blending exploration and minimal interactions with a disturbing narrative.
Sponsored Post: Solitaire Was the Original “Small Game” – and Indies Are Proving It Right
This article argues that the indie game development philosophy of creating focused, small-scope experiences is not new, but rather a vindication of principles demonstrated by the classic card game Solitaire. It highlights how Solitaire embodies the indie ethos of executing a single idea flawlessly, respecting player time, and offering complete, replayable experiences without unnecessary padding or monetization schemes.
NORMENHILL - June 2026 Devlog news - Normenhill: Chapter 1 - "Your New Look"
The developer of the indie game Normenhill provided a development update for Chapter 1, detailing the progress of Acts II and III. Act II is nearing completion with most gameplay mechanics and enemies implemented, while Act III is in earlier stages of development. The developer plans to release Act II later this year and Act III in 2027, with Chapter 2's plot also outlined.
'Balatro' Plays Winning Hand at GDCA 2025, Receiving Game of the Year
Balatro, the indie roguelike deckbuilder from solo developer LocalThunk, won Game of the Year at the 25th annual Game Developers Choice Awards. The game also secured wins for Best Debut, Best Design, and the Innovation Award. Other notable winners included Astro Bot for Best Audio and Best Technology, and Sam Lake received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Exploring Sabotage Studio's creative strategy
Sabotage Studio president and creative director Thierry Boulanger discusses the studio's strategy for financial and creative sustainability in the current video game industry downturn. He highlights the success of their self-published turn-based RPG Sea of Stars, funded partly through Kickstarter, and the decision to release substantial free DLC for the game.
Sticky Business to receive Nintendo Switch physical release
Super Rare Games, in partnership with Spellgarden Games and Assemble Entertainment, announced a limited physical release of the simulation game Sticky Business for the Nintendo Switch. A total of 3,000 copies will be available starting July 9, including all previously released DLC on the cartridge. Sticky Business, which originally launched digitally in April 2024, allows players to create and sell custom stickers while managing their own cozy shop.
Evening Gatherings and Events
IGN has expanded its partnership with Gamescom, the European video game trade fair. This collaboration will include IGN featuring game previews within Gamescom's official indie showcase, highlighting independent game developers.
July is a little light on the big new game releases, but your co-op horror Discord gang will be feastin'
July 2026 will see a lighter release schedule for major new games, with a focus on co-op horror titles and notable remakes like Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced and Halo: Campaign Evolved. The month also includes updates for existing titles such as Palworld, Final Fantasy 14, and Doom: The Dark Ages, alongside various Steam sales and events.
Valve made it roughly 15 times harder for indie games to reach a coveted Steam ranking, but one expert says an understated new Steam feature is doing god's work
Valve has significantly increased the wishlist requirements for games to appear on Steam's 'Popular Upcoming' feed, making it approximately 15 times harder for indie titles to gain visibility. However, indie expert Chris Zukowski highlights that a new personalized calendar feature on Steam is now providing a substantial boost to indie developers, driving wishlists and offering more targeted exposure than the previous system.
Indie Selects for July 2026: Gameplay That Will Make Summer Pop
Xbox highlights five indie games for July 2026: Mina the Hollower, Realm of Ink, Bellwright, Coffee Talk Tokyo, and NBA The Run. These selections feature strong personalities, rewarding progression, and distinct worlds, offering a variety of genres from action-adventure and roguelites to survival and visual novels.
Game Demos
Oh Apollo! is a cozy oracle simulation game set in ancient Greece, available on Steam for PC. Players will tell and shape the future, interact with a sassy God, and restore a temple to its former glory.
Nintendo president talks indie games, says they’re “extremely popular” on its systems
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa stated that indie games are extremely popular on Nintendo platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. He highlighted Nintendo's support for indie developers through initiatives like Indie World and emphasized the company's efforts to encourage earlier releases on their consoles.
IGN expands partnership with Gamescom, adds game previews to official indie showcase
IGN has expanded its partnership with Gamescom to produce the official livestream and create content for the "gamescom awesome indies show." This collaboration will now include game previews, a popular IGN content format, alongside trailer premieres and developer interviews. IGN will also continue to operate the "gamescom studio" on the show floor and produce bespoke content for Japan and China.
Taipei Game Show 2027 Opens Exhibitor Registration and Indie Game Award Submissions
Taipei Game Show 2027 has opened exhibitor registration and submissions for the Indie Game Award 2027. The event aims to connect global companies with the Asia-Pacific market, which accounts for 46% of the global video game industry. The show will feature B2B and B2C zones, an INDIE HOUSE, and a Board Game Wonderland, running from January 21-24, 2027.
RATSHAKER™ developer reveals keyboard-eating horror roguelite: KEYKRUNCHER™!
Sunscorched Studios has announced KEYKRUNCHER, a first-person horror roguelite where players interact with their real keyboard to play. Set in the RATSHAKER universe, the game involves completing escalating 'treatment lessons' by pressing specific keys, earning tokens, and surviving increasingly difficult challenges. KEYKRUNCHER is targeting a 2026 release on PC via Steam, with a free demo planned for later this year.