Indie Games
Ongoing coverage on Indie Games.
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FEED IT – Beta Demo | Alpha Beta Gamer
FEED IT is a first-person horror game with a PlayStation 1 aesthetic where players must obey a monster while their survival instincts clash with submission. The game features a maze-like environment, constant choices with consequences, and themes of abuse, derealization, and starvation. A beta demo is available for download on Steam.
Otterly Lost is the cozy exploration game I really needed, and its Steam Next Fest demo is pure bliss
Otterly Lost is a cozy, sub-aquatic open-world exploration game from Soulworks Interactive, currently available as a demo on Steam. Players control Otto, an otter who must find their way home, forging friendships and helping various characters along the way. The game features a tranquil exploration loop with elements of puzzle-solving and collection, aiming for a peaceful player experience.
'It would be a lie to say there's no pressure taking on this great IP from this massive corporation' — Pico Park president says working with a huge company like Sega for its Sonic crossover was 'a little risky'
Pico Park president Shintarou Shimazu discussed the challenges and risks involved in collaborating with Sega for the upcoming Sonic Pico Park crossover. He highlighted the pressure of working with a major IP and a large corporation, but also noted that the shared childhood experiences with Sonic and the guidance from Sega's Takashi Iizuka made the development process smoother.
inKONBINI: One Store. Many Stories Physical Edition Available Now
The Japan/Asia physical edition of the cozy narrative adventure inKONBINI: One Store. Many Stories is now available for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, with North American and European editions launching in September. Developed by Nagai Industries and published by Beep Japan, the game is set in a 1990s Japanese convenience store and has received "Very Positive" user ratings on Steam for its heartfelt storytelling and nostalgic atmosphere.
Laura Shigihara: The Composer Who Breaks Hearts
Composer Laura Shigihara is celebrated for her emotionally resonant work in games like Rakuen and Deltarune, often evoking deep feelings of sadness and catharsis in players. The article highlights her journey from classical piano training and playing World of Warcraft to becoming a respected game composer and developer, emphasizing the importance of supporting indie creators in the industry.
Varför indiespel är det viktigaste vi har
Indie games are crucial for innovation in the gaming industry because they allow for risk-taking that is too expensive for AAA developers. While large studios focus on safe, predictable titles, indie developers can experiment with unique ideas, leading to the creation of new genres and trends. This is reflected in Steam's revenue, where indie games constitute a significant portion of sales, demonstrating player preference for creative and novel experiences over blockbuster sequels.
Steam Next Fest's top played games include only 1 of over 500 demos with an AI disclosure
Valve has revealed the top ten most played demos from Steam Next Fest, with Sword Art Online: Echoes of Aincrad and an offroading sim by the Art of Rally developers among the most popular. Notably, only one of the featured games, Nexon's Embers of the Uncrowned, disclosed the use of AI in its development. The article highlights the increasing prevalence of AI disclosures in game development and suggests Steam should implement a filter for AI-generated content.
My favorite Steam Next Fest demo is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater but make it a tanuki courier sim
Tanuki: Pon's Summer, a charming indie game from Denkiworks, offers a unique blend of courier simulation and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater-style BMX tricks. Players control a tanuki delivering packages to restore a town shrine, with a demo available during Steam Next Fest. The game features intuitive cycling mechanics, a forgiving trick system, and delightful details that contribute to its cozy atmosphere.
Moonlight Pale adds PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, and Switch versions
The 2D hand-drawn survival horror game Moonlight Pale is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in Q4 2026 or Q1 2027, in addition to its PC release. Physical editions for PlayStation 5 and Switch will be available. The game's Kickstarter campaign successfully met its goal for console ports, with physical editions including various bonus items.
Instead of wishlisting its game, the developer of my favorite Next Fest demo wants you to play anyone else's: 'There are some genuinely great creators in this fest who deserve the attention'
The developer of the "fishing mystery game" About Fishing, The Water Museum, is encouraging players to try other demos during Next Fest instead of wishlisting their own game. Developer Kevin stated that there are many talented creators in the fest who deserve attention, and suggested players explore other titles. About Fishing has already garnered 100,000 wishlists and is set to launch later this year.
Diskutera – Vilka mindre titlar är måsten i din bok?
This article discusses the value of lesser-known or 'hidden gem' video games, contrasting them with large AAA titles. It highlights obscure early open-world games like Hunter on Amiga as examples of smaller titles that can be highly significant to players.
Cozy Post Office Sim Cat Mail Co.'s Steam Next Fest Demo is Rated "Very Pawsitive"
Maracas Studio announced that the demo for their cozy post office simulation game, Cat Mail Co., is available during Steam Next Fest. The demo has already garnered over 15,000 wishlists in less than a week. The full game is set to launch on July 6, 2026, for PC and will feature up to 4-player co-op.
DAVE THE DIVER Heads Into Uncharted Territory With In The Jungle Expansion
The 'In the Jungle' content pack for Dave the Diver is now available for PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. This expansion introduces a new freshwater jungle environment with over ten hours of additional story content, new characters, and the Bancho Grill restaurant.
Steam Next Fest 2026: Erabit Brings Two Wild Indie Games to Over 4,300 Demos Battlefield
Publisher Erabit is showcasing two unique indie games, Boba Cafe Simulator and Novel Forger: Suicide Mr. Fury, at the June 2026 Steam Next Fest, which features over 4,300 playable demos. Boba Cafe Simulator is a chaotic bubble tea shop management sim, while Novel Forger is an unhinged visual novel about transmigration into an otome game. Both titles highlight Erabit's focus on innovative PC games.
The Backrooms Effect: Why Horror, Nostalgia and Indie Games Are Surging Again
Several recent and upcoming games available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, including Escape the Backrooms, Echo Generation 2, and Forza Horizon 6, are reflecting broader cultural trends such as viral horror, nostalgic sci-fi, and AAA open-world experiences. This highlights how Xbox Game Pass is curating a catalog that aligns with current popular culture and trending topics outside of gaming.
Check the 26 Spanish Indie Gems featured at the GameSpain Direct Summer Showcase!
The GameSpain Summer Showcase, organized by the Spanish Videogame Developers Association (DEV), featured 26 Spanish indie games. The event, streamed on the Best Indie Games YouTube channel, highlighted titles in development or recently released. DEV is also hosting a Steam event to promote many of these showcased games.
Quiz: Ägg och nuggets i PaperKlay
Player Bebolicious has set a new speedrun record for the indie game PaperKlay, completing the first world in an impressive 6 minutes and 11 seconds. The article also mentions Hazelight Studios winning a government export award and highlights the ongoing Steam Next Fest.
Countdown to Terror Begins: Flesh Made Fear Launches June 25th on PS5
Assemble Entertainment announced that the survival horror game Flesh Made Fear will launch on PlayStation 5 on June 25, 2026, for €17.99. Developed by Michael Cosio under the Tainted Pact studio, the game draws inspiration from classic Resident Evil titles and features body horror, conspiracy, and occult themes.
Design, Relax, and Unwind: After a Successful Nintendo Switch Release, ‘Cozy Tiny Home’ is Coming to Steam.
RedDeer.Games has announced that their cozy interior design game, Cozy Tiny Home, will be released on PC via Steam. A free demo will be available shortly after Steam Next Fest, and players who try the demo can enter a giveaway to win a Steam Deck. The game features intuitive building, customization, adorable animal residents, a story campaign, and requests mode.
GameSpain Direct Summer Showcases 26 Spanish Indie Gems Today!
The Spanish Videogame Developers Association (DEV) presented the GameSpain Direct Summer showcase, featuring 26 Spanish indie games. The event, streamed on Best Indie Games' YouTube channel, aims to promote Spanish independent game development globally and connect developers with investors and publishers. A concurrent Steam event highlights many of the showcased titles.