February 22, 2025
City 1, acclaimed for adapting Half-Life: Alyx to non-VR play, is crafting a new standalone shooter, Chemical-Burn, set in a dystopian city and powered by Unreal Engine 5. Slated for a late 2025 demo release, the game promises a 'Half-Like' experience, blending familiar gameplay mechanics with cyberpunk aesthetics and original story elements.
Kepler Interactive, led by CEO Alexis Garavaryan, is investing in artistic and innovative gaming, recently becoming a major investor in indie studio Tactical Adventures. The company emphasizes creative control for developers and seeks to integrate games into broader cultural landscapes amid industry challenges.
Moss Monkey Games, a Norwich-based indie studio, is set to release their debut game, Outclaw, in 2026 on major platforms including Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation, and Xbox. The game, featuring a space-traveling, magic cat, has already attracted investor interest and offers a demo on Steam for eager gamers.
February 21, 2025
The Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association is inviting indie developers to showcase their games for free at Tokyo Game Show 2025 through the 'SELECTED INDIE 80' program. Applications, open until May 16, 2025, require developers to meet revenue limits and produce original works, offering them promotional benefits and a chance to compete in the Sense of Wonder Night contest.
The Queensland Government launches 'Season of the Dev,' a program to boost game development skills and networking on the Sunshine Coast. This initiative offers workshops and events to cultivate local gaming talent.
Ivy Road's latest game, Wanderstop, offers a narrative-driven, cozy tea-making experience, diverging from competitive gameplay to emphasize environmental exploration. Utilizing Unreal Engine and visual scripting, the game features a unique Art Deco and Impressionist style, crafted by art director Temi Olujobi.
February 20, 2025
Innersloth is launching Among Us 3D, a first-person version of the hit game, with a demo at Steam Next Fest on February 24, 2025. The game, compatible with VR platforms but not the original 2D version, will introduce proximity chat and a new currency, 'Stardust,' enhancing the social and customizable experience for players.
The Canadian Game Awards are taking place in Toronto, celebrating the achievements of local developers like Bioware and indie hit 'Balatro'. After overcoming past challenges, the event aims to boost the visibility of Canadian games and foster public engagement through live streams and the Eh! Game Expo.
Holo Indie unveils two new Hololive Vtuber-inspired games, Myriad Death and holoReversi, set for digital release on Steam. Details on the release dates are forthcoming, with anticipation building among fans.
February 19, 2025
Indie horror game Mouthwashing by Wrong Organ has sold over 500,000 copies since its September 2024 Steam release, earning critical acclaim and a strong player base. The game, known for its unsettling narrative and nostalgic low-poly style, will expand to consoles later in 2025, with physical editions available through Fangamer.
Palworld has surged past 32 million players globally within a year of its Early Access release, marking a significant growth from 25 million. Despite facing legal challenges from Nintendo, the game's success mirrors popular indie titles like Terraria, cementing its place in the gaming world.
Shuhei Yoshida, who played a crucial role in revitalizing PlayStation's indie game strategy, has left Sony after 31 years to become an independent advisor. His shift from major franchises to indie games helped enhance Sony's support for developers, addressing past criticisms and boosting indie visibility and sales.
The Home of Indies returns to Gamescom 2025, expanding its footprint by 175 square meters, reflecting a growing interest in indie games. Berlin-based FACTORY-C will host, featuring a new Streaming Booth and enhanced networking opportunities for developers.
Null Games, founded in 2022, is revolutionizing indie game publishing by offering developers full IP ownership and immediate revenue, backed by GitHub co-founder Chris Wanstrath. General Manager Michael Ailshie stresses the importance of safeguarding developers from exploitative practices to encourage creativity amid industry challenges, as they prepare to launch innovative titles like Demon Spore and Streetdog BMX.
Cosmo D unveils Moves of the Diamond Hand, a narrative RPG, expanding his Off-Peak City universe with a dice-driven election saga. Chapter One demo is now on Steam, with early access set for mid-2025.
Annapurna Interactive is set to host its digital showcase amid a major staff exodus last year, unveiling titles like Wanderstop, Wheel World, and more on February 24, 2025. Despite internal leadership conflicts, the company is actively hiring and fostering positive discussions with development teams, aiming to maintain its reputation in indie game publishing.
Indie studio Tense Games finalizes its demo for 'Fractured Alliance,' drawing interest from publishers with its promising RTS gameplay. Featuring factions like the United Federation and Eastern Alliance, the game blends nostalgia with innovation.
Polish studio Goat Gamez's upcoming indie title, Sports: Renovations, challenges players to save a basketball court from a developer's grasp, launching March 27, 2025. Available on multiple platforms, it combines renovation gameplay with storytelling, allowing players to explore and restore various sports venues while uncovering their histories.
No More Room In Hell 2's latest update, now in Early Access, introduces a grueling Nightmare Mode and customizable weapons ahead of its full release in October 2025. Players can experience enhanced gameplay with backfill matchmaking, new melee options, and atmospheric improvements.
Acmore Games introduces 'Cheaters Cheetah', an FPS where players use real cheat mechanics like wallhacks and aimbots in a competitive setting. The game, still in development, allows players to engage in two modes: 'Legit Cheat' and 'Rage Cheat', fostering strategic gameplay without repercussions.