Welcome to our latest recap of the vibrant world of indie games. This week, Nintendo showcased a plethora of exciting titles during its Indie World presentation, highlighting games that are set to launch on the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2. Among the newly released titles was UFO 50, which garnered significant attention, appearing on numerous best-of-2024 lists after its successful debut on PC. Another noteworthy release was Is This Seat Taken?, a charming puzzle game from Poti Poti Studio and publisher Wholesome Games Presents, which has also made its way to Steam, iOS, and Android platforms.
The Indie World showcase revealed the highly anticipated Ball x Pit, a roguelite reminiscent of the classic Breakout, set to launch in October. Additionally, Mina the Hollower, the next title from the acclaimed Shovel Knight studio, Yacht Club Games, will be available on Steam and the Nintendo Switch on Halloween. Another intriguing announcement was the upcoming Neverway, a creepy life-sim RPG developed by a studio founded by Pedro Medeiros (the pixel artist behind Celeste) and Isadora Sophia, creator of Murder Engine. This title is slated for release on Switch and Steam in 2026.
Fans of sci-fi RPGs will be thrilled to hear that Caves of Qud, a highly acclaimed turn-based roguelike from Freehold Games and publisher Kitfox Games, is coming to the Switch as a console exclusive later this year. With nearly 10,000 overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam, players can expect to invest hundreds of hours into this captivating game.
This week also saw an exciting collaboration announcement from the International Game Developers Association, the International Game Developers Association Foundation, and Women in Games International. They have launched Port Quest, a project aimed at helping successful developers transition their games to mobile platforms. Participating studios will benefit from mentorship from industry veterans, access to workshops, and more. Applications are currently open and will close on September 15. To qualify, games must have earned at least $10,000 per month for the past six months and must not have been previously released on mobile devices.
Among the new releases, Ritual of Raven from Spellgarden Games and publisher Team17 debuted on Steam and Switch. This cozy, story-based farming sim takes a unique twist, focusing more on deck-building mechanics rather than traditional farming. Players will collect tarot cards to harness their magical powers, offering a fresh take on the beloved Stardew Valley formula.
In celebration of International Cat Day, Valhalla Cats released Kimchi: A Stars in the Trash Story, a delightful and free game on Steam and Itch.io. Players will step into the paws of a kitten named Kimchi, exploring a cat museum and solving puzzles while learning about feline history.
Another highlight is Turbo Kid, a gory Metroidvania that serves as a quasi-sequel to the film of the same name. This title has finally launched on Switch, along with a PC update enhancing weapon accessibility and overall performance.
Looking ahead, the foraging adventure Out and About has been delayed slightly due to a publishing oversight on Steam, but it will be available on Monday. Players will gather wild plants and fungi to create dishes and herbal remedies while helping to rebuild their community after a storm. The game promises to teach players about real-life flora, making it both fun and educational.
Rogue Labyrinth, a visually stunning action title from Tea Witch Games and publisher indie.io, is set to release on Steam on September 1. Players will control a nomad named Iris in a labyrinth filled with randomized biomes, monsters, and allies. A demo is currently available for those eager to try it out.
On September 4, Adventure of Samsara, a spiritual successor to the classic Atari 2600 game, will be launched across multiple platforms including PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and GOG. This pixel art Metroidvania will challenge players to restore balance to the multiverse by exploring interconnected biomes and defeating formidable bosses.
Additionally, Autumn with the Shiba Inu, a sequel to the battle royale mystery visual novel, will be available on Steam on August 14. Players will take on the role of Quei-Li, a freelance hacker working to uncover corruption, in a game featuring multiple endings and enchanting illustrations.
Lastly, Dude, Where Is My Beer? A New Hop, a point-and-click adventure reminiscent of classic LucasArts games, will soon be released. Players will embark on a quest to brew their own pilsner amidst a world dominated by craft beers. A demo is currently available on Steam, allowing players to get a sneak peek before its official launch.
Stay tuned for more updates from the indie game space as new and exciting titles continue to emerge!
