Welcome to our latest roundup of the most exciting happenings in the indie game space. This past week has been packed with thrilling new releases and significant events, including the highly-anticipated Tokyo Game Show. Before diving into the highlights, be sure to check out our recap of Kojima Productions' 10th anniversary showcase for any updates you might have missed.
This week, Sony showcased a variety of new titles during its PlayStation State of Play, featuring several enticing indie games such as Chronoscript: The Endless End. Likewise, Xbox made waves with its own Tokyo Game Show stream, unveiling titles like Double Dragon Revive and Rhythm Doctor. Interestingly, several developers and publishers chose to delay their releases to avoid competition with Hollow Knight: Silksong, only to find themselves going head-to-head with Hades 2. It's a tough market out there!
Amidst this competitive landscape, the teams behind newcomers such as Baby Steps, CloverPit, Aethermancer, Star Birds, and Deadly Days: Roadtrip have banded together for a special Steam sale and bundle, showcasing the spirit of indie game developers supporting one another.
The much-anticipated Hades 2 has finally exited early access on PC and is now available on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Initial reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, further solidifying Supergiant Games' reputation for quality. Although I had a taste of the game during early access, I decided to wait for the full release before diving in — especially with so many other games now demanding my attention.
Currently, I find myself engrossed in CloverPit, a unique roguelite experience that plunges players into a gritty, metallic environment reminiscent of Silent Hill. The premise revolves around managing debts and deadlines, utilizing lucky charms and a slot machine to achieve your goals. As a horror game rather than a gambling simulator, Panik Arcade emphasizes strategic play, and I can already see myself pouring countless hours into it. The challenge is real, especially as I strive to conquer the daunting 11th deadline after already grappling with the 10th!
Another title worthy of attention is Baby Steps, a literal walking simulator from renowned developers Bennett Foddy, Gabe Cuzzillo, and Maxi Boch. This game has players guiding Nate, an unemployed individual, on a journey to the peak of a mountain, taking one clumsy step at a time. The humorous yet frustrating mechanics promise plenty of falls and setbacks, but as with any good workout, progress is key. Baby Steps is now available on Steam and PS5.
Bloodthief, a medieval-inspired fast-paced dungeon runner developed by solo creator Blargis, also launched this week on Steam. With its vampiric theme and engaging gameplay, it's been on my radar for a while, but my current gaming commitments have kept me from diving in just yet.
Among the highlights of Playdate Season 2 is Blippo+, a quirky FMV experience that parodies cable television. Developed by a collaboration of creative studios, this game is now available on Nintendo Switch and Steam, inviting players to explore offbeat alien broadcasts while uncovering a larger narrative.
Another intriguing release is Consume Me, a coming-of-age life simulation game that follows Jenny as she navigates the challenges of her final year of high school. Drawing from co-developer Jenny Jiao Hsia's own experiences, this game has garnered acclaim, including the Seamus McNally Grand Prize at this year’s Independent Games Festival. Consume Me is available now on Steam for both PC and Mac.
In a project that has been years in the making, Hotel Barcelona unites two celebrated game directors, Swery and Suda51. This roguelite allows players to battle through a hotel overrun by serial killers, featuring multiplayer support and the ability to invade other players' games. Hotel Barcelona is now available on Steam, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5.
Looking ahead, Annapurna Interactive has revealed three exciting upcoming adventure games during its showcase at the Tokyo Game Show. Among them is D-topia, a narrative-driven puzzler set in a utopia governed by AI, scheduled for release in 2026 on multiple platforms. Additionally, People of Note is set to offer a unique musical narrative adventure, while Demi and the Fractured Dream promises a Zelda-esque action-adventure experience.
This week’s State of Play also included a gameplay trailer for Halloween, a horror game developed by IllFonic and co-published by Gun Interactive. Set to launch on September 8, 2026, this title has already piqued the interest of horror game enthusiasts. The timing of its release outside of the Halloween season is certainly curious!
Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting titles and the ever-evolving world of indie games.
