Right now, the video game industry is in an incredibly weird place. Whether it be software or hardware, the numbers everywhere you look are down. The video game industry as we know it, is in trouble… if you listen to the evil game corporations who only care about making as much money as possible, even when the profits are at an all-time high. Hardware sales are down? Of course. Nintendo hasn’t released a new console in seven years, PlayStation doesn’t plan on releasing any first-party exclusives until 2025, Xbox’s upcoming run of exclusives still hasn’t happened yet, and most importantly, GTA 6 has yet to be released. Come next year, though, when all these things have happened, guess what? The industry’s opinion of itself will have changed. Record profits. Numbers through the roof. Some of these companies will have to buy entire buildings to house all of this new money coming in, but even with all of this obvious good fortune coming their way, companies are still cutting costs. 

The biggest offender of this is Take-Two Interactive. Because of the release of GTA 6, this time next year, this company will have so much money they can stand on top of it and say hello to God. Yet, even with that absurd image soon to become a reality, Take-Two Interactive decided to shut down studios Intercept Games (Kerbel Space Program) and Roll7 (Rollerdrome and OlliOlli World) after spending 460 Million dollars to buy Gearbox (Borderlands). With these two closures, I realized it’s more important now than ever to show support to these smaller studios. The team over at Roll7 was responsible for one of my favorite franchises in OlliOlli, and now they’re gone. So today, I want to shine a spotlight on some indie titles, both old and new, to get them the attention they deserve.

Echoes of the Plum Grove

A new life awaits in Honeywood! Build a thriving community that will last generations in this cozy farm simulator. Farm, socialize, make friends, cook, craft, forage and uncover the secrets of the island! If someone doesn’t want to be friends? There are always other means.

Pixelshire

Build the town of Pixelshire and grow your community in a unique RPG sandbox which mixes life sim elements with town building, exploration, and combat. Express yourself by planning the town to your liking, master trades, get to know your neighbours, and explore the continent of Arcadia.

Moonstone Island

Moonstone Island is a creature-collecting life-sim set in an open world with 100 islands to explore. Make friends, brew potions, collect Spirits, and test your strength in card-based encounters to complete your Alchemy training!

Demonschool

Demonschool is a new-style tactics RPG where motion equals action. Defeat big weirdos in between the human and demon worlds as Faye and her misfit companions, while navigating university life on a mysterious island.

Eternights

Eternights is a dating action game where you try to make the most out of life during the apocalypse. Monday: Go on a date. Tuesday: Clear dungeon. Friday: Freak out! The clock is ticking!!

Curious Expedition 2

Curious Expedition 2 is a turn-based narrative roguelike set in a reimagined version of the late 19th century that uses procedural gameplay and story elements to create completely unique and epic adventures every time you play.

Ghost Song

On the desolate moon of Lorian, a long-dormant Deadsuit awakens from slumber. Journey beneath the surface on an atmospheric 2D adventure of self-discovery, ancient mysteries, and cosmic terror. Explore winding caverns and acquire new abilities to unearth this alien world’s long-buried secrets.

The Artful Escape

A teenage guitar prodigy sets out on a psychedelic journey to inspire his stage persona and confront the legacy of a dead folk legend. Starring voice performances by Michael Johnston, Caroline Kinley, Lena Headey, Jason Schwartzman, Mark Strong, and Carl Weathers.

darkwebSTREAMER

Become an occult streamer on a 90s dark internet in this horror RPG sim. Experience a fully procedurally generated world and endless sinister stories as you grow your stream, surf the web, perform rituals, make hard choices, manage your stats and try to survive your increasingly haunted apartment.

Paranormal Tales

Paranormal Tales is a next-gen horror game based on found footage built in Unreal Engine 5. You experience and play through each tragic tale of those who went missing from the viewpoint of bodycams, phones, and VHS cameras. Do you have what it takes to play through the end of the footage?

Crow Country

The year is 1990. It’s been two years since the mysterious disappearance of Edward Crow and the abrupt closure of his theme park, Crow Country. But your arrival has broken the silence, Mara Forest. If you want answers, you’ll have to venture deep into the darkness of Crow Country to find them…

Shadows of Doubt

An immersive sandbox detective stealth game set in a fully simulated sci-fi noir city of crime and corruption. Think like a private investigator and take on jobs to earn cash on your path to catching a serial killer. If you don’t catch them – they will kill again…

Skate Story

Ollie, kickflip, and grind your way through the ash and smoke of the Underworld as you take on a seemingly impossible quest. Skate fast to destroy demons and save other tortured souls on your journey from a fragile beginner to a hardened skater.