Our Top Indie Game Picks from the 2023 Summer Showcases

Every June since 1995, the gaming industry has been dominated by big-budget games. However, in recent years, several showcases have emerged to highlight the latest developments in the indie space, including Wholesome Direct, Guerrilla Collective, and Day of the Devs. Despite this, these showcases often get overshadowed by the noise surrounding AAA titles. To help elevate some of the most promising indie games, the GamesIndustry.biz team has selected their top picks from the past week, along with a few honorable mentions. One game that caught our attention is Henry Halfhead, a quirky title that combines elements of Kirby and the Forgotten Land with Untitled Goose Game. It offers a unique and humorous gaming experience that is perfect for players looking for something lighthearted and fun. Another notable title is Neoludic Games' Tiny Bookshop, which was showcased during the Wholesome Direct and offers a charming and relaxing experience. Moonloop's Hauntii is also worth mentioning, as it brings together elements of Hollow Knight, Death's Door, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land in a twin-stick shooter format. The team is also excited about the upcoming release of Venba, a narrative cooking game that tells the story of an Indian family immigrating to Canada in the 1980s. The game promises a fresh perspective on the immigrant experience and offers a unique blend of storytelling and cooking mechanics. Other notable titles include Été, a first-person game where players splash paint on colorless surfaces to bring objects and buildings to life, and Lysfanga: The Time Shift Warrior, which features clever mechanics that allow players to fight alongside their past selves. The team also had the opportunity to play Stampede: Racing Royale, a battle royale Mario Kart-style game, and Dungeons of Hinterberg, a game set in the Austrian Alps with a unique comic book visual style. Overall, the past week's showcases have offered a wealth of exciting and innovative indie games that are definitely worth checking out.