Day of the Devs has always been one of my favorite places to learn what’s in the indie game pipeline.
For those that don’t know about Day of the Devs: it was established in 2012 by Double Fine Productions and iam8bit as a way to celebrate the creativity and diversity video games, give a voice to emerging or underrepresented talent, and to connect players with developers and their games.
Day of the Devs is a nonprofit that provides a spotlight on hundreds of games, online and in-person, all at no cost to the creators. Finally, they are committed to being 100% platform agnostic. They do great work, and this showcase during Summer Game Fest happened to be one of my favorites. Many of these titles don’t have a formal release date, so it is more important than ever to wishlist them to ensure their passion projects come to fruition!
So, with that said, looking for new indies to feast on? Let’s see what was showcased:
Battle Vision Network
- Release Date: 2025
- Platform: PC, Netflix
- Summary: Multiplayer puzzle-battler with turn-based tactics and color-matching puzzle gameplay elements.
Petal Runner
- Release Date: TBD
- Platform: Steam
- Summary: Slice-of-life game in fabulous Game Boy aesthetics. With themes of growing up and letting go, enjoy various activities such as making deliveries, meeting new friends, and playing minigames.
UFO50
- Release Date: 9/18/2024
- Platform: PC
- Summary: From the minds behind Spelunky and Downwell, they’re making a collection of 50 games in one with a retro-style feel.
Cozy Grove Camp Spirit
- Release Date: 6/25/2024
- Platform: iOS & Android via Netflix
- Summary: A follow up to Cozy Grove, you can enjoy this cozy life-sim RPG via Netflix. You can pre-register now.
Koira
- Release Date: Demo available Summer 2024
- Platform: PC
- Summary: Adventure and puzzle game Koira follows a protagonist who saves a puppy and then journeys together to the heart of a magical forest.
Arranger: A Role Puzzling Adventure
- Release Date: 7/25/2024
- Platform: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Netflix
- Summary: We see more of Arranger. As a refresher, this is a unique puzzle game following Jemma, who sets out on a journey of self-discovery. It has comic-style cut scenes and a world made entirely of a grid that moves when she does.
Fear the Spotlight
- Release Date: Initial release–9/15/2023; Release with Blumhouse is Fall 2024
- Platform: All major platforms
- Summary: This is one of the games in the Blumhouse Games pipeline, as featured at Summer Game Fest. This is an atmospheric horror title with “retro” PlayStation graphics where two friends much survive after a seance goes wrong.
Screenbound
- Release Date: TBD
- Platform: PC
- Summary: Hands down one of the most objectively unique gameplays I’ve seen–utilizing both 2D and 3D environment. You travel in a first-person perspective while also controlling another version of yourself in a pixelated side-scroller. Discover this mysterious new “dimension”. This was also featured at the Future Games Show.
Zoochosis
- Release Date: TBD
- Platform: PC
- Summary: Who knew being a zookeeper could be so…terrifying. Described as a “bodycam horror simulation”, observe (and try to save) the beloved animals as they transform into complete abominations.
While Waiting
- Release Date: TBD
- Platform: PC
- Summary: The game is precisely what the title implies. You find ways to stay busy while waiting in various scenarios. Remember the time before we had smart phones to stare at? Yeah, my aching back reminds me too. Demo is available on Steam.
Psychroma
- Release Date: TBD
- Platform: Steam
- Summary: Play as a “digital medium” in this narrative-driven side scroller with retro graphics. Exorcise the ghosts in this cyber world, if you can. Demo is available on Steam.
Building Relationships
- Release Date: TBD
- Platform: PC
- Summary: This is a “silly” adventure game where you are a literal building. And you build relationships. All the puns intended. There is even a fishing mini game. Demo is available on Steam.
A Little to the Left: Seeing Stars DLC
- Release Date: 6/25/2024
- Platform: All major platforms
- Summary: More content will be available in the Seeing Stars DLC for indie hit A Little to the Left–33 new levels to be exact. There are over 100 solutions, interactive items that you can stack, flap, fold, and smash, a new OST, and more.
Hello Again
- Release Date: 2025
- Platform: PC
- Summary: Explore an island filled with ancient ruins that hurls you in a perpetual loop. Add to your knowledge each time in this puzzling adventure game.
Tom the Post Girl
- Release Date: TBD
- Platform: PC
- Summary: With inspiration from Little Red Riding Hood, this main character–Tom–stalks her neighbors while delivering packages. This obsessive stalking may lead to some discoveries that can’t be…unseen. Enjoy a little creepy with a little cute in this artistically creative game. Demo is available on Steam.
Afterlove EP
- Release Date: Q3 2024
- Platform: All major platforms
- Summary: Creators of Coffee Talk and What Comes After honors the late Fahmi Hasni with this slice-of-life adventure set in modern Jakarta. A young musician Rama deals with loss and loss after the death of his girlfriend Cinta. Demo is available on Steam.
Phoenix Springs
- Release Date: 9/16/2024
- Platform: PC
- Summary: Solve the mystery of your missing brother in this point-and-click game in a neo-noir setting.
Tides of Tomorrow
- Release Date: TBD
- Platform: Steam
- Summary: After the Great Flood, “plastification” threatens the existence for the people and living things in Elynd. Careful, your actions shape the story. From the creators of Road 96.
The Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast About Video Games
The Boss Rush Podcast is the flagship podcast of The Boss Rush Network and Boss Rush Media. Each week, hosts Corey Dirrig, Stephanie Klimov, LeRon Dawkins, and Pat Klein come together with their friends, colleagues, and fellow creators to talk about their week in video games, discuss industry topics, conduct interviews, answer listener questions, and more. New episodes every Monday. Get each episode one week early and more perks over on the Boss Rush Network Patreon page.
This feed also includes Boss Rush Spotlight podcasts and Boss Rush Video Game Book Club. Get both shows early on Patreon.
Email the Show: podcast.bossrush@gmail.com
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Sources: Day of the Devs, Comicbook
Featured Image Source: Day of the Devs
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