Interactive Ontario is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the creative growth of interactive digital media–such as video games–in Ontario. They provide various initiatives, provide feedback, and advocacy for indie developers, and they hosted three indie games and their developers at PAX East 2025. I fortunate to speak with an Interactive Ontario rep and the three development teams. Covering various genres, there is bound to be a game for everyone here.

Akiiwan: Survival

Survival games are a dime a dozen, but what if you were shown a cozy survival game? Developed by Little Buffalo Studios, Akiiwan: Survival is about a protagonist who “fell from the sky” into a lonely wilderness. You wake to a talking fox and campfire where you quickly learn there is much mystery to unravel. This campfire has been around for ages, never needing to speak–mostly listen, and it has seen many humans fall from the sky only to perish from hunger or the elements.

While the primary goal is to survive, there is a paced, methodical nature to the gameplay. The environment changes based on phases of the moon, and you learn over time how to forage, hunt, and build a sustainable shelter.

One of the developers was present and explained many team members have indigenous lineage, and they’ve drawn elements from their culture and love for the land. From the demo I played, I can feel that influence. Akiiwan: Survival makes me feel like I am working with nature and not fighting against it to survive. The developer also mentioned a progression of traversing through the environment based on the change of seasons, which implies a hearty and dynamic experience once the game is complete. Little Buffalo Studios is working diligently to obtain player feedback. The game is still early in development, but you can wish list it on Steam.

Endless Night: The Darkness Within

Developed by Little Guy Games, Endless Night: The Darkness Within is a metroidvania at heart with dark, psychological themes. It retains action-adventure gameplay as you delve into your subconscious, filled with memories and dreams. What will Jake encounter when exploring his inner self?

I had the opportunity to sit with the developer and play a demo. The opening was dark and dramatic, and yet I quickly found comfort in glowing fireflies that help me float and traverse the 2D environment. Some help shoot you horizontally, while others give you verticality. Eventually, I made my way to an area where I did a breathing mini game. I was pleasantly surprised by this and found myself following along. The demo ended with a battle with a rock-like beast. It was a pleasant challenge where I utilized my jumps and rolls to avoid attacks and strike while the iron’s hot.

The release date for Endless Night: The Darkness Within is TBD, but you can wish list it on Steam.

Check out the trailer:

Sky of Tides

Sky of Tides is developed by Lofty Sky Entertainment and the furthest along in the development cycle of the three. You play as Rin D’Lorah in a unique and breathtaking environment where the oceans float in the sky. It is a narrative-heavy RPG where you search for your missing father with a runaway rebel and a robot.

It was a pleasure speaking with one of the developers who pointed out their intent to bring a fresh light on RPGs (think of an upbeat Disco Elysium). Instead of min-maxing, Sky of Tides encourages you to balance your character to reach the true ending. Yes, there are several endings (32 to be exact), and the true ending will unlock an exclusive animated series! Lofty Sky Entertainment has had a history with film and animation, so they are able to bring these extra goodies to Sky of Tides.

The PC build for Sky of Tides is near completion, and there is a demo available on Steam. We can expect more information around Gamescom!

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Featured Image Credit: Akiiwan: Survival