Jenny Windom, member of The Indie Council and main host of today’s indie-fest, was in rare form as the sparkling showcase displayed some of this summer’s best titles. But which of these gems shined the brightest? I’m picking out the titles that caught my eye here, avoiding the games like Dungeons of Hinterberg, Building Relationships, and Afterlove EP which have already had their share of the spotlight elsewhere.
ILA: A Frosty Glide
You know I shouted for joy when I saw this one. The developers reached out to me about their skateboarding witch project not long after deciding to make it into a full game. My latest stream shows just how far they’ve come with new abilities and mechanics.
Spilled!
We had a heads up on socials that this title had found its way into today’s showcase, but that didn’t make it any less of a pleasure. Spilled is an environmentally conscious game that recently finished up a successful crowdfunding campaign. It sets the player up as a pollution-clearing boat, tasking them with ridding the world of waste. Like many games in the show, Spilled has a new demo for this summer.
Tiny Bookshop
The pull to run off to some far-away countryside and open up a traveling bookshop is hard to resist. Lucky for me, Tiny Bookshop has a demo out so I can have my cake and eat it too. Less joyful is the fact that we won’t see the game this year. That might be a good thing, however, considering the sheer number of top-tier indies we’re getting in 2024.
Dawnfolk
This game’s dark palette seems, at first, to contradict the wholesome vibe. However, the developer assures would-be players that the “miniature survival builder [is] perfect for short and relaxing gaming sessions.” I’m always down for a game to fill my spare minutes, but Dawnfolk looks especially up my alley with its old-school aesthetic and accessible approach to management sim.
Littlelands
That’s right! We have a confirmed Littlelands sighting. I have only seen snippets of this game’s captivating visuals on social media, so it is a relief to see it coming together enough to make an appearance here. There is always the distressing possibility in indie games that a title you like the look of will never release. And though we don’t have a launch date, there’s a demo to jump into now.
Pine: A Story of Loss
This game looks ready to rip my heart out. “Alone in the forest glade he shared with his wife,” reads the Steam Description, “a woodworker struggles to accept her passing. Help him hold on to cherished memories of their life together as he struggles to care for himself and his now empty home. Pine is a single-serving game focused on telling a beautiful, emotional tale.”
Tiny Cauldron
Are you looking at all these puzzley, pixelated games and wishing they had more inventory management? Me too! So, I was deeply interested in the witch-themed potion crafting game Tiny Cauldron when it took the stage. Put the array of unusual ingredients into your cooking pot perfectly if you want your brew to have its desired effect in the demo that’s up currently on Steam.
The Star Named EOS
If a literal star isn’t bright enough to land on this list, what is? I’ve covered this game in the past, though that won’t stop me from singing its praises again. Its aesthetic is stunning and its riddling gameplay had me wracking my brain for the right answers in some many different ways. Solve mysteries, take pictures, and wishlist this game right now.
Travelers Rest
I have had this game in my wishlist for what feels like an eternity. The tavern management sim has long been in early access, officially hitting in July of 2020. I’m delighted to see it’s continuing to grow. When I played it, I only had a small chunk of my not-quite-bustling establishment to take care of. With the showcase’s latest look, it seems like players will be able to set foot outside into a wide world.
Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato
Interesting fact: I knew of Sopa’s just-announced August launch date months ago. Some of you may remember I listed Sopa among the games of Day of the Dev’s spring event to watch. Well, the unfortunate downside to having such a trustworthy vibe is that sometimes developers tell me more than they mean to. It’s a relief to have the secret out in the open, and hopefully, everyone is excited to go hands-on with the colorful adventure soon.
Discounty
Coming in 2025, Discounty wasn’t on my radar until today. But the trailer’s awesome brand of slightly disturbing humor and those bright, beautiful pixels earned it a place. I’m sure everything will run totally smoothly and nothing at all bad will happen as I attempt to build a run-down supermarket into a grocery empire. Beware all those who would become my enemies.
Été
Été may just hold the honor for my favorite reveal of the show. It is set to come to PCs everywhere July 23, and I need the month to go by faster so I can take my time and relax in the game’s painterly world. For anyone who didn’t catch my preview from last year, this title puts a brush in your hand and a world to color in. Exploring the areas around your new apartment gives the environment its hues while offering up inspiration for your on-canvas pieces. I feel more serene just thinking about it.
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