There are so many exciting upcoming indie games to look forward to, from delightful puzzlers to story-driven adventures and so much more. With no shortage of new games for 2023 on the horizon, there's no shortage of indie gems to watch out for in coming months. With the likes of the stylish Bomb Rush Cyberfunk to the charming and long awaited Mineko's Night Market set to arrive, there's many more to keep on your radar this year and beyond.
Recently we've seen the release of some fantastic indie games, such as Tchia, Dredge, and Planet of Lana. As the Summer Game Fest 2023 and Wholesome Direct proved, there are still so many more to come. And ff you're looking for more great recommendations while you wait for upcoming releases, be sure to check out our Indie Spotlight series to see which indie games we've been loving lately.
So get your wishlists ready as we take you through the most exciting upcoming indie games.
2023
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk
Release date: August 18, 2023
Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch
With every trailer we see of Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, our sense of anticipation only grows. In what is a spiritual successor to Jet Set Radio, developer Team Reptile will be taking us to a metropolis in an alternate future where we can choose our own character and explore the streets freely in style. Featuring a "unique trick system" with wallrunning, grinding, sliding, and more, the trailers have shown off how we can perform tricks using BMX bikes and skateboards as we try to get our name out there by tagging the streets with graffiti. It also features funky as hell music from Jet Set Radio composer Hideki Naganuma that we frankly can't get enough of.
Mineko's Night Market
Release date: September 26, 2023
Platform(s): PC, Switch
A narrative-driven sim that wants us to "enjoy all the cats" in its world? Where do we sign up? We've had our eye on Mineko's Night Market for a long time, and for good reason. As a game that's said to celebrate Japanese culture, developer Meowza Games' upcoming adventure is set to explore a heart-warming story about friendship and tradition as Mineko, a young girl who's newly arrived in her new home on a struggling Japanese-inspired island. You can craft all sorts of items with resources around the world and sell them at the weekly night market, where you can also take part in games such as parades, cat racing, and stage performances. Alongside befriending the locales, Mineko's Night Market looks set to offer puzzles, exploration, and more.
TBC 2023
Sticky Business
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC
If you ever wanted to experience what it's like to run your own small business that just so happens to be cute and cozy, Sticky Business will let you do just that. The new sim from developer Spellgarden Games sees you create cute stickers of your very own from a wealth of different combinations to sell. After letting your creative side loose by coming up with adorable designs, you can then pack up orders and hear all about your customers' lives in the process. You can also upgrade your sticker graphics and customize packaging to make your customers happier. We're very here for it.
This Bed We Made
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC
If you're on the lookout for an indie that delves into a good mystery, This Bed We Made could very well scratch that itch. Set in the 1950s, Lowbirth Games' mystery experience has you take on the role of a maid who searches around hotel bedrooms to dig into something "sinister" that's said to bind the guests together. With the promise a neo-noir murder mystery to investigate and solve, This Bed We Made is one very intriguing upcoming release.
Way to the Woods
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Game Pass)
Way to the Woods is an upcoming adventure that follows the journey of two deer in an abandoned world that head out to find their way home. A trailer for the game back in 2019 quickly captured attention thanks to its beautiful, intriguing backdrop and the companionship of the deer and fawn protagonists at the heart of the experience. Said to draw inspiration from Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and The Last of Us, Way to the Woods happily made an appearance towards the end of 2022 during the Wholesome Snack showcase to enchant us all over again.
Pacific Drive
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, PS5
Pacific Drive is an upcoming run-based survival driving game, and after checking it earlier this year, we're already keen to get behind the wheel. Coming to us from developer Ironwood Studios, Pacific Drive takes place in a reimagining of the Pacific Northwest in the Olympic Exclusion Zone, which is full of hazards and strange anomalies. After finding yourself in this zone with a station wagon that serves as your only companion and means of survival, you set out to learn more about this mysterious place and try to navigate all of its dangers with every run you take.
The Plucky Squire
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch
The Plucky Squire from developer All Possible Futures looks absolutely magical. With its enchanting concept, The Plucky Squire will see us jump from 2D to 3D as the small but mighty hero Jot, who discovers the world that lies outside of the pages of his storybook home. The debut trailer certainly left a lasting impression, with Toy Story vibes and elements that bring to mind the nostalgic 2D platforming sections of Super Mario Odyssey. After leaving the storybook and emerging into the 3D world of the bedroom, we got to see how Jot can shift between dimensions by jumping onto the surfaces of different objects. It really does look like it has the makings for one creatively charming platforming adventure.
In Stars and Time
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, Switch
In Stars and Time has found a firm place on our wishlist thanks to its art style, concept, and cast of characters. Described by developer insertdisc5 as a "time-looping RPG adventure" - which honestly holds our attention all on its own - In Stars and Time follows the story of protagonist Siffrin and their friends who form a found family that set out to put a stop to an evil king. This is no simple task, as it turns out, when the clock resets and Siffrin is stuck in a seemingly endless time loop. With turn-based combat, a party of adventurers at your side, and the opportunity to make new discoveries with each loop, In Stars and Time sounds like an intriguing upcoming release we can't wait to jump into.
Cocoon
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Cocoon is a new puzzle adventure from Limbo and Inside lead gameplay designer Jeppe Carlsen that shows a lot of promise. As a little insectoid-like protagonist, Cocoon's puzzles are wrapped up in various worlds that are each contained within different orbs that you carry on your back. Coming into contact with alien environments left behind by long-gone civilizations, it will see you set out to uncover a mystery and take on unique battles against guardians that protect every world you explore. We can't help but be intrigued by the "world-leaping mechanic" of Cocoon and the sense of mystery at the heart of it.
Spirittea
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC
Sometimes spirits need help and a place to unwind, too. Spirittea from developer Cheesemaster Games instantly gives us Spirited Away vibes and that only adds to its appeal. Set in a town full of troublesome spirits up to all sorts of mischief after people stopped worshipping them, and that's where you come in. Alongside helping the spirits solve their problems, you'll also be taking charge of a rundown bathhouse in need of some care. When we're not keeping the bathhouse clean and organized, or pampering any spirit visitors and ensuring they have a comfortable stay, we can also spend our time befriending the locals. Spirittea looks set to scratch our management sim itch.
Afterlove EP
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch
Afterlove EP is said to be a game that is a mixture of narrative adventure, dating sim and rhythm game which looks set to tell an emotional story. Taking place in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, After Love EP follows Rama, a young musician dealing with the loss of their girlfriend Cinta who recently passed away. With beautiful art that's brought to life by artist Soyatu and original music from Indonesian band L'alpahalpha, the upcoming adventure is said to feature multiple possible endings and story paths based on the choices you make.
Thirsty Suitors
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC
Thirsty Suitors is a diverse, story-driven adventure featuring turn-based battles against exes, skateboarding, and action-packed cooking. If that isn't enough to sell you on Outerloop Games' RPG, the demo surely will. In fact, we loved our hands-on time with the game so much last year, we didn't want it to end. Thirsty Suitors follows the story of Jala who returns to her hometown after a messy breakup and explores themes such as family, relationships, culture, and more. It's definitely one upcoming adventure we can't wait to see more of this year.
The Gecko Gods
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC
If you're looking for a relaxing puzzle-based experience, The Gecko Gods might just be one to add to your wishlist. Playing as a little gecko, you can explore a mysterious island and make the most of the lizard's agile movements to climb cliffs and yes, even eat bugs. Setting out on a quest to save their friend, The Gecko Gods sees you solve puzzles across crumbling ruins and discover the lore of the land as you explore. There's no way we can pass up the chance to play as a little gecko protagonist.
TBC 2024
Another Crab's Treasure
Release date: TBC 2024
Platform(s): PC, Switch
You know what they say, one crab's trash is another crab's treasure. Okay, maybe they don't say that about crabs per se, but it's definitely true in the case of Another Crab's Treasure. Developer Aggro Crab is bringing us a new souls-like experience under the sea as a crustacean called Krill who's on the hunt for treasure to buy back his repurposed shell. In the polluted underwater world, trash is considered to be a valuable resource that's used for just about everything, but it also brings with it an infection known as the Gunk which threatens the ocean. If you're on the lookout for a new souls-like experience – featuring a whole lot of crabs, no less – this is one adventure to watch out for.
Paper Trail
Release date: TBC 2024
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5
Paper Trail looks like a charming new puzzle adventure that takes place in a paper world. Since everything is made of paper, the world itself can fold, rotate, and spin around to allow you to create paths and puzzle your way through locations. Developed by Newfangled Games, Paper Trail is set to explore the story of Paige who's just about to leave home for the first time to pursue her studies as an up and coming academic. It certainly has a unique design and concept that has caught our attention, with the added bonus of secrets to uncover.
TBC
Henry Halfhead
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
Henry Halfhead is an upcoming sandbox adventure from Lululu Entertainment that sees you become a character with a rather peculiar ability. As Henry, you can possess and control any object from an apple to a toaster. In fact, you can even become the bread in the toaster or the plug that powers it. Essentially, you can become anything within your reach and experiment to find creative solutions to complete challenges. With over 150 objects to play around with and a variety of mini-games to try out, it looks like a lot of fun - and also supports local co-op as an added bonus.
A Tiny Sticker Tale
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch
A Tiny Sticker Tale from developer Ogre Pixel is an upcoming adventure that looks as adorable as it does creative. With Paper Mario vibes, you take on the role of Flynn the Donkey as you set out across the miniature world of Figori Island to take on quests using a magical sticker album. With a puzzle element, you'll be able to take anything from the environment and turn it into a sticker that can be placed to change up your surroundings. The charming art style and delightful concept make this one to watch out for.
The Star Named EOS
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC
The Star Named EOS is the next game from the delightful Behind the Frame developer Silver Linings Studio. The first-person narrative puzzle adventure sees you take on the role of Dei, a young photographer who's following the footsteps of his Mother's adventures through a series of photos and letters that were sent to him as a child. With a family mystery at the heart of the experience, The Star Named EOS will let us try to solve puzzles, recreate photos, and explore a hand-drawn world where we can capture snapshots. A relaxing adventure about family with mystery and photography? Yes please.
Venba
Release date: TBC 2023
Platform(s): PC, Switch
Venba is an upcoming narrative cooking game that explores love, loss, and family. Taking on the role of an Indian mother who immigrates to Canada with her family in the '80s, you'll set about cooking authentic south-indian dishes and try to restore lost recipes that were damaged in the move. With branching conversations and a soundtrack inspired by indian musicals, Venba looks set to serve up a wonderful cooking experience that explores how food can connect us.
Closer the Distance
Release date: TBC
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Closer the Distance is a new game from Osmotic Studios that's described as a slice of life sim that looks set to us a unique power. As protagonist Angela in the town of Yesterby, you'll navigate a story that follows the events after a tragic car accident. With an "ethereal ability", Angela can influence the residents of the town, with choices that will be presented that can change the very fate of Yesterby. If you're looking for narrative experience with choices that matter, Closer the Distance looks set to be one to keep on eye on.
Keep track of all of the releases on the horizon with our roundups of upcoming Switch games, upcoming PS5 games, upcoming Xbox Series X games, and upcoming PC games.
