At the Day of the Devs, a part of the Summer Game Fest, we spotted some impressive indie games ready to storm the scene. These little beauties are perfect for the chill gameplay, right when those AAA titles start jostling for space. Their simplicity, minimalist charm, and arty vibes won our hearts straight away. Let’s dive into a couple of upcoming indie games that are set to hit the shelves in 2024.
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1. Summerhill
Remember Alto’s Odyssey? Of course, you do. That mobile charmer was a breath of fresh air. Well, its creators, Land & Sea, have another trick up their sleeve – Summerhill. This time, they’re whisking us off to a world of story-led puzzles, where we play as a shepherd in a dashing red cape. It’s all viewed from an isometric angle that screams ‘Art’.
Usually, we’d tell you to keep your cool about indie games until there’s enough info. But Summerhill? Oh boy. That trailer is like a dessert platter, offering just enough to tantalise the taste buds. There’s a young shepherd and his dog, a flock of sheep, and an inkling of a deeper story.
You can tip your hat to Summerhill’s Steam page and add this diamond in the your wishlist. It’s one of the best upcoming indie games for sure.
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2. Hauntii
Now, Hauntii is a bit of a conundrum wrapped in an enigma. It’s a twin-stick shooter, a genre that’s become as elusive as a politician’s promise. If you’re lost, imagine the likes of The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth and Enter The Gungeon and you’re on the right track.
But why are we frothing about Hauntii? Well, the whole game is hand-drawn from top to bottom. Every animation, every graphic, all hand-drawn. It’s like an artisan coffee, but less pretentious. Plus, we play as a ghost who can possess almost anything on the map. Poltergeist meets Pac-Man, if you will.
This unmissable gem is one of the upcoming indie games that will be released in 2024. If you fancy a ghostly romp with a twist, pop Hauntii onto your Steam wishlist.
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3. Été
Ever had someone scoff at video games as art? Well, now you can smugly point them towards Été and bask in your victory. This masterpiece is cooked up by Impossible, a studio based in Canada. Été, meaning ‘Summer’ in French, isn’t just a game — it’s a bloody art class.
You’ll be stepping into the shoes of a painter who’s just landed in Montreal, with dozens of different canvases, or maps, awaiting your creative flair. You can paint the town red, blue, or any colour really, and uncover miniature narratives along the way. Let’s just say, it’s a whole other level of satisfaction to see a pup frolicking about in a backyard you’ve just painted.
The cherry on top? All the items you paint in the game can later be used as 3D models, letting you construct tables that are as unique as your imagination. For a taste of this artful indie gem set for a 2024 release, you can check out Été’s Steam page. Also you can tell about this game when you talk about upcoming indie games.
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4. Henry Halfhead
Henry Halfhead — even the name’s enough to pique curiosity. The game is a bit oddball, in a good way, serving up puzzles that’ll remind you of Escape the Room antics. What sets this little number apart is its straightforward yet effective gameplay.
Playing Henry Halfhead, you can morph into objects around you to complete tasks. Got a pesky alarm clock you can’t quiet? No problem, just become the battery inside it and roll out. Need to bust open a closed door? Simple. Be the door, open yourself. No, you’re not tripping.
A peek at the trailer will give you a glimpse of the ingenious gameplay. Expect a 2024 meet up with one of the strangest upcoming indie games. Check out the Steam page to add Henry Halfhead to your wishlist.
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5. Simpler Times
There are moments when you just want to unwind with a coffee cup, and diving headfirst into Warzone doesn’t quite fit the bill. That’s where chilled-out indie games like Unpacking come in, and Simpler Times is shaping up to be one of the finest in this genre. Stoneskip studio is behind this beauty, telling the tale of Taina on the brink of leaving her family home.
Simpler Times is a story-driven puzzle game, where you unearth memories while gathering up your belongings for the move. The stand-out feature for us? Its gorgeous 3D design and stunning graphics.
We’re not sure of the exact duration but prepare for a relaxed adventure in 2024 lasting at least a few good hours. If this sounds like your cup of tea, head over to the game’s Steam page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Indie Game Developers Rich?
It’s a common misconception that every indie game developer is swimming in money. The truth is somewhat different. Stats from 2022 revealed that only a 3% of indie developers bag more than $1 million annually. That’s about 1500 developers or studios, out of tens of thousands of games released each year. So, the notion of indie developers as loaded may not quite hit the mark.
Are Indie Games Popular in 2023?
Indie games still have a decent fanbase in 2023, though they’re not quite the flavour of the month as they were a few years back. The limelight is slowly shifting towards AAA games crafted by the big studios. A quick glance at platforms like Twitch and YouTube will show indie game views are a tad on the lower side. But let’s not write them off just yet. This year has already seen a stunner like Dredge making waves.
Could Indie Games Become Game of the Year?
Yes, an indie game could become game of the year. There are instances where they’ve held their own against the AAA big boys, and even outshone them. The thing with major studio projects is, they often come with sky-high expectations. So, when a solid indie game emerges out of the blue, it can be like a breath of fresh air. Need examples? Look no further than past indie superstars like Journey, Untitled Goose Game, and Hades.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.
