independent developer Archives

AppWizard

February 23, 2025

Remedy’s Sam Lake and Papers, Please creator Lucas Pope will receive major achievement awards in March

At the 25th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards, Sam Lake will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work on titles like Max Payne, Alan Wake, Quantum Break, and Control, having earned over 200 industry accolades. Lucas Pope will be awarded the Pioneer Award for his innovative games, including Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn, both of which won the Grand Prize at the Independent Games Festival Awards. The event recognizes figures who enhance storytelling in gaming, with previous honorees including Todd Howard, John Romero, and Amy Hennig for the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Jordan Mechner, Roberta Williams, and Mabel Addis for the Pioneer Award.

AppWizard

February 4, 2025

Sumo Group refocuses on work-for-hire development

UK-based gaming company Sumo Group is shifting its focus towards the work-for-hire segment, which CEO Carl Cavers believes is crucial for long-term stability. He acknowledged that this decision will impact studios and employees but did not specify potential layoffs or the number of affected staff. Cavers emphasized the company's commitment to minimizing adverse effects on its workforce and supporting those impacted with transparency and care. Sumo Group aims to enhance its reputation as a premium development partner and leverage its expertise to create outstanding games for clients. The company previously laid off 15 percent of its staff in June 2024 and spun out Timbre Games into an independent developer in September 2024.

AppWizard

July 17, 2024

Magical Delicacy Now Available on PC, Xbox, and Xbox Game Pass

Magical Delicacy, a Metroidvania-lite-meets-cooking game, is now available on PC, Xbox, and Xbox Game Pass. Players can explore a charming harbor town through light platforming, collect ingredients, customize their kitchen, and serve magical treats to hungry customers.

AppWizard

July 16, 2024

Isekai Crafter: The Llama Glama Gang is a YA Minecraft book and add-on

Aethon Books has released the first book in the Isekai Crafter series, titled "The Llama Glama Gang," written by Marshal Carper. The story follows a protagonist trapped in the world of Minecraft and encountering the mischievous Llama Glama Gang. Carper, an independent developer, has also released a tie-in add-on on the Minecraft Marketplace called "My Little Llama Overhaul." Additionally, a full adventure map inspired by the book is set to be released soon. Carper emphasizes the focus on crafting and building mechanics in the isekai genre, rather than traditional RPG elements.