indie developer Archives

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Jeff Minter is remaking another Atari classic, and yeah, it is definitely a Jeff Minter game

Jeff Minter is developing a remake of the classic arcade shooter, I, Robot, originally launched by Atari in 1984. The game features a "3D kaleidoscopic visualizer" and challenges players to evade an all-seeing eye while navigating through a treacherous tube filled with enemies. Minter's remake will retain the essence of classic Atari gameplay and include "arena levels" with waves of foes. The original I, Robot had a limited production of fewer than 1,000 units at launch but has since gained a cult following for its pioneering use of real-time 3D polygons. The remake is set to be released in spring 2024 on PC and various consoles, including the Atari VCS.

Tech Optimizer

December 26, 2024

“I went through hell” Japanese indie dev on how their game was wrongly flagged as a virus, and blocked on Steam

A Japanese indie developer, Shiromofu Factory, launched the game Dungeon Antiqua on October 10, 2024. The game, inspired by early Final Fantasy and Wizardry titles, is available on Windows and macOS and has received a Very Positive review status on Steam. After a December 6 update, users reported virus warnings from antivirus programs like Norton, Avast, and McAfee, which were triggered by the game's use of the Pyxel engine and Pyinstaller for executable files. The developer advised users to exclude the game's .exe file from scans, but on December 12, Steam blocked the game from sale due to multiple virus reports. The developer requested a rollback to an earlier version, which prevented future updates. They purchased Norton Antivirus for testing and attempted various solutions, including filing reports with antivirus companies and considering a code signing certificate. They identified that the use of Python’s “os.remove()” function contributed to the false alerts and implemented a workaround. However, antivirus software retained memory of flagged files, causing continued blocks. Ultimately, flipping the fairy image associated with the game’s file by 180 degrees allowed Dungeon Antiqua to bypass the antivirus barriers and resume updates.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Google quietly made it easier for new developers to release apps on the Play Store

Google has updated its app testing requirements, reducing the minimum number of testers for closed tests from 20 to 12 for developers with personal accounts created after November 13, 2023. The new requirement states that these developers must conduct a closed test with at least 12 opted-in testers for a minimum of 14 consecutive days. Developers with business accounts are not affected by this change. The adjustment comes in response to criticism from indie developers who found the previous requirement challenging.

AppWizard

November 28, 2024

The Big Indie Interviews: Hyena Hon on award-winning competitive game Crush!

The Very Big Indie Pitch competition at Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan allows developers to present their games to expert judges for feedback and potential prizes. Mostafa Harb from Hyena Hon showcased their game Crush!, a competitive party game for two players that evolved from a game jam project. Harb highlighted the challenges of indie game development in Lebanon due to economic instability, emphasizing the need for funding and stable employment. He described the positive reception of Crush! during the pitch, noting the valuable feedback received from both casual gamers and industry experts. Harb plans to expand Crush! with a unique art style and diverse gameplay mechanics, aiming for a Steam release. Additionally, he and co-founder Jawad Karaky have ideas for future projects, including an educational cooking game, a racing game, and a narrative-driven game for the visually impaired.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

The Big Indie Interviews: Chorrus Games on their award-winning fantasy adventure game Radiant: Guardians Of Light

The Very Big Indie Pitch is a speed-dating style pitching event for indie developers held at Pocket Gamer Connects and other gaming events worldwide, where participants present their games to judges in five minutes. Chorrus Games, an indie studio from Madrid, Spain, developed the game Radiant: Guardians of Light, which won third place at the recent competition in Helsinki. The game blends 80s Beat 'Em Up gameplay with RPG elements, featuring fast-paced combat, a rich narrative, and a crafting system. The team, consisting of Oscar Ruiz and Roberto Martinez, focused on creating an engaging experience inspired by classic games while incorporating modern storytelling. They initially developed Radiant for PC but are exploring console opportunities. The pitching experience helped them refine their game and connect with industry professionals. The team aims to expand the Radiant universe through new titles and adaptations in various media.

AppWizard

October 23, 2024

Indie dev Studio Thunderhorse closes its doors

Studio Thunderhorse, an indie game developer founded in 2015 by Simon Filip, has announced its closure due to a series of challenges and development hurdles. The studio released two mobile titles, Samurai Blitz and Raccoon Rascals, and transitioned to PC gaming with the 2021 title Flynn: Son of Crimson, which was funded through Kickstarter and published by Humble Games. The team expressed gratitude for the community's support and acknowledged that despite their efforts, they faced challenges that led to the decision to close for the long-term health of the team and studio.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Outersloth partners with Slay the Spire maker Casey Yano

Innersloth's publishing division, Outersloth, has partnered with Casey Yano, the creator of Slay the Spire, to enhance the indie gaming landscape. Yano will collaborate with another undisclosed indie developer, and Outersloth has secured funding from these developers, although financial details are not disclosed. Outersloth is expanding its portfolio with 13 games in development. Community manager Victoria Tran stated that Yano and the anonymous developer will evaluate game pitches, and any funded games will be credited accordingly. The partnership allows Yano and the other developer to contribute financially, increasing Outersloth's funding capabilities for new games.

AppWizard

September 25, 2024

Palworld comes to PS5 today as Nintendo legal battle looms

Palworld, a survival game similar to Pokémon, has launched on PlayStation 5 after being available on Xbox. The indie developer, Pocketpair, is working on crossplay functionality. However, Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair for patent infringement, allegedly related to the mechanics of throwing Poké Balls. Pocketpair expressed disappointment over the lawsuit, emphasizing the impact on their game development efforts and the challenges faced by indie developers in the industry.

BetaBeacon

September 17, 2024

Labyrinth of Crystal Princess is an upcoming horror game where you must face invisible enemies

- Labyrinth of Crystal Princess is an upcoming horror game from indie dev Move the Hearts - The game is set to debut on Steam and will later be available on mobile platforms - The game follows a young girl named Hiyo who is trying to escape from an evil laboratory with an invisible monster chasing her - Labyrinth of Crystal Princess promises three separate endings, multiple dialogue options, and choices for the player to explore

AppWizard

September 4, 2024

Steam’s approval process dinged this indie game remake for being a remake of the game it’s remaking: ‘Seems identical to the game you put out 11 years ago’

InFlux Redux is a remake of the 2013 ball-rolling puzzle game developed by Joe Wintergreen. He has rebuilt the game's engine, enhancing its physics and graphics. The game faced challenges during its initial review on Steam, where it was criticized for appearing too similar to the original version. Steam requested an explanation for why it should be considered a separate product. After addressing the concerns, the complaint was dropped, and Wintergreen announced that the game has received approval for release on Steam.