indie developer

AppWizard
July 23, 2025
Dan Marshall began his game development journey at 24 while learning C++. Over two decades, he created three games that received over 80% review scores in PC Gamer, despite facing challenges such as a 26% rating for Behold the Kickmen. His company, Size Five Games, started as a hobby, and he developed games like Ben There, Dan That! and Time Gentlemen, Please! with minimal financial risk. One notable game, The Swindle, featured a unique design that limited players to 100 attempts, leading to mixed reactions but ultimately became Size Five's most financially successful title. Marshall has kept overhead costs low by hiring external talent for short projects and has navigated the industry's volatility without significant expenses. Despite critical acclaim for Lair of the Clockwork God, its sales did not match expectations, and he speculated that a change in protagonists might have affected its performance. Marshall expresses anxiety about the future of his projects and the possibility of needing a traditional job, yet he remains committed to game development regardless of financial circumstances.
AppWizard
July 9, 2025
Square Enix has invested in the Danish indie developer BetaDwarf to enhance its production capabilities. The financial details of the investment are undisclosed. BetaDwarf is currently developing a top-down RPG called Vaultdwellers. Square Enix's General Manager of Business Development, Hideaki Uehara, expressed enthusiasm for the investment, highlighting the quality of BetaDwarf's work and the potential for collaboration. BetaDwarf's CEO, Steffen Kabbelgaard, noted the value of Square Enix's support, emphasizing the progress made on Vaultbreakers and the positive impact of the partnership on their production efforts.
AppWizard
July 4, 2025
Swedish indie developer Decemberborn Interactive has announced Cathedral: Crow’s Curse, a standalone prequel to the 2020 game Cathedral. It will be released on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam. The game features enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics, exploring deeper lore and mysteries of the Cathedral.
BetaBeacon
June 23, 2025
- Solo indie developer BuchioGames is launching SNO snow white next month on iOS and Android - The game offers a unique blend of 2D action and 3D puzzle-solving - Players can switch between side-scrolling exploration and 3D first-person views - The game features dimension-shifting mechanics and strategic boss fights - Players can uncover ancient secrets, decrypt lost data, and confront interdimensional threats - The game offers intuitive touch controls, low-poly art, and a seamless UI design - Players can try out the first 2-4 hours for free when the game launches on July 12th
AppWizard
February 13, 2025
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.
AppWizard
November 28, 2024
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 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
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.
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