indie developers Archives

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

This year has proved yet again that horror games do best when devs keep it small-scale

Mouthwashing is a notable horror game released this year, set on a broken spaceship named the Tulpar, which can be completed in under two and a half hours. Players experience the story through the perspectives of Curly and Jimmy, exploring themes of violence and corporate dehumanization with a nonlinear narrative. Still Wakes the Deep, developed by The Chinese Room, is another significant title that takes around six hours to complete. It follows protagonist Caz McLeary on an oil rig, blending psychological horror with emotional depth as players evade a monstrous entity while dealing with Caz's troubled past. Lethal Company stands out in the multiplayer sandbox horror genre, featuring whimsical yet terrifying elements and unpredictable gameplay. The game has received updates throughout 2024, enhancing its chaotic and memorable experiences, such as encounters with a hungry bird and a giant robot. Overall, this year has been exceptional for horror gaming, particularly for indie titles like Mouthwashing and Lethal Company, which have gained recognition alongside larger games.

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 22, 2024

6 reasons I’m excited for the future of PC gaming

PC gaming has experienced a surge in popularity, with both established studios and indie developers producing exceptional titles. Linux gaming has improved significantly, particularly with Valve's Proton compatibility layer allowing Windows games to run on Linux without requiring ports. Handheld devices like the Steam Deck have transformed gaming by enabling play on the go. The distinction between PC and console gaming is diminishing, with more console titles being ported to PC and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass providing access to console games on PCs. Display technology has evolved, offering monitors with vibrant colors and high refresh rates, enhancing the gaming experience. Apple Silicon has made Macs more viable for gaming, allowing demanding games to run smoothly, although more game ports are needed. There is a growing focus on accessibility in gaming, with studios prioritizing features for inclusivity. Despite concerns about rising graphics card prices, the PC gaming platform remains strong, supported by millions of users on platforms like Steam and Epic Games.

AppWizard

December 22, 2024

The Best PC Games Of 2024 According To Metacritic

The PC gaming platform is thriving with a variety of titles from Sony and Microsoft, alongside exclusive offerings. Notable PC games reviewed as of December 5, 2024, include: - Elden Ring Expansion by From Software - Animal Well, an indie game with metroidvania mechanics - Tactical Breach Wizards, known for its creative gameplay These titles showcase a diverse gaming ecosystem with contributions from both AAA and indie developers.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Predicting the (actually very exciting) future of Xbox hardware

A game analyst predicts that the high-end console market may not support both PlayStation and Xbox, suggesting a possible exit for Xbox. However, the relevance of console exclusives is diminishing as PlayStation expands to platforms like Steam, and Valve allows manufacturers to create consoles based on its operating system. Xbox is likely to increase its device variety, with Microsoft appointing Roanne Sones to lead its hardware ecosystem. Under her leadership, Xbox is expanding beyond traditional consoles, showcasing devices like the ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming PC and mobile controllers. The upcoming CES 2025 will feature discussions on enhancing Windows for gaming handhelds. Both Xbox and PlayStation rely on x86 AMD architecture, and the industry is exploring monetization strategies amid rising costs and stagnant user growth. Microsoft aims to align Xbox more closely with Windows for easier game deployment and potential integration of third-party stores. There is speculation about eliminating the paywall for premium multiplayer gaming in the next generation. Successful execution of this vision is uncertain, as Microsoft must navigate regional marketing and distribution complexities while ensuring a smooth gaming experience and backward compatibility.

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

December 12, 2024

Balatro hits 3.5m copies sold

Balatro, an indie card game, has sold over three-and-a-half million copies. The game's creator, LocalThunk, initially made it for himself and a few friends. He expressed mixed feelings about the game's success, acknowledging its life-changing impact while longing for the simplicity of his pre-release days. LocalThunk described the past year as the most stressful of his life and expressed a desire to return to the joy of creating the game as a hobby. Since its launch in March, Balatro sold over one million copies within the first month.

AppWizard

December 2, 2024

Expa Game Business Co-operative and Digi & Game Center recognised as Finland’s first Unreal training centre

Epic Games has recognized two Finnish organizations, Expa Game Business Co-operative and Digi & Game Center, as Unreal Authorized Training Centers. Expa Game Business Co-operative, founded in 2012, supports startups, indie developers, and researchers in Central Finland. Digi & Game Center, established in 2020, serves as a collaborative hub for companies in the gaming sector. The recognition was supported by Fireframe Studios, founded by Supercell co-founder Mikko Kodisoja. Tuomas Roininen, vice chair of Expa, highlighted the significance of this achievement for Finland’s creative industries, noting that Unreal Engine has applications beyond gaming, including film, education, and architecture.

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 17, 2024

The Big Indie Interviews: Message Photon on their award-winning roguelike Painted Peril

Painted Peril secured second place in The Very Big Indie Pitch at Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki. The game is a roguelike experience developed by a team from Finland, where players explore a world of color magic and combine hues to create spells. The project originated about 1.5 years ago as a university course initiative at Chalmers University of Technology, where a group of six students developed the initial prototype and won the Jury Spotlight Award at the Gotland Game Conference. Players control Sylvia the squirrel, navigating a cave system and using color effects and spellcasting mechanics. The game includes various bottles that affect spell behavior, promoting experimentation with color combinations. Emil Ekroth, a developer, discussed the challenges of indie development, emphasizing the need for versatility and motivation. The pitching experience highlighted the importance of clear communication. The team is exploring publishing options for Painted Peril, including potential self-publishing on Steam.