indie developers Archives

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

A Blockbuster Video Simulator Takes Over PC Gaming Charts

Samuel Gauthier is an independent video game developer and co-founder of Blood Pact Studios, known for creating Retro Rewind, a video-rental-store simulator that debuted at number one on Steam's top 10 list. The game allows players to manage a movie rental shop set in the early '90s, featuring 14,000 fictitious movie titles generated through AI prompts and 21 films inspired by popular hits of the era. The development of Retro Rewind took 15 months, with Gauthier and his team working over 60 hours a week. The game is priced at .92 and aims for greater replayability and wider appeal compared to their previous game, Bonesaw, which sold around 10,000 copies. Blood Pact Studios plans to provide ongoing support for Retro Rewind across various platforms and is considering future projects, potentially focusing on multiplayer or co-op gaming. Gauthier envisions evolving the game alongside technological advancements, possibly transitioning from VHS to DVDs.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Indie dev says ‘best I can do is sentient tofu’ after fans demand a male protagonist—they respond oh yeah, actually Mr Tofu works fine, thanks

A user on the Steam forums for the upcoming game Honcho expressed a preference for playing as a male character, stating that playing female characters disrupts their immersion. The indie developer, Pryjmachuk, humorously suggested a sentient block of tofu as an alternative, acknowledging the limitations of indie game development. Players will be able to embody Mr. Tofu by entering their name at the game's start. Despite the initial request for a male character, the user responded positively to the tofu option, expressing support for the developer's work. This exchange highlights the diverse preferences players have regarding character choices in gaming.

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

Highly Rated 2025 PC Horror Game Confirms PS5 & Xbox Release (& It’s Getting New DLC)

Necrophosis, a Lovecraftian horror game published by Dragonis Games, was released on PC via Steam in April 2025 and has received a "Very Positive" rating from players. It is set to launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as part of a complete edition called Necrophosis: Full Consciousness, which will include a new DLC titled Necrophosis: Subconsciousness. The game features elements of walking simulators and cosmic horror, with gameplay lasting 2-3 hours. A detailed trailer for the DLC will be released on March 2nd at 1:15 PM ET on the Dragonis Games YouTube channel. A physical version of the complete edition will also be available for PS5, bundled with another title, The Shore. The release date and pricing for Necrophosis: Full Consciousness are expected in 2026, while the base game is currently priced at .99 on Steam.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Top PC Games Under 200MB: Fun Without The Gigabytes!

Lightweight PC games under 200MB are gaining popularity due to their storage efficiency, quick download and installation times, and accessibility on older systems. These games offer diverse genres, including action, puzzle, strategy, RPGs, racing, simulation, and adventure. They can be easily transferred to USB drives for on-the-go gaming and often feature retro-inspired graphics. Resources for finding these games include indie platforms like Itch.io and GameJolt, abandonware sites, and online gaming communities. To ensure smooth performance, players should check system requirements, use compatibility modes, keep graphics drivers updated, and adjust in-game settings.

BetaBeacon

February 16, 2026

What Makes Android the Go-To Platform for Indie Game Developers?

Android remains the dominant OS in countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, and parts of Africa, providing indie studios with a large audience eager for content and more likely to download experimental games from unknown developers.

AppWizard

February 15, 2026

Why Microsoft’s Revoked DMCA Over A Minecraft-Style Game Is Such A Big Deal

Microsoft withdrew a DMCA takedown notice against the indie game Allumeria, allowing its demo to return to digital platforms. The initial takedown was likely triggered by an automated system that flagged Allumeria for similarities to Minecraft. Microsoft's legal team recognized distinct differences that complicated potential legal action. This decision may encourage creativity among indie developers and reflects a nuanced understanding of the gaming industry's dynamics. The case highlights ongoing challenges in defining ownership over game concepts and suggests a potential shift towards a more collaborative environment in game development.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

For PC gamers: Epic Games Store launches new free game giveaways

The Epic Games Store offers free games regularly, which attracts new users and fosters community engagement. It has secured exclusive deals with developers and publishers, providing high-profile titles not available on other platforms. The store features a favorable revenue-sharing model for developers, taking a smaller cut of sales, which encourages innovation and attracts indie developers. Its user-friendly interface and support system help developers reach their audience effectively.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

If you love hundreds of games for $10 and hate ICE, then boy does Itch.io have just the bundle for you

Indie developers on Itch.io have created the "No ICE in Minnesota" bundle to raise funds for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM), which provides legal representation to low-income immigrants and refugees. The bundle includes over 1,400 items, such as video games, tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), books, and soundtracks, with more than 1,000 TTRPGs included. The fundraising goal is 0,000, and it has already reached 80% of that target with a month remaining for contributions. Additional donations are welcomed to support the initiative.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

VG Insights: Souls-like games on PC and Consoles

The Souls-like genre saw a release of 371 titles in 2024, marking a 41% year-over-year growth, with 207 games tagged as Souls-like by October 2025. Best-selling titles include Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (41.3 million copies), Elden Ring (40.6 million), and Monster Hunter: World (35 million). AAA developers generated approximately 75% of Souls-like revenue on Steam by 2024. Souls-like games represent about 4-5% of all titles on Steam. The APAC region accounts for 80% of all Souls-like projects and 97% of total revenue as of 2025. Chinese players make up 47% of the audience for top Souls-like games on Steam, followed by the US at 23%. Most AAA titles in the genre are priced between .99 and .99.

AppWizard

December 31, 2025

CD Projekt co-founder buys back GOG, promises The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2 will still launch on the PC storefront

CD Projekt has returned its PC gaming storefront, GOG, to co-founder Michal Kicinski. GOG, established in 2008, aims to provide a DRM-free platform for gamers. The platform has evolved to include a variety of titles and is involved in restoring classic games. GOG will maintain its core operations and commitment to being DRM-free, with GOG Galaxy as an optional feature. Upcoming titles from CD Projekt Red, including The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2, will still be available on GOG. The company will continue to operate autonomously and support its community through programs like the Patron program and the Preservation Program, with new initiatives planned for 2026 to enhance user engagement and support indie developers.