indie game developers Archives

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Siliconera’s PC Game of the Year 2025

The PC platform has become a supportive environment for indie game developers, allowing innovative titles to thrive before expanding to other systems. Siliconera's PC Game of the Year selections showcase games that have succeeded due to the unique PC ecosystem. The awards reflect the opinions of the Siliconera team, with multiplatform games assessed based on the platform that received the most support. Hades II continues the legacy of its predecessor, showcasing the developers' commitment to quality during its Early Access phase, resulting in a seamless gameplay experience. Monster Train 2 expands on the original by introducing more factions, increasing strategic possibilities and providing fresh challenges for players. Blue Prince, the winner, offers engaging puzzles with clear solutions, making it accessible for players who may struggle with traditional exploration puzzle games.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

6 of the most popular apps on Steam that aren’t games

Steam offers a variety of software tools in addition to its extensive library of games, which can enhance productivity and creativity in the workplace. Aseprite is a tool for creating high-quality pixel art with a minimalist interface and features that streamline the creative process, making it suitable for indie game developers and artists. RPG Maker MZ allows users to create their own games without extensive coding knowledge, catering to both beginners and seasoned developers, and is compatible with current operating systems. Wallpaper Engine enables users to create unique static or animated wallpapers, allowing for personalization of desktop backgrounds. Crosshair X allows users to customize crosshairs for various games, enhancing gameplay by tailoring the aiming experience. Soundpad enhances voice chats by enabling users to play sound effects and music clips during conversations, improving the social experience of gaming and online interactions.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

Becastled Has been Released For Both PC & Consoles

Indie game developers Mana Potion Studios and Pingle Studio have released Becastled, a city-building and siege defense game available on PC and consoles. Players manage the Sun Kingdom's last bastion, gathering resources and expanding their castle during the day while defending against attacks from Moon Beasts at night. The game features mechanics for building a medieval city, training an army, and maintaining the happiness of subjects through various constructions. Players must strategically use the landscape and adapt to changing seasons while engaging in both resource management and combat.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

“Pilot Acceleration Program”: Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Slips as Microsoft Rolls Out New AI Testbed

Microsoft has launched the Windows AI Labs program to accelerate the development of AI features, first noted in updates to Microsoft Paint. The program aims to validate AI feature ideas through customer feedback on usability and market fit. Some versions of Paint now include prompts for accessing Windows AI Labs, while others do not. Speculated AI functionalities may include Photoshop-like tools or an image generator. Additionally, Microsoft is investing heavily in indie game developers, with investments reaching an all-time high in 2025. Analysts have given Microsoft a Strong Buy consensus rating, with 34 Buy ratings and one Hold, and the average price target for MSFT is .78 per share, indicating a potential upside of 22.76%.

AppWizard

August 7, 2025

From Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Minecraft to Roguelite Raids: Everbloom Games Unveils Nullpoint Protocol

Everbloom Games is transitioning from creating content for Minecraft to indie game development with their first title, Nullpoint Protocol, a co-op roguelite set for release in 2026. The game focuses on MMO-style boss encounters without the grind of traditional RPGs and will feature a playable demo at PAX West 2025, Booth #648. Everbloom's origins trace back to a 2016 PlanetMinecraft competition, leading to successful collaborations with major franchises. Co-founder Tom van Berkel emphasizes the need for creative freedom as a driving force behind their shift to indie development, reflecting on the potential for growth in the industry through user-generated content platforms.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

Where Eric Barone used his indie bucks to buy a proper PC, creator of Stardew Valley-inspired hit Rusty’s Retirement says he’s got the same $1,000 rig after selling half a million copies: “We’ve literally done nothing else differently”

Many indie game developers experience financial success but often reinvest their earnings into their work rather than indulging in leisure. Eric Barone, creator of Stardew Valley, upgraded his PC after the game's success instead of making extravagant purchases. Jordan Morris, who sold around 550,000 copies of his game, expressed admiration for other indie titles like Hollow Knight, feeling it was underpriced and purchasing it multiple times. These examples highlight the dedication and continuous drive of indie developers to create new projects.

AppWizard

December 9, 2024

PC Game Storefront Itchio Accuses The Funko Corporation Of Taking Their Site Offline

Funko has a strong presence in the toy and collectibles market, particularly with its Pop vinyl figures. Recently, the gaming platform itch.io was deactivated due to a dispute with Funko over a fan page dedicated to the Funko video game Funko Fusion. Funko used BrandShield software to report the page for alleged fraud and phishing, leading to the deactivation of itch.io’s domain. Despite the removal of the fan page and account by itch.io's founder Leaf Corcoran, the domain remained on "serverHold" due to communication issues with the registrar iwantmyname. This incident raises concerns about the impact of trademark protection on smaller creators who rely on itch.io for income.

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.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

Nintendo is suing Palworld maker Pocketpair

Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair in Tokyo's District Court on September 18th, claiming that the game Palworld infringes on several of its patents. The lawsuit also involves The Pokémon Company, and Nintendo is seeking an injunction and compensation for damages. Pocketpair expressed surprise at the claims and stated they were unaware of the alleged infringements. Since its launch in early 2024, Palworld has attracted over 25 million players. The lawsuit may require Pocketpair to divert resources from game development to address legal issues.

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

Palworld: Nintendo’s Lawsuit Wants To Block Indie Games From Being Creative

Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair, the developer of Palworld, for alleged patent infringement related to game mechanics. Pocketpair plans to contest the lawsuit, stating it will divert resources from game development. The lawsuit seeks an injunction and damages for infringement of multiple patent rights. Pocketpair is currently unaware of the specific patents involved. Palworld, which launched in January, initially attracted over 2 million players on Steam but now averages around 30,000 daily players.