indie game Archives

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

The indie game that toppled Forza Horizon 6 off Metacritic is now out for Xbox and PC — and I deeply regret letting it slip under my radar until now

The indie game Mina the Hollower has received a Metacritic score of 92, surpassing Microsoft's Forza Horizon 6. Developed by Yacht Club Games, it features a retro-inspired, isometric, 2D action-adventure style reminiscent of the Game Boy Color era. Players control Mina on a quest to free an island from a curse, navigating through gothic-horror castles and battling monsters with various weapons. The game is available on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

AppWizard

May 26, 2026

PC Users Have Limited Time to Claim 2022 with 90% Positive Reviews for Free

PC gamers can download the 2D platforming game "Mr. Brocco & Co. Against Fast Food" for free from IndieGala, an Italian digital storefront. The game has a 90% positive rating on Steam and is DRM-free, allowing players to copy and back up the file without validation software. This offer is not part of Steam's Free-to-Keep Promotion. Once claimed, the game is permanently available to the player.

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

PC gaming’s very own indie-themed Smash Bros. just added the guy from Spelunky, who I now know is named Guy Spelunky

Guy Spelunky is the protagonist from the game Spelunky and will be featured in Fraymakers, an indie fighting game developed by Team Fray. Fraymakers includes a diverse roster of characters such as Octodad, the Impostor from Among Us, and Hat Kid from A Hat in Time. A reveal trailer showcasing Guy Spelunky’s abilities and gameplay is available on YouTube.

AppWizard

May 24, 2026

Kusan: City of Wolves Launches For PC and Consoles on July 30

CIRCLEfromDOT, in collaboration with PQube, has announced that Kusan: City of Wolves will be released on July 30, 2026. The game features 54 stages with skill-based challenges, dynamic boss encounters, and extensive weapon customization. Players will control Jin, an ex-soldier, in a neo-noir pixel-art metropolis. The soundtrack is by hip-hop artist Loptimist, and the narrative is presented through comic-panel cutscenes. The game emphasizes fast-paced action and a gripping story.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

What’s new on Xbox Game Pass? Check out the latest.

Xbox Game Pass is evolving with a variety of gaming experiences. Forza Horizon 6 is set in Japan, features 550 cars, and allows players to race at speeds up to 100 mph. Hades 2 allows players to control Melinoë, expanding on the original's themes and gameplay while maintaining engaging combat and narrative. Vampire Crawlers combines gameplay from Vampire Survivors with roguelike deckbuilding, offering strategic gameplay and unique mechanics. Subnautica 2 is the most wish-listed game on Steam, enhancing exploration and survival mechanics from the original game. Mixtape is an indie game that offers a three-hour experience filled with nostalgic storytelling and a vibrant soundtrack reminiscent of the '90s.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

Steam Game Sparks Controversy for Planting Malware on Users’ PCs

'Beyond the Dark' is an indie game released for free on Steam on December 29, 2024, which was identified as an 'asset flip' by tech YouTuber Eric Parker. The game was found to contain malware hidden in a DLL file that targets users' cryptocurrency wallet information and Roblox account credentials. This incident follows a similar case in September 2025 involving a game called 'Blockbusters,' which also distributed malware. Following the exposé, Valve removed 'Beyond the Dark' from its platform within a day.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

“I thought it was a Steam game”… Malicious code found planted on users’ PCs

'Beyond the Dark' is an indie game released for free on Steam on December 29, 2024, which was misrepresented as a turn-based strategy game despite displaying characteristics of a first-person horror game. Tech YouTuber Eric Parker identified it as an 'asset flip' and revealed that it distributed malware designed to steal cryptocurrency wallet information and Roblox account credentials. The malware was embedded in a DLL file activated upon the game's execution. Following Parker's findings, Valve removed the game from its platform within a day. The gaming community has seen similar incidents, such as the 'Blockbusters' game in September 2025, which was involved in a malware scheme that stole cryptocurrency. Security experts advise caution when installing free games that appear hastily produced.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

Get 21 Steam Deck-friendly games worth $250 for only $43 with Fanatical’s latest indie game bundle

Fanatical has launched the Build-Your-Own Indie Showcase Bundle for Steam Deck owners, allowing customers to select from a variety of Verified and Playable titles. The pricing structure is as follows: three to four games cost .50 each, five to six games cost .40 each, and seven or more games cost .25 each. Selecting all 21 compatible games in the bundle totals .75, an 83% discount from the original price of .71. The bundle includes titles such as Flick Shot Rogues, Caves of Lore, and TownsFolk, with some marked as Verified and others as Playable. Valve's verification system indicates how well games perform on the Steam Deck, with Verified titles expected to run seamlessly and Playable titles requiring minor adjustments. Additionally, Fanatical offers a Crazy Co-Op bundle with 13 Steam Deck-friendly games.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

City Life Org – Thousands Gather at NYC Video Game Festival to Crown 2026 Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs and NYC Collegiate Esports Champions

The 2nd Annual NYC Video Game Festival took place on May 9, attracting 2,000 attendees. The festival included esports competitions, indie game demonstrations, drone soccer, and arcade classics. The Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs Esports Finals honored student achievements, with team Hyper Pigmentation from PS 889 winning in the Elementary division, NEST+ from Manhattan winning in the Middle School division, and Tottenville from Staten Island winning in the High School division. The NYC Collegiate Esports Circuit Finals crowned The City College of NY as the League of Legends champion and Pace University as the Valorant champion, with a shared prize pool of ,000. The BOTB competition has engaged over 15,000 NYC Public School students since its inception, with a record 3,395 participants in 2026, including a 44% increase in high school submissions. The festival also featured a screening of a documentary about the Battle of the Boroughs.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

The best Steam Deck games: 35 essential titles for Valve’s handheld PC wonder

The Steam Deck is a handheld device that enhances PC gaming convenience, allowing players to engage with various games in different settings. Diablo IV has adapted well to the Steam Deck, offering a portable experience that aligns with its dungeon-clearing and loot-collecting gameplay. Post-launch enhancements have improved itemization and the endgame experience, while the expansion, Vessel of Hatred, adds new narrative and gameplay elements. The Steam Deck's ability to suspend and resume games instantly supports quick gaming sessions. Notable games for the Steam Deck include: 1. Animal Well - A Metroidvania-style indie game with puzzles. 2. Aperture Desk Job - A comedic adventure in the Portal universe. 3. Balatro - A roguelike poker game ideal for short sessions. 4. Batman: Arkham Asylum - A classic superhero game with engaging mechanics. 5. Blue Prince - A puzzle-roguelike set in a shifting mansion. 6. Cuphead - A run-and-gun game with hand-animated visuals. 7. Dave the Diver - Combines exploration and restaurant management. 8. Death’s Door - An action-adventure featuring atmospheric storytelling. 9. Disco Elysium - A detective RPG known for its exceptional writing. 10. Dispatch - A narrative adventure with superhero themes. The Steam Deck's game library reflects a variety of genres, appealing to gamers seeking convenience and depth.