This year’s Day of the Devs, a beloved non-profit indie game showcase, took place on Wednesday, drawing attention with nearly 20 unique games from a diverse array of genres, platforms, and creative studios. This event serves as a prelude to The Game Awards, illuminating the inventive spirit of independent game development. Attendees were treated to an eclectic mix of titles, including a game crafted from felt, a medieval warfare experience with modern weaponry, and the long-awaited return of a puzzle game first teased over a decade ago.
If you missed the live event, here’s a curated look at the standout announcements and highlights from Day of the Devs:
Exciting New Titles Revealed
Faraway
The showcase kicked off with **Faraway**, an intriguing single-player arcade game featuring one-button controls focused on drawing constellations in the night sky. Developed by Steph Thirion of Little Eyes studio and set to be published by Annapurna, this procedurally generated experience has been in the making since its initial reveal in 2011. It will launch on PC in 2025.
Ultimate Sheep Raccoon
Next up was **Ultimate Sheep Raccoon**, a multiplayer competitive platformer from Clever Endeavor Games, known for their previous title **Ultimate Chicken Horse**. In this game, players race through wild courses built by each other while navigating on bicycles. The release date is yet to be announced, but the game is slated for Steam.
Sleight of Hand
From Riffraff Games comes **Sleight of Hand**, where you assume the role of Lady Luck, a witch detective on a mission to confront her former coven using dark magic and a cursed deck of cards. A gameplay demo showcased her unique abilities to use cards for stealth and strategy. This title is expected to release on PC and Xbox in the future.
Demon Tides
**Demon Tides**, developed by Fabraz, is an open-world 3D platformer reminiscent of **Wind Waker** but with a stylish twist. Players will have the freedom to customize both character appearance and abilities, offering various approaches to traversing the game’s environments. It’s scheduled for release on Steam in 2025.
Kingmakers
From the creators of **Road Redemption**, **Kingmakers** introduces a fascinating premise where players use modern weaponry to alter the course of medieval history. Combining city-building elements with first- and third-person shooter mechanics, this chaotic title allows for massive destruction and cooperative gameplay. Early access is expected next year on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Recur
In **Recur**, a puzzle game by kaleidoscube, players control a postman who discovers the ability to manipulate time. The game challenges players to navigate through various obstacles, employing time powers to survive and solve levels. Recur is scheduled for release on Steam.
Blue Prince
**Blue Prince** offers a visually stunning experience as an “architectural adventure” set in a mysterious house with ever-shifting rooms. Players are tasked with uncovering the mystery of “Room 46” using blueprints that evolve over time. This atmospheric game is set to launch on PC in spring 2025.
Incolatus: Don’t Stop, Girlypop!
With a quirky title, **Incolatus** is a Y2K-inspired shooter where players must keep moving to enhance their abilities and damage. It features vibrant graphics and customization options, promising an energetic gameplay experience. The game is expected to hit Steam soon.
Lok Digital
**Lok Digital** merges puzzle-solving with language learning in a unique experience where players decipher puzzles in a fictional language. This game is available now on PC, with a mobile version in the works.
Neon Abyss 2
The sequel to the original **Neon Abyss**, this run-and-gun roguelike game promises to retain the vibrant colors and intense gameplay of its predecessor. It will feature multiplayer options and is set for a 2025 release on Steam.
Crescent County
Described as “roller derby but with gay witches,” **Crescent County** combines motorbike racing and witchcraft in a whimsical adventure. Players will engage in deliveries during the day and broom races at night, with a focus on character interactions and upgrades. An early playtest is currently available on Steam and itch.io.
PBJ – The Musical
**PBJ – The Musical** presents a charming love story between a berry and a peanut, culminating in the creation of the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The game unfolds through musical acts, with all music composed by Lorraine Bowen. Release details are yet to be announced.
Curiosmos
In **Curiosmos**, players can create their own solar system, manipulating elements to see if life can flourish. However, the peaceful experience may be disrupted by a looming black hole, adding an element of urgency. No release date has been set.
Bionic Bay
**Bionic Bay** challenges players to harness their powers over time and space in a platformer setting, allowing for unique physics-based gameplay. Scheduled for release on Steam and PS5 in 2025, this title promises to be a captivating experience.
inKonbini
This calm and relaxing organizational game, **inKonbini**, immerses players in the daily life of a convenience store worker, focusing on stocking shelves and customer interactions. It is set to launch on multiple platforms, including Xbox, PS5, Switch, and Steam.
Feltopia
The enchanting **Feltopia** is a stop-motion game created entirely from hand-felted materials, featuring a side-scrolling shooter where players ride a unicorn and combat shadowy creatures. The game is planned for release on Steam in 2026.
Blippo+
**Blippo+** introduces a quirky concept involving channel surfing on a one-bit TV, though details remain sparse. Developed by Panic, known for hits like **Untitled Goose Game**, this title is shrouded in mystery with no announced release date yet.
Hyper Light Breaker
**Hyper Light Breaker** is set for an early access release on Steam on January 14, 2025. This anticipated title from Heart Machine has already generated buzz, making it one to watch.
Tankhead
Closing the showcase was **Tankhead**, a sci-fi vehicular adventure where players embody a “sleepwalker,” exploring a post-apocalyptic world in a customizable tank. This engaging title is available now on the Epic Games Store.
As the indie game community continues to thrive, Day of the Devs showcases the creativity and innovation that define the future of gaming. Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy the exciting journey these games are set to take us on!
