Video Games

What You May Have Missed 2024: Indie Video Games

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Much like last year, there have been many highs and lows in the video game industry. On the one hand, it has been a real treat to see various game developers dive into their passion projects, making some incredibly creative titles, and to witness so many adventure games published by major studios. But on the other hand, the industry itself has continued its trend of massive layoffs and studio closures, and dismissing the work of the people who actually make video games a reality by pursuing generative AI. With this in mind, I feel compelled to write about smaller games, made by small development teams, all the more. Video games are something I love and care for deeply, and I feel that games of all sizes deserve to have their praises sung.

With that in mind, here are fourteen indie games that stood out to me from 2024. Four of these games are exclusively for the Playdate handheld system developed by Panic, and one title is a new edition to a game I previously covered on this blog that has received a massive overhaul. As with previous years, the games are organized based on age rating, with games intended for all ages on the top of the list, and games that are only intended for mature and adult audiences at the very bottom of the list. I genuinely hope that you’re able to discover at least one new intriguing video game here.

All Ages

A screenshot from the video game “Floralgraphic Memory” by ChaseFOX. The screenshot shows the main character, Rose, standing during a sunny day. He has various flowers in his hair and images of pink and white flowers in his eyes, his facial expression distracted and somber. He is wearing a straw hat and holding an umbrella, its silver shaft the only part currently visible, that is leaning on his right side.

A screenshot from the video game “Floralgraphic Memory” by ChaseFOX. The screenshot shows the main character, Rose, standing during a sunny day. He has various flowers in his hair and images of pink and white flowers in his eyes, his facial expression distracted and somber. He is wearing a straw hat and holding an umbrella, its silver shaft the only part currently visible, that is leaning on his right side.

Floralgraphic Memory

Developer & Publisher: ChaseFOX 

Floralgraphic Memory is ChaseFOX’s newest linear visual novel and, like their previous games, they have created a vibrant, gorgeous narrative experience. Utilising digital and watercolour art, Floralgraphic Memory shows the many ways game developers can use different art forms to their advantage, and contributes to this title’s ability to resemble a living storybook. Recommended for anyone who wants a short, relaxing story that is both poignant and beautiful. Available on Steam and itch.io for Windows.

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What You May Have Missed 2023: Indie Video Games

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I wanted to start this opening paragraph on a positive note, but I’m going to be honest: 2023 was an extremely awful year for video game developers.  For all of the wonderful and innovative games that were released last year, there always seemed to be news of the people making those games facing extreme hardship.  Between mass layoffs and the encroaching presence of generative AI set to displace human skills, it has been very disheartening to see so many talented and passionate people being tossed aside so executives and shareholders can hold onto the imaginary belief of infinite growth.  To praise the video games I loved, without acknowledging the ongoing hardships the people who actually make games are currently facing, would not sit right with me.  I implore those who are just as passionate about this art form as I am to stay informed and to always try to remember and respect those who made your favourite video games a reality.

With this in mind, I have focused my 2023 “What You May Have Missed” list on a myriad of indie video games whose development teams typically range from the single to the single digits.  Each game here is clearly a creation made from a place of love and passion for the medium, inviting players to take a step into the vibrant worlds they have created and shared.  As with last year’s gaming list, I have decided to organize the game based on age ratings, with games intended for all ages, and containing next to no triggering content on the top.  Meanwhile, games that are only intended for mature and adult audiences, with trigger warnings being an essential thing to read when available, are at the very bottom of the list.  I sincerely hope this list can help you find at least one new video game that intrigues and delights you.

All-Ages (Little to no triggering content, appropriate for any age)

A screenshot of the video game "Feed All Monsters" by DU&I. The screenshot is on Level 121 of the game, as indicated by the centred text on the top of the screenshot. The player has placed the three food delivery worker characters on the three stone starting pads, planned a route for one character, and is still planning the movements of the other two characters, to ensure the five monsters in the level are fed. The game has a cute, cartoon-y art style, which resembles modern animation programs for children. The level is set in a tropical jungle, with a 7 x 7 grid that the player interacts with using the characters. The grid is filled with various terrain types (grass, water, plants, and boulders) that help or hinder character movement to reach the five monsters. The unique stats of each character are on the left side of the screen, while the amount of food needed to feed each monster is represented by a number above the creature.

A screenshot from the video game “Feed All Monsters” by DU&I. The screenshot is on Level 121 of the game, as indicated by the centred text on the top of the screenshot. The player has placed the three food delivery worker characters on the three stone starting pads, planned a route for one character, and is still planning the movements of the other two characters, to ensure the five monsters in the level are fed. The game has a cute, cartoon-y art style, which resembles modern animation programs for children. The level is set in a tropical jungle, with a 7 x 7 grid that the player interacts with using the characters. The grid is filled with various terrain types (grass, water, plants, and boulders) that help or hinder character movement to reach the five monsters. The unique stats of each character are on the left side of the screen, while the amount of food needed to feed each monster is represented by a number above the creature.

Feed All Monsters 

Developer & Publisher: DU&I

Feel All Monsters is a cute, cozy puzzle game where you have to determine the most effective routes to deliver food to all the monsters on a level.  With charming visuals and soothing music, Feed All Monsters was one of the most relaxing games I played this year.  That being said, the puzzles in the game are no slouch and make you consider your character placements, environmental hazards, and power-ups, as the puzzles gradually increase in difficulty.  Recommended for those looking for a creative, low-stress puzzle game.  Available on Steam for Windows.

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What You May Have Missed: Indie Game Recommendations

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Image of a person holding blue and orange Joy Con controller for the Nintendo Switch.
Image of a person holding blue and orange Joy Con controller for the Nintendo Switch.

To say that the 2020s have been an extremely exhausting decade thus far would be a huge understatement.  For people working in various creative fields, this exhaustion has come with many additional hurdles as traditional, in-person, means of advertising their art were not available, particularly during the early years of the pandemic.  Thankfully, various different forms of community awareness have made it possible for various video games and comics to reach a wider audience, be it through “Nintendo Direct” inspired showcases for indie games, digital comic festivals, or positive word of mouth on social media.  That being said, it is difficult for every single title released to get the spotlight, as so many wonderful video games and comics have been released this decade, both independent and mainstream, and many more are planned for release in the near future.  That is why I have decided to do my part in signal-boosting a variety of titles that I personally loved and enjoyed these past few years so that more people are able to discover and enjoy them for themselves.  

This post will focus on fourteen independent video games that were released during the three-year time period of 2020 to 2022, as well as one developer who has released several titles throughout this time period.  The titles all vary in terms of art style and gameplay, but many common themes within them are queer positivity, creative game design, and a strong narrative focus.  I have also chosen to list these titles in terms of both age appropriateness and inclusion of potentially triggering content.  This means that titles that can be enjoyed at any age and have next to no triggering content are at the top of the list, while games that are only intended for adults and have severely triggering content are at the very bottom of this list.  This is based partially on my subjective experience of playing said games, the developers’ own descriptions and discussions of the games in their own words, and any age ratings available in digital stores.

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