Amidst the bustling week filled with gaming events, you’ll find Day of the Devs, an occasion honoring some of the most innovative and eagerly awaited indie games from the year. Established by Double Fine and iam8bit in 2012, Day of the Devs serves as a non-profit showcase for games that might otherwise remain overlooked. Essentially, it’s about developers presenting their heartfelt projects straight to gamers.
2025’s showcase presented a diverse array of 20 unique game titles, spanning rhythm roguelikes, photography simulations, intense stealth games, and culinary RPGs immersed in cultural heritage. Each title embodies the distinctive flair that Day of the Devs is recognized for.
Big Walk
House House, creators of ‘Untitled Goose Game’, have developed a multiplayer game called ‘Big Walk’. This game revolves around two simple activities: conversation and strolling. One standout aspect is its realistic proximity chat system that alters voice tones according to location. Yet, it also offers additional voice and text chat options for enhanced accessibility.
This open-world game is brimming with playful riddles and puzzles that encourage teamwork, some of which involve singing or acting to solve them. The game’s structure emphasizes spontaneous amusement and the bizarre, enabling players to separate, get lost, reunite, and delve into mini-games and picturesque social spots. Essentially, it’s an enjoyable and imaginative way to spend time with friends in a video game, and it’s expected to launch in 2026.
Blighted
Drinkbox Studios’ debut 3D action Metroidvania, titled Blighted, is immersed in a psychedelic Western setting that’s haunted by ever-shifting reality. The protagonists embark on a quest to track down Zorsis, a ruthless tyrant who desecrated sacred burial rites by feeding on raw brains. This abhorrent act unleashed a malady known as the Blight.
In Blighted, the world, foes, and your own perception shift according to the amount of Blight you take in. The battles are swift and intense, featuring finishers, cooperative gameplay, and supernatural abilities that unlock various parts of the environment over time. With striking visuals, gruesome creatures, and a chilling soundtrack by Jim Guthrie, Blighted promises to be an intriguing adventure. Fans can look forward to trying out a playable demo this year.
Consume Me
2025’s Seumas McNally Grand Prize winner at the Independent Games Festival, titled “Consume Me“, is an unflinchingly truthful role-playing game that delves into eating disorders, body image concerns, and self-identity. This game, jointly helmed by Jenny Jiao Hsia and AP Thomson, transforms the stresses of high school into a series of mini-games involving meal planning, yoga challenges, dating, cleaning tasks, and food-related anxieties.
Each chapter offers a blend of resource allocation and time management in a way that’s both amusing and strikingly authentic. From arranging food items on a tray or keeping track of money while walking dogs, players strive to maintain harmony between Jenny’s challenging objectives. The game Consume Me is set to release on Steam on September 25, 2025.
Dosa Divas
Developer Outerloop Games, creators of Thirsty Suitors, presents a new story-based role-playing game called Dosa Divas. Set in the rich culture, cuisine, and family dynamics of South Asia, players will navigate vibrant villages, confront corporate adversaries, and reconnect with their loved ones – culminating in a heartfelt farewell shared over a memorable meal.
In the game called Dosa Divas, players will engage in a unique turn-based combat system where timing and flavor preferences of enemies matter. The enemies are vulnerable to dishes that correspond to their cravings. An intriguing aspect is that players can prepare real dishes to awaken villagers from trances caused by processed food. The game’s distinctive features include customization, lively animations, and a touching storyline that adds an emotional depth likely to resonate with players after its planned release in early 2026.
Escape Academy 2
In a new and expansive take on Coin Crew’s initial escape room game, Escape Academy 2 has reimagined the series’ linear level design by transforming it into an open-world campus teeming with secrets, side missions, and characters. Drawing inspiration from games like The Legend of Zelda and Animal Crossing, this Academy is now a complex puzzle made up of interconnected spaces, brimming with hidden mysteries tucked away in forgotten archives and concealed corridors.
The narrative emphasizes the whimsical experience of attending an unusual school, filled with witty banter and character-driven quests. Notably, the world operates like a massive puzzle room, where intricate riddles create a richer understanding of the setting. A trial version for Escape Academy 2 is currently available, as the developers seek player feedback to perfect the game prior to its official release.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Tribute Games, famous for “TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge,” is back with a new arcade-style beat-em-up titled “Marvel Cosmic Invasion.” This intergalactic adventure brings together 15 playable Marvel characters such as Spider-Man, Venom, Storm, and Rocket Raccoon. Each character offers a distinct gameplay experience, leveraging their unique abilities that range from dominating battles in the air to displaying raw ground force.
As a diehard fan, I’m super excited about the upcoming release of Marvel Cosmic Invasion! This game boasts an innovative feature called the Cosmic Swap system, which lets players seamlessly switch between heroes right in the middle of combos for strategic edge. The game takes you on thrilling journeys through diverse locations such as Genosha’s lively underworld and SHIELD’s mighty Helicarrier. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden Easter eggs that will delight eagle-eyed fans like us! Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a heartfelt tribute to 90s arcade games and Marvel Comics, and it drops this holiday season on PC and consoles.
Mixtape
The creators behind “The Artful Escape,” such as Beethoven and Dinosaur, present “Mixtape.” This is an emotionally resonant game where key milestones in growing up are conveyed through a carefully selected playlist of ’80s and ’90s chart-toppers. As the trio embarks on their last night together before they go their separate ways, their adventure takes on the form and essence of a mixtape. Each level brings a different gaming experience, from skateboarding to slushie-pulling to fighting, all enveloped in dreamlike aesthetics that beautifully portray the turmoil, curiosity, and defiance typical of teenage years.
As a music enthusiast, I can’t help but rave about the stellar soundtrack in “Mixtape”. Legends like Devo, The Cure, Joy Division, and Iggy Pop grace this musical masterpiece. Each track adds depth to the gameplay, making it less about rhythm mechanics and more about encapsulating how music subtly enriches our lives. A perfect blend of psychedelic beats and heart-wrenching ballads, “Mixtape” is slated for release later this year on PC and consoles.
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault
In the follow-up to the cherished shopkeeping roguelite, Digital Sun brings us Moonlighter 2: The Boundless Treasury. As in the original, you’ll navigate through randomly generated dungeons, gather artifacts, and resell them in your shop, but this time around, there’s a novelty. A new bag system affects loot patterns, allowing players to discover cursed or upgraded items depending on their positioning within the pack.
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In Moonlighter 2, the fight sequences have been enhanced with different enemy types, challenging boss battles such as the Herald, and perk systems that adapt for each adventure. Beyond the dungeons, improved shop features let players unlock sales-boosting effects and cause a chain reaction. The game boasts expansive landscapes, diverse exploration, and complex economic systems compared to its original version. Moonlighter 2 is an ambitious sequel scheduled for release later this year.
Neverway
Created by Coldblood Inc., Neverway represents a chilling role-playing game with a gradual buildup of horror, skillfully integrating lifestyle simulation elements into the backdrop of dark fantasy. As Fiona, players embark on a fresh start by quitting their job and moving to a secluded island. In this new setting, they will engage in farming, fishing, crafting, and managing daily routines from morning till night. Yet, as time passes, they uncover that their new existence is intertwined with an enigmatic obligation and a cursed sword connected to a dying deity.
In the game called Neverway, battles are swift and tailorable, allowing players to shape their fights based on equipment and interpersonal connections. As you develop romantic and platonic ties with more than ten non-player characters (NPCs), you can unlock beneficial synergies over time. Deepening these interactions can lead to even greater rewards. The game boasts haunting pixel art by the artist behind Celeste and a brooding soundtrack by Disasterpeace, creating an atmosphere that blends the tranquil rhythm of a life-simulation game like Stardew Valley with a chilling sense of existential dread for a distinctive gaming experience. As of now, there’s no announced release date for Neverway.
OFF
The timeless RPG hit from 2008, affectionately known as OFF, is back with an enhanced edition! Now available on Nintendo Switch and Steam’s platform, players will immerse themselves in the role of The Batter within a peculiar, cube-structured universe. Filled with baseball bats, spectral adversaries, and general oddities, this journey promises to be as unusual as ever.
As a die-hard fan, I can’t contain my excitement about the upcoming edition! It boasts six epic boss fights originally crafted by Mortis Ghost, along with a revamped soundtrack and improved visuals that truly elevate the experience. OFF continues to be an extraordinary, boundary-pushing adventure filled with fourth-wall breaks, exploring themes of purification, corruption, and self-discovery. Whether you’re revisiting this masterpiece or diving in for the first time, especially if you’re a fan of Undertale, don’t miss out on this fantastic modernized version that pays homage to an essential part of indie RPG history when it drops on August 15th!
Please, Watch the Artwork
A chilling psychological terror titled “Please Watch the Artwork” by Thomas Waterzooi, creator of “Please Touch the Artwork“, places players as a museum night guard amid paintings that spring to life. Amidst them lurks something sinister. This game draws inspiration from Edward Hopper’s “moody Americana” and can be described as an eerie version of the classic “spot the difference” game, filled with paranoia, nostalgia, and elements of ASMR horror.
The surprise element lies in the inclusion of a sorrowful clown who imbues the artwork with a sense of sadness, requiring players to remain vigilant throughout their experience. Take a Good Look at the Artwork doesn’t rely on jump scares or monsters; instead, it encourages players to pause, examine, and ponder what is genuine. Take a Good Look at the Artwork does not have a confirmed launch date as of now, but it aims for a release around Halloween 2025.
Pocket Boss
Pocket Boss” by Playables – A whimsical game based on real-world remote work, where you manage charts, cater to a pixelated supervisor’s peculiar requests, and navigate an office environment mimicking Slack messages. Your responsibilities include running market simulations, data cleaning, and more, all while observing the surprising dynamics of your spreadsheets.
The minimalist art approach in “Pocket Boss” creates a stark contrast with its narrative themes of anxiety, capitalism, and the quest for life’s purpose amidst daily routines. As players navigate increasingly complex tasks, they must either regain control or risk becoming overwhelmed by the ensuing chaos. This game is set to debut later this year on PC through Steam.
Possessor(s)
Hailing from the same creators as Hyper Light Drifter (Heart Machine) and publishers Devolver Digital, Possessors is an exhilarating 2D action-platformer that unfolds in a demon-ridden corporate metropolis. In this game, you’ll guide Luca, a teenager inhabited by the spirit of Rehm, as they navigate Sanzu’s distorted high-rise buildings to stay alive.
The artistic direction of the game, “Possessors”, draws inspiration from anime, as evidenced by animations from Powerhouse Animation. It offers fast-paced and agile combat, along with a dual-character narrative similar to games like “Celeste” and “Katana Zero”. The characters, Luca and Rehm, traverse skyscrapers, unearth corporate secrets, face terrifying creatures, and piece together shattered memories. A demo for the game is currently available, while a complete release is anticipated later in the year.
Ratatan
Originating from TVT Co. Ltd., Ratata Arts, and Game Source Entertainment, the game named Ratatan stands out as a rhythm-based roguelike action title, following in the footsteps of the popular creation, Patapon. This unique blend of rhythmic input mechanics and side-scrolling combat creates an engaging experience. In addition, up to four players can collaborate online to lead their teams of humorous characters into frenzied, music-triggered battles.
100 or more playable characters can engage in the action simultaneously, which might make the encounters chaotic to handle, but that’s intended to be a significant part of the enjoyment. With its distinctive soundtrack and whimsical art style, Ratatan serves as both a heartfelt tribute to its spiritual forebearer and a delightful re-entry into the rhythm-action genre. The early access for Ratatan starts on July 25, exclusively on PC through Steam.
Relooted
Originating from Namako’s studio in Johannesburg, the game Relooted is a politically-driven stealth-action heist title that tasks players with recovering stolen African artifacts from Western institutions. The story unfolds in a speculative near future where a treaty demands the return of culturally significant items that have been looted, yet museums employ clever legal maneuvers to keep them. In this game, you’ll assemble a crew of ordinary individuals to retrieve these precious artifacts by executing meticulously planned heists.
As a gamer, diving into the immersive world of Relooted, I’ve discovered that each mission is meticulously divided into three captivating phases: scouting, prepping for escape, and executing under tight deadlines. The game draws inspiration from real-world history, showcasing over 70 authentic artifacts such as the In’ganga drum, accompanied by enlightening context and cultural insights before each mission. At its core, Relooted combines puzzle-solving, action, all while tackling thought-provoking themes like justice, identity, and historical preservation. Unfortunately, there’s no set release date for Relooted yet, but it promises to launch on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and Xbox Series X|S. Excited fans can already add it to their wishlists!
Snap and Grab
In this new heist adventure titled “Snap and Grab” by Goblin, you’ll find yourself assuming the role of a renowned photographer turned thief in a glitzy 1980s environment. With your camera as your sole tool, you’ll capture images of valuable items, guards, and hurdles, then utilize these pictures to devise an optimal plan for executing the robbery with your team.
In a challenging turn of events, the player’s intricate plans are being jeopardized by a relentless detective hot on their trail. But fear not! As new team members join the crew during the journey, they will bring innovative skills and tactics to keep the players one step ahead. With its unique problem-solving mechanics and humorous storyline, Snap and Grab appears to be one of the most fashionable heist games so far, set to debut in early 2026 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Sword of the Sea
Matt Nava, who was the art director for both “Journey” and “Abzu”, is bringing us “Sword of the Sea”. This is an immersive journey focusing on movement, momentum, and fluidity. In the game, players will glide over sand-covered ruins and desert temples that have been left behind, using a Hoversword. The straightforward mechanics of “Sword of the Sea” mimic the rhythm of snowboarding and skateboarding.
In the style of Austin Wintory’s music and evoking memories of Pathless, Sword of the Sea endeavors to capture the essence of extreme sports using its fluid navigation mechanics and solitary natural beauty. As players find themselves in a submerged world, they will meet magical beings, transforming environments, and colossal ruins shrouded in mystery. Above all else, Sword of the Sea strives to spark wonder rather than difficulty, and it releases for PC and PS5 on August 19th.
Thick As Thieves
Under the guidance of renowned designer Warren Spector, the multiplayer game Thick As Thieves revolves around the element of surprise as the greatest danger. Immersed in a moody, Victorian-era setting, each round pits players against one another, leveraging the game’s intricate stealth mechanics such as blending into shadows, following NPC line of sight, and using real-time sound environments. Amidst this, the unpredictability of fellow human players pursuing their unique goals adds to the mayhem.
In the game “Thick As Thieves“, sound plays a crucial part, as rain, trains, and environmental changes can conceal player actions or expose their location. Players have the ability to set traps, sabotage others, or hide in crowds, biding their time for the ideal opportunity to attack. The game features a dynamic weather system, randomly assigned objectives, and layouts that change over time, making each play session unique. As of now, the release date for “Thick As Thieves” has not been disclosed.
Tire Boy
Created by Game Team 6, the game titled Tire Boy is an engaging action-adventure platformer that follows the tale of a tire imbued with sentience on a quest for self-understanding. After being stranded in an unknown realm, Tire Boy, who was brought up by a sage owl named Neswick, embarks on an expedition to traverse a colossal, exaggerated world, assist its denizens, and reactivate a massive radio transmitter to reunite isolated settlements.
Crafted to invoke the sensation of being tiny in a vast universe, Tire Boy prioritizes swiftness, nimbleness, and movement determined by momentum. Gamers will encounter puzzles, perform tasks for townsfolk, and unearth the secrets hidden within Tire Boy’s history. Despite its playful and somewhat whimsical nature, Tire Boy strives to convey an emotional atmosphere that fosters quiet introspection, gentle humor, and a sense of childlike enchantment. You can add Tire Boy to your Steam wishlist right now.
TOEM 2
Produced by Something We Made, TOEM 2 is an enchanting black-and-white photo-adventure sequel, offering more engaging storytelling and a more immersive world compared to its predecessor. The narrative unfolds some years after the first game, inviting players on their grandest exploration yet as they delve into a new mystery that only time will reveal.
On their journey, players encounter various NPC characters, each with unique personas and individual quests, who offer them useful Camera Tools such as scissors for cutting and hammers for breaking. Although the primary gameplay continues to center around exploration and photo-taking, a new locomotion system has been introduced, enabling jumping and climbing, thereby making the world appear more expansive and liberated. The graphics have been enhanced, camera controls are more responsive, and the essence of playful exploration remains undiminished. TOEM 2 is now available for wishlisting, but its official launch date has yet to be revealed.
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2025-06-07 04:08