Indie For The Win
The Game Awards kicked off on the 8th of December hosted by Geoff Keighley. The Game Awards featured several heart warming acceptance speeches, world premiere trailers and great musical performances! However, the amount of indie representation was exciting and it left fans and players longing for the release dates! Here at VIBE we will briefly explore and highlight Indie game representation at The Game Awards.
Earthblade
Earth Blade was an exciting world premiere announcement last night from the studio who brought us Celeste. Similar to Celeste with art style and the music score shown in the trailer its no wonder this indie game has fans hyped! It looks similar in game play too with a character traversing through beautifully designed levels and facing foes and platforming puzzles. We for one can’t wait to play as Neova and explore this aesthetically pleasing world. Additionally, if you somehow missed the trailer, check it out below.
After Us
After us is a post human Adventure. Not much was shown in terms of story as there was a lack of dialogue. However, the hauntingly beautiful scenes of a world in disrepair was enough to captivate players. After Us is set to release in 2023 in the Spring and will be available on most platforms and PC. Personally, it feels like a very emotional narrative told through interacting with the environment. Something, that indie games often do well. However, hopefully in the coming months we will learn more and be further intrigued by its beauty. If you missed it, trailer below for your viewing!
Viewfinder
Sad Owl Studios is a Scottish game development studio. Yay Scottish representation! Meala-naidheachd Sad Owl Studios! At the Game Awards a trailer for their new game Viewfinder coming to PC and PS5 aired. In the form of a first person puzzle game, Viewfinder brings gameplay to help redefine reality and shape the world around you with a trusty Polaroid camera. Overall, this seems to be a fun charming and aesthetically pleasant experience. Check out the trailer below for more!
Hades 2
An announcement that had me falling off my chair was Hades 2. Hades one was such a resounding success for the indie world as it smashed awards and sales all around the world. However, now it is back for a sequel with an interesting main character and more fun in the mythological worlds. Additionally, it seems like the rogue-lite element of it will be returning along with similar gameplay. Fans new and old are anticipated to flock to this new installment. However, if you’re still on the fence or you simply haven’t had the chance to view it check out the trailer below!
Best Debut Indie Category
The best debut Indie Category seen some very strong contenders this year. Neon White, Norco, Stray, Tunic and Vampire Survivors took to the stage. In the end a well deserved win was granted to Stray. This category celebrates the diversity and ingenuity of indie games and allows for the limelight to be well and truly on these developers. It’s a welcome category for me but maybe I am just bias! Additionally, if you’re interested in Stray Check out a previous article on Stray here at VIBE: https://vibethenook.com/stray-the-purrfect-cat-that-strays-into-your-heart/
Thank You
Overall, it’s safe to say that Indie games have risen in popularity and are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Here at VIBE I’m proud to be one of the writers who specializes in indie games. My love for them stems back for many years and I know I’ll continue to love them for many more. Thank you to all the readers who tune in even if its for just one article every blue moon. I will nearly have been with VIBE a year. Anniversary coming up in January! I’m so hyped for this company and everyone on board. I’m truly grateful for all the opportunities and experiences and I hope I continue to grow and develop.
26, Indie Game connoisseur. Also a hamster mum, fiancée & working in the addiction field. Gaming and writing are my escape and comfort for when the world gets too much!
