Indie Debuts At The Game Awards ‘22
The Game Awards 2022 took place last Thursday. Unfortunately, only a few indie titles had a light shined on them and those nominated heavily favored those of the Triple I ilk. Furthermore, Stray won both awards and was even nominated for Game of the Year. It’s great to see Blue Twelve’s title get its due recognition, but I couldn’t help but feel a little let down by the show’s overall indie spotlight. Luckily, The Game Awards is also home to a bevy of announcements containing future titles and collaborations, so audiences got a sneak peek into the indies of tomorrow. Here are some noteworthy indies for your radar and reading pleasure.
Dead Cells x Castlevania Crossover
Dead Cells is set to get its most significant expansion yet with little-known gaming property, Castlevania. Dead Cells is no stranger to collaborations, already partnering with IPs like Hyper Light Drifter, Risk of Rain, Guacamelee, Shovel Knight, and many more. Team up with Richter Belmont and Alucard while taking on enemies in the game’s 2D souls-lite combat. The collaboration is set to arrive sometime in 2023.
Vampire Survivors Mobile Port
Poncle’s casual rogue-lite, Vampire Survivors, is coming to mobile. Vampire Survivors has surprised players with its addicting yet highly simplistic approach to gameplay. Mow down creatures, collect jewels, choose your upgrade, and attempt to live to the very end. Vampire Survivor’s gameplay formula coming to mobile feels dangerously smart and should transition well to the new format. The mobile port is currently available.
Hellboy: Web of Wyrd
Upstream Arcade, the makers of West of Dead, have announced a new game in partnership with Dark Horse Comics, Hellboy: Web of Wyrd. The Upstream team is even collaborating with the creator, Mike Mignola, to create an original story containing toe-to-toe combat and an art style that evokes the original graphical aesthetic of the comics. If that wasn’t enough, Lance Reddick voices the one and only, Hellboy. Hellboy: Web of Wyrd does not have a release date.
Post Trauma
Twitter darling RED SOULD GAMES finds a notable publisher in Raw Fury for their horror title, Post Trauma. Post Trauma plays tribute to classic horror games that came before with fixed camera angles coupled with modern-day graphical ability and soundscapes. Take control of Roman, a train conductor thrust into a bizarre horror scape filled with haunting secrets, unsettling environments, and psychological puzzles. Post Trauma does not currently have a release date.
Viewfinder
Sad Owl Studios and Thunderful Publishing officially announce Viewfinder, a new puzzle platformer offering gamers hours of interesting and fun experiences while uncovering the mysteries left behind. With the help of your camera, you are to challenge perception, redefine reality, and reshape the world around you. Similar to Post Trauma, Viewfinder was another game that took indie Twitter by storm in the past year, seemingly securing the partnership with Thunderful. Viewfinder looks like the next in line of Superliminal-like titles and is listed as coming soon.
Among Us Hide and Seek Mode
Innersloth’s colorful social deduction title, Among Us, is getting a brand new game mode with Hide n Seek. Do tasks to dwindle the timer, utilize a limited amount of vents, and pay attention to the new danger meter as you attempt to hide and survive the seeker. Hide n Seek is available now.
Replaced
Replaced, Sad Cat Studios’ stylish retro-future action platformer got a new trailer showcasing the game’s dark 80’s theme and its cinematic and eye-catching 2.5D pixel style and locales. Replaced was initially given a 2022 release date, but considering their base location, the War in Ukraine delayed the title. Replaced is now set to release in 2023.
Hades II
Supergiant’s latest hit, Hades, is getting a sequel. Supergiant titles don’t usually get a sequel, but with the success behind Hades, it’s no mystery why the now franchise would make an exception to the rule. Hades is a God-like roguelike hack n’ slash title following Zagreus as he attempts to defy the hand-painted style Underworld. Like its predecessor, Hades II will launch in early access this coming year.
Earthblade
After many teases and a glimpse at the logo treatment, Extremely OK Games, Ltd., officially unveiled Earthblade. Take control of Névoa, an enigmatic child of Fate returning at long last to Earth, in this action-platformer. Like Celeste, Earthblade delivers challenging platforming, lavish exploration, and mysteries aplenty. However, this time around, Earthblade adds a little combat. Piece together Earth’s fractured memory come 2024. After Towerfall and Celeste, it’s safe to say Earthblade is one to watch.
After Us
Piccolo, the makers of Arise: A Simple Story, announced After Us. After Us is about sacrifice and hope, giving Earth a second chance. Play as Gaia, the Spirit of Life, and platform unique locales in an abstract world to salvage the souls of extinct animals. Glide, jump, and dash in After Us, coming soon.
Which indies were your personal highlights from The Game Awards? Join the Six One Indie Discord and hop into the conversation!
Written by Austin Ernst