10 Best Games from Triple-I Initiative

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Yearly Triple-I Initiative Demonstration returns with another stellar assortment of upcoming independent video games slated for 2025 and beyond. For those wondering which titles left a lasting impression, here’s a rundown of our top picks and the information available about them thus far.

Most Anticipated Games from Triple-I Initiative

Neverway

  • Release Date: TBA
  • Developer: Coldblood Inc.
  • Publisher: Coldblood Inc., Outersloth
  • Genre: Horror-inspired life sim RPG
  • Price: TBA
  • Platform(s): PC (Steam)

Under the collaboration of imaginative talents from Celeste and TowerFall, and an accompanying soundtrack by Disasterpeace, Coldblood Inc’s inaugural game aims to infuse a chilling, eerie twist into popular life simulation games such as Stardew Valley. You assume the role of Fiona, a young woman who leaves her monotonous job behind and starts a new life on a farm. However, her fresh start takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that she has been chosen to be the immortal herald of a deceased god instead.

Frostrail

  • Release Date: 2026
  • Developer: FakeFish
  • Publisher: Shiro Unlimited
  • Genre: Post-apocalyptic, open world survival craft
  • Price: TBA
  • Platform(s): PC (Steam)

Crafted by the imaginative teams behind Barotrauma, this game offers an electrifying twist on traditional open-world survival games by making a steam train your mode of survival. Take breaks at a chilling post-apocalyptic ice wilderness to investigate ruins and gather resources, all while dealing with perils lurking in the darkness. Offers both single-player and cooperative gameplay experiences.

Star Birds

  • Release Date: 2025
  • Developer: Toukana Interactive
  • Publisher: Toukana Interactive, kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell
  • Genre: Cosmic-inspired base builder
  • Price: TBA
  • Platform(s): PC (Steam)

This vibrant and enchanting base construction game originates from the creators behind Dorfromantik and Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell. Nearly a year since its initial announcement, this game promises to deliver an engaging sequel in the realm of base building, transporting players into the cosmos. Assuming the role of a group of interstellar birds (or Star Birds, for short), manage resources and establish bases on diverse asteroids.

Speedrunners 2: King of Speed

  • Release Date: 2025
  • Developer: Fair Play Labs
  • Publisher: tinyBuild
  • Genre: Parkour racing platformer
  • Price: TBA
  • Platform(s): PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch

This year will see the launch of the eagerly awaited sequel to the initial Speedrunners franchise, featuring a fresh trailer highlighting its fast-paced parkour action. tinyBuild, the publisher, has labeled it as the “Mario Kart of 2D platformers”, indicating that it’s bound to generate a lot of interest before its release, filling up many wishlists.

IKUMA – The Frozen Compass

  • Release Date: 2026
  • Developer: Mooneye Studios
  • Publisher: Mooneye Studios
  • Genre: Open-world survival adventure
  • Price: TBA
  • Platform(s): PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PS5, Xbox Series X|S

Hailing from the creators of Farewell North and Lost Ember, this game transports players to an eerie, frozen island in the Arctic. It’s a compelling tale of growth, played out as you step into the shoes of Sam, a young boy who finds himself stranded with his loyal dog Ellie. The teaser trailer hints at mystical perils hidden within the chilly wilderness, making this potentially one of the most intuitive, narrative-focused survival games in recent times.

Duskfade

  • Release Date: 2026
  • Developer: Weird Beluga
  • Publisher: Fireshine Games
  • Genre: Action-adventure platformer
  • Price: TBA
  • Platform(s): PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X|S

In their own words, developers at Weird Beluga have dubbed Duskfade as an ode to traditional 3D action platformers. The game revolves around a young boy named Zirian, accompanied by his sidekick Cuckoo. Armed with a distinct sword reminiscent of a keyblade, he embarks on a journey through fantastical terrain to rescue his sister from the ominous Clock Tower that hangs overhead and poses a threat to all life forms below.

If you’re someone who cherished lively 3D platform games from your childhood, Duskfade might just rekindle an emotional connection that seems to be fading in today’s gaming landscape.

The Alters

  • Release Date: June 13, 2025 (demo available now)
  • Developer: 11 Bit Studios
  • Publisher: 11 Bit Studios
  • Genre: Sci-fi survival strategy
  • Price: TBA
  • Platform(s): PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X|S

Two years ago, The Alters was unveiled as the latest survival game from 11 Bit Studios, a developer I’ve admired for their challenging titles like Frostpunk and This War of Mine. As a gamer, I’m excitedly anticipating this new adventure where my mission is to survive on a hostile planet while dealing with a crew that might just be the toughest obstacle I’ll encounter along the way.

Tears of Metal

  • Release Date: 2025 (Open Beta available now)
  • Developer: Paper Cult Games
  • Publisher: Paper Cult Games
  • Genre: Medieval Hack-and-Slash, Roguelike
  • Price: TBA
  • Platform(s): PC (Steam)

Originally unveiled at the Summer Games Festival last year, Tears of Metal is an exhilarating hack-and-slash journey set amidst the battle-scarred Scottish highlands. Assume command of your own military force to fend off enemy onslaughts and uncover the mystery surrounding the Dragon Meteor’s devastation upon the land.

The Eternal Life of Goldman

  • Release Date: TBA
  • Developer: Weappy Studio
  • Publisher: THQ Nordic
  • Genre: 2D Metroidvania adventure
  • Price: TBA
  • Platform(s): PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch

Adding The Eternal Life of Goldman to Weappy Studio’s expanding collection is a captivating 2D Metroidvania-style adventure game. Featuring animated environmental and monster designs that draw inspiration from iconic IPs like Cuphead, this game offers not just visually stunning and challenging gameplay, but also promises an emotionally resonant story as you explore a strange world through Goldman’s perspective.

CloverPit

  • Release Date: 2025 (Demo available now)
  • Developer: Panik Arcade
  • Publisher: Future Friends Games
  • Genre: Horror-inspired 3D Roguelite Gambling
  • Price: TBA
  • Platform(s): PC (Steam)

This game, referred to as the “offspring of Balatro and Buckshot Roulette with a demonic twist,” is often called a “roguelike slot machine horror.” It offers engaging gameplay that should captivate those who have delighted in its influential forerunners.

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2025-04-11 10:22