All the indie games shown at today’s Annapurna Interactive showcase

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Today, independent game publisher Annapurna Interactive presented a showcase, sharing updates on numerous upcoming titles. This is the first significant event from Annapurna since the announcement a few months back that their entire team had left. Although the departure wasn’t mentioned during the presentation, it’s been reported that the team resigned following an attempt to split off the video game division into a separate company. Previously, several of Annapurna’s eagerly awaited games were uncertain due to the teams working on them no longer being affiliated with Annapurna. Fortunately, multiple highly anticipated indie projects have been confirmed to still be in development, including Wanderstop, scheduled for release next month, and Wheel World, a bike-racing game. The entire showcase spans approximately twenty minutes and highlights nine different games.

Annapurna Interactive gives a deep dive into a handful of exciting upcoming indie games

Annapurna Interactive has been behind some of the most outstanding independent games in recent years, such as Stray, Cocoon, and Neon White. Although there have been concerns due to recent staff resignations, this presentation demonstrated that there is still much to look forward to. Here’s a recap of what was unveiled during the event: From the intriguing Wheel World to the upcoming projects from the Cocoon team, and an unexpected announcement for Sayonara Wild Hearts, here’s a rundown of all that was revealed at the showcase.

Wheel World

To start off the showcase, they unveiled a fresh title called “Wheel World,” developed by Messhof, renowned for creating the Nidhogg series. Previously known as “Ghost Bike,” it underwent a name change last year to steer clear of other meanings associated with the term. While I’m not sure if this was a wise decision, it seems that the developer found it necessary. The unique selling points of Wheel World are its eye-catching cel-shaded art style and an infectiously catchy soundtrack, as showcased in their debut trailer. Now, there’s a free demo available on Steam, making this game more than just an engaging trailer experience.

In this game by Messhof, called “Wheel World“, players will explore a sprawling 3D world for the first time. The presentation didn’t delve deeply into the single-player narrative, but the skull atop the bike’s front is meaningful. The protagonist is selected by “ancient cycling deities” and must carry out a rite to preserve the cosmos. Additionally, players can customize their bike extensively, offering an enjoyable experience as you experiment with different configurations and their advantages. One wheel resembles an eyeball, but I’m guessing it’s just a design choice, right? As of now, “Wheel World” is anticipated to drop in 2025, though a specific release date has yet to be determined.

Wanderstop

The game titled “Wanderstop” was developed by the creator of “The Stanley Parable” and a new studio called Ivy Road. At first glance, it appears to be a vibrant café management simulator. However, given that the writer of “The Stanley Parable,” known for its subversive elements, is involved, it seems there’s more beneath the surface. The main character appears to be a former warrior grappling with her past, which could indicate that it’s not just a simple café simulation. Luckily, players no longer have to guess entirely as a free demo of the game is now available on Steam.

At the recent showcase, Wanderstop stands out as one of the games with a confirmed launch date, scheduled for March 11th, 2025. In the latest trailer, not much was revealed about gameplay beyond introducing a charming but potentially irritating bird character that attempts to swipe a drink from the main character. I’m looking forward to trying out the demo and gaining a clearer understanding of what we can anticipate.

Skin Deep

In essence, Skin Deep – currently being crafted by Blendo Games – shares a resemblance with Die Hard set in space, yet infused with humor reminiscent of System Shock. The protagonist of this game is a retired assassin now working as an insurance commando. However, when their spaceship gets hijacked by pirates, they feel compelled to act against the threat. The objective is to remain undetected by the entire pirate crew, all while strategically disposing of them one at a time.

In the fresh trailer, it appears there could be a band of chatty felines aboard the vessel too. Fortunately, we can grasp the plot better since a free demo has been released on Steam right away. The complete game is set for release on April 30th, 2025, so we won’t have long to wait.

Geometric Interactive is working on something

The creators of the 2023’s indie puzzle sensation, Geometric Interactive, have revealed that they are currently developing a project unlike anything they’ve tackled before. While specific details remain scarce, this news has left fans of their acclaimed debut game, Cocoon, eagerly anticipating further announcements. Notably, Jeppe Carlsen, the game designer/director behind Cocoon and a key figure in other successful indie games such as Limbo and Inside, will be involved in this upcoming project. Given Carlsen’s impressive track record, I am definitely intrigued to see what this team comes up with next.

Lushfoil Photography Sim

Stepping back into the gaming world, or perhaps just taking a peek, the creator of Lushfoil Photography Sim, Matt Newell, shares that this isn’t your typical game. Instead, it’s more like stepping into a breathtakingly realistic setting – think Japanese forests, Australian beaches, or Italian alpine lakes. The experience involves exploration, uncovering hidden gems, and capturing those stunning moments with your in-game camera. To give you a taste of what’s to come, a free demo is available right now on Steam, waiting for eager photographers like ourselves to explore!

Regarding the Lushfoil Photography Sim, I got to test it during the Summer Game Fest of 2024. The opportunity to escape from all the other meetings and demos and leisurely explore a breathtaking landscape at my convenience was truly priceless. I would love to have this game available at every event I attend, allowing me a chance to unwind and disconnect. It’s scheduled for release on April 15th, 2025.

Faraway

Independent video game developer Steph Thirion has been crafting the game known as Faraway since the year 2010, making it a project that’s spanned an impressive fifteen years. While Thirion did mention that this development period was on-and-off, it’s still quite a lengthy timeframe.

Faraway is a captivating puzzle game in which players create constellations. This game can be effortlessly enjoyed using only one hand, as it’s classified as a “one-button” game. Players assume the role of a shooting star traversing the cosmos, aiming to survive and construct celestial patterns along the way.

As a die-hard fan, I’d say Thirion characterizes the game as an “endlessly engaging, immersive, cosmic gaming adventure…” This game might be simple at first glance, but it offers a rich depth that makes mastery more of a journey than a destination. Each playthrough presents a freshly generated universe, ensuring an endless replayability factor. Sadly, just like many other games from this lineup, there’s currently no demo available for Faraway, and the official release date remains elusive. However, we’re looking forward to its arrival sometime in 2025.

To a T

Developer uvula LLC has created an amusing, whimsical, and emotional game universe where the main character is constantly shaped like a T, with their arms extended rigidly to each side, reminiscent of the classic “T-Pose” found in video games. Whether or not it’s based on this pose, that’s what it brings to mind for me.

This game is set in a vibrant and inviting environment filled with distinct characters, such as the chef giraffe seen in the trailer during today’s presentation. The unique aspect of this game lies in its mechanics – navigating the world in T-pose alters even the most routine tasks like brushing your teeth, riding a bike, or putting on a shirt. Fortunately, players will have their loyal canine companion as a sidekick. Although I’m curious about how the game functions and what the storyline entails, it certainly looks captivating. Unfortunately, a demo isn’t available yet, but the release date has been confirmed for May 28th, 2025.

Morsels

In stark contrast, there’s Morsels, the first action roguelike from developer Furcula. This pixelated top-down game is set in sewers teeming with bizarre, revolting creatures and unsanitary locales. You control a mouse that acquires the power to transform into various creatures, leveraging their skills and powers to advance and ultimately battle bosses – which are cats. It’s fitting for a game where you take on the role of a rodent.

Four years ago, the initial texture crafted by the developer for the game was a weathered grey concrete floor, reminiscent of Toronto at that time. This design element evolved into the entire game, serving as an intriguing point of origin. Although Morsels appears unappetizing, there’s a logic behind its chaotic appearance, making it visually captivating in an unexpected way, despite being something one wouldn’t want to consume in reality. Interestingly, there is no demo available for Morsels, yet the game is anticipated to be launched later this year.

Sayonara Wild Hearts

Enthusiasts of the 2019 rhythm action game “Sayonara Wild Hearts” received exciting news at today’s showcase presentation. The update enhances the game to meet current standards, featuring 4k graphics, 120FPS, and haptic feedback. Additionally, there will be a new mode exclusive to PlayStation 5. This new mode gradually intensifies in speed and difficulty, seamlessly transitioning between random song moments for an endlessly replayable, challenging experience that’s devilishly tough and free of loading screens. This surprising yet welcome update refreshes one of Annapurna Interactive‘s most celebrated past games. The update is now live, and those who own the PS4 version of the game can upgrade at no cost.

* Everything demonstrated during today’s showcase is now complete!
* Despite several key figures leaving Annapurna recently, many of their games are still being developed.
* It seems unlikely that these departures will have no effect on their upcoming game releases, but we haven’t heard any official announcements to that effect.
* Almost all the games shown today can be played for free through a demo on Steam right now as part of the ongoing Next Fest event. So if there was something you were interested in, go ahead and give it a try!

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2025-02-25 00:02