Updated at: 05-06-2023 - By: Leo Hall
Want to know what the best upcoming independent video games are going to be in 2022 and beyond? Come with us as we investigate the most talked-about indie titles.

Independent gaming has never been more promising than it is for 2022 and beyond.

PC gaming is also still the best way to find underappreciated titles before they become mainstream.

The most anticipated independent releases will be featured here, along with some titles that may have slipped under your radar.

In the future, we will add more games to this list, so check back and let us know if we forgot any of your anticipated indie titles.

What’s an Indie Game Anyway?

Developer and Publisher

Making a video game entails two primary processes: The first step is to create the actual game. The next step is to market and sell the completed game. Selling your game is almost half the work, but it’s worth it because game development is a lot of fun.

The development phase requires nothing more than an idea and the means to implement it through programming, design, sound composition, and the creation of art assets. Building a game from scratch can take years, but if you want to make a living at it, you’ll need the help of talented programmers, artists, and musicians who should be compensated fairly. To rephrase, both time and money are required to create a video game, but the latter is less of an issue if the former is more readily available. And that’s not even considering the costs of hiring lawyers, accountants, and marketers. This is where publishing companies come in.

The publisher is the business that foots the bill, handles publicity, gets the word out to critics, and handles any legal issues that may arise. Everything that isn’t “game development” falls under the purview of the publisher. Traditionally, publishers have owned the copyright for games they funded and distributors have kept the vast majority of the profits from game sales. It’s not unheard of for an IP owner (like a publisher) to come up with an idea for a game before hiring a studio to make it.

For example, Santa Monica Studios created the God of War games, but Sony owns the intellectual property. Since Sony is the one who footed the bill for the studio’s work on the God of War games, it stands to reason that the publisher can choose to work with a different studio in the future. Even though Rocksteady Studio developed the Batman: Arkham series, WarnerMedia owns all intellectual property rights to the games. Warner then established WB Games Montreal, which took the Rocksteady IP and made Batman: Arkham Origins, widely considered to be the series’ worst installment. WB Games Montreal will return to the Batman: Arkham universe with the upcoming Gotham Knights, while Rocksteady is currently working on a Suicide Squad game.

20 of the Best Indie Games on Switch 2022 – GameSpew

The studios can be hired, purchased, or even created by the publisher. However, a publisher’s primary focus is on increasing a game’s sales. It is also common practice for developers to talk with the marketing team about potential game designs when working with a major publisher. This is how AAA games are made, which is not dissimilar from how Hollywood makes blockbuster movies.

But what if you’re just a solo programmer? The publishing industry is not one that will likely hand you money for your first game project. If you don’t have a publisher, you’ll have to market and sell your game yourself. The absence of a publisher also allows you to retain ownership of your original works. The video game industry is thriving because games are both an art form and a commercial success. Copyright protection is important, but so is the ability to expand on your work in the form of sequels, remakes, or spin-offs in the future for financial gain. One could argue that without a publisher, the programmers retain their freedom. That’s also the origin of the term “indie game.”

So, to begin, an indie game is one in which the creator not only creates but also publishes, markets, and owns all of the intellectual property. Studios Studio MDHR, Mossmouth, Team Meat, and Number None developed and published Cuphead, Spelunky, Super Meat Boy, and Braid, respectively. There can be no debate over the fact that these are all independent video games. But let’s take another beloved indie title, say Bastion by Supergiant Games. Even though Bastion was published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, why is it considered an independent game?

No Money, No Interference

Supergiant Games made a deal with Warner to publish its first game, Bastion, which is unusual for independent studios. Despite having Warner’s stamp of approval, Bastion is often cited as a pivotal game in the indie revolution. Bastion is considered an independent title because Supergiant Games turned down funding from Warner, the game’s original publisher. While Warner handled marketing and distribution, Supergiant Games paid for development on their own to retain ownership of the Bastion IP and ensure complete creative control. The only reason Warner agreed to publish Bastion’s work was for a cut of the company’s earnings.

Another widely accepted definition of “indie game” is one in which the publisher does not pay for the creation of the game. Disagreement is to be expected, given that there are two acceptable definitions of indie games. There are still skeptics who would argue that Bastion is not indie because it was published by a major studio. Instead of partnering with Warner, what if Supergiant Games instead paid a marketing agency out of their own pocket? Without a publisher, Bastion could only be considered an independent project. How different is working with a publisher from working with a marketing firm if Warner didn’t put any money into Bastion, didn’t buy the copyrights, and didn’t meddle in the development process?

Supergiant Games preferred the Warner deal because it allowed for a split of marketing profits rather than having to front the money themselves. Since the publisher did not contribute financially to the development of the game, they had no say over the studio’s decisions.

Having a publisher may not be the deciding factor in whether or not a game falls into the indie category. For instance, in 2016, Square Enix launched the Collective platform to aid indie developers in their pursuit of crowdfunding. Square Enix will not provide funding for projects, but if they receive enough support, creators can use the Square Enix logo to promote their crowdfunding drive. If the campaign is successful, Square Enix will publish the game for a cut of the profits. A major publisher makes it possible for independent games like Forgotton Anne by ThroughLine Games to be released without requiring huge sums of money or risking any of their intellectual property. But what if the publisher pays the studio? Does that mean it gives up its autonomy?

Creative Control

Instead of focusing on AAA developers like Ubisoft and Nintendo, we should look at indie-focused publishers like Devolver Digital, Team 17, and Raw Fury. These publishers frequently contribute to the funding of game development by providing developers with financial support. Why then do we still refer to games developed by these studios as “indie”? From here on out, issues become significantly more complex.

Imagine you’re working on a video game project. A commercial game takes time and effort, possibly months or even years to develop. Is there any way to make ends meet while improving your skills? You could get a loan from the bank, get funding from a wealthy relative, or keep your day job (at the expense of more time spent on development). None of these scenarios involve a loss of ownership or control over your work because of financial backing. You’re still on your own two feet; you just had to borrow some cash.

The services provided by independent game publishers are similar. Even though these publishers provide funding in exchange for a cut of the profits, they have no hand in creating the game. It’s a savvy business move to: The indie market is thriving, and publishers stand to make a lot of money without having to worry much about the development process if they let developers keep creative control. Thus, we now have a third possible definition of “indie game”: a game that, regardless of its funding method, was created by a team that maintained ownership over its intellectual property. Although this definition is quite broad, it does help to identify the most distinguishing feature of “indie games”: Since there is nothing from the outside to stifle their innovation, they are at full creative capacity.

Does it even matter if we borrow or sell a house to fund this project? Because of this broad interpretation of “indie,” AAA publisher Electronic Arts launched its Originals program to fully fund games that were marketed as “indie” despite receiving funding from EA. To ensure these studios can maintain as much autonomy as possible, EA does not retain any portion of the revenue generated by an Originals game, instead recouping only the funds invested in its creation. But are endeavors that take hundreds of people and millions of dollars to complete still considered “indie”? A fourth definition of an independent game is as follows.

Indie Game as a Cultural Definition

For some, the lack of a publisher and a large budget is not what defines an independent game. The term “indie game” has come to mean anything that is not widely played. Big games made to sell millions of copies could never be considered indie, but niche games made by small teams certainly are. The problem with this definition is that it relies on the general public’s estimation of a project’s scope, and we all know how effective marketing can be at shifting people’s perceptions.

Even though Moon Studios is owned by Microsoft, games like Ori and the Will of the Wisps are frequently classified as “indie.” Moon Studios, the developers of Ori, are a small outfit with an independent vibe. But can they still be considered independent if they don’t retain their copyright and if they actually have to report to someone higher up in the company’s hierarchy? As far as we can tell, Microsoft is giving their studios complete leeway to do whatever they want creatively with their games. If business were slow, however, it’s unclear if this stance would be maintained.

Let’s look at another case in point. Ninja Theory created Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice on their own dime. The video game Ninja Theory developed and published itself. Hellblade is still considered an indie game even by the strictest definition, which states that no publisher may be involved in the creation of the game. However, it could be strange to consider a multimillion-dollar endeavor with hundreds of workers as a standalone endeavor. For this reason, some argue that Hellblade is not an independent video game.

Where does one draw the line, though, if one accepts the premise that an indie game must be “small”? How many people do you need to make something before you can call it an indie project? Four? Five? How about money, though? How much money does a game have to make before it no longer counts as “indie?” What if a crowdfunding campaign exceeds expectations and generates millions for a small group of people? Has the game’s indie status changed? Finally, what exactly is the mainstream? Although development of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds began as a side project, the game quickly became so popular that it sparked a new wave of battle royale mania. If the general public’s definition of indie games is correct, then PUGB would have been an indie at one point before transitioning to a major studio. This definition is also problematic because it may lead one to believe that an independent game cannot achieve commercial success.

Because of its subjectivity, the cultural definition of an indie game lacks clarity and precision, making it difficult to apply a universal standard of evaluation. However, players and critics alike still frequently employ this terminology when talking about independent games, with each party using their own standards of what constitutes the mainstream to determine the boundaries of the indie market. With such a wide net, however, marketing departments can pass off “small” games as indie despite being developed and published by AAA studios.

The definition of an independent game has been hotly debated for years, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Our inability to agree upon what constitutes an “indie game” is the primary cause of contention. Even though we all have our own personal preferences, it’s important to keep in mind the various contexts in which common phrases are used. We hope this brief overview of the discussion will be helpful the next time you find yourself in an online debate with a total stranger over a video game.

Best Upcoming Indie Games

Stray

The official release date has been set for July 19, 2022.

PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5

From what we can see in the Stray teaser trailer, indie studio BlueTwelve has found a great partner in Annapurna Interactive, the game’s publisher.

In Stray, you play as a fluffy kitty in a cyberpunk-style metropolis where robots seem to have replaced humans.

A glowing backpack is worn by the cat, which may have significant narrative significance.

A futuristic cat simulator is one of the most exciting new types of indie games to be announced.

Endling

Date of Publication: July 19, 2022

Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch

Endling paints a bleak picture of a dystopian future where ecosystems have collapsed as a result of human activity.

You play the role of the last fox on Earth in this 3D side-scrolling game about the destructive nature of humanity.

You must do whatever it takes to provide for your puppies in a dangerous and unforgiving environment where food and shelter are in short supply.

When one of your puppies is stolen, however, and you have to rely on its scent to find the kidnapper, your entire world may as well come crashing down.

Midnight Fight Express

Date of Publication: August 23, 2022

Windows Is The Platform

Midnight Fight Express, a hybrid of classic brawlers and fast-paced modern fighters, was developed by lone indie developer Jacob Dzwinel and published by Humble Games.

The game features a difficult combat system reminiscent of Dark Souls, requiring the use of fists, feet, knives, guns, and more to dispatch hordes of foes.

In addition to blocking, countering, throwing, dodging, and triggering powerful finishing moves and environmental kills, players can mix light and heavy melee attacks.

The smooth character animations in Midnight Fight are the game’s crowning achievement; they make use of motion-captured data to increase the game’s realism.

Midnight Fight Express on Steam

Sons of the Forest

Exact date of release: October 2022

Windows Is The Platform

Those who aren’t familiar with The Forest are missing out on an ambitious survival horror game with a strong emphasis on crafting and combat against enemies with surprisingly nuanced AI.

The story is fairly nonlinear, as is typical of survival games, but there is plenty of meat on the bones for those who are curious about the game’s fauna and flora.

The sequel, apparently being developed by Endnight Games, will feature new characters and events set on a different mysterious island.

Sons of the Forest will feature improved visuals and gameplay, as well as a greater emphasis on teamwork than the original game, which only supported online multiplayer after its initial release.

Little Devil Inside

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

Windows, PlayStation 5

With its distinct cartoony art style and survival elements, Little Devil Inside is a visually striking action role-playing game with a surreal air.

It was developed by Neostream, a studio based in South Korea, and funded on Kickstarter in 2015. Interestingly, the game was originally intended for the discontinued Nintendo Wii-U.

You take on the role of a courageous adventurer on a mission to rid the world of evil by eliminating its most potent arch-demons.

The game’s world is semi-open, so you can wander off on a tangent whenever you like.

Tchia

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

Systems: PC, PS4, and PS5

The player assumes the role of a young girl in the upcoming open world adventure game Tchia, in which she is free to roam a physics-based sandbox.

There are exotic locales to explore, interesting characters to interact with, and secrets to uncover at every turn in this game.

Tchia can also magically change into more than thirty different animals and more than one hundred different objects.

Tchia uses her abilities to aid her friends, discover the island, and avoid peril, and this is reflected in the story and gameplay.

Slime Rancher 2

Date of Publication: Not Yet Determined

Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox 360 Series X/S

Monomi Park, an independent game developer, is hard at work on a sequel to their upbeat farming simulation game Slime Rancher.

Slime Rancher 2 follows Beatrix LeBeau into a new world called Rainbow Island, which is full of ancient mysteries and exotic wildlife.

Slime creatures each have their own unique traits and personalities, and you’ll be able to collect and breed them with the help of your slime-manipulating arsenal.

As you progress through the game, you’ll learn how to trade plorts for Newbucks, which can be used to buy things like ranch improvements and new gadgets.

Shady Knight

The date of release is still to be determined.

Windows Is The Platform

You should add Shady Knight to your preorder list if you’re excited for the release of fast-paced action games like we are.

The first-person platformer is a hack-and-slash where you clear out floors of towers filled with enemies using medieval weapons.

With the momentum gained from sliding and wall running, your character can launch slam attacks, powerful kicks, or even a good old fashioned sword throw to the enemy’s head, tearing them to shreds.

The combination of Shady Knight’s verticality and free-form combat seems like it would make for a lot of fun and interesting levels.

SpiderHeck

To Be Announced: Release Date

Windows Is The Platform

Even though spiders are already pretty creepy, SpiderHeck takes it to the next level by equipping them with laser swords and forcing them to traverse deadly platforming stages in close quarters.

The final product is a four-player physics-based brawler in which players compete to be the lone remaining arachnid by dodging attacks and avoiding obstacles.

Players can use their web-swinging abilities to gain an advantage or avoid death, as expected from a game involving spiders.

It’s a hilarious combination of swordplay and parkour that’s sure to make fools of everyone involved.

Blood Bowl 3

Time of Publication Announcement

Supported Systems: PC, PS4, PS5, XB1, XB2 S, and Switch

Never one to follow the crowd, Blood Bowl instead takes a unique approach by combining elements of American football, turn-based strategy, and Warhammer lore.

Even though it’s one of the more specialized Xbox 360 releases, Blood Bowl 3 brings a lot to the table for series devotees.

The game follows the official rules of the most recent edition of the board game, including any new abilities or changes to the passing system.

In addition to the 12 playable races and the customizable single-player campaign, the new competitive PVP mode also features improved league management tools.

Jack Move

The date of release is currently unknown.

Windows, Nintendo Switch, and the Mac

Inspired by the classic Mega Man Battle Network games, Jack Move is a pixel art JRPG with an original cyberpunk story.

You play as Noa, a rebel hacker whose father goes missing under mysterious circumstances, and who soon finds herself embroiled in a web of murder, kidnapping, and twisted research.

Combat is turn-based, and you can constantly experiment with new tactics by altering Noa’s Cyber Deck.

This, in addition to hardware upgrades that increase stats and unlock new abilities, gives her the flexibility to switch roles and fine-tune her attack, defense, and buff strategies.

Atomic Heart

Date of Publication: Not Yet Determined

Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch

Atomic Heart has had one of the more intriguing development histories, with rumors suggesting it may not even be the same game anymore from when it was first announced for release in 2018.

The Russian indie studio Mundfish is well into development on a game described as a “first-person shooter with RPG elements.”

Atomic Heart is set in an alternate reality where the Soviet Union’s research has led to a technological revolution, and it is reminiscent of such classics as BioShock and Fallout.

Take control of a Soviet KGB agent who has been tasked with infiltrating a radio silent facility.

Body of Evidence

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

Windows Is The Platform

House Flipper developer Empyrean has announced that their upcoming simulation game will feature less interior design and more violence.

In Body of Evidence, you take on the role of a “cleaner” for the mob, specializing in the efficient disposal of corpses using any means necessary.

Methods include picking locks, stowing bodies in storage areas, and disinfecting everything that came into contact with blood.

It was only a matter of time before this happened, given the proliferation of unusual simulation games.

Mineko’s Night Market

Due Date: Not Yet Determined

Windows, Nintendo Switch

Inspired by Animal Crossing, Mineko’s Night Market is a colorful adventure game with more cats than you can shake a kitty at.

You take on the role of an inquisitive young lady settling into life on a Japanese-themed island near the foot of Mount Fugu.

The game places a premium on narrative and discovery as you try to figure out what’s going on on the island and learn more about the legend of Abe, the Sun Cat God.

The gameplay focuses on mundane activities like making and selling goods and raising and caring for cats.

Dordogne

Date of Publication Not Yet Determined

Windows and Macintosh

In 2021, narrative-driven experiences like Dordogne, developed by French indie studio Un Je Ne Sais Quoi, will give adventure game fans a lot to look forward to.

In it, you take on the role of Mimi, a 32-year-old woman who, upon visiting her grandmother’s childhood home in southwestern France, begins experiencing flashbacks to her own childhood.

Mimi will guide her 10-year-old self through puzzles that have an impact on the present while simultaneously exploring her grandmother’s house.

Players can help Mimi fill her journal with her favorite summertime memories by collecting photos, sounds, objects, and words as they explore the world of Dordogne.

She Dreams Elsewhere

Time of Publication: To Be Announced

Systems: Windows and Nintendo Switch

She Dreams Elsewhere is a surreal role-playing game about the relationship between dreams and reality, sporting a retro-inspired art style similar to that of Undertale.

You take on the role of Thalia, a woman in a coma due to anxiety, as she tries to overcome her inner demons and regain consciousness.

Despite its focus on storytelling, the game also includes a turn-based combat system in which you must face off against a variety of terrifying monsters.

Using the “Connection” system, Thalia can increase her bond with each party member she recruits.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Date of Publication: Still Uncertain

Windows, Nintendo Switch

While many of Hollow Knight’s core Metroidvania elements will be carried over into Silksong, they will be utilized somewhat differently.

Hornet, a curious bug-like creature, will be the player character’s focus.

Hornet is kidnapped at the beginning of the game and taken to a mysterious and terrifying kingdom.

Instead of leaving the kingdom by going down, players will have to make their way up, encountering more than 150 new monsters along the way.

Manor Lords

The date of release is still to be determined.

Windows Is The Platform

Manor Lords, scheduled for release this year, combines city-building with real-time strategy combat in a Medieval setting.

Players can broaden their horizons as cities develop and populations rise by establishing trade routes, erecting fortifications, and raising armies to protect themselves from enemies.

However, this won’t be an overnight success because villages thrive when their resources are consistently maintained.

Keep in mind the unfortunate realities of the game, such as harsh weather, disease, and famine, as you play.

Kerbal Space Program 2

The date of release is currently unknown.

Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One

The highly anticipated sequel to the space flight simulator Kerbal Space Program is scheduled for release in 2022.

This is because Private Division, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive, brought development in-house after previously outsourcing it to Star Theory.

KSP2 will add a lot of new stuff that people have been asking for, like more spacecraft parts, colony building, better graphics, online multiplayer, and better modding tools.

Try it again if you were one of the many players who found the first version intriguing but were put off by the high difficulty level.

Rawmen

Date of Publication: Not Yet Determined

Microsoft Windows

What if Splatoon’s inklings were replaced by naked men who are also passionate about cooking? is the question that Rawmen attempts to answer.

The game is still in its infancy, but developer ANIMAL seems to be onto something promising.

During matches, you take command of a personalizable chef and pit him or her against other players using various kitchen implements.

You can even make your character run around slapping bad guys in the face with a fish as a weapon.

Smalland

To Be Announced: Release Date

Microsoft Windows

There’s room for two micro-scale survival games, so we can each indulge our dreams (and worst fears) of being shrunk down and set loose in a vast backyard sandbox.

If you want to see the best of what Smalland has to offer, though, you’ll have to endure dangerous environments and fight off spiders, birds, rats, lizards, and other creatures.

You can make your own armor, weapons, shelter, and tools like mountable bugs thanks to the wealth of hidden resources at your disposal.

Using the various workshops in your camp, which can be improved over time, you can also tailor your clothing to acquire unique resistances and abilities.

Smalland: Survive the Wilds on Steam

Bear and Breakfast

Date of Publication: To Be Announced

Windows, Nintendo Switch

Bear and Breakfast is being marketed as a chill management game in which you’ll be in charge of running a B&B for passing travelers.

The catch is that you’re really a bear because, well, why not? The company you keep will depend on your ability to furnish rooms, entertain guests, and feed them.

In order to earn money and keep customers coming back, you need to cater to the specific preferences of each individual guest.

The Wilderness holds many mysteries that you can discover when you’re not busy running the company.

Occupy Mars: The Game

Date of Publication: To Be Determined

Windows Is The Platform

Occupy Mars could be right up your alley if you enjoy survival games with complex mechanics.

You’ll be sent on an adventure to Mars in the hopes of founding a colony there.

You’ll be responsible for a wide range of activities, including base construction and improvement, exploration of neighboring areas, collection of resources, cultivation of food supplies, production of oxygen, and more.

The game is realistic and simulated, but not unforgiving, so you can expect to die a lot as you learn the ropes of Mars colonization.

Sports Story

Date of Publication: To Be Determined

Windows, Nintendo Switch

Golf Story, developed by Sidebar Games and released in 2017, was one of the best indie sleeper hits of the year thanks to its inspiring story of a down-on-his-luck golfer who turns his life around by returning to his childhood love of golf.

The development team is back with a sequel, and this time they’ve increased the number of sports-related features and minigames available.

Sports Story, due out later this year, continues the 2D visual style of its prequel while introducing new playable characters and environments.

These include a prestigious castle where you’ll meet the queen and a world-famous tennis academy where your character will hone her skills.

Soup Pot

Time of Publication Announcement

Microsoft Windows and Xbox One S

You’ll have plenty of time to play through a number of the games on this list before the release of Soup Pot, which was announced at E3 2021 and is scheduled for release by year’s end.

It’s a virtual kitchen where you can try out your culinary imagination with over a hundred different recipes and a wide variety of ingredients.

Soup Pot allows you to see your dishes through to the end even if they look like a hot mess, unlike other cooking sims that want you to follow specific instructions.

You can plate food however you like and take pictures to post on a social media site within the game to gain followers and get comments on your dishes.

11 Tips on How to Survive at Gamescom as an Indie Game Developer

1. Book a hotel room

Wow, am I happy I did this! From where I live, you can reach Cologne in about two hours. At first, I believed that I would have to make a daily commute. But getting a hotel room was the best option.

Finding a hotel close to the Gamescom fair one month in advance was a bit of a challenge, so next time I will do this much earlier. When I realized I only had a short walk to the hotel, I was relieved beyond words; by the end of the day, you are completely spent.

In addition, you can clean up with a shower and head back into town for a romantic evening with your newfound friends. You could also attend a party at Gamescom. You probably shouldn’t do that if you want to function the next day, but without a hotel room, you have no choice.

2. Print business cards

Business cards are fantastic. However, I am a sucker for creative business cards.

I was able to make and hand out custom business cards at a presentation for my own game. Including them was a brilliant move on our part.

Your card is in high demand. I placed them in front of the TV so anyone passing by could take one, or I could quickly grab some to hand out to new acquaintances.

100-150 cards were dispersed by me. Absolutely fantastic! In addition to greatly increasing the likelihood that you will be remembered, exchanging business cards with others is a lot of fun.

3. Print T-shirts for yourself

As a solo artist, you probably don’t have the budget to buy a lot of swag. Having a distinguishable appearance, however, helps spread awareness of your profession.

So, I ordered three days’ worth of T-shirts bearing the Super Snow Fight logo for my personal use. People were curious about Super Snow Fight whenever I wore the shirt, even at lunch.

Thus, the break is an opportunity to meet new people. And that is precisely why you are here at Gamescom.

4. Bring Sweets

Most people were content with just one or two candies because of their low cost. You can skip branding them. A couple of guys picked up an Ice Fresh candy and immediately asked me what game I was playing. Yes, candy does the trick.

5. Prepare the elevator pitch

A 30 second pitch for your game is required. Sometimes the people you’ve always wanted to meet are too busy to spend more than a minute with you.

It’s no secret that Gamescom is a hectic time for everyone. Prepare a short pitch if you’re serious about teaching them your game. In addition, it’s a good idea to keep some business cards handy.

I am grateful for this opportunity that has been presented to me, and at the present time I am simply waiting to see what comes of it. I tried my hardest.

6. Five-minute description

Our 12 square meter booth got quite crowded. There are a lot of people who wanted to see the games, but they will leave if they have to wait too long.

Do you really want that to occur?

You have 5 minutes to explain, demonstrate, and run through your game. Get ready for it!

You can do it in the comfort of your own home or while commuting, riding public transportation, or lounging in bed. Here are a few points to discuss:

  • I was wondering, what style of game is this?
  • How many people does it accommodate?
  • How does the player progress through your game? Why are we doing this?
  • Where do I find the settings?
  • The size of your studio.
  • Any unique qualities?
  • Which motor did you end up using?
  • When did development on the game begin?
  • Of course, we also need to know the release date and the various devices supported.

Here is my text (roughly), for instance:

Super Snow Fight is a four-player local multiplayer action brawler that can also be played solo or against the computer.

In this game, you engage in a snowball fight while also making use of a wide variety of special weapons and items.

At that point, I always ask if anyone wants to play the game, and everyone raises their hands. That’s why I gave them the controls.

All right, let’s have a free-for-all deathmatch. Here we have over 30 playable characters to pick from [I broke down the difference between manual and auto aim] and four different arenas to test our skills in.

More abilities can be accessed as more arenas are completed. The park amphitheater is where we shall begin.

So that the player knows exactly what will happen when she presses a given button, I have now explained the controls. After getting the hang of the controls, we battled the computer for a total of two games before time ran out. While facing off against the computer, I discussed the game’s creation — its use of Unity, the fact that I wrote all the code myself, the use of assets obtained from the Unity Asset Store, and the release date and location — in detail.

7. A presentation onstage

This is totally insane.

Two days after arriving at Gamescom, I was informed that I would be required to give a presentation in front of an audience. What?!

What a wonderful development, albeit with some cause for concern. If only I could have played the latest build of the game live on stage, that would have been great!

There was only a projector and speakers, with no actual gaming hardware.

Thankfully, we’d brought a laptop computer. I was able to put together a short presentation by evening, complete with screenshots and a trailer.

You can find it (in German) on YouTube:

8. Bring a laptop

The truth is, you can never predict what will occur. Prepare for anything with a laptop and/or USB drive containing a build of your game, screenshots, the most recent trailer, and so on. Whenever you feel the need, you can demonstrate the game to others.

9. Take notes

There are many opportunities to network and collect business cards. However, after three or more tiring days, it becomes impossible to recall every name, face, or word spoken.

After a conversation, it is important to take notes. Jot down whatever comes to mind when you think of that person.

If someone is interested in reviewing your game and enjoys it, it would be a shame if you forgot to provide them with a beta key.

10. Bring a friend

It’s not easy to create a game from scratch by yourself. It’s not easy to present at a conference.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a spouse or friend who will support you, treat her to a hotel room and dinner on the house.

You’ll be very appreciative, and the experience will be a lot more fun as a result. It’s incredible that I was able to introduce other people to the incredible experience that was Gamescom.

11. Live healthily

I know it’s cliche, but get plenty of rest, eat right, and get some exercise or go for a walk on occasion. Keeping your legs and feet moving all day requires some fitness.

Now what? After you’ve rested up, send out letters to everyone who showed interest in your game.

Never forget that they were exposed to a plethora of other games as well. Sending out an email to attendees a few days after the fair is a great way to keep your game fresh in their minds. Provide a beta key if they show any sign of continued interest.

If you’re planning on attending a convention or trade show, such as the upcoming GDC, I hope this article gives you some useful information to get you ready.