20 upcoming indie games to add to the top of your wishlist

2023 has been a haven for gamers with countless releases of major Triple A franchises, but indie games deserve just as much of the spotlight. Check out 20 upcoming indie games you won’t want to miss in 2023 and beyond. So sit back, read, and keep clicking “add to wishlist.”

Venba – Visai Games

Venba follows the story of an Indian mom who immigrates with her family to Canada in the 1980s. This short narrative cooking game might be ideal for those who want to take a quick break from real life and immerse themselves in cooking various dishes, restoring lost recipes, and experiencing a relatable story behind those dishes, which lead to lessons about love and loss. Venba also has its own unique and original soundtrack inspired by Indian culture, making the experience of the game even more personal. I just know this game is going to be a special one! 

Publisher: Visai Games

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One

Release Date: July 31, 2023

Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical – Summerfall Studios

Hand-illustrated musical RPG Stray Gods is set in a world where Greek Gods live in hiding among humans. You play as Grace, a college dropout granted the power of a Muse, an ability that will help her to find out the truth behind her predecessor’s death. You’ll decide with whom Grace allies and whom she can trust. With a stacked cast including Laura Bailey, Troy Baker, Janina Gavankar, Ashley Johnson, Rahul Kohli, Merle Dandridge, Anjali Bhimani, Khary Payton, and many more, this one can’t be missed! 

Publisher: Humble Games

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One

Release Date: August 10, 2023

Sea of Stars – Sabotage Studio

Retro-inspired RPG Sea of Stars focuses on the only people with unique magic capable of fending off monstrous creations of The Fleshmancer (gross), an evil alchemist. The game aims to bring back the nostalgia and fun of classic turn-based combat, yet hopes to modernize elements such as storytelling and exploration. Sea of Stars isn’t just full of battles; you’ll also sail, cook, fish, and visit to enjoy a tabletop game called “Wheels.”

Publisher: Sabotage Studio

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC

Release Date: August 29, 2023

Cocoon – Geometric Interactive 

From Inside and Limbo lead gameplay designer Jeppe Carlsen, Cocoon is a brand new puzzle adventure game with a very unique theme of worlds being contained within other worlds. The game’s core unique mechanic of leaping between worlds to solve puzzles in order to unravel a cosmic mystery makes it immediately stand out. If you love puzzle games, Cocoon might be your fix. You’ll jump between distinct worlds with their own mechanics, boss fights, and puzzles. As a debut game from Geometric Interactive, Cocoon sure feels like a unique experience that is set to wow us!

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass 

Release Date: September 29, 2023

#BLUD – Exit 73 Studios

#Blud is a goofy, delightful animated dungeon crawler where you play as Becky Brewster, a descendant from an ancient bloodline of vampire hunters and also the new kid in town. Fight your way through the vampire apocalypse to save your friends and town in this cute 90s cartoon-stylized dungeon crawler.

Publisher: Humble Games

Platform: PC 

Release Date: 2024

Été – Impossible

Été is a relaxing 3D painting game where you play as a budding painter traveling to Montreal during summer (the term Été meaning summer in French). The world is your canvas! Explore the city with your paintbrush in this cozy, creative game that will definitely bring a smile to your face. This indie game offers a variety of gameplay such as the ability to use gorgeous watercolor to paint the world around you and watch it come to life. You’ll also explore Montreal neighborhoods, befriend and help other artists during your journey, fulfill commissions, and collect stamps. 

Publisher: Impossible

Platforms: PC

Release Date: 2024

Ghost Bike – Messhof

In Ghost Bike, you play as a streetwise kid who is on a mission to bring back the last of the Ghost Bikes, magical couriers who ride between the world of the living and world of the dead. Explore this semi-open world, complete racing challenges, engage with bike culture, find hidden bike parts to customize your bike, and save lost souls. Ghost Bike also features an original soundtrack by artists from the music label Italians Do It Better.

Publisher: Annapurna Interactive

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass

 Release Date: 2024

Hades II – Supergiant Games

Hades II is the hotly anticipated sequel to 2020’s smash hit Hades, nominee for and winner of plenty of Game of the Year awards. The sequel promises the same fun and action of the first rogue-like dungeon crawler but with a new protagonist: you’ll play as Melinoé, daughter of Hades. It’ll build upon the already amazing roguelite foundation of the original game by adding new locations, challenges, and upgrade systems. Hades II will take place in a larger mythic Underworld where Melinoé, as a witch and sorceress, will have her own arsenal of abilities and weapons. Of course, just like Hades, players will have the powers of Olympus supporting them to navigate the Underworld. 

Publisher: Supergiant Games

Platforms: TBA

Release Date: TBA

Hellboy Web of Wyrd – Upstream Arcade

Hellboy finally stars in a game worthy of his name with Hellboy Web of Wyrd. You’ll investigate a missing agent of the B.P.R.D. and venture into the depths of the Wyrd, a mysterious dimension. Developed in partnership with Dark Horse Comics and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, Hellboy Web of Wyrd is a fast, action-packed roguelike brawler offering an original story that, with its unique style, feels like a comic book come to life.

Publisher: Good Shepherd Entertainment

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One

Release Date: TBA

House Flipper 2 – Frozen District

Ever wanted to renovate or build new houses? House Flipper 2 is a simulator where you get to live out your HGTV dream. Players start as a rookie Flipper and help out the community of a charming town called Pinnacove and make a fortune. House Flipper 2 features old-but-upgraded tools from the original game while introducing news skills for house flipping. Unleash your creativity using the Sandbox Mode where you can recreate real-life buildings and design projects with your imagination. Design the house of your dreams with House Flipper 2.

Publisher: Frozen District, PlayWay S.A.

Platforms:  PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X and Series S

Release Date: 2023

I Am a Caterpillar – DevFatigued

Play as a caterpillar that doesn’t want to turn into a butterfly in I Am A Caterpillar. Need I say more or are you already not convinced?! Experience a colorful, vibrant adventure where you crawl through your own path and make friends along the way. You’ll also solve puzzles and discover secrets on your journey. 

Publisher: DevFatigued

Platforms: PC

Release Date: TBA

Kibu – Studio Inkyfox

Play as a solitary monk with a goal of building a temple and creating a sanctuary in this tranquil indie game set in the heart of the wilderness. Explore mysterious lands in Kibu and discover secrets and stories. Finding your place in the world, you get to brew delicious teas and seek out ancient spirits while mastering a flowing combat system centered around your staff. Nature is your friend: farm, forage, and harvest the gifts of nature while cultivating your own vibrant garden creating your own place of refuge.

Publisher: Future Friends Games

Platforms: PC

Release Date: TBA

Laika: Aged Through Blood – Brainwash Gang

Laika: Aged Through Blood features a personal story of a mother coyote warrior seeking vengeance for her oppressed tribe. Drive and fight your way through this hand-drawn post-apocalyptic wasteland and western-inspired motorvania with your trustworthy motorbike. Race through the wasteland with dangerous jumps, shoot enemies in slow-mo, perform a backflip while reloading your gun, challenge the big bosses, and utilize skill-based powerups in this very first motorvania. If you’re curious about this game, you can also try out a demo available now on Steam! 

Publisher: Thunderful Publishing

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One

Release Date: TBA

Little Kitty, Big City – Double Dagger Studio

Finished Stray but still need a cat game fix? Little Kitty, Big City is here for you. You’ll play as a kitty trying to find your way back home. Explore the city, make new friends with other animals, and wear cute hats. And, of course, leave chaos in your wake to fully embrace life as a cat. Play the demo now on Steam. 

Publisher: Double Dagger Studio

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One

Release Date: 2024

Lushfoil Photography Sim – Matt Newell

This freeform exploration simulator allows players to explore diverse, detailed environments created in Unreal Engine 5. Lushfoil Photography Sim features an in-game camera that runs just like a real-world professional DLSR camera. Gain full control of your photography with camera settings such as the auto/manual focus, flash exposure, contrast, and other creative effects. Experience the world from a unique perspective by finding a first-person drone that allows you to capture stunning landscapes from above or traverse in still waters to get that perfect shot. The opportunities for a perfect picture are endless with Lushfoil Photography Sim!

Publisher: Annapurna Interactive

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One

Release Date: TBA

Neva – Nomada Studio

From the same studio that developed Gris comes another beautiful game. Neva revolves around a young woman named Alba and her bond formed with a curious wolf cub. Following a traumatic encounter, they both embark on a journey in a world slowly decaying around them. As the game progresses, we’ll witness their evolving relationship by overcoming hardships and obstacles.  

Publisher: Devolver Digital

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X and Series S

Release Date: TBA

Pizza Possum – Cosy Computer

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a possum? Even better, have you ever dreamed of becoming a possum and eating whatever you want without any worry in the world? Well, we have some good news! Pizza Possum is an arcade experience where the player’s goal is to eat as much food as possible without getting caught by patrolling guard dogs. You can play this indie game solo or invite a friend and get some help. Make your way to the top of the village and eat a massive pizza!

Publisher: Raw Fury

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox Series X and Series S

Release Date: TBA

The Invincible – Starward Industries

Based on the motifs of The Invincible, a novel from world-renowned Polish sci-fi author Stanisław Lem, comes a first-person, story-driven adventure. You’ll play as a highly qualified astrobiologist named Yasna who, along with their crew, end up on an unexplored planet called Regis III. They quickly must venture on a mission to find their lost crewmates. Make decisions, follow the mystery, immerse yourself in the atompunk atmosphere by using various tools, and discover mind boggling scientific phenomena during your adventure.

Publisher: 11 bit studios

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X and Series S

Release Date: 2023

Tiny Bookshop – neoludic games 

Leave everything behind and start a bookshop by the sea. In Tiny Bookshop, you’ll stock your bookshop with different books and items, set up shops at scenic locations, get to know the locals, and satisfy the community’s book needs in this cozy narrative management game. Slowly become a part of the community by meeting characters and discovering their personal stories. Your actions shape the town’s stories along with your own journey.

Publisher: neoludic games

Platforms: PC, Linux, macOS, Mac operating systems

Release Date: TBA

Wizard with a Gun – Galvanic Games

Set in a magical wilderness that houses dangerous creatures and magical mysteries, Wizard with a Gun is an online cooperative sandbox survival indie game. Collect, craft, and design weapons, bullets, and furnishings for your home tower while dressing up your wizard however you want. The game offers many worlds to explore, from the deserts to swamps to prairies of a fractured world. Players can take on this journey solo or with a friend and explore the unknown.

Publisher: Devolver Digital

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X and Series S

Release Date: 2023