Tag Archives: indie games
"Indie Games Roster of Awesomeness" Showcase from Devolver Digital
A few new #indiegames being published by Devolver Digital, four of which are part of Devolver’s “Indie Games Roster of Awesomeness”: the previously announced Broforce (from Free Lives) and Not A Hero (from Roll7), along with newcomers The Talos Principle (from Croteam) and Titan Souls (from Acid Nerve). The fifth game in Sony’s presentation was Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number (from Dennaton Games), but for some reason was not listed as part of “Indie Games Roster of Awesomeness” – its absence must be a mistake.
The Talos Principle is a “philosophical first-person puzzle game [where] players are tasked with solving a series of increasingly difficult series of complex puzzles woven into a metaphysical parable about intelligence and meaning in an inevitably doomed world.” The game is being developed by Croteam, the creators of the Serious Sam series, and is built on Croteam’s Serious Engine 4, which allows the studio to “scan real world locations and historical elements into the game world.” There will be more than 120 immersive puzzles and a story written by Tom Jubert (FTL, The Swapper) and Jonas Kyratzes (Infinite Ocean).
Titan Souls started out as a Ludum Dare 28 entry with a theme of “You Only Get One.” It’s a top-down, open-world action game where you take on giant titans with but a single arrow at your disposal. Each titan dies with one hit to their weakspot, but hitting it will take impeccable timing and agility. It’s basically a top-down Shadow of the Colossus with the difficulty and learning curve of Dark Souls. You can play the original game here, which features four titans. Presumably this full game will feature a lot more, though no exact number has been provided.
The Talos Principle is coming to PC (Windows, Mac, Linux) and PlayStation 4 in Q3 2014. Titan Souls is coming to PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita in Q1 2015. Broforce is currently on Steam Early Access for Windows and Mac (coming to Linux), with PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita versions currently in development and being shown at E3. Not A Hero is coming to PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita later this Summer. It’s great to see publisher Devolver Digital helping indie developers to get their games on Steam and PSN. Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is coming to PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Vita later this year.
Source: Press Release
Frog Fractions 2 now on Kickstarter for PC, MAC and Linux
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Unless you’ve been living in a cave (without wireless internet) for two years, you’ve probably heard of #TwinBeard’s super-weird-and-crazy-awesome browser #game, Frog Fractions. Frog Fractions, which is a parody of educational games, soared to success due to its hilarity and a Tweet from Gamasutra editor Brandon Sheffield. Within 24 hours, tens of thousands were playing the wacky title and sharing it with their friends. YouTubers found out about it, and plenty of Let’s Plays reached viral status, making Frog Fractions one of the quickest indies to rise to popularity in recent memory.
If you’re one of the many fans of this amphibious adventure game, I’m pleased to tell you that a sequel is in the works, and Twin Beard has taken to Kickstarter to raise the money to get there. Normally, when I talk about a Kickstarter campaign, I give the facts and let you, the reader, decide if you think it’s something you want to donate to. The last thing I want is to suggest that you spend money on something that might not be worthwhile. In this case, however, in my humble opinion, I suggest you throw money at the screen as quickly as possible! I’m probably not the only one who would suggest such a thing. As I’m typing this sentence, 806 backers have pledged $22,965 of the $60,000 asking… IN TWO DAYS!
There isn’t a definite description of what we’re going to get from the new installment, which I kind of like. The original was something that you couldn’t really explain to people; they just had to try it. Oftentimes, really great, cult things, whether they are games, movies or whatever, are hard to pitch. They catch on because people play or watch and something about it resonates with the them, and they want to share the experience. According to the Kickstarter description from Twin Beard, “Frog Fractions 2 will evoke that same feeling even more strongly. I can’t describe what I’m going to make in detail, but I can tell you that I’ve been thinking about how to properly follow up Frog Fractions for the past year, and I believe I can make something genuinely awesome.” I can respect that and am looking forward to whatever it might end up being!
What we DO know about the coming title is that it will be larger in scope, will be initially released on PC, MAC and Linux, will not be called “Frog Fractions 2,” and it has some really awesome rewards lined up for the backers. These rewards tiers include a copy of the game, an all-star soundtrack, t-shirt, a documentary pack and the ability to get help create parts of the finished product.
Of course, you can read all my excited words or head over to the official Frog Fractions 2 Kickstarter to get the skinny in detail. Even if you can’t afford to support the development of the game, you should definitely pass it along to grow the popularity the way is was done before. Do it for the kids.
Reblogged from: indiestatik.com
Seattle-Based Indie Game Incubation Program Emerges
HouseOgames, a Seattle-based indie game incubator with a twist, announced that it is officially accepting applications for it’s program. The program is designed to help indie developers over the course of a full year by supplying them with living accommodations, workspace, business training and access to top level industry mentorship.
Two veteran gaming professionals are holding down the fort at HouseOgames, which is focused on fostering the development of casual to mid-core multi platform games: Luke Burtis (Former Production Director for Casual Connect), Scott Jarboe (an Infrastructure Architect, Lead Systems Engineer and Development Engineer for Microsoft’s Edge Computing Network).
“A slew of talented indie developers are making innovative high quality games.” Said Luke Burtis of HouseOgames. “We want to recognize that innovation and help it stand out from the crowded realm of clones and sequels and get them recognized. Our goal is to help foster this talent and assist in getting these games in front of as many eyes as possible. Along the way, we’ll also teach them how to run a company and make money doing what they love as a career choice.We also plan to support as many platforms as possible. So we’re not looking for anything specific (such as mobile only) as it seems most incubators are going for. You want to make an indie PC downloadable game, we’re game.”
Teams selected by HouseOgames will be granted a shared office space, development tools, access to a plethora of industry mentors, and a communal style accommodation with rent and utilities covered while participating in the program. HouseOgames will also have their very own David Carney of DVGMusic as an in-house audio composer for the teams to utilize, free of charge.
HouseOgames also announced their partnership with REACTOR, the federally funded Seattle based program for interactive media. The combined vision that HouseOgames and REACTOR have for talented indie game developers will strengthen Seattle’s global role as a hub for young game development even further!
How we are going to measure success is if we can help a few teams a year develop into studios that are doing well enough to support themselves, continue to make games, and self fund them. If we can do that, then we believe that we have succeeded.”
HouseOgames is currently concentrating on taking applicants from the USA. However the company will accept out of country applicants. Further details about the program and application process can be found at on their website.
About HouseOgames:
HouseOgames aims to become a one of a kind incubator for independent game developers. It will assist them in the production of their games and most importantly, successfully bringing them to market! HouseOgames’ vision is to provide developers with a way to master the skills required to build a sustainable business by creating a successful game, bring it to market while keeping the indie spirit alive! HouseOgames is based in Seattle Washington.
Greenlight Supershow 13hr Livestream Event
The Greenlight Supershow is a massive 13+ hour online livestream event where over 25 games from Greenlight are showcased, along with their creators. It’s going to have special guests, giveaways, sneak peaks, and everything! It will be streaming live on Twitch.tv June 29th with the pre show starting at 10:30am EST/EDT and ending at midnight!
Here’s a taste of what you’ll see:
…and thats not even half of it!
Special guest devs with already Greenlit games will even be coming to show their support, and well known Youtube personalities are pitching in enthusiastically! Portions of the show will be co-hosted by Jesse “OMFGcata” Cox, Ryan “Northernlion” Letourneau, and other indie loving Video-ers!
The show is being organized and hosted by fellow indie dev Alix, of Robot Loves Kitty, whose game is already Greenlit. Her goal with this show is to help other small studios to reach and grow their communities, and raise gamers’ awareness of indie games and how to help them.
Greenlight Supershow page and schedule
Greenlight Supershow channel
Everyone would love your help getting the word out! Alix, the developer behind the Greenlight Supershow, will happily answer any questions you have and share the story behind the event. Contact her at: [email protected]
Capsule Computers Indie Bundle with Linux Games?
A Humble Indie Bundle 8 competitor has appeared, and it’s pulling out the big guns! Just launched on May 30, 2013 is the latest Bundle in a Box, The Capsule Computers Indie Bundle.
But it’s taking a novel approach. People are allowed to pay what they feel the bundle is worth (with a minimum of $1.99), with 5% of the profits going to the Australian Red Cross and $15 per 100 copies sold going to a selected indie developer as a grant.
So, if you pay $1.99, you get Blackwell Legacy (Windows), Blackwell Unbound(Windows), Blackwell Convergence (Windows), Blackwell Deception (Windows),Hacker Evolution Untold (Windows, Mac, Linux), Pixelry (Windows) and Super Tower Rush (Windows). All games offer direct downloads and Desura keys, though Steam keys are provided for the Blackwell games and Hacker Evolution Untold as well. The base pack also gives you Droidscape: Basilica content when that game is released. Soundtracks, wallpapers and art are also available for some of the games.
There is also a “beat the average” offer for The Capsule Computers Indie Bundle. If you pay more than the current average, Hacker Evolution (Windows), Hacker Evolution Duality (Windows, Mac, Linux), Hamlet (Windows) and Secret of the Magic Crystals (Windows, Mac) are added to your bundle. All four of the games include Steam keys, in fact, that’s the only way to get Hamlet.
What’s more, the bundle gives more games to those who give more than the average price, and the live Bundle in a Box web site tracks the sales, top donators and average price in real-time.
The whole bundle contains 11 indie games, and is only available for a fortnight. All the games are for Windows, Mac and Linux and are DRM free. As certain numbers of the bundle are sold, more bonus items will be added to the bundle including artworks, soundtracks and more.
The top three spenders on the bundle will receive a USD$110 prize pack courtesy of Razer, which has donated three League of Legends Razer Naga Hex Mouses and mouse pads.
It’s a great initiative and certainly removes all the barriers one might face in wanting to check out some indie offerings.
From Linux Game News:
What Linux Games are offered?
Yes, that’s the real question. Well first off, I will outline the games that are available through Steam (WIndows) work in Linux using Wine. They are relatively small titles and quite easy to get up and running. The same seems to be the case for Pixelryand Super Tower Rush.
However, when it comes to actual native Linux games. The only game available isHacker Evolution Untold. Which is somewhat of a let-down considering the fact that I was expecting more. Seriously.
Hopefully in future bundles Capsule Computers will be able to offer more Linux titles. Considering the top donation is a $50 commitment from “Support Linux!”. LOL
