Day of the Devsis a yearly showcase that comes withthe Summer Game Festand shows off various in-development indie games. Anyone who can fill out an application can participate and all the best games get shown to a wide audience, which will help boost profits and recognition. This year, the showcase came to international audiences and featured games from developers across the world. This is the plan moving forward too, as the pandemic emphasized the need for accessibility.
The indie showcase during Day of the Devs is meant to amplify diverse voices to help create a real and dynamic community around these independent developers. If the showcase goes well, the developers will walk away with a larger audience anticipating their game. Some of the past games shown at Day of the Devs that have gone on to reach exceptional success includeUntitled Goose Game,What Remains of Edith Finch,andDisco Elysium.In the same vein, this year’s digital-only showcase featured a wide array of exciting games.
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A Musical Story
Dealing with addiction is never easy, no matter what the vice holding someone is. InA Musical Story, players will start as a musician who has had an accident and must deal with his memories the only way he knows how, his music. Throughout the game, players will relive the memories of touring and what led to this unfortunate turn of events. Thisrhythm game is uniquein that there are no on-screen indicators of when to press a button, so players will have to use their ears.
Axiom Verge 2
Axiom Verge 2may bea sequel tothe original metroidvania gamefor PC and Switch, but it is a completely new experience. Indra is a billionaire on a strange new world, constantly hearing voices calling out to her. This game can be played before or after the original.
Behind the Frame
Clearly taking inspiration from theworks of Studio Ghibli,Behind the Frameis a indie puzzle game being developed by Silver Lining Studios. The game will feature escape room like puzzles such as hidden drawers and clues that lead the player to the next hidden compartment. As a young artist, the player will paint, cook, and send emails on journey to making it big.
Death’s Door
As a Crow, players must do their day job of collecting the souls of the dead inDeath’s Door. However,when the Crow’s assigned soulgets stolen, they have to go to a realm where Death doesn’t reach. The souls of this place have grown out of their natural limits and have become beasts and demi-gods. While looking for the soul, the Crow will learn of his origins and that of the world around him.
Despelote
Despeloteis a exploration game about how soccer connects people across the world, and also drives them apart. The setting takes place in Ecuador during its first qualifying runfor the World Cupin 2oo2. It’s a semi-autobiographical game where the player plays as a young boy in a central park in Quito, Ecuador. As players explore, they will hear improvised conversations that are meant to convey the feeling of the time in a more natural way.
Garden Story
As the newGuardian of the Grove inGarden Story, Concord the grape will be tasked with saving their home island from Rot, inspiring their neighbors, and rebuilding their home. While there is plenty of work for the young grape protagonist to do, it’s up to players to explore the vibrant island and take time to relax in the grove and grow their garden.
Last Stop
InLast Stop,the player will play as three protagonists who are experiencing a supernatural event in London. The three protagonists are wildly different, includinga high school student, a single dad, and an ambitious professional. Each character will have a unique role playing experience and will have to make decisions as they learn the stories of these three separate protagonists.
Loot River
Journeying down a mysterious river, the player will look for loot and understanding of the shifting pieces that make up the pathway through the river. Each map will be procedurally generated in this rogue-like, providing a new challenge every time. However, the real attraction toLoot Riveris the spatial blocks that create paths through the river, and the way they fit together is reminiscent of theclassic arcade game,Tetris.
Moonglow Bay
On the Eastern Canadian coastline,Moonglow Baywill take players through a heart-wrenching, yet relaxing, fishing adventure. Through this journey, the player will work as an amateur fisher who is attempting to keep their partner’s business afloat, as it was their final wish. The player can be joined by a friend with drop-in/drop-out co-opto help them fish, cook, and then sell their recipes in order to be able to afford to upgrade their various equipment.
Phantom Abyss
Nothing feels less important in a game than when players achieve the same accomplishments that everyone has a million times before. That’s how it’s been since the beginning of gaming, but it’s about to change withPhantom Abyss.In this massive asynchronous multiplayer, the player will journey through a temple looking for an artifact while avoiding traps and guardians. However, each new temple will be procedurally generated, and players will only get one shot each to claim the prize. With their own whip,Phantom Abyssmakes theplayer into Indiana Jones, with one shot to get the treasure.
