One of the best things about indie games is that individuals and small teams create them. In general, they develop unique games independently of big game publishers. Also, these games have the necessary innovation, creative freedom, and unique experiences. Meanwhile, the Game Developers Conference (GDC) is an annual event where indie game developers get the chance to showcase their creations. Here, people get to check out some unreleased indie games. Hence, to get an idea of the best small indie games at GDC 2025, read on.
What Is an Indie Game? – A Quick Overview
Individual game developers and small teams develop indie games. Basically, these are small-budget games that one can build without financial aid and logistical support of big game publishers. An example of an indie game is Groundbreaking: A Game About Digging. It is published by Indie publisher Yalpakor Boutique.
Here, the developers have creative and innovative independence when they develop their games. Hence, with this independence, developers bring in new and unique ideas and engaging gameplay mechanics. Apart from that, they get the chance to experiment with different genres. In fact, all these creations will not be possible with bigger gaming studios and publishers. This is because there are constraints with which developers have to comply.
Indie game developers have transformed the industry by selling their titles through digital storefronts like Steam and GOG, while console marketplaces such as the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live, and Nintendo eShop offer additional avenues to reach players. These platforms empower small teams to focus on innovative mechanics and storytelling rather than big-budget production. When you need a break from immersive indie adventures, why not try a bit of chance at Golden Nugget Casino, just use the Golden Nugget casino promo code to give your welcome bonus an extra boost.
7 Cool Indie Games from the Game Developers Conference 2025
The following are some of the best indie games from the GDC that you need to know about:
1. Hotel Barcelona
Published by Cult Games and created by Swery and Suda51, Hotel Barcelona is a 2.5D action game. It is set to launch via Steam in mid-2025. Basically, the game is set in a luxurious hotel on the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border. Here, you need to play as a novice federal marshal, Justine. However, the character holds a second identity through the name of Dr. Carnival. Here, you will find themes like horror and boss encounters, as well as unique aesthetics.
2. Faraway
In Faraway, you have to play as a shooting star, and your focus will be to create constellations. Basically, you just need to press and hold one button. This way, you can spin stars and create a trail. In fact, you are essentially playing a celestial game where you connect dots.
Actually, it is a simple but impressive concept. The best part is that the game is engaging at its core. Once you start playing, you will instantly get into the game to create constellations.
3. Dreams of Another
This is a shooter game. However, you need to use your gun not to destroy anything but to create the world around you. In fact, the game’s graphics have a dreamy effect that goes along with a deconstructed quality.
Basically, once you shoot anything, you can change the colorful and faded scenes into people and buildings. Here, the theme of the game revolves around “No Creation Without Destruction.”
4. Herdling
In this indie game, you need to herd mysterious and fluffy beasts. Here, you need to play with a character that starts in a dark city. Then, as you move toward the countryside, you will come across three beasts. In this situation, you need to get those beasts out of the city and take them to a wilder environment.
To herd the beasts, you need to coax them with the help of a magic stick. As you take them forward, they mostly follow your directions. However, in some situations, you will find them difficult to direct. On the other hand, the interesting thing is that you can name your beasts and start to take care of them.
5. Haste: Broken Worlds
This game is a 3D classic running game. Here, the main character is Zoe, who runs forward at full speed, and the speed increases as the levels do. Apart from that, the game enables you to launch from rolling hills if you want to play from a height. Here, if you time your fall into another hill, you will get a boost in the meter. As a result, the game will show you a satisfying message and let you pull out a hoverboard. Moreover, since the game has a roguelike structure, you will have the option to choose different levels as a challenge.
6. To a T
This game might look a bit silly as it was created by Keita Takahashi for the Katamari series. Here, you will get a teenager who is stuck to a T-pose. In the demo, there is a toothbrushing sequence, a talking giraffe, and musical numbers.
Here, the game shows that the character has a fear of school and gets bullied due to the T-pose. As you play the game, you will start caring for the character in no time. However, if you do not get into the game, you might still find it silly.
7. My Arms Are Longer Now
This is an interesting slapstick comedy game that has received a lot of attention. As the name suggests, you have to control the long and stretchy arms in the game. Basically, the game will require you to do things that are somewhat illegal.
For example, a level includes a moving train where you need to steal items from other passengers. Also, you have to remain undetected. Moreover, in some situations, you might need to solve a puzzle to steal something. Although the game is absurd, it is still engaging.
Start Playing Now
You must try out these games. This way, you can not only get unique gaming experiences but also be able to support small game developers. That is exactly what the point of the Game Developers Conference is – to bring the unique creations of small developers to the gaming world.
Do you want to add a few games from the GDC to this list? Consider sharing your list and opinions in the comments section below.
