The inspiration for the name “yotsuba”, which means four-leaf clover in Japanese, comes from a desire to convey the excitement and joy of a child finding a four-leaf clover for the first time. In a time where players are faced with an overwhelming amount of games to play, Yotsuba Interactive aims to support games that feel hyper-personalised, as though the game was created specifically for you.

Yotsuba Interactive’s first title is indie game I Write Games Not Tragedies which is slated for release in late 2025. The game is developed by Studio Wife and Cornmandog, two female developers now living in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong after studying together in London. The game’s exploration of emo and goth subcultures is one that resonated strongly with the Yotsuba team, which led to the formation of this partnership.

I Write Games Not Tragedies explores three eras of life and lessons through the eyes of protagonist Ash. Players will both adore and cringe over him during his “baby bat” years in the late 2000s, resonate with his anxieties and battles with alcoholism in the 2010s then join him on his quest for the meaning of life as an elder emo in the 2020s. Relish in his humor, encounters with romance and discomfort through a visual novel meets rhythm game experience. True to the punkitude, players will not only be tasked with hitting lyrics to the beat at the right points but screaming out their frustrations in order to obtain a high score!

The name of the game itself is an homage to the 2005 song I Write Sins Not Tragedies by American pop rock band, Panic! At The Disco.

The post Japanese-Swedish marketing agency Neon Noroshi embarks on their own publisher journey with Yotsuba Interactive first appeared on IndieGames.

Unlike your typical gaming conventions, Endix builds an immersive online world where gamers, developers, and brands can hang out in a lively digital expo hall. Imagine custom-made booths, live game demos, and even mini-games, all available to anyone, anywhere, whether you’re in Tokyo or in Toronto. This year, the showcase is really focusing on being easy to access and creative, shining a spotlight on a diverse mix of indie gems and projects backed by bigger publishers.

Selecta Play is showing off Bubble Ghost Remake. They’ll also have Morkull Ragast’s Rage, a 2D Metroidvania and ANTRO, a rhythm-based 2.5D platformer where the music actually powers your rebellion. Then there’s Raw Fury. They’re bringing quite the lineup: Star Trucker, which sounds like a cosmic trucking simulator for space enthusiasts; Esoteric Ebb, a narrative-driven mystery; Ballionaire, a arcade game; Post Trauma, a horror trip that feels like it’s from the PS2 era; and Craftlings, a cozy crafting adventure.

Coming all the way from the Netherlands, Twirlbound are revealing The Knightling, an open-world action-adventure that mixes old-school charm with a modern, polished feel. Hypetrain Digital is bringing Tinkerlands, which drops you onto a mysterious island for a survival crafting adventure. It sounds perfect for playing by yourself or with friends, as you build towns and fight off dangers. And for anyone who loves explosive action, Wargaming’s World of Tanks Blitz will be rolling its tactical tank battles onto the Endix stage.

Nikos Perifanis, Endix’s Product Manager, share his own thoughts about the showcase: “We’re excited to really show off what makes each game special. Endix is all about giving game studios a platform to be noticed and giving players a rich, interactive way to dive into the future of games.”

The post Endix Indie Showcase 2025 Starts This Weekend first appeared on IndieGames.

The Night Blossom controller is designed for competitive gamers. It has PowerA’s easy-to-adjust thumbsticks, letting you change their height (Standard, Medium, Tall) quickly without any tools, even while you’re playing. The special Hall Effect sticks give you smoother, more accurate control and last longer because they don’t wear out easily. It’s comfortable to hold for long gaming sessions thanks to its shape, textured grips, and smooth rings around the sticks.

You can customize your controls with two extra buttons on the back. It also has rumble in the handles and triggers for more feeling in games, though trigger feedback depends on the game. If you use Xbox or Windows 10/11, you can use the PowerA Gamer HQ App to change things like how strong the rumble is, the sound, and how sensitive the triggers are. This controller works with Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Windows.

Key features:

• Quick-Twist Thumbsticks.
• Hall Effect Modules.
• Dual Rumble Motors.
• Immersive Impulse Triggers.
• Headset Compatible with 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Extra-long 10ft. USB-C Cable.
• PowerA Gamer HQ App – Adjust audio, triggers, rumble, dead zones, and more on your controller with this free app for Xbox and Windows.

The post PowerA revealed Night Blossom Controller for Xbox in Spring Floral Collection first appeared on IndieGames.

Last year’s edition saw a record-breaking turnout, with over 2,600 professionals from the industry arriving in the heart of Małopolska. This time the event programme will feature, along with others, creators from the Czech Warhorse Studios, authors of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, as well as Ion Hazzikostas from Blizzard Entertainment and Josh Sawyer from Obsidian Entertainment. Some Polish game developers will be present as well, such as Maria Borys-Piątkowska (scriptwriter of Evil West and Shadow Warrior 3), Adam Skorupa (author of soundtracks for The Witcher 1 and 2, Bulletstorm and Diablo Immortal) or Maciej Celmer, who worked on on Cyberpunk 2077 and Dying Light 2.

Digital Dragons Conference 2025 will also include:

● Digital Dragons Awards – the oldest and most prestigious awards in the Polish gaming industry. Their winners are indicated by the whole Polish gamedev community and then chosen by a jury of experts.

● Indie Zone – a special area dedicated to independent game developers. It provides an opportunity to showcase projects to a broad audience, including industry professionals, media representatives, potential investors, and publishers. Participants in the Indie Zone can compete in the Indie Dragons Awards for the title of the best independent game and present their projects during the Digital Dragons Arena, where they can capture the attention of key players in the market.

● Thematic summits –  Legal Summit and Game Design Summit.

● Business Networking Zone – a dedicated space for business talks, of which over 2,000 were planned in the 2024 conference application.

● Lectures and panel discussions led by 200 professionals from all over the world.

The 2025 edition of Digital Dragons Conference will take place from 18 – 20 May in ICE Krakow Congress Centre and Q Hotel Plus.

The post We’re Heading to Digital Dragons Conference 2025: What to Expect from this Gaming Event first appeared on IndieGames.

Poprzednia edycja odnotowała rekordową frekwencję – do serca Małopolski przybyło ponad 2600 profesjonalistów z branży. Tym razem w programie wydarzenia znajdą się m.in. twórcy z czeskiego studia Warhorse Studios, autorzy Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, a także Ion Hazzikostas z Blizzard Entertainment oraz Josh Sawyer z Obsidian Entertainment. Obecni będą również polscy twórcy gier, tacy jak Maria Borys-Piątkowska (zaangażowana w produkcję Evil West i Shadow Warrior 3), Adam Skorupa (autor ścieżek dźwiękowych do gier takich jak Wiedźmin 1 i 2, Bulletstorm i Diablo Immortal) czy Maciej Celmer, który pracował przy Cyberpunk 2077 i Dying Light 2.

Konferencja Digital Dragons 2025 obejmie również:

● Digital Dragons Awards – najstarsze i najbardziej prestiżowe nagrody w polskiej branży gier. Laureaci są wskazywani przez całą polską społeczność gamedevu, a następnie wybierani przez jury złożone z ekspertów.

● Indie Zone – specjalną strefę dedykowaną niezależnym twórcom gier. To okazja, aby zaprezentować swoje projekty szerokiej publiczności, w tym profesjonalistom z branży, przedstawicielom mediów, potencjalnym inwestorom i wydawcom. Uczestnicy Indie Zone mogą rywalizować o Indie Dragons Awards dla najlepszej niezależnej gry oraz prezentować swoje projekty podczas Digital Dragons Arena, dzięki czemu mają szansę zwrócić uwagę kluczowych graczy na rynku.

● Tematyczne spotkania – Legal Summit oraz Game Design Summit.

● Strefę Biznesowego Networkingu – dedykowaną przestrzeń do rozmów biznesowych, z których ponad 2000 zostało zaplanowanych w aplikacji konferencyjnej na rok 2024.

● Wykłady i panele dyskusyjne prowadzone przez 200 profesjonalistów z całego świata.

Konferencja Digital Dragons 2025 odbędzie się w dniach 18-20 maja w ICE Kraków Congress Centre i Q Hotel Plus.

The post Będziemy obecni na Konferencji Digital Dragons 2025! first appeared on IndieGames.

The festival will be divided into several zones catering to all types of visitors—from hardcore gamers and professionals to casual players, collectors, parents, and children. The Gaming Zone features top-tier equipment and titles, supported by the main sponsor Računala.hr, which, with brands like UVI, XPG, Phillips, Adata, and Trust, provides the latest configurations for PC and console gaming. A unique experience is offered by Unreal89 VR Arcade, where visitors can step into virtual reality on a running treadmill, while the local company ORQA showcases FPV goggles and drone simulators that are already conquering global markets.

What's expecting you?

The Croatian indie scene is represented by Games Croatia and PISMO Inkubator, which bring together local game developers and young talents. Visitors will have the chance to try their games and learn more about development in the industry. Between gaming and entertainment, the CD Media stand is a must-visit, offering an interactive experience with the game Just Dance on Nintendo Switch consoles.

The festival wouldn’t be complete without a rich offering of pop culture and retro content. The iconic Peek&Poke Museum takes visitors back to the golden age of gaming with retro computers and consoles, while stores like Other Side Poland, Big 3 Anime Shop, and Chichi’s Emporium offer anime collectibles, sought-after figurines, and cards featuring popular characters. Puna Kolica, House of Games, SLG Grading Company, and Rockmark round out the experience with comics, music, books, and gaming souvenirs. Visitors can also refresh with products from brands like Kviki, Spezi, and Orangina.

Fans of competitive gaming can test their skills in the esports zones. In collaboration with River City Games and the 3. zmaj association, tournaments will be held in popular titles: League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Tekken 8, FC25, and an exclusive tournament in Marvel Rivals. Outside of tournament schedules, all games will be available for free play.

Both days of the festival feature a rich program across two stages. Visitors can attend panels, presentations, and discussions covering current industry topics—from cozy gaming and web3 technology to employment and education in the gaming sector. There will be no shortage of entertaining and educational content, including a gaming quiz, cosplay competition, prize games, workshops, and raffles.

This year’s spectacle is guaranteed by honorary guests whose names resonate across the global gaming scene:

• Rami Ismail – An indie legend and co-founder of Vlambeer, Rami Ismail is behind hits like Nuclear Throne and Ridiculous Fishing, as well as the tool dopresskit.com. His advice and lectures are transforming the gaming world, and he’s renowned as a global mentor to indie teams!
• Johanna Pirker – Dr. Johanna Pirker (TUG, MIT) is a scientist, VR researcher, and streamer known as JoeyPrink. A Forbes “30 Under 30” honoree, she began her career at EA and now captivates the gaming scene with lectures, education, and VR projects!
• Molly Heady-Carroll – An Irish 2D artist and animator, she creates fantastical creatures for Netflix, Universal, and BBC. Co-founder of Arcane Circus and creator of the Zenibeasts project, her Kaiju Cutie animated hit captivates YouTube audiences worldwide!
• Sebastien Croteau is the king of monstrous vocals! His voice can be heard in Genshin Impact, Helldivers 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, and over 40 other games. A master of throat singing and founder of The Monster Factory INC, he specializes in the wildest sounds in gaming!
• Aliki Katriou, a Greek metal vocalist and voice actress, specializes in monster voices for games and films. A vocal beast from Eight Lives Down and Desolate Plains, trained in vocal rehabilitation and massage, she brings true sonic magic!

Croteau and Katriou are attending as representatives of The Monster Factory Inc, one of the world’s leading teams for vocal character design in games and films, and they will share their expertise through lectures and workshops.

The main partners of the festival are Računala.hr, providing technological infrastructure and prize funds, and Telemach, delivering high-speed connectivity and the Telemach Chill Zone—a relaxing oasis for socializing and gaming matches with popular influencer Pino Pingvin. For those involved in game production or development, an exclusive “B2B Gameri” conference for game dev and business will be held, including a dinner at Hotel Ambasador.

Another major highlight of this year’s Expo Gameri festival is its connection with the Slowmotion Festival & Conference, which brings together film, music, video games, and digital technology into a unique platform for exchanging ideas and inspiration. Visitors have the opportunity to purchase a combined festival ticket for both events at a promotional price, granting access to all content over three days—concerts, the conference, and the Expo Gameri program. The promotional price is 38 € until May 15, and 49 € thereafter.

Expo Gameri 2025 will be the central gathering point for the regional gaming community—a festival where the world of video games, cutting-edge technology, and the creative industry converge. It is held with the support of the City of Opatija, the Opatija Tourist Board, the Croatian Tourist Board, the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, and other sponsors and partners.

“Don’t miss the event of the year for all video game enthusiasts!” urge the festival organizers from the Rivira marketing agency and the “3. zmaj” association from Rijeka, inviting everyone to secure their tickets via the official website www.expogameri.eu, where special benefits for groups, schools, and associations are also available. See you in Opatija!

The post Everything is set for a gaming spectacle in Opatija: Expo Gameri 2025 brings together the industry’s best! first appeared on IndieGames.

The second edition of the conference will take place on October 2 and 3, 2025 at Algebra Bernays University in Zagreb. The decision to extend the event from one to two days was made in direct response to numerous requests and suggestions from last year’s participants, creating more room for content, networking, and inspiring discussions.

The conference is organized by Games Croatia, a project of the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC) uniting key stakeholders of the Croatian video game industry (CGDA, Reboot, Gaming Incubator PISMO, and HeSS), and the Zagreb Film Office, with Algebra Bernays University as the academic partner. This strong collaboration ensures the relevance and quality of the program, which will once again bring together key players from the worlds of film and video games.

Visitors can expect an even richer program, including more panels, workshops, and case studies, as well as a greater number of international guests – experts sharing their experiences from some of the most innovative productions and projects on the global stage.

The Blend: Film & Games conference will once again be a meeting point, a hub for exchanging ideas and sparking new creative partnerships – a junction for two increasingly intertwined worlds.

Film Program Advisors: Morana Ikić Komljenović, Danilo Šerbedžija, and Hrvoje Osvadić.

Video Game Program Advisors: Tea Stepanić, Hrvoje Mitić, and Juraj Hrvoje Krašković.

See you on October 2 and 3 at Algebra Bernays University! Follow Blend: Film & Games channels for more conference updates. 

The post SAVE THE DATE – Drugo izdanje konferencije Blend: Film & Games donosi još više sadržaja, suradnji i međunarodnih gostiju! first appeared on IndieGames.

The event will be hosted by renowned streamer and gaming personality Josh Strife-Hayes, bringing his signature insight and humour to the ceremony. For those unable to attend in person, the awards will be streamed live on Twitch and YouTube, ensuring that indie gaming fans worldwide can be part of the excitement.

Nominees for the 2025 Debug Indie Game Awards:

Best Soundtrack

• A Park Full of Cats
• Drug Dealer Simulator 2
• Gatekeeper
• Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island
• Turbo Kid
• Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom

Best UK Indie

• Crow Country
• Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island
• Paper Trail
• Sociable Soccer 25
• Sorry We’re Closed
• Valley Peaks

Best VR Game

• Airspace Defender
• Arcade Paradise VR
• DIG VR
• On Point
• Solara One
• Wall Town Wonders

Free Play Award

• A Park Full of Cats
• ColorCoordination
• Feud
• Pixelitos
• Please, Touch The Artwork 2
• Project Shoreline

ICYMI Award (Recognizing previously overlooked gems)

• A Hat in Time
• Little Misfortune
• Loop Gero
• Rivals of Aether
• Sable
• Tinykin

Innovation & Creativity

• Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure
• Death of the Reprobate
• Harold Halibut
• Paper Trail
• Rusty’s Retirement
• SCHiM

Award for Mental Health (Games promoting mental health awareness and well-being)

• [Bober Bros] The Hole
• Back Then
• I’ll be Brave, Tomorrow
• Spiral
• Spirit City: Lofi Sessions
• The Bear – A Story from the World of Gra

Most Anticipated

• Axyz
• Cairn
• Crescent County
• Dungeon Rampage Remake
• Promise Mascot Agency
• Vaporwave Pinball

Best Physical Release

• A Little to the Left: Extra Tidy Edition
• Cassette Beasts Deluxe Edition
• Escape Team
• Inspector Waffles Early Days
• PlateUp!
• VED

Retro World Award (Celebrating games inspired by retro aesthetics and mechanics)

• Courier
• Dragonyhm
• FLEA!2
• Goodboy Galaxy
• Kudzu
• Roguecraft

Subscribers’ Choice Award (Voted for by the Debug community)

• Animal Well
• Gori: Cuddly Carnage
• Pacific Drive
• Paper Trail
• Thank Goodness You’re Here!
• The Plucky Squire

Best Voice Acting

• 1000xRESIST
• Closer the Distance
• Farewell North
• Still Wakes the Deep
• The Holy Gosh Darn
• Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina)

Award for Accessibility (Recognizing outstanding accessibility features)

• Another Crab’s Treasure
• Botany Manor
• Elsie
• Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island
• Pine Hearts
• Seasonspree

Best Art Direction

• #Blud
• Harold Halibut
• Puzzles for Clef
• SCHiM
• Sorry We’re Closed
• Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom

Best Gameplay

• Arco
• Buckshot Roulette
• DROVA – Forsaken Kin
• Gori: Cuddly Carnage
• Shady Knight
• Shapez 2

Best Narrative

• 1000xRESIST
• Closer the Distance
• Copycat
• Farewell North
• Mouthwashing
• Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina)

Best New Studio

• BerserkBoy Games
• Halftone Gaming
• Hilltop Studios
• Not Suspicious
• Slow Bros
• Whalestork

Best Sound Design

• Botany Manor
• Hollowbody
• Lynked: Banner of the Spark
• Solara One
• Still Wakes the Deep
• The Operator

Watch Live!
📅 Date: February 21, 2025
📍 Location: Metronome, Nottingham
📺 Streaming on: Twitch & YouTube

Tickets are available now at www.debugawards.com.

The post Debug Indie Game Awards 2025 Nominees Announced first appeared on IndieGames.

Founded in 2018 by Mathieu Girard, Tactical Adventures quickly made a name for itself with the release of Solasta: Crown of the Magister in 2021. The game was praised for its deep tactical gameplay, faithful adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules, and immersive storytelling. The studio recently unveiled Solasta II during The Game Awards in December.

Girard, CEO of Tactical Adventures, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that Kepler’s values align closely with those of his studio. He emphasized that this collaboration will help amplify the launch of Solasta II while allowing Tactical Adventures to maintain its production and editorial independence.

Alexis Garavaryan, CEO of Kepler Interactive, welcomed Tactical Adventures into the collective, praising the studio’s commitment to authenticity and its ability to create a standout tactical RPG that resonated deeply with its community. He highlighted the importance of aligning values and elevating the entire group, ensuring that Tactical Adventures’ unique perspective and expertise will contribute to Kepler’s mission.

Solasta II is currently in development for PC and is expected to enter Early Access on Steam in 2025.

The post Tactical Adventures joins Kepler Interactive, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Solasta II first appeared on IndieGames.

The upcoming showcase promises to deliver new announcements, with submissions for participating games now open. Developers can submit their projects until February 11 at 6:59 p.m. PT / 9:59 p.m. ET. The organizers will select 100 games to feature in the event, including world premieres of brand-new titles and updates on previously announced projects.

Returning fan-favorite segments include INDIE Waves, where 15-second updates provide quick snapshots of exciting indie games, and INDIE Spotlight, which dives deeper into handpicked standout titles. Organizers have also teased brand-new segments that aim to bring fresh surprises to this year’s broadcast.

Ryuta Konuma, the founder and CEO of Ryu’s Office, expressed his thoughts for the event in a press release: “The innovation that we regularly witness from the games participating in INDIE Live Expo inspires us to continue improving the platform that we provide. We’re bringing more surprise segments to our upcoming showcase, providing more engaging opportunities for both developers and viewers. We aim to make our next event our best show to date!”

The post INDIE Live Expo: Spring Showcase Returns This April with New Surprises first appeared on IndieGames.