Whether you play solo or with friends, Farever encourages cooperative play. You can assemble a party to tackle enemies, clear dungeons, and face dynamic world events like Rift Invasions, where hordes of foes test your teamwork. Content scales with group size and roles, ensuring balanced and engaging battles against bosses or invasions.

Farever’s combat is fast and highly customizable, launching with 10 character classes (four in Early Access) across tank, support, and DPS roles. With over 100 weapons, each tied to unique skills, you can create countless personalized builds.

The game also offers non-combat activities. You can take on jobs like blacksmithing or cooking, gathering rare resources across Siagarta to craft powerful gear, accessories, and unique weapons. Exploration is equally rewarding, with platforming challenges, environmental puzzles, and dangerous dungeons scattered across the world.

The post New Co-Op RPG Farever Announced by Wartales and Northgard Devs first appeared on IndieGames.

Corden clarified that the console’s chip is designed to support native games from Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, specifically titles already part of Microsoft’s backward compatibility program. This allows players to simply use their old discs or digital libraries and enjoy them seamlessly on the new hardware.

Microsoft also promises that the next Xbox will deliver a traditional console experience, staying true to the “plug-and-play” principle fans value. Despite social media rumors about a shift toward PC features, Corden confirmed the console won’t integrate Steam. Instead, the focus remains on building a powerful, standalone gaming device that “pushes technical boundaries.”

Beyond the console, Microsoft is exploring ways to expand the Xbox ecosystem. At the recent Xbox Games Showcase during Summer Game Fest, they introduced third-party handheld devices: the Xbox ROG Ally X and ROG Ally, developed in partnership with ASUS. These devices, closer to PC gaming, offer portable ways to play Xbox titles. However, the next-gen console remains central to their “This is an Xbox” strategy.

The post Next Xbox Reportedly Features Full Hardware Backward Compatibility first appeared on IndieGames.

We delved deeper into the game’s world, exploring its sources of inspiration, from Croatian mythology to literary works. We discussed the key role of the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC) in its development, learned what to expect from the game itself, heard about their experiences at Croatian gaming events, and found out which platforms will host this unique creation.

You can find Dark Queen of Samobor on Steam. The Vincetić brothers are also very active on Discord, with the game’s release date set for 2026, while a playtest is expected early next year.

Can you introduce us to the studio’s name, who makes up the team, and how the idea for Black Queen came about?

We chose the name Downtown Game Studio to promote Osijek, specifically Donji Grad, where we’re from. It doesn’t quite make sense since "downtown" usually means a city’s business center, and we live in the suburbs, but it’s Donji Grad, so Downtown it is.

We founded the studio in 2019, and Crna kraljica (Black Queen) isn’t our first game, at least not for consoles and PC. Before that, we spent three years developing hypercasual mobile games. I started the studio with my brother and another programmer, who later left us. That’s when our current programmer, Aleksandar Baranji, joined. Interestingly, while we were working on mobile games, Aleksandar was independently developing his own projects. We met, teamed up, and together released around 30 mobile games.

We always wanted to create a more serious game and hoped to hit it big with at least one mobile title to fund that dream. Though we didn’t achieve that financial breakthrough, collaborating with major mobile game publishers over those years gave us invaluable experience and knowledge.

The idea for Crna kraljica dates back to 2021, when we first submitted it to a HAVC public call. We weren’t accepted then, so we shelved the project and continued with mobile games. The turning point came in 2023 when we resubmitted it to a HAVC call, which was accepted this time, granting us initial funds for pre-production. This encouraged us to fully commit—we ended contracts with mobile publishers and focused entirely on Crna kraljica.

Besides our core trio, we have an incredibly talented concept artist from Zagreb, Fran Domljan, still a student currently interning with us. We hope this grows into a long-term partnership after his internship ends.

How Did You Come Up with the Story?

Inspired by the dark atmosphere of the last-gen console game Inside, we decided to create a similar side-scrolling experience. The opportunity arose with a HAVC contest, prompting us to develop a Croatian fantasy story. Growing up with dark fantasy films like Conan and Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, crafting a story in that vein felt natural. Our initial idea was to focus on characters from Ivana Brlić Mažuranić’s works and build a fantasy world around them. However, after consulting with Daniel Rafaelić, a renowned Croatian film scholar and historian, we were advised to explore less familiar themes. This led us to Šenoa’s “Zmijska kraljica” (The Serpent Queen), a poem about Barbara Celjska, the ruler of Medvedgrad known as the Black Queen.

When Daniel recommended Šenoa’s poem about the Serpent Queen, everything clicked. We realized we could build our own story on those foundations. Šenoa’s epic tells of a crusader who, returning from a campaign, encounters the Black Queen, the ruler of his homeland. A tragic love story unfolds between him, the queen, and his new love, a young girl. Our story diverges significantly from Šenoa’s, but it retains key elements: the queen, the crusader, and the young girl.

Šenoa’s tale served as a springboard for our own vision. However, we didn’t want to limit ourselves to Šenoa alone. Characters, locations, and events are rooted in Croatian mythology and culture, though we don’t strictly adhere to geographical truths. For example, the mountainous part of the game might resemble Velebit, but the characters there draw inspiration from other sources. Our goal is to create a dark fantasy world grounded in Croatian roots, blending elements from various literary works, including some characters from Ivana Brlić Mažuranić’s stories—we haven’t fully abandoned her influence.

Recently, you introduced the character and enemy Grabar, where do you draw inspiration for its look, and how do you come up with ideas for character designs?

We discovered Grabar while researching modern literature on Croatian folk tales and mythologies. Though such literature is scarce here, we strive to find and study available sources. For example, Vida Balog’s Hrvatska bajoslovlja explores ancient beliefs before the arrival of Christianity. In certain parts of Croatia, these beliefs still linger, with older generations passing down stories of ancient beings, as some regions only later fell under Christian influence.

It was through these local testimonies that we learned about Grabara and their nature. Our vision of Grabara is closer to what locals call Vodenjaci. So, we didn’t strictly adhere to historical accuracy but drew inspiration instead. Our Grabara align more with the description of Vodenjaci from those tales, though we also include Vodenjaci in the game, also inspired by these stories.

We work hard to gather as many references from Croatian culture as possible. Daniel has been a great help, providing insights about the Black Queen and the historical context of her life. While we don’t strictly follow historical facts, we aim to weave as many elements from real Croatian medieval history into the game.

How Did the Collaboration with Sandra Lončarić, the Voice of the Black Queen, Begin?

Finding a voice for our Black Queen for the trailer turned out to be surprisingly easy, thanks to Daniel. We had a script ready for the trailer and knew we needed a voice, but we weren’t sure about the scope of collaboration for the whole game, nor how much it would cost or how much text would be involved.

Daniel asked who was providing the voice, and we admitted we didn’t know yet. He then suggested Sandra Lončarić, which seemed unreal to us at the time. The very next day, I spoke with Sandra over the phone and arranged a meeting. She loved the idea. We proposed she not only voice the trailer but also lend her voice to the Black Queen throughout the game, and she agreed.

I think Sandra recognized the potential in our game, and local patriotism likely helped since both she and we are from Osijek. She was immediately thrilled about the project, and we’re honored to work with her. The Black Queen is the main anti-hero in the game, driving the plot and serving as the primary antagonist. The player’s goal is to reach her and confront her, making her an incredibly important character.

What Can We Expect in the Game?

We’ve put special focus on “cinematic” moments, unforgettable scenes, and an engaging story. It’s a linear experience lasting 3-4 hours, meaning you can finish it in one slightly longer play session.

The game is divided into several chapters, each offering a unique atmosphere and a boss fight at the end. Each boss is inspired by characters from Croatian literature or legends. Defeating a boss unlocks a new ability that mirrors the defeated foe’s power. For example, there’s the Plague Witch, inspired by Šenoa’s “Kuginja kuća.” After beating her, she controls time, the player gains the ability to slow down time.

This is one of the first special abilities you’ll unlock, and you’ll need to use it in later chapters to solve puzzles and progress. We place a big emphasis on camera direction. Perspective shifts won’t be random; you can’t freely change the view. Instead, the camera is carefully directed from start to finish, with changes used to highlight elements in the environment or create dramatic effects.

One of our key mechanics is axe-throwing, clearly inspired by God of War. The axe is used in both combat and puzzles. Alongside it, players will gain other special abilities, whose exact designs we’re still developing. Each will be unique and useful when combined with combat and puzzles. You’ll be able to choose which abilities to use in fights. There won’t be heavy RPG elements like skill trees or extensive character development, as the focus is on the linear story. Think of our game as Inside, but instead of a boy, you play as a knight armed with an axe and magic.

You mentioned Neva as an inspiration, will there be seasonal changes?

Our game will use a similar principle of environmental shifts, but instead of seasonal changes, we’ll focus on the time of day. The idea is for the player to journey through an entire day, starting in the morning and ending in the deepest night. This will bring significant environmental changes, as you’ll pass through different biomes, like mountainous and forested areas. In swampy regions, for example, Grabar, monsters lurking beneath the water’s surface, will wait for the right moment to ambush an unwary player.

What other enemies can we expect to encounter during gameplay?

Besides Grabara, we can mention the Red Crows (Order of the Crow), as we’ve named them, ninja-like warriors shown in the trailer. They are one of the Black Queen’s units, tasked with patrolling and guarding a section of the forest the player traverses. Known for using various traps and devices, they avoid direct confrontation, aiming to slow the enemy with obstacles. Of course, they’re also highly skilled in combat. All enemies will have different variants. For instance, within the Red Crows, we have light, heavy, melee, and ranged versions. Additionally, each new biome will introduce new enemy types. While the Red Crows inhabit the forest, the mountainous areas will feature entirely new creatures and beings.

To What Extent Has HAVC Supported This Project?

I often emphasize that without the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC), our game wouldn’t exist. While the financial support we received from HAVC was crucial for pre-production, its true value lies in something much deeper. Game development is an incredibly expensive process, so the recognition and backing from an institution with such experience and expertise were key. It gave us the real push to start this project. Of course, without the financial help, we couldn’t have begun, but the collaboration with HAVC offers so much more, including promotion and support. We’re truly grateful for everything they do for us.

I’d absolutely recommend that anyone with a development idea give it a try and not let bureaucracy or paperwork scare them off. The application process is actually simpler than it seems. I can confirm that Benjamin Noah Marićak from HAVC is incredibly approachable and ready to assist with everything needed during the application. This kind of support is incredibly valuable for the entire gaming community. The more quality projects we submit to HAVC, the more funding will flow back into the industry.

So, submitting an idea can’t hurt, and you might gain financial support, media exposure, mentorship, and key assistance for developing your own game. Therefore, I strongly encourage everyone to apply.

Are You Considering Launching a Kickstarter Campaign and Looking for a Publisher?

We’re currently preparing for a Kickstarter campaign set to start in early September, mainly to secure funding for further game development. At the same time, we’re actively seeking publishers and are in talks with several. If we secure funding through a publisher, the Kickstarter might not be necessary, but we’re not counting on that.

As a studio, you’ve attended the biggest gaming events in Croatia, what have been some of your experiences?

Participating in festivals like InfoGamer in Zagreb, the region’s largest indie game event, and Reboot Develop Blue in Dubrovnik, one of the world’s biggest gatherings, has proven invaluable for getting feedback on our game. At every conference and festival we attended, we brought a game prototype on a laptop, letting visitors try it out and share their impressions. Getting feedback this early in development is crucial.

For example, we’d arrive in Zagreb with one version, gather feedback, implement it, and then bring an improved version for another round of testing. Through this process, we found numerous bugs and received great suggestions that we added to the game. This is the primary benefit of such events, alongside the added exposure and visibility.

We were also featured on the Best Indie Game channel back in January. We weren’t sure how they found us, but they ranked us 25th on their top 25 list of new side-scrolling games. It was perfect since we were at the start of the video, and on the same day it was released, we gained 500-600 new wishlists from that single video. Recently, we applied again to his showcase, where he personally selects games he likes, and we made the cut. I can confirm firsthand that showcasing on bigger channels is worth it, as it definitely boosts visibility.

Where Will Dark Queen Be Playable? Can We Expect a Demo Version on Steam?

We’re primarily developing the game for PC, but our goal is to release it on all consoles—PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. Whether we succeed will depend on our financial situation and potential partnerships with publishers who can support us. We think our game would fit perfectly on Switch 2, especially now that it’s out.

We plan to release a demo on Steam next year, closer to the game’s launch. We want to maintain good momentum between the demo and the full release, so it will likely be available during Steam Next Fest, about a year from now.

However, players will get to try the game earlier. This year, we’re planning a closed alpha test with part of the community, followed by a more open beta in the second or third month of next year. Only then, next summer, will the official demo hit Steam.

The post Josip Vincetić revealed what to expect in Dark Queen of Samobor, an adventure inspired by Croatian mythology first appeared on IndieGames.

It’s confirmed that the showcase will feature titles from Hibernian Workshop, Focus Entertainment, NACON, Dear Villagers, Devolver Digital, Amplitude Studios, Nine Dots Studios, Ishtar Games, Playdigious Originals, The Game Bakers, Maximum Entertainment, and Sunnyside Games.

Attention will undoubtedly be drawn to Astral Ascent, an ambitious project from Hibernian Workshop that strongly resembles Final Fantasy XVI, as well as ENDLESS Legend 2 from Amplitude Studios, the turn-based survival game Dead in Antares, and Lost in Prayer from Nine Dots Studios, alongside new trailers for Hell is Us, MIO: Memories in Orbit, and Maseylia: Echoes of the Past.

Following the showcase, numerous games will be available on Steam as part of a special festival, where you can try out 20 demo versions and gain deeper insights through interviews and detailed previews.

The post AG French Direct is happening today, featuring 40 games by French developers 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.

In an Instagram DM shared on NeoGAF, Svedberg-Yen responded to a fan’s DLC inquiry, saying the team is still processing the game’s massive success but would “love to do something more.” She added that, based on the overwhelming positive reception, “chances are good” for DLC. The game’s open-ended world map, The Continent, offers room for new areas, making DLC a natural fit.

The game’s success, despite launching alongside Oblivion Remastered, proves its appeal, with a 93% “Very Positive” Steam rating from 25,000 reviews. Sandfall’s small team of about 30 developers, as noted by IGN, although it has not been offically revealed how many people worked on the game, makes this achievement even more impressive, and their openness to DLC shows they’re listening to fans.

Set in a haunting, Belle Époque-inspired world, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 follows the members of Expedition 33 on a quest to defeat the Paintress, a mysterious entity who awakens yearly to paint a number on her monolith, erasing everyone of that age. This year, the number is 33, signaling a dire mission for the team. The game blends turn-based combat with real-time mechanics, allowing players to dodge, parry, and counter while chaining combos and targeting enemy weak points.

The post Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Lead Writer Hints at Likely DLC for This Hit JRPG first appeared on IndieGames.

In Demonschool, you step into the shoes of Faye, a bold freshman and the last demon hunter from a legendary family, navigating a haunted island university. Faye and her allies investigate supernatural threats, battle possessed humans, demons, and other eerie creatures in grid-based combat, and work to seal away monsters to save the human world.

Combat unfolds on a chess-like tactical board, inspired by Into the Breach, where you strategize to defeat Hell’s deadliest foes. During the Planning phase, you map out moves and use classmates’ unique strengths. Actions can be adjusted to perfect each turn before transitioning to the Action phase, where attacks, heals, and special abilities trigger simultaneously.

Outside of combat, you can befriend, romance, and recruit 15 distinct playable characters, each bringing unique skills to the team. Balancing class schedules, training, extracurriculars, and side quests boosts the party’s abilities, all while Faye strives to maintain a strong GPA amidst the chaos of demon hunting.

The post Demonschool Brings Tactical RPG Horror to Consoles and PC in Q3 2025 first appeared on IndieGames.

In The Knightling, the legendary guardian Sir Lionstone vanishes, leaving his young squire to step up as Clesseia’s hero. Armed with a magical shield, the squire embarks on a journey across diverse regions to save the realm. The new trailer highlights the shield’s versatility, showing how it aids in combat, movement, and exploration.

You will block, bash, and parry enemies in thrilling battles against bandits and massive monsters, while also jumping, sliding, dashing, and gliding through the world to uncover new areas and conquer challenging platforming sections.

The game celebrates the idea that even the smallest heroes can achieve greatness. By unlocking the shield’s extraordinary abilities, you will tackle action-packed fights and navigate a beautifully crafted fantasy world filled with secrets and towering obstacles.

The Knightling is set to launch on August 28, 2025, for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.

The post The Knightling Shines in New Trailer at Galaxies Gaming Showcase first appeared on IndieGames.

The latest trailer puts SPINE’s Freeflow Gun Fu combat front and center. You control Redline, a rebellious street artist, who flows seamlessly between enemies, parrying attacks, disarming foes, and turning their weapons against them in slick, combo-driven sequences. The environment is your playground, slam enemies into walls, toss them off ledges, or you grab makeshift melee weapons.

The trailer also gives a sneak peek at SPINE’s Hardcore mode, a spin on no-hit gameplay. SPINE is a single-player, story-driven action game set in a cyberpunk future ruled by an oppressive AI. Powered by Unreal Engine 5 and Nekki’s Cascadeur animation engine, SPINE delivers action choreographed by real stunt specialists, ensuring no two fights ever feel the same.

The post SPINE’s Explosive New Trailer Revealed at Galaxies Gaming Showcase first appeared on IndieGames.

In the game you’ll face off against formidable enemies using a unique combat system that rewards skill and strategy. Along the way diverse cast of characters awaits, each with personal quests and multiple endings to discover. Additionally, you’ll ned to build up your character with a wide range of equipment, collect powerful armor sets, and upgrade your loot.

Empyreal is set to launch on May 8, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Can’t wait? A free demo is available right now on Steam, giving you a taste of the adventure.

The post Empyreal Reveals Intense Action in New Trailer at Galaxies Gaming Showcase first appeared on IndieGames.