Indie games have been a vital part of the gaming world for as long as video games have existed, and they’ve produced some truly remarkable success stories. In a time when big-budget titles dominate, indie games stand out by offering experiences that can be just as compelling, if not more so. Indie game developers enjoy a level of creative freedom that lets them experiment with new ideas and tell stories that resonate on a deeply personal level. With 2024 already in full swing, the indie game scene is thriving with talented creators and exciting projects. This article spotlights 15 indie game development studios which are poised to make a big impact, with projects that have the potential to captivate and inspire players worldwide.
Supergiant Games
- Founded: 2009
- Location: San Jose, California, United States
- Notable Titles: Hades, Hades II, Pyre, Bastion, Transistor
- Upcoming Games: Potential DLC or new project
Supergiant Games has consistently delivered some of the most polished and critically acclaimed indie titles over the past decade. Known for their signature blend of storytelling and gameplay mechanics, games like Bastion and Hades have become modern classics. Hades and Hades II in particular, with its rogue-like mechanics and compelling narrative, has set a new standard in the genre. In 2024, fans eagerly anticipate what Supergiant will do next, whether it’s expanding the world of Hades with new content or unveiling a completely new project.
Why follow them: Supergiant Games has a proven track record of creating deeply engaging experiences that resonate with a broad audience. Their games are a masterclass in combining narrative depth with innovative gameplay.
Team Cherry
- Founded: 2016
- Location: Adelaide, Australia
- Notable Titles: Hollow Knight
- Upcoming Games: Release of Hollow Knight: Silksong
Team Cherry burst onto the scene with Hollow Knight, a beautifully crafted metroidvania that quickly became a fan favorite. The game’s atmospheric world, tight controls, and challenging gameplay have set a high bar for the genre. The long-awaited sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, has been one of the most anticipated indie games for years, and 2024 might finally be the year we see it release.
Why follow them: Team Cherry’s ability to create immersive, challenging, and visually stunning games makes them one of the most exciting developers to watch.
Thunder Lotus Games
- Founded: 2014
- Location: Montreal, Canada
- Notable Titles: Jotun, Sundered, Spiritfarer
- Upcoming Games: 33 Immortals
Thunder Lotus Games is known for their hand-drawn art style and emotionally resonant stories. Spiritfarer, their most recent title, is a management sim about dying that captivated players with its touching narrative and beautiful visuals. The studio’s commitment to combining deep, meaningful stories with unique gameplay mechanics sets them apart in the indie scene.
Why follow them? Thunder Lotus Games offers a unique blend of artistry and heartfelt storytelling that resonates deeply with players looking for more than just gameplay in their gaming experiences.
StudioMDHR
- Founded: 2013
- Location: Ontario, Canada
- Notable Titles: Cuphead
- Upcoming Games: Potential new projects in the Cuphead universe
Studio MDHR captured the world’s attention with Cuphead, a run-and-gun platformer that stood out for its 1930s cartoon-inspired visuals and intense difficulty. The game’s meticulous attention to detail, from its hand-drawn animations to its jazzy soundtrack, made it an instant classic. As we look ahead to 2024, fans are eager to see what Studio MDHR will create next, whether it’s another expansion to Cuphead or an entirely new project.
Why follow them? Studio MDHR’s dedication to crafting visually stunning and challenging games has earned them a special place in the hearts of gamers.
Mobius Digital
- Founded: 2013
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Notable Titles: Outer Wilds, Outer Wilds – Echoes of the Eye (DLC)
- Upcoming Games: New project pushing exploration and narrative boundaries
Mobius Digital made a significant impact with Outer Wilds, an exploration game that places players in a solar system trapped in a time loop. The game’s open-ended exploration, combined with its unique narrative structure, made it a standout title. Outer Wilds won numerous awards for its innovative design and storytelling. In 2024, the gaming community is eager to see how Mobius Digital will continue to innovate, possibly with new projects that explore uncharted territory in both gameplay and narrative.
Why follow them: Mobius Digital’s games encourage curiosity and reward exploration, offering experiences that are both intellectually and emotionally engaging.
Yacht Club Games
- Founded: 2011
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Notable Titles: Shovel Knight
- Upcoming Games: Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope DX
Yacht Club Games rose to fame with Shovel Knight, a game that perfectly blended retro aesthetics with modern design sensibilities. Shovel Knight has become a beloved franchise, with multiple expansions and spin-offs adding to its universe. As we move into 2024, there is speculation about what Yacht Club Games will do next, whether it’s further expanding the Shovel Knight universe or introducing a new IP that could capture the hearts of players just as effectively.
Why follow them: Yacht Club Games has a knack for creating games that resonate with both nostalgic players and newcomers, making them a key player in the indie gaming scene.
Wildboy Studios
- Founded: 2017
- Location: Wellington, NZ
- Notable Titles: ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree, Nitro Kid
- Upcoming Games: New projects exploring rich narrative worlds
Wildboy Studios is known for their visually striking and narratively rich games. ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree is a prime example of their ability to weave mythology with engaging gameplay, creating a game that is as much about its story as it is about its mechanics. The studio’s dedication to storytelling and visual design suggests that their future projects will continue to explore deep, mythological themes with a focus on player engagement.
Why follow them? Wildboy Studios creates games that are visually and narratively rich, offering players an experience that is both immersive and thought-provoking.
Sloclap
- Founded: 2015
- Location: Paris, France
- Notable Titles: Absolver, Sifu
- Upcoming Games: Possible sequels or new combat-focused projects
Sloclap has made a name for themselves with their focus on martial arts and deep combat systems. Their games, Absolver and Sifu, both emphasize precise combat mechanics that reward skill and timing. Sifu, in particular, was praised for its innovative approach to aging mechanics, where the character’s age would increase upon death, affecting their abilities. As 2024 approaches, Sloclap’s fans are eager to see what new projects or sequels the studio might be working on, particularly if they continue to push the boundaries of combat design.
Why follow them: Sloclap’s innovative approach to combat and gameplay mechanics makes their games both challenging and deeply satisfying.
ZA/UM
- Founded: 2016
- Location: Estonia
- Notable Titles: Disco Elysium
- Upcoming Games: New narrative-driven RPG projects
ZA/UM is best known for Disco Elysium, a game that redefined narrative-driven RPGs with its deep dialogue system, rich world-building, and complex characters. The game’s focus on player choice and moral ambiguity earned it widespread acclaim and multiple awards. As we look to 2024, many are curious about what ZA/UM will do next, particularly if they can continue to innovate in the narrative RPG space.
Why follow them: ZA/UM’s commitment to deep, thought-inspiring narratives makes them a standout in the indie scene.
Giant Sparrow
- Founded: 2009
- Location: Santa Monica, CA
- Notable Titles: What Remains of Edith Finch, The Unfinished Swan
- Upcoming Games: New narrative exploration projects
Giant Sparrow gained critical acclaim with What Remains of Edith Finch, a game that uses environmental exploration to tell deeply personal stories. Each segment of the game is crafted to reflect the inner lives of the characters, making it a unique and emotionally resonant experience. Fans are eager to see what Giant Sparrow will create next, especially if they continue to explore new ways of integrating narrative and gameplay.
Why follow them: Giant Sparrow’s ability to create emotionally powerful experiences through environmental storytelling makes them one of the most intriguing indie developers today.
Kojima Productions
- Founded: 2015
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Notable Titles: Death Stranding
- Upcoming Games: Death Stranding 2
Kojima Productions may have the resources of a large studio, but Hideo Kojima’s creative vision embodies the spirit of indie development. After parting ways with Konami, Kojima founded his own studio and created Death Stranding, a game that defied traditional genre boundaries with its unique gameplay and storytelling. As we look to 2024, the gaming world is abuzz with speculation about what Kojima and his team will do next.
Why follow them: Kojima Productions pushes the boundaries of what games can be, blending high production values with innovative, indie-level creativity.
Playdead
- Founded: 2006
- Location: Copenhagen, DK
- Notable Titles: Limbo, Inside
- Upcoming Games: New atmospheric narrative projects
Playdead is the studio behind the critically acclaimed games Limbo and Inside, both of which are known for their dark, atmospheric storytelling and minimalist design. These games have become synonymous with high-quality indie titles that can deliver a powerful narrative punch with minimal dialogue. As we move into 2024, Playdead is expected to continue this trend, potentially with a new project that delves into unexplored narrative territory.
Why follow them: Playdead’s games offer a haunting, atmospheric experience that is both visually and emotionally impactful.
thatgamecompany
- Founded: 2006
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Notable Titles: Journey, Flower, Sky: Children of the Light
- Upcoming Games: New projects
Kellee Santiago, co-founder of thatgamecompany, is a pioneer in creating emotionally impactful games that emphasize experience over traditional gameplay. Games like Journey and Flower are celebrated for their ability to evoke deep emotions through simple mechanics and beautiful design. As we look to 2024, the studio’s fans are excited to see what new projects they might unveil, continuing their tradition of exploring the intersection of art and gameplay.
Why follow them: Thatgamecompany’s games are a testament to the power of simplicity and emotion in game design, offering experiences that stay with players long after they’ve finished playing.
Hello Games
- Founded: 2008
- Location: Guildford, UK
- Notable Titles: No Man’s Sky
- Upcoming Games: Continued updates to No Man’s Sky and potential new projects
Hello Games is best known for No Man’s Sky, a game that had one of the most remarkable comeback stories in the industry. After a rocky launch, Hello Games dedicated themselves to improving the game, releasing numerous updates that vastly expanded its content and refined its gameplay. No Man’s Sky is now considered a prime example of post-launch support done right, and it continues to attract new players years after its release. In 2024, there’s a lot of excitement around Hello Games not only continuing to support “No Man’s Sky” with new content but also venturing into new territory with the announcement of their upcoming game, “Light No Fire.” Revealed at The Game Awards 2023.
Why follow them: Hello Games has demonstrated an incredible commitment to their projects, continuously evolving and improving their games to deliver on their promises to players. Their dedication to creating expansive and immersive worlds makes them a studio to watch in 2024.
Mega Crit
- Founded: 2014
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Notable Titles: Slay the Spire, Monster Train
- Upcoming Games: Slay the Spire 2
Mega Crit is celebrated for its innovative approach to game design, particularly with Slay the Spire, which has garnered a 97% positive rating on Steam. This roguelike deck-building game combines strategic card play with a unique progression system, allowing players to craft their own decks as they ascend the spire. The game’s success has not only solidified Mega Crit’s reputation but has also influenced the genre, inspiring many other developers.
Why follow them: Mega Crit’s commitment to quality and player feedback has made them a standout in the indie gaming community. Their ability to blend engaging mechanics with deep strategy ensures that their games remain popular and relevant, making them a developer to watch in the coming years.
Conclusion
The indie game scene continues to thrive, driven by indie game development studios which are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what games can be. The 15 indie developers featured in this article represent the best of what the indie world has to offer in 2024. Whether through innovative gameplay, compelling narratives, or breathtaking artistry, these game developers are shaping the future of gaming. As a gamer, there has never been a better time to explore the indie scene and discover the creativity and passion that drive these incredible developers.
