5 Upcoming & Beautiful Indie Games

These aren't the games you're used to seeing (or feeling)!

I'll say it now, and I'll probably end up saying it again... Indie games are the best. They really challenge their own industry's tight restraints of what a game can be. Some are even so effective that they evolve out of being considered "indie" and into the limelight as an industry juggernaut (lookin' at you Minecraft).

I want to show you a few anticipated games of 2021 that have that juggernaut potential in today's post. These games promise unique experiences that indie fanatics and big-box fans are excited about, from the art styles to the gameplay.

I've hand-picked these new games to reflect the change of direction I see in gaming. As an illustrator on the side, this list also reflects a heavy appreciation of illustration and color theory. So many games have drab color palettes... These games are full of color and life!

Things I value in a game: color, emotion, human experience, accessibility, perspective.

Okay... Let's get to the list.

#1: VENBA

Venba releases in November of 2021 on Steam. (photo credit: steam.com)

Venba was developed by Visai Games and follows an Indian family who immigrated to Canada in the 1980s'. You play as the Mother who cooks traditional Indian recipes to restore the ones she lost in the move. The narrative style of this cooking game helps you to appreciate the struggle and loss families experience when immigrating.

Traditional Indian ingredients like Dal are used in Venba to create elaborate and comforting meals. (photo credit: steam.com)

The music in the game is all inspired by Indian musicals or "Bollywood" and is a great change of pace compared to common "beep-boop" sounds in games. The recipes are all authentic, and the art was all created by Sam Elkana. Sam is known for his bright and dynamic illustrations. He was instrumental in showing how vibrant the colors of Indian culture shine, even when in Canada's cold landscape.

An escape from swords, dragons, and other visual beasts, Venba takes on the struggles & joy of immigration and family bonds. (photo credit: Visai Studios - Presskit)

Venba, which releases on PC (via Steam) in November of 2021, gives such a warm and wholesome feel that it sits apart from the world of videogames you thought you knew. No headshots or kill-chains here, just cooking, family, and tradition.

#2: Goodbye Volcano High

Goodbye Volcano High releases in 2021 on PS4, PS5, and Steam

(photo credit: taminggaming.com)

Goodbye Volcano High is a highly anticipated indie game from KO_OP set to release some time in 2021. According to their website, KO_OP is artist-run and owned, and it shows with the announcement of this new game.

High school is a tough place, and being a Senior can make it tougher.

(photo credit: gamereactor.eu)

Everyone who has been through high school has felt that familiar pang during Senior year, the feeling that an end and a beginning are near. Follow a group of musical seniors who are just trying to make all the right decisions before the school year ends in this emotional and nostalgic game.

Original music by @chefdabu & Montreal vocalist Brigitte Naggar of Common Holly.

(photo credit: steam.com)

The hand-drawn characters give you the sense a lot of care went into the game's design and feel. (That's what happens when artists own their own game development company I guess!) Even featuring some spacey, fun original music, the game seems like it will have a very immersive feel.

Romance, Queer conversation, and understanding yourself are the challenges here. With mini-games and narrative gameplay, you can make choices to make the best of senior year at Volcano High.

#3: Teacup

A serene game about woodland animals, what more could I ask for really??

(photo credit: whitethorndigital.com)

Teacup, developed by Whitethorn Games, also escapes the routinely violent and stressful nature of gaming. You navigate through conversation with woodland creatures, mini-games, and puzzles as a young frog-girl trying to find tea leaves.

Greens, blues, pinks, browns, the whole spectrum of natural color is present here.

(photo credit: whitethorngames.com)

The simple color palette and soft, mostly un-outlined illustration of this game's design give an inviting and cozy sense to the game. Also, the very nature of a frog that loves tea is exceptionally relaxing to me.

The only stress in the game is that you have a tea party the next day and need to recover leaves before then!

Puzzles help you on your journey to gather ingredients for your tea party.

(photo credit: whitethorngames.com)

Teacup releases in 2021 on PC & console. this family-friendly game is expected to be relaxing warm. Perfect to play when you're trying to unwind, but keep your mind awake.

#4: The Wild at Heart

Set to release 2021, the details and wonder of The Wild at Heart are sure to impress.

(photo credit: TheWildatHeart Presskit)

The Wild at Heart is an action-adventure game from Moonlight Kids. A tale of two kids, Wake & Kirby, whisking off into the woods at night, discover a magical world begging to be explored.

Wake & Kirby are ready to explore, no matter how strange it gets!

(photo credit: TheWildatHeart Presskit)

Wake and Kirby explore the world and gain spritelings (animal companions) that champion them in battles against mysterious creatures. All while building a camp and improving it by crafting, the kids are determined to delve into an ancient conflict they find themselves a part of.

Beautiful landscapes and glowing crystals set the scene.

(photo credit: TheWildatHeart Presskit)

The dream and wonder of finding a magical world and escaping the realities of growing up are what it seems this game is trying to capture. Amos Roddy sets the score with his wonder-inducing tracks created just for the game, and the art style seems to keep in mind that you're in the unknown.

Set to release in 2021 for PC and Xbox One, The Wild at Heart gives me a "Don't Starve" vibe in a happier and more wonderous light.

#5: The Big Con

Bro, do you even grift? Try your con skills in The Big Con.

(photo credit: Mighty Yell 'The Big Con' Presskit)

The Big Con centers around a high school girl, Ali, trying to save her mom's video store from gangsters. Developed and designed by Mighty Yell, The Big Con is a colorful and nostalgic dive back into the 90s'.

Yes, 90s' aesthetic!

(photo credit: Mighty Yell 'The Big Con' Presskit)

Wearing clever disguises, meeting unique characters, and getting in at the right time before a collectible-craze will help you to amass the ~$97k you need to help your mom. After all, you're just a high school girl... how else are you supposed to get the money? Get a job? As if!

Peep the scrunchies in the corner.

(photo credit: Mighty Yell 'The Big Con' Presskit)

Solve puzzles, pick pockets, and most importantly, CON! This game promises to have some fun engagement and gameplay for those that think they've got the grifting gift.

Releasing 2021, The Big Con will be available on PC & Xbox One.

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This list really reflects what I value when it comes to indie games, and I commend each studio on doing its part to expand the industry. The videogame industry is expected to surpass $138 billion this year (Statista, 2021) so I'm sure there is room for everyone.

Let me know if you're excited about, or want to play any of the games above. I know I have a pretty booked summer ahead of me since this is only 5 indie games coming out!

Until next time, logging off!