September 15, 2025
"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" by Sandfall Interactive has become a standout indie success in 2025, selling over 4.4 million copies and ranking among the year's top-rated games on Metacritic. The game’s triumph underscores the ability of passionate development to rival traditional publisher strategies, with plans for a sequel and movie adaptation already underway.
Deltarune Chapter 5 is advancing with 85% completion, but its release is postponed to late 2026 due to refining and translation work. Creator Toby Fox assures it will launch without external pressures affecting quality.
Australian indie game Silksong by Team Cherry has become a global sensation since its September 5 release, topping sales charts and peaking with 568,000 concurrent players. Despite the small size of Australia's game industry, Silksong's success underscores the significant cultural and economic impact of original game development.
Krafton India is set to open applications for the third cohort of its KIGI program on September 20, 2025, to boost Indian game development. The initiative offers funding, mentorship, and tech resources, fostering innovation and positioning India as a global gaming hub.
Scotland's video game industry has surged, growing from 15 to 130 companies in a decade, becoming a key economic pillar. Edinburgh hosts the DICE Europe summit, spotlighting Scotland's gaming influence.
Undertale, launched by Toby Fox in 2015, revolutionized indie gaming by challenging RPG conventions and emphasizing non-violent gameplay. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the game remains influential, inspiring titles like Celeste and Omori with its emotional storytelling and innovative mechanics.
In 2025, indie game developers are thriving as players prioritize authenticity, challenging AAA publishers' dominance. Technological advances and community engagement fuel their growing influence and success.
'Silksong', the eagerly awaited sequel to 'Hollow Knight', finally launched, causing major digital storefronts to crash due to high demand. This standalone Metroidvania game is now available on multiple platforms, attracting players with its intricate exploration and challenging gameplay.
Elaine Gomez, President of Latinx in Gaming, outlines the organization’s mission to aid Latinx developers amid industry upheavals through grants, mentorship, and career support. She emphasizes the role of diverse storytelling in fostering activism and cultural authenticity, while advocating collaboration with other marginalized groups to enhance inclusivity in gaming.
Hollow Knight: Silksong's surprise release shook the gaming market, overshadowing other indie titles during a crowded September. Creative director Jonathan Jacques-Belletate criticized Team Cherry's tactics, while Rogue Factor adhered to its schedule for Hell is Us, citing logistical challenges in changing release dates.
Balatro, an indie card game blending poker with roguelike elements, has earned a perfect 10/10 rating from critics, hailed for its replayability and strategic depth. Developed by LocalThunk, the game has won multiple awards and plans to expand with new content, including a potential release on the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.
The NZGDC 2025 will unfold from September 25-27 at Wellington's Tākina Center, cementing the city's status as a creative hub. With over 800 attendees expected, it promises exciting talks, workshops, and networking.
September 14, 2025
Stardew Valley is debuting a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition this fall, boasting mouse controls and enhanced multiplayer. The game will offer a free upgrade for most existing players, except in Japan due to legal fees.
Indie game Shape of Dreams sold over 100,000 copies in 24 hours, debuting strongly amid major titles. Its mix of MOBA and roguelike elements drew 30,000+ peak players, with ongoing updates planned.
LocusX, a Montreal-based gaming startup, secured C$3 million in funding to enhance its AI-driven debugging platform for game development. Led by industry veterans, the company aims to streamline bug fixing for AAA and indie developers.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, an indie game developed by ex-Ubisoft staff, has become a 2025 sensation, selling over 4.4 million copies. The game, praised for its AAA-quality at an indie price, has spawned a sequel and movie adaptation, highlighting its market impact.
Radical Fish Games is set to launch a demo for Alabaster Dawn on September 18th, providing a sneak peek into their new action RPG. This demo will offer 1.5 to 2.5 hours of gameplay, showcasing the game's innovative art style and complex combat system.
Rising costs of triple-A games are deterring buyers, with prices reaching up to £100 per title. The success of 'Silksong' suggests that more affordable pricing could boost sales and revenue, challenging traditional pricing models.
Xbox Game Pass is set for a blockbuster October 2025 with six new titles, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Microsoft promises a mix of blockbusters and indie games, enhancing its library diversity.
Rami Ismail launches 'Australia Did It,' a strategic reverse bullet hell game set in the Atlantic Ocean. Emphasizing creativity and risk-taking, it challenges industry norms with its unique gameplay and design.