Indie games have been around for several decades, but it wasn’t until the late 2000s that they began to gain mainstream recognition. Indie games are video games made by small independent developers or studios, often without the financial backing of major publishers. These games are often known for their unique gameplay mechanics, art styles, and stories, which often set them apart from their big-budget counterparts.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best historically indie games, discussing their creation and the developers behind them. From puzzle-platformers to action-adventures, these games have proven that big budgets aren’t always necessary for a great gaming experience. We’ll also explore the impact of these games on the industry and how they’ve paved the way for future indie developers.
- Braid (2008)
Braid is a puzzle-platformer developed by Jonathan Blow and released in 2008. Blow, an independent game developer, spent three years developing the game before its release. Braid features time-manipulation mechanics that allow players to rewind time and alter the course of their actions, making it a unique experience for players.
Braid was critically acclaimed upon its release, praised for its art style, story, and gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered a landmark title in the indie game space. Blow went on to develop The Witness, another critically acclaimed indie game.
- Limbo (2010)
Limbo is a puzzle-platformer developed by Playdead and released in 2010. The game follows a young boy who must navigate a monochromatic world filled with dangers to find his sister. The game’s art style, which is reminiscent of a black-and-white silent film, adds to the game’s eerie and unsettling atmosphere.
Limbo was praised for its art style, sound design, and unique gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Playdead went on to develop Inside, another critically acclaimed indie game.
- Minecraft (2011)
Minecraft is a sandbox game developed by Mojang Studios and released in 2011. The game allows players to build and explore a procedurally generated world made up of blocks. Minecraft’s popularity grew rapidly, thanks to its endless possibilities for creativity and exploration.
Minecraft has become one of the best-selling video games of all time, with over 200 million copies sold. The game has had a significant impact on the industry, inspiring countless other sandbox games and becoming a cultural phenomenon. Mojang Studios was acquired by Microsoft in 2014.
- Fez (2012)
Fez is a puzzle-platformer developed by Polytron Corporation and released in 2012. The game follows a character named Gomez, who lives in a two-dimensional world but discovers a fez that allows him to see the world in three dimensions. The game’s unique mechanics and art style make it a standout title in the indie game space.
Fez was praised for its art style, music, and puzzle design. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Polytron Corporation has not released another game since Fez, but the game’s legacy continues to inspire other indie developers.
- Journey (2012)
Journey is an adventure game developed by thatgamecompany and released in 2012. The game follows a robed figure who must navigate a vast desert to reach a distant mountain. The game’s art style and music create a beautiful and emotional experience for players. Journey was praised for its art style, music, and emotional impact. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered a landmark title in the indie game space. That game company has since released other critically acclaimed indie games, including Flower and Sky: Children of the Light.
- Hotline Miami (2012)
Hotline Miami is a top-down shooter developed by Dennaton Games and released in 2012. The game features fast-paced gameplay and a stylized 80s aesthetic. Hotline Miami was praised for its gameplay mechanics and soundtrack, which were both designed to be intense and immersive.
Hotline Miami went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Dennaton Games has not released another game since Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, but the game’s influence can still be felt in the indie game space.
- Papers, Please (2013)
Papers, Please is a puzzle game developed by Lucas Pope and released in 2013. The game puts players in the role of a border checkpoint inspector in a fictional Eastern Bloc country. The game’s unique premise and mechanics make it a standout title in the indie game space.
Papers, Please was praised for its storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and emotional impact. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Lucas Pope went on to develop Return of the Obra Dinn, another critically acclaimed indie game.
- Gone Home (2013)
Gone Home is a narrative adventure game developed by The Fullbright Company and released in 2013. The game puts players in the role of a young woman who returns home to find her family missing. The game’s storytelling and atmosphere make it a unique and emotional experience for players.
Gone Home was praised for its storytelling, atmosphere, and attention to detail. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. The Fullbright Company has since released other critically acclaimed indie games, including Tacoma.
- Shovel Knight (2014)
Shovel Knight is a side-scrolling platformer developed by Yacht Club Games and released in 2014. The game pays homage to classic 8-bit platformers, featuring a knight who uses a shovel as his primary weapon. Shovel Knight’s retro-inspired art style and gameplay mechanics make it a standout title in the indie game space.
Shovel Knight was praised for its art style, music, and gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Yacht Club Games has since released several expansions and spin-offs, including Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment and Shovel Knight Dig.
- Undertale (2015)
Undertale is a role-playing game developed by Toby Fox and released in 2015. The game features a unique combat system that allows players to spare enemies rather than defeating them. Undertale’s storytelling, characters, and music have made it a beloved title in the indie game space.
Undertale was praised for its storytelling, characters, music, and gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Toby Fox has since released other games, including Deltarune.
- Firewatch (2016)
Firewatch is a narrative adventure game developed by Campo Santo and released in 2016. The game puts players in the role of a fire lookout in Wyoming who must investigate strange occurrences in the wilderness. Firewatch’s storytelling and atmosphere make it a unique and emotional experience for players. Firewatch was praised for its storytelling, atmosphere, and characters. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Campo Santo was acquired by Valve in 2018, and the team has since been working on other projects.
- Inside (2016)
Inside is a puzzle-platformer developed by Playdead and released in 2016. The game follows a young boy who must navigate a dystopian world filled with dangers to uncover its secrets. Inside’s art style, sound design, and unique gameplay mechanics make it a standout title in the indie game space.
Inside was praised for its art style, storytelling, and gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Playdead has not released another game since Inside, but the game’s legacy continues to inspire other indie developers.
- Night in the Woods (2017)
Night in the Woods is a narrative adventure game developed by Infinite Fall and released in 2017. The game follows a young woman who returns home to her small town and uncovers dark secrets about her community. Night in the Woods’ storytelling, characters, and music make it a unique and emotional experience for players.
Night in the Woods was praised for its storytelling, characters, music, and art style. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Infinite Fall has not released another game since Night in the Woods, but the team has been working on other projects.
- Cuphead (2017)
Cuphead is a run-and-gun shooter developed by StudioMDHR and released in 2017. The game features hand-drawn animation and a 1930s cartoon aesthetic. Cuphead’s challenging gameplay and unique art style make it a standout title in the indie game space.
Cuphead was praised for its art style, music, and challenging gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. StudioMDHR has not released another game since Cuphead, but the game’s success has led to the development of a Netflix animated series.
- Celeste (2018)
Celeste is a platformer developed by Maddy Makes Games and released in 2018. The game follows a young woman named Madeline who must climb a mountain while facing her inner demons. Celeste’s challenging gameplay, storytelling, and music make it a unique and emotional experience for players.
Celeste was praised for its storytelling, characters, music, and challenging gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Maddy Makes Games has not released another game since Celeste, but the game’s legacy continues to inspire other indie developers.
- Dead Cells (2018)
Dead Cells is a roguelike platformer developed by Motion Twin and released in 2018. The game features fast-paced gameplay and permadeath mechanics, making each playthrough unique. Dead Cells’ challenging gameplay and art style make it a standout title in the indie game space.
Dead Cells was praised for its art style, music, and challenging gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Motion Twin has since released several updates and expansions for the game.
- Return of the Obra Dinn (2018)
Return of the Obra Dinn is a puzzle game developed by Lucas Pope and released in 2018. The game puts players in the role of an insurance investigator who must determine the fate of the crew of a ship lost at sea. Return of the Obra Dinn’s unique art style and gameplay mechanics make it a standout title in the indie game space. Return of the Obra Dinn was praised for its storytelling, art style, and puzzle design. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Lucas Pope, the game’s developer, also created Papers, Please, another critically acclaimed indie game.
- Untitled Goose Game (2019)
Untitled Goose Game is a puzzle game developed by House House and released in 2019. The game puts players in the role of a mischievous goose who must complete various tasks while causing chaos in a small town. Untitled Goose Game’s humor, art style, and unique gameplay mechanics make it a standout title in the indie game space.
Untitled Goose Game was praised for its humor, art style, and gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. House House has not released another game since Untitled Goose Game, but the game’s success has led to merchandise and a possible future expansion.
- Disco Elysium (2019)
Disco Elysium is a role-playing game developed by ZA/UM and released in 2019. The game puts players in the role of a detective who must solve a murder case in a fictional world. Disco Elysium’s storytelling, characters, and music make it a unique and emotional experience for players.
Disco Elysium was praised for its storytelling, characters, music, and gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. ZA/UM has not released another game since Disco Elysium, but the game’s success has led to a possible future expansion.
- A Short Hike (2019)
A Short Hike is an adventure game developed by Adam Robinson-Yu and released in 2019. The game puts players in the role of a young bird who must hike to the top of a mountain to receive cell phone reception. A Short Hike’s relaxing atmosphere and unique gameplay mechanics make it a standout title in the indie game space.
A Short Hike was praised for its relaxing atmosphere, art style, and gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Adam Robinson-Yu has not released another game since A Short Hike, but the game’s success has led to merchandise and a possible future expansion.
- Hades (2020)
Hades is an action role-playing game developed by Supergiant Games and released in 2020. The game puts players in the role of Zagreus, the son of Hades, who must escape the underworld. Hades’ storytelling, characters, and music make it a unique and emotional experience for players.
Hades was praised for its storytelling, characters, music, and gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Supergiant Games has since released other critically acclaimed indie games, including Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre.
- Among Us (2018/2020)
Among Us is a social deduction game developed by InnerSloth and released in 2018. The game puts players in the role of crewmates on a spaceship who must complete tasks while identifying and eliminating imposters. Among Us’ unique gameplay mechanics and social interaction make it a standout title in the indie game space.
Among Us was initially released in 2018 but gained mainstream popularity in 2020. The game was praised for its gameplay mechanics and social interaction. Among Us has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. InnerSloth has since released updates and new content for the game.
- The Outer Wilds (2019)
The Outer Wilds is an exploration
adventure game developed by Mobius Digital and released in 2019. The game puts players in the role of an astronaut who must explore a small solar system and uncover its secrets. The Outer Wilds’ storytelling, atmosphere, and gameplay mechanics make it a unique and emotional experience for players.
The Outer Wilds was praised for its storytelling, atmosphere, music, and gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Mobius Digital has not released another game since The Outer Wilds, but the game’s legacy continues to inspire other indie developers.
- Kentucky Route Zero (2013-2020)
Kentucky Route Zero is a surreal point-and-click adventure game developed by Cardboard Computer and released episodically from 2013 to 2020. The game follows a group of characters as they travel through a mysterious and magical world. Kentucky Route Zero’s storytelling, characters, and music make it a unique and emotional experience for players.
Kentucky Route Zero was praised for its storytelling, characters, music, and unique art style. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Cardboard Computer has not released another game since Kentucky Route Zero, but the game’s success has led to merchandise and a possible future expansion.
- Spiritfarer (2020)
Spiritfarer is a management simulation game developed by Thunder Lotus Games and released in 2020. The game puts players in the role of a ferry master who must guide spirits to the afterlife. Spiritfarer’s storytelling, characters, and art style make it a unique and emotional experience for players.
Spiritfarer was praised for its storytelling, characters, art style, and gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Thunder Lotus Games has since released other games, including Jotun and Sundered.
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020)
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a platformer developed by Moon Studios and released in 2020. The game follows a spirit named Ori as he explores a magical world filled with dangers. Ori and the Will of the Wisps’ storytelling, characters, music, and art style make it a standout title in the indie game space.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps was praised for its storytelling, characters, music, art style, and gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Moon Studios has since released other games, including Ori and the Blind Forest.
- Spelunky 2 (2020)
Spelunky 2 is a roguelike platformer developed by Mossmouth and released in 2020. The game features randomly generated levels and permadeath mechanics, making each playthrough unique. Spelunky 2’s challenging gameplay and art style make it a standout title in the indie game space.
Spelunky 2 was praised for its art style, music, and challenging gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Mossmouth has not released another game since Spelunky 2, but the game’s success has led to a possible future expansion.
- Raji: An Ancient Epic (2020)
Raji: An Ancient Epic is an action-adventure game developed by Nodding Heads Games and released in 2020. The game is set in ancient India and follows a young girl named Raji as she fights to save her brother and defeat demons. Raji: An Ancient Epic’s storytelling
, characters, and art style make it a standout title in the indie game space.
Raji: An Ancient Epic was praised for its storytelling, characters, art style, and gameplay mechanics. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Nodding Heads Games has not released another game since Raji: An Ancient Epic, but the game’s success has led to a possible future expansion.
- Carrion (2020)
Carrion is a horror game developed by Phobia Game Studio and released in 2020. The game puts players in the role of a monster who must escape from a research facility while hunting down the humans who imprisoned it. Carrion’s unique gameplay mechanics and art style make it a standout title in the indie game space.
Carrion was praised for its gameplay mechanics, art style, and sound design. The game went on to win several awards and has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Phobia Game Studio has not released another game since Carrion, but the game’s success has led to a possible future expansion.
- Chicory: A Colorful Tale (2021)
Chicory: A Colorful Tale is an adventure game developed by Greg Lobanov and released in 2021. The game puts players in the role of a dog who must restore color to a black and white world. Chicory: A Colorful Tale’s art style, music, and gameplay mechanics make it a unique and emotional experience for players.
Chicory: A Colorful Tale was praised for its art style, music, gameplay mechanics, and storytelling. The game has since been considered one of the best indie games of all time. Greg Lobanov has not released another game since Chicory: A Colorful Tale, but the game’s success has led to a possible future expansion.
Ending remarks
Indie games have become a vital part of the video game industry, offering unique experiences that often push boundaries and challenge conventions. The 30 games listed above represent some of the best indie games of all time, each offering something unique and memorable for players.
From the early days of indie game development to the present, indie game developers have continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in video games. These games have often been made by small teams or even solo developers, showcasing the talent and creativity that can be found in the indie game space.
As the video game industry continues to evolve, it is clear that indie games will continue to play a vital role in shaping the medium. Whether it is through unique gameplay mechanics, emotional storytelling, or stunning art styles, indie games will continue to offer experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.
