How to reliably discover underrated indie games worth playing?
The Quest for Hidden Indie Gems
In a world saturated with AAA titles and highly-marketed blockbusters, the true artistry and innovation often reside within the indie gaming scene. Yet, sifting through the sheer volume of new releases to find those truly underrated gems can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. This guide will equip you with reliable strategies and practical tools to consistently discover captivating indie games that deserve your attention.
Leveraging Digital Storefront Features
Steam’s Powerful Tools
Steam, being the largest PC gaming platform, offers a wealth of features designed to help players discover new titles, though many go underutilized. Start by exploring the “Discovery Queue”, which intelligently surfaces games based on your play history and preferences. Don’t just click through; take a moment to add interesting titles to your wishlist or follow them. Additionally, actively seek out and follow “Steam Curators” who specialize in indie games. Many dedicated curators spend countless hours playing and reviewing obscure titles, often highlighting unique experiences.
The tag system is another invaluable resource. Instead of browsing broad categories, use specific tags like “Metroidvania,” “Roguelike,” “Story Rich,” “Pixel Graphics,” or “Walking Simulator” to narrow down your search. Combine multiple tags to find highly specific niches that align with your tastes. Finally, keep an eye on Steam’s seasonal sales and special events, as these often feature curated lists and bundles of indie games.
Exploring Alternative Platforms
While Steam is dominant, other platforms are havens for indie games. Itch.io stands out as a marketplace specifically for independent creators, often hosting experimental, unique, and free-to-play titles that won’t appear elsewhere. It’s a goldmine for game jams and emerging developers. Similarly, GOG.com (Good Old Games), while known for classics, also curates a selection of DRM-free indie games, often promoting quality over quantity.
Don’t forget console digital storefronts (Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Xbox Games Store) which frequently feature “Indie Spotlight” sections. These are often manually curated and can be good starting points, though the PC market generally offers a wider selection.
Engaging with Communities and Content Creators
The Power of Community Forums
Online communities are buzzing with passionate players eager to share their discoveries. Subreddits like r/IndieGaming, r/gamingsuggestions, r/ShouldIbuythisgame, and even specific genre subreddits (e.g., r/roguelikes) are excellent places to find recommendations. Engage in discussions, ask for personalized suggestions based on games you’ve enjoyed, and pay attention to titles that repeatedly come up in positive light.
Discord servers dedicated to indie games, specific genres, or even individual indie developers can also provide a direct line to passionate players and early insights into upcoming projects. Many indie studios have their own Discord channels where they share development updates and gather feedback.
Following Dedicated Content Creators
YouTube and Twitch are home to numerous content creators whose primary focus is reviewing, playing, and highlighting indie games. Seek out channels that align with your taste – some focus on narrative-driven experiences, others on challenging roguelikes, or obscure experimental titles. These creators often act as filters, sifting through hundreds of games to present only the most promising ones to their audience. Look for channels with smaller, dedicated followings, as they often dive deeper into niche indie scenes.
Exploring Demos, Game Jams, and Early Access
Many indie developers offer free demos of their upcoming games. Platforms like Steam, Itch.io, and specific game festivals (e.g., Steam Next Fest) are prime opportunities to try before you buy. This hands-on experience is invaluable for assessing whether a game genuinely resonates with you.
Game jams are events where developers create games within a short timeframe, often around a specific theme. Many game jam entries are unique and experimental. Browsing jam sites (like Itch.io’s jam section) can unearth fascinating concepts, some of which evolve into full commercial releases. Similarly, consider cautiously exploring Early Access titles – while risky, they can offer a chance to play promising games early and even influence their development.
Conclusion
Discovering underrated indie games is a rewarding endeavor that enriches your gaming experience with fresh perspectives and innovative mechanics. By actively utilizing the discovery features of digital storefronts, engaging with passionate communities, following dedicated content creators, and exploring demos and game jam creations, you can reliably unearth a treasure trove of hidden gems. The journey to find your next favorite indie game is an adventure in itself – happy hunting!
