There are hundreds of indie games out there, but very few lead to career-defining success. When you're a small game developer, a single breakout hit can be all you need to go from obscurity to industry icon. Many of these games weren't just successful; they were innovative and unique.
2024 showcased some of the most creative, innovative, and magnificent indie games of varying genres.
Several indie games catapulted their developers to success. Some were simple sandbox games with interesting mechanics, while others were focused on heartfelt narratives or challenging gameplay. Either way, these games have left their mark on the industry and turned small teams into industry names.
Cuphead may not be one of the most successful indie games of all time, but it did catch quite a few eyes with its cartoon-style art and surprisingly hard boss battles. With hand-drawn animations and watercolor backgrounds, this game is an absolute delight to play. Plus, the unforgiving difficulty added to its charm.
Brothers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer poured everything into the project, even mortgaging their homes to fund it. Luckily, the game was a massive success, earning both critical acclaim and several awards.
Hades brought innovation to the...
