The Best Upcoming Indie Games Of 2023

Creating this article was really difficult, since there are a lot of wonderful indie games waiting to be discovered and recognized for what they are. That's why we dedicated this article to those games that still get a release in 2023 and might be overlooked by some of you.

We include a variety of different genres in this list, since adding games with a similar formula wouldn't be fun at all, right? At the end, you'll also find some honorable mentions you shouldn't miss.

Okay, let's get started!

Enchanted Portals

Release date: 2023

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Enchanted Portals is a charming action-adventure co-op platformer, with an old-timey cartoon-look. Be part of the journey of Bobby and Penny and play either solo or in co-op mode.

The resemblance with Cuphead is undeniable, and the developer also confirmed the huge inspiration they took from the game. If you love challenging boss fights, this game might be just your cup of tea.

Between Horizons

Release date: 2023

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox Series X|S

Between Horizons is a narrative sci-fi detective adventure from the developer from Lacuna, taking place on the spaceship "Zephyr". Take up the role of the security chief Stella who were born and raised on Zephyr.

Uncover the conspiracy behind the surface, unriddle the mystery, and be prepared to live with a wrong decision. Deciding which course of action you take may be right or wrong, nevertheless the story goes on and lets you experience multiple endings.

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood

Release date: 2023

Platforms: PC and Switch

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood is a thought-provoking narrative pixel-art experience, featuring a diverse cast of characters.

You play as Fortuna, a witch living exiled on an asteroid who forms a pact with a forbidden creature in the hopes of regaining her freedom. With tarot-like card creation, divination and a branching story, you're trying to reconnect with your friends after a 200-year-long exile.

• Some of these games will release on the Xbox Game Pass as well, don't miss the opportunity.

The Last Faith

Release date: October 2023

Platforms: PC (Windows, macOS and Linux), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox Series X|S

The Last Faith is a metroidvania souls-like title in a blood-drenched gothic setting with non-linear gameplay. With magic and different kind of weapons, you have to uncover the mystery around your character, while fighting your way through a horrific, yet beautiful, pixel-art world.

You play as Eric, who has lost his memories and starting slowly to decay. His desire to find relief from this affliction leads him on a cursed mission to oppose ancient religions and deities.

This Bed We Made

Release date: 2023

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

This Bed We Made is a third-person narrative mystery game where you can explore the secret lives of others. Every choice you make and every door you open can change how the story unfolds, even when it comes to tidying up the rooms.

Step into the shoes of a curious chambermaid from the 1950s and unravel a chilling mystery that binds hotel guests through the strange items they carry with them.

Sticky Business

Release date: July 17

Platforms: PC and macOS

Sticky Business is a small business simulation game all about making stickers and creating memorable customer experiences. Create stickers with thousands of customization options, pack orders, develop your online store and build customer relationships.

Dive deep into a cozy world, giving you the freedom to be as creative as possible. It doesn't matter if you focus on cat, food or magical stickers. There is always a customer story worth hearing.

Goodbye Volcano High

Release date: 2023

Platforms: PC (Steam & macOS), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Goodbye Volcano High is a cinematic narrative game about the end of an era, and the beginning of a love story. Your decisions matter, and the main character Fang evolves with every decision you make.

You're playing as Fang, a high schooler ready to conquer the world after graduation. But before that you need to make the most of your last year and set everything right between your family, friends and your special someone.

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Stray Gods

Release date: August, 10

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S

Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical is a narrative-focused game for players who value storytelling and unique mechanics. In this game, you're able to dive into an urban fantasy world of music and adventure, where reality and the supernatural collide and the Greek gods live among you.

You're taking up the role of Grace, recently blessed with the power of song by the Last Muse who gave away her gift while dying in your arms. You've been accused of murder, and you only have one week to prove your innocence.

Sea of Stars

Release date: August 29

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Sea of Stars is a turn-based RPG inspired by classic titles like Super Mario RPG, Illusion of Gaia and Chrono Trigger. It tells the story of two Children of Solstice who combine their powers of the sun and moon and take up the duty of defending the world from the evil alchemist "The Fleshmancer".

If you need a change of pace every once in a while, you can hang out in the world and have the time of your life. You can play a tabletop game known as "Wheels", listen to tavern music, cook something and much more. It's a love letter to the past RPG titles with a modern pixel-style and it's shaping up to be one of the best games of the year.

Viewfinder

Release date: July 18

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5

Viewfinder is a mind-bending first person adventure game in which you can bring pictures to life by placing them into the world. Question your perception, redefine reality and change the world around you with an instant camera.

Step into a world where everything seems impossible at first and slowly uncover the hidden mysteries of the world around you. Bring photographs, paintings, sketches, screenshots and postcards to life, while reshaping the world.

Honorable Mentions

Here are some honorable mentions worth looking into:

• Yes, Your Grace: Snowfall – A cinematic kingdom management game
• American Arcadia – A cinematic puzzle game that combines a 2.5D platformer and first-person game of a tale of a thrilling escape
• Mika and The Witch's Mountain – A fantasy adventure about an aspiring witch who delivers packages to the townspeople of a small island
• Nine Sols – A lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat.
• Loco Motive – A point-and-click adventure, packed with full of deadly surprises, shocking twists and three playable characters
• Venba – A narrative cooking game, where you play as an Indian mom, restoring lost recipes and exploring the family story as they grow and change throughout the journey.
• A Tiny Sticker Tale – A cozy miniature adventure about changing the world by using the power of stickers.
• Book of Hours – A narrative management game of rebuilding a library and enjoying the obscure histories hidden in each book
• My Friendly Neighborhood – A horror first-person shooter that lets you face off against murderous puppets in an abandoned television studio.
• The Precinct – A love letter to classic cop movies featuring an action-sandbox-like adventure throughout the city
• Bye Sweet Carole – A horror adventure inspired by "the greatest animation movies" where a young woman jumps into a world that's been infested by rabbits.