There was quality in abundance as indie developers showcase at Pocket Gamer Connects Digital #3 Helsinki
Discover all the indie games pitched at our most recent digital Big Indie Pitch
The mobile games industry has long been known for all of the unique and different independent games that can be found around every corner within the various app stores. From the likes of Florence, to former Big Indie Pitch winners like What The Golf!?, we’ve seen many go from breakout hit to stardom. Nevertheless, with the potential next big thing hidden behind every corner, it can sometimes be somewhat hard to discover that next indie gem.
Well, this problem is exactly why we set up our regular international competition for indie developers, The Big Indie Pitch, around 8 years ago. From San Francisco to Hong Kong and everywhere in between, we currently run around 20 of these global events a year in order to showcase all the amazing new indie games in development. Of course, there are prizes and international recognition, but the reward is the chance to show all of you readers some of the latest games in development.
Understandably, 2020 is proving to be a challenging year for all in the industry. As such, we felt it was important to continue to highlight all of the indie talents in any way we can and took the Big Indie Pitch digital, with our most recent digital pitches taking place during our Pocket Gamer Connects Digital #3 Helsinki conference.
Once again, this meant 14 exciting new and upcoming indie developers taking to the digital stage to pitch their latest creations in a speed pitching extravaganza. As always the quality was extremely high, meaning the battle for the top was as strong as ever. Nevertheless, we had to crown a top three, and Netherlands-based Puzzles & Games simple and unique icon-based crossword title ICON (1 Word) taking the title of champion.
Of course, ICON (1 Word), as you already know, was the winner, but we always award prizes for the top three. So read on to not only find out more about ICON (1 Word) but also our runners-up and honourable mention from The Digital Big Indie Pitch at Pocket Gamer Connects #3 Helsinki sponsored by our season sponsors, Kwalee and G-Star. and our event sponsors Supersonic, Jam City and Plug In Digital.
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1st Place - ICON (1 Word) by Puzzles & Games
A simplified version of Puzzles & Games' former game known simply as ICON, this simplified version takes the idea of the words search and turns it on its head. As such, in this hyper-casual puzzler players are faced with a grid of icons, all of which represent a letter. In this case the first letter of the word displayed in the picture. Once players have worked this out, they must then use the puzzle in front of them to locate a range of words displayed on the bottom of the screen by swiping horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
Through doing this, players can take on more than 1000 different levels whilst collecting coins and completing challenges based on finding words using specific icons. It sounds simple, but it's extremely challenging whilst also being incredibly fun and welcoming.
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2nd Place - Eldritch Coven by Timba
In Eldritch Coven players must raise a secretive and sinister cult all of their own. Of course, the cult doesn't necessarily have to be sinister, but with all of the world's Unholy Power at stake, who can resist the dark side?
Just how do you achieve this though? Well, through a range of idle and active mechanics, you'll be able to gather influence to complete full rituals and summon eldritch beings from the darkest of dimensions. This will in turn grow not only your ranks but your power and resources too. From here you can then upgrade your secret lair and your ability to take over the world even quicker with it.
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3rd Place - Gravity Shooter / Dungun by Smash Head Studio
Gravity Shooter is a fast and frantic 2D roguelite action game. Yes, you may think that sounds like a lot of other games on the market, but Gravity Shooter offers a new take on not only movement but the combat mechanics too. Namely the fact that your movement is not controlled by the movement of your character, but rather the movement of your gun.
Therefore, thanks to this new and interesting mechanic you'll have to manage and maintain careful movement, whilst also dodging enemy bullets and taking enemies down too. It's a game that's very easy to pick up, whilst offering challenge and variety at the same time. The game is still in development, so expect to see even more stages, weapons and enemies added to the game before the planned release later this year.
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Dynablaster by BBG Entertainment
The name alone may give some of you a clue as to what’s going on here. Yes, that’s right, it’s time for the classic bomber Dynablaster to return, and this time it’s coming with new and improved online multiplayer battling thanks to developer BBG Entertainment.
Nevertheless, for those of you who remember the good old days, well no need to worry as BBG Entertainment is hoping to blend new and old with this reinvention of a classic brand. As such, look forward to both AI offline opponents alongside the aforementioned 4-player online multiplayer battling. Additionally, there’s also power-ups and a variety of bombs new and old to be used, alongside an extensive array of game modes and characters to choose from.
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Beyond Space by Made With Jam
Beyond Space is a hyper-casual shmup that blends the likes of Ikaruga with Space Invaders. As always with games such as these, the gameplay is super easy to grasp, but you won’t have to wait too long before you’ll need all the skill in the world to keep going.
Dodge, shoot, repeat is the name of the game here. As is using every single power up and quick finger action you have. Thankfully, given the hyper-casual nature, the game is designed to be played over and over again. It also pops right off the screen too thanks to its colourful and inviting presentation.
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Brain Racers by MYG Star
Brain Racers has been designed by developer MYG Star to be a fully focused massively multiplayer online cognitive game. But what does this mean? Well, it means that players can look forward to a totally live experience, one in which players will take the role of a “brain racer” as they compete in cognitive challenges in which the faster mind reigns triumphant.
Through all this developer MYG Star hopes to create a digital platform that celebrates individuals for their intellect, much like we do with physical athletes. In turn they hope that this when combined with eSports and education could hopefully lead to a unique environment that celebrates education and learning too.
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Home Valley Quest by Ingames
Home Valley is a fully customisable experience set in a fun-filled world. One in which you can look forward to meeting and chatting with friends, playing mini-games, crafting objects, and decorating your very own home.
From changing every detail and colour to inviting your friends round for a party, Home Valley hopes to bring a little bit of each individual player to the small screen. Oh, and of course, this also includes your very own avatar.
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Gallery of You by Rosa Francesca (with Rural Media)
Gallery of You is a facial recognition focused escape room game set within an art gallery devoted entirely to your life. On waking you will find in your possession nothing but a locked room and a blank ID card.
As such, in order to beat the security and leave the art gallery you find yourself trapped in, you’ll have to explore every inch of this bizarre and self-reflective place in order to not only uncover its secrets but in turn complete the mysterious ID card that acts as your ticket out of the gallery.
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Idle Truck Empire by Trollgames
In this hyper-casual idle game, players must produce and transport resources in order to grow their trucking empire. Of course, as you look to achieve this, there’ll be new trucks, buildings, product chains and areas to unlock. What’s more, there’ll be a range of customizations too as you look to make the whole world your trucking adventure.
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Rumble Rebels by Rebellious Software
In this RPG with a twist, players are challenged with uniting all of the wayward mythologies of the land in order to lead a rebellion that will hopefully restore the prosperity of the land. Of course, as with any good RPG this won’t come easy, and players will have to utilise the powers of their team in order to succeed.
What’s more, with gameplay that is something of a cross between AFK Arena and Coin Master, Rebellious Software hope to make a game that will appeal to mobile and hardcore gamers alike.
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Path Monsters & Monster Boom by Fraktalia Studios
Next up is not one, but two games from the same developer. That developer is Mexican based studio Fraktalia Studios, with the games being Path Monsters and Monster Boom. Two games that whilst separate, are also interestingly interlinked with common themes and trends.
In the first title Path Monsters, players must utilise their dexterity and drawing skill in order to trace a path for their monster troops in order to not only attack and defend, but also out strategize their opponent.
On the other hand, whilst Monster Boom also focuses on the same battling monsters, this time around players are tasked with launching monsters through a slingshot mechanic onto a Tetris-inspired battlefield. Not only does this require perfect timing to strengthen your attacks, but it also requires players to consider the placement of their monsters in order to maximise your defence.
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Crosswise by Phezos
Crosswise is a game that blends crossword focused gameplay with decorative and customisable story-driven metagame elements. The story focuses on a man named Jim who has inherited a bookstore that is desperately in need of renovation.
Throughout this story, he’ll fall in love, rebuild the book store, and pass many hurdles. Well, at least he will with the player's help. In total the first version of the game promises 5 chapters featuring a multitude of crossword based puzzles that drive the story, alongside a plethora of collectables, with more promised to come post-launch.
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Octrons Challenge - Reloaded by KuniaLabs
Get your lycra ready, as in this game you take on the role of a Superhero as they fly through the sky and take down a variety of Alien invaders. The gameplay takes the form of a retro-infused side-scrolling shmup, one which is always ready to throw a new challenge at you.
Most interestingly though, is the fact that the game also has an educational element, with gameplay that leans of subtle science learning. In fact, both the in-game collectables and the levels themselves actually famous inventions and their discoveries.
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Training Trashy Consumers by Mampel Skyliner
Training Trashy Consumers is a match-3 game that focuses entirely on eco management and recycling. Much like in real life, the more you consume in the game, the more trash you create, and this in turn damages the nature that surrounds you.
Gameplay utilises common match-3 mechanics, however this time you’ll be matching types of garbage to their relevant category. For example, plastics, papers and glass. What’s more, replicating the notion that we are filling the arctic oceans with trash, if any piece of litter reaches the top of the level, it’ll be game over for players.
