Summer’s Hottest Games: Indies Steal the Show
Summer is shaping up to be an exciting time for video game fans, with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the bustling Summer Game Fest. However, the true stars may not be the big studio blockbusters, but rather the smaller, independent, and AA games.
Must-Play Games
This summer, several under-the-radar games will vie for attention. From a management simulation featuring temperamental clones to an open-world adventure where biking saves the world, these games offer innovative gameplay experiences. These titles are designed to capture the attention of players who crave something different from the norm.
One such game is The Alters,
launching on June 13th on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. Players must survive in a hostile environment while encountering varied versions of Jan Dolski. With survival and base-building elements, the game focuses on making different choices and surviving in the face of impending doom.
🔥 BloodRush: Undying Wish will have a demo available during Steam Next Fest!🔥
Here’s the new trailer for the demo 👇
If you like action and fast combat, this is for you! ⚔️
#indiedev #pixelart #madewithunity #actiongame #gamedev #gaming pic.twitter.com/9qYy5Kq97k
— Nuntius Games (@NuntiusGames) June 9, 2025
Another anticipated title is BloodRush: Undying Wish,
slated for a July 1st release on Windows PC. The gameplay is fast-paced and frenetic, where the player must constantly bleed out during combat. This exciting mechanic increases gameplay intensity, making it unique. Indie games now make up about 20% of the gaming market, highlighting a growing interest in these smaller productions (Statista, 2024).
More to Watch
The unique premise of Wheel World,
with a July 23rd launch on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, has players setting out to save the world using a bike. This open-world adventure was adjusted after its initial release in 2023, focusing on the sheer joy of bikes.
Fans of the classic Ninja Gaiden
series will enjoy the pixel art aesthetic of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound,
scheduled for release on July 31st across multiple platforms. It comes from the same developers as the Blasphemous
series.
Time-Bending and Beyond
Panta Rhei,
which also comes out on July 31st for Windows PC, requires players to manipulate time as the core of the gameplay. In this roguelike, players assume the role of Phi,
protecting the flow of time itself. Finally, Artis Impact,
launching on August 7th on Windows PC, will provide a post-apocalyptic setting with both murderous AI and cozy elements.
The upcoming August 19th release of Sword of the Sea,
playable on PlayStation 5 and Windows PC, uses your sword for traversal, and features skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfboarding movements. The goal is to restore an ocean by riding waves of sand.
Lastly, the action-platformer Hirogami,
is set to release on September 3rd on PlayStation 5 and Windows PC. Here, players navigate an origami world as Hiro, who can transform into different creatures.
This summer will feature diverse game titles, providing players with exciting and diverse experiences. These unique games emphasize innovation and offer something different from typical triple-A titles.
