Indie games had a huge year in 2020, and several even became financial and critical successes. Some, likeAmong Us, skyrocketed in popularity even though they were released in previous years. Others, likeHades, reinvigorated a genre while finding itself nominated for several awards. The case is clear, players still loveindie games. Plus, that momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing down for 2021.
With hundreds of games planned for the year overall, indie developers will still be able to make standouts. In the end,indie games will help carry gamers through 2021, especially while waiting for bigger titles that might be delayed, or as players attempt to find new gaming experiences. While this list won’t be able to cover every single indie game that will be released in 2021, there will be plenty of examples of the kind of games coming this year.
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January 2021
With a new year comes new games, and that is still the case for indie titles. Developers were able to release their games into the world, andthe solo developer forCyber Shadowwas able to finally release his big project.
So whether players want to try their hand at managinga hockey team in the mobileRetro Hockey Coach 2021, or checking out the Wii U-exclusiveSeasonal Assistant, January already introduced a bunch of new games.
February 2021
February was a big month for indie developers, and that was proven by none other than break-out star,Valheim. The Viking-themed survival and crafting game was all over the Steam charts, and was so popular thatValheimpassed 5 million sales in its first month, huge for a game from a small development team. For gamers who liked 2020’s hitHades, looking intoCurse of the Dead Godsmight provide another interesting experience. Overall, February had a bunch of options, from the mermaid romances inAquadine, to the action platformerBlue Fire, and even the bakery simLemon Cake.
March 2021
With March in full swing, indie fans still have their hands full. Already, therecursive puzzle game with Bryce Dallas Howard,Maquette, has released and tested players' curiosity. The cult comedy classic Cyanide & Happiness is getting its own game, which is sure to entertain players with its unique humor. Other March indie titles include visual novels, action-adventure games, RPGs, roguelikes, arcade games, and even some atmospheric horror.
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April 2021 - December 2021
While the first three months of the year have been chock full of interesting new indie games, the rest of the year has even more in store. Typically with indie games, official release dates are revealed more close to its launch than if it were a AAA game, per se. The winemaking-simulator,Hundred Days, will surely tantalize a player’s taste buds, andplayers will be able to controlBefore Your Eyesjust by blinking, a very unique mechanic. For those that want to try their hand at a vampiric visual novel,First Bitehas also planned for a Halloween release.
Unconfirmed 2021 Release Dates
There are dozens of games that developers have announced for 2021, and while some of them have general time frames listed, the majority are keeping their release dates a secret. Fans of any genre will certainly have something to look forward to for sure. 2021 will see RPGs, deckbuilding games, side-scrolling adventures, beat ‘em ups, puzzle games, sims, plus the highly-anticipated sequel to 2017’sHollow KnightinHollow Knight: Silksong.
Those that have followed the Kickstarter forCoral Islandwill be pleased to know the campaign reached $1.6 million in funding, and will make its way to PCs this year. Other games below may have originally been scheduled to release in 2020, but were delayed to an unspecified time in 2021, like the Studio Ghibli andThe Legend of Zelda-inspiredBaldo: The Guardian Owls.
Some of these games may peak players’ interest just by the titles alone, but all of them will be able to find a player base in some way. All in all, 2021 is going to be a massive year for indie developers and indie fans. Hopefully, the momentum keeps going and fans hear of more success stories likeValheimandCoral Island. Withthe indie-focused Wholesome Directcoming in a few months, gamers will likely see plenty of game announcements and showcases of some other wholesome titles to look forward to.
