There are so many exciting upcoming indies coming our way in 2023 and beyond. A number of memorable indie titles were released last year, proving that the indie scene is home to a wealth of creative and diverse experiences. I’m happy to report that 2017 is already shaping up to be a great year for indie games. ID@Xbox (opens in a new tab), PlayStation Indies (opens in a new tab), Nintendo’s Indie World (opens in a new tab), Wholesome Games (opens in a new tab), and more have already revealed some upcoming releases, and there will be a lot of new games released in 2023.
It can be hard to keep track with so many on the way, which is why we’re here to help. Although it is difficult to narrow it down – which is a testament to how much we have to look forward to – we have gathered together some of the most exciting upcoming indies in 2023. It’s sure to be something you want to take note of here, as it spans across a variety of genres and platforms.
Blanc
Release date: February 14, 2023
Platform(s): PC, Switch
The announcement of Blanc last year immediately piqued our interest. An adorable fawn and wolf cub must work together to find their families in the upcoming co-op adventure. As an experience designer Casus Ludi explains, Blanc is set to take us on an emotional journey that will require us to use our teamwork skills as we navigate through the environment and make use of the fawn and wolf cub’s abilities. A gorgeous black and white world with both local and online cooperative support adds to the appeal of Blanc’s game.
Way to the Woods
Release date: March 2023
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S (Xbox Game Pass)
An upcoming adventure follows two deer trying to find their way home in an abandoned world. With its beautiful, intriguing backdrop and companionship of the deer and dawn protagonists at its heart, the trailer for the game grabbed attention in 2019. In an appearance during the Wholesome Snack showcase, Way to the Woods enchanted us once again by drawing inspiration from Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and The Last of Us.
Mail Time
Release date: April 2023
Platform(s): PC, Switch
We were instantly charmed by Mail Time’s cottagecore vibes and delightful concept. As a newly trained Mail Scout wearing a stylish mushroom hat, you deliver letters in Grumblewood Grove to earn Mail Scout badges. Our pick of the 7 upcoming cozy games to keep an eye out for last year was Mail Time, which features a cast of charming animal characters. As well as character customization, Grumblewood Grove offers hidden trinkets to find and collect that will encourage us to relax.
Tchia
Release date: Spring 2023
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5
We’re looking forward to getting lost in Tchia this year. Taking place in a tropical archipelago inspired by New Caledonia, we can traverse the landscape by swimming, gliding, climbing, and sailing. A unique mechanic in Tchia is soul-jumping, which allows you to control any object or animal in the world. We can’t wait to play the Ukulele, meet a diverse cast of characters, and uncover all the secrets this world has to offer.
