Whether you view The Game Awards as an exciting celebration of gaming or just a corporate event, chances are high that you missed some major game announcements. No, it wasn’t due to drifting off during Highguard’s reveal.
The real news came from the Day of the Devs 2025 indie showcase, which streamed online just two days before TGA. Drawn by some 65,000 viewers across its platforms, it highlights a stark contrast: only three in 1,000 TGA viewers tuned in to catch the indie gems being revealed.
Day of the Devs offers an invaluable platform for new indie developers, showcasing their talents in front of massive audiences thanks to partnerships with TGA and Summer Games Fest. The low viewership suggests that many either didn’t hear about the showcase or simply overlooked it. Yet, it should have been one of the most awaited highlights, especially given its impactful 11-year history.
Massive indie hits had a spotlight at Day of the Devs
Do you recall when the Hollow Knight developers were virtually unknown? Day of the Devs showcased Hollow Knight in 2024, well before its launch—and long before Silksong took home a Game of the Year nomination at TGA. That early spotlight helped shift the fate of this beloved title.
Several other games like Cuphead, Blue Prince, and Cocoon have benefited similarly, becoming TGA nominees after their showcase. Some titles, like Spiritfarer, Untitled Goose Game, and the challenging Getting Over It with Bennet Foddy, may not have achieved massive success, but they hold a cherished spot in the hearts of indie aficionados.
Which Day of the Devs games may dominate 2026
I believe the latest Day of the Devs could be hiding the next breakout indie hit: a game that will echo in conversations for years. While I can’t predict the future, I have a few strong contenders in mind.
Stretchmancer strikes me as a potential award-winner in both design and innovation. It gives off major Portal vibes, hinting that it could resonate deeply with players if executed well. Sure, its cartoonish aesthetic might not appeal to all hardcore gamers, but I have high hopes for it. It seems like a perfect fit for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, especially with Joy-Con mouse controls on the horizon.
Awaysis looks like it might not have hundreds of thousands of concurrent players, but it could become one of those timeless games you reach for when friends gather. Think along the lines of a modern-day Overcooked.
The Dungeon Experience might just be the quirky gem everyone talks about. You navigate a colorful, surreal world with a guiding talking crab. I can see it becoming a fan favorite among Twitch streamers for the sheer fun factor, although it may face tough competition from co-op physics-based games like Frog Sqwad.
I’m loading up my Steam wishlist in anticipation, hoping to experience these indie wonders before they become mainstream sensations.
What games were announced at the Day of the Devs 2025 showcase?
The Day of the Devs 2025 featured several exciting indie titles, including Stretchmancer, Awaysis, and The Dungeon Experience, each showcasing innovative concepts and gameplay.
How can indie games become mainstream?
Many indie games gain traction through showcases like Day of the Devs, word-of-mouth recommendations, and engaging gameplay that resonates with a broad audience.
What makes Day of the Devs important for indie developers?
Day of the Devs provides indie developers with a powerful platform to showcase their work to thousands of viewers, increasing visibility and potential sales.
Why do people tune into The Game Awards?
The Game Awards draws viewers for game announcements, award recognitions, and the excitement of seeing the best in gaming celebrated.
What indie game are you most excited about from the Day of the Devs showcase? Share your thoughts in the comments below!