12 fantastic indie games we saw in Dubai that you have to check out
- 12 games were pitched to us at The Very Big Indie Pitch at Dubai Game Expo Summit
- These games were created by studios all over the world
- They take on a bunch of different genres and themes
The Very Big Indie Pitch is always a fun part of Pocket Gamer Connects events. This time, we saw the fringe pitching competition taking place in Dubai as a part of the Dubai Game Expo Summit.
In case you aren't familiar, the Very Big Indie Pitch is a fringe event that allows developers to practice their pitching skills, meet industry experts and show off their games. Many of them are unreleased or work-in-progress that are being shown for the first time! As exciting as this is, we wanted to also share these amazing games and studios with you, so that you have something to keep an eye on.
Pocket Gamer Connect events all over the world have Very Big Indie Pitches, along with other major gaming events. The goal is to highlight more indies and their developers, something we always strive to do on Pocket Gamer.
When it comes to the pitch itself, this edition had a variety of different games coming out on various platforms, from developers who have both released many games and those working on their first. There were a ton of fantastic pitches, three winners were picked, and now you can thumb through all of the games that tried their luck at being the winner.
Want to take part yourself? Check out the Big Indie Pitch website for a list of all the upcoming pitches, and find out how you can get your game in front of our panel of judges.
1
Talystro by Filiokus
Talystro was back pitching again, with their rouglite deckbuilder. This graphic style, reminding me of Cuphead, really stood out. The game itself is all about performing attacks that are equal to the value of the enemy, by rolling activity dice and playing your cards right. It's meant to be a highly skill-based game and requires players to combine logic, creative problem-solving and strategic use of the resources at hand. Over time, you can enhance your deck, upgrade your characters' abilities and more.
Talystro is aimed to release in February of 2026, on iOS, Android and PC.
2
Rhythm Hotel by SyncArc Studio
Rhythm Hotel is a rhythm-based heaven-like that follows simple beats through a cast of characters and strange places. The game itself is scaled so that levels have unique rhythmic patterns that slowly increase with difficulty. Over time, you will need to focus on your timing and precision, introducing a variety of rhythm mechanics.
Rhythm Hotel is aiming to launch in June on PC.
3
FrostCraft by Birches Technologies
FrostCraft is a cosy, slice-of-life adventure game where you will be carving your own warm house within a frozen, unrelenting world. Like most slice of life adventure games, you can craft, farm, explore and slowly transform this icy world into something more cosy to take part in. There are also aspects of magic within the world.
FrostCraft is set to launch in 2026, on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.
4
Mad King Redemption by SECRET MISSION
Mad King Redemption is a retro-styled beat 'em up that puts 2D characters in a 3D environment. This beat-em-up comes with roguelite progression. The story of Mad King Redemption has you trying to fight the Mad King, who has used forbidden magic to resuscitate his wife, the queen. Over time, you can unlock new heroes, attacks and artifacts while getting closer to the Mad King to stop his madness.
Mad King Redemption is aimed to go live in June, on Switch and PC.
5
Mechxis War: The Rise of AI by Good Bit Games
Mechxis War: The Rise of AI is an action-packed RPG set in the future, where Earth is under siege by alien AI enemies. You, the pilot and commander of AlphaRobo, are the humans' only hope. AlphaRobo is an advanced mech warrior built to change the course of this war.
Mechxis War: The Rise of AI is set to release in 2025, on iOS, Android, and PC.
6
Rocket Boots Mania by Contra Concept
Rocket Boots Mania aims to be the next big eSport! It's a battle royale racing game, where players must survive within a bunch of different player-shaped arenas. It's action-packed, forcing you to slide, climb, wall run, flip and sometimes fly your way through the various arenas. You can also build your own tracks in creative mode.
Rocket Boots Mania is set to launch in 2027, on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.
7
Cosmic Race by Psypher Interactive
Cosmic Race is a sci-fi combat racing game clearly inspired by retro arcade racers! The worlds themselves are on colourful alien planets, with lots of destruction all around you. Along with racing, you can also involve yourself in vehicular combat, in one of the 25 different sci-fi vehicles inspired by classic cars from the 80s and 90s.
Cosmic Race is looking to release in 2026, on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.
8
AUM The Game by Brahman Studios
Inspired by Indian Mythology, AUM The Game is a cross-platform, real-time multiplayer action adventure full of storytelling and unique culture. It's a unique and interesting feeling game!
AUM The Game is set to launch in 2027, on iOS and Android.
9
Fideo's Adventure by Nomadroid
Fideo's Adventure is an isometric hack n slash adventure game! You can combine and customise your stretchy arms, creating weapons with them. The world itself are full of secrets, characters to meet, and weapons to discover. There are also some environmental puzzles that you can solve with your stretchy arms.
Fideo's Adventure is set to launch in 2028 on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.
10
Musicality Beats
Musicality Beats is an interactive, educational rhythm game that is tailored to the specific region's musical heritage. Aimed at being a new way to experience music, you can edit some of the beats, creating something unique to you.
Musicality Beats is set to launch in 2025 on iOS and Android.
11
Possesions by Lucid Labs
Possessions is a puzzler all about shifting perspectives to put items in the correct part of the room, following a story that changes with the changing environment. It's a captivating and relaxing puzzler that is more than meets the eye.
Possessions is currently out on iOS and Android.
12
Azooma Escape by Ash Games Studio
Azooma Escape is a top-down, action stealth adventure where you get to play as a young Saudi guest who wants to congratulate your uncle on becoming Cthe hieftain. You must then sneak, dash, and scheme your way through a lively Middle Eastern party, distracting people you don't want to interact with.
Azooma Escape is set to launch in August on PC.
