19 fantastic indie games we saw in San Francisco that you have to check out!
- 19 games were pitched to us at The Very Big Indie Pitch at Pocket Gamer Connects San Fran 2025
- 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 went back to its roots in Pocket Gamer Connects San Fransico! Returning to where it all started, Pocket Gamer Connects had a fantastic show and the Very Big Indie Pitch went off smashingly.
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 varous 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
NAME OF THE WILL by Zeitgeist Studio
Imagine a daylight horror puzzler set in a cult-like neighbourhood filled with unceasing surveillance. Explore layers of truth manoeuvring between hallucinations and reality. What price will your neighbours pay for every single choice you make? This game features a very unique art style, that very much fits the distinct concept and atmosphere.
NAME OF THE WILL is set to release in 2026, on PC.
2
Mole Maiden by Tastie Games LLC.
Mole Maiden is a Bossavania where a mole girl leaves home to become a pro-wrestler, determined to follow in her sister Coppra’s footsteps. Fourteen-year-old Penny Copper journeys through the depths of R&D Mine, battling fierce opponents and mastering drill-powered combat to qualify for the Burrow Miner League Championship. With fluid movement, high-stakes boss fights, and a world bursting with personality, she’ll have to prove she has what it takes to stand beside her sister in the ring.
Mole Maiden is set to release on PC in 2025
3
Mars Attracts by Outlier
Mars Attracts is a park management sim set in the iconic universe of Mars Attacks™. Build rides, hire staff, manage guest needs, and abduct humans to serve as the star attractions. You'll face demanding visitors, environmental hazards, and the ever-looming threat of human escapes! This game takes the IP further, creating a very silly idea out of it.
Mars Attracts is set to release in August 2025, on PC.
4
Thirsty Heroes by Bit By Bit Studios
Thirsty Heroes is the simplified deckbuilding dungeon crawler for when you need a quick escape. Skip the grind, and get a loot fix in three minutes' time! This game is designed for those who are interested in deckbuilders, to have a more bite-sized way to play them. Its stunning characters and graphic style felt very fun to those who saw the game at the event.
Thirsty Heroes is set to release in 2025, on iOS, Android, Switch, and PC.
5
Purrfect Employee by Second Way Studios
Purrfect Employee is a virtual reality game where you play as a cat named Lyle sabotaging a heartless insurance company. As Lyle, you’ll cause as much mayhem and destruction as possible all without getting caught. Your employer might not like it, but Embracing your Cat-like instincts is how you become the Purrfect Employee. This wacky, chaotic game is one that felt very fun to see and play, especially in VR.
Purrfect Employee is coming out in December on VR.
6
Board Of The Kings by Team Checkmate
Board of The Kings is a unique blend of Chess and a strategy RPG, offering players an engaging experience by combining the intellectual challenges of chess with the excitement and progression of role-playing games. Players can shape each piece's abilities through skill trees, and the introduction of an impactful perma-death mechanic adds a layer of tension and strategic depth to decision-making.
Board of The Kings is set to launch in early 2026, on PC.
7
Amazing Frog? by Fayju
Amazing Frog? is an open-world ragdoll physics sandbox game. Set in the British town of Swindon. It plays like kid-friendly alternative to GTA. It's a game that feels full of freedom and funny moments. One that is also fit for all ages, from younger kids to adults looking for something wacky to play.
Amazing Frog? is set to release in the summer, on Switch, PlayStation and Xbox.
8
Hank Shaw: Private Eye by Exit 73 Games
Hank Shaw: Private Eye is a short, noir detective game where players solve puzzles to progress the story, hand-animated in a 1950's UPA style (think: Mr. Magoo, Pink Panther). This graphic style really captivated those who were at PGC, who really felt that there was a lot of soul and love put in here!
Hank Shaw: Private Eye is set to release on March 31st, 2026 on PC.
9
SPEEED! by NAJJ Games
In SPEEED! the more chaos you cause, the faster you go. Tilt your device to navigate through an endless space facility that's desperate to stop your chaotic spree. Destroy drones, smash through doors, swerve past spinning lasers, and more! All for the sake of SPEEED!
SPEEED! is set to launch in the Fall of 2025, on iOS, Android and Switch.
10
Castlebound by Ogre Pixel
Lead a band of heroes in a walking castle to battle endless hordes of enemies in this action-packed roguelike! The Paper Mario-style graphics really feel fantastically well-placed within this adventure.
Castlebound is set to launch in 2025 on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.
11
Detective Dotson by Masala Games Private Limited
Welcome to the cosy gullies of modern-day India. Playing detective here is hard, especially if your dream is to be a Bollywood star. Befriend nosy aunties and dance at weddings while wearing strange disguises. You do what you must to find clues and complete the evidence board. Stories and street food never end in this place. Fall in love with cute pixel characters, then bargain with them for everything. Watch out for the traffic and enjoy a cultural joyride unlike any other in Detective Dotson.
Detective Dotson is set to release on April 3rd, on iOS, Android, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.
12
Canvas Infernum by Canvas Ink Games
Canvas Infernum is a strategic tile placement landscape builder where you craft a surreal Rennaissance-inspired hell using real historical art. Inspired by Dorfromantik/Carcassonne and Bosch paintings, it features classic board game mechanics blending with roguelike elements and a philosophic story-driven progression.
Canvas Infernum is set to launch in 2026, on iOS, Android, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.
13
Metal Haven by Xigma Games
Build planetary bases, gather resources, survive alien monsters, send squads to explore distant planets and engage in MMO space battles with other players.
Metal Haven is set to launch in May on iOS, Android and PC.
14
Winds of Arcana: Ruination by Brewed Games
Become the ultimate warrior mage. Find Legendary Weapons and Devastating Powers to create the perfect build as you search for your old mercenary comrades in a cursed land. Encounter deadly boss fights, epic quests, and challenging platforming in a world broken by an ancient wrath.
Winds of Arcana: Ruination is set to launch this year on iOS, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.
15
Adventure in Henders Castle by Aventuras Bonitas
Cast magic spells in this 3d action-adventure game. Overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and fight the dark forces that have taken hold of your ancestral home. Adventure in Henders Castle has you become a young person, who is full of magic, looking to stay alive and stop the dark forces that have appeared in their home.
Adventure in Henders Castle is set to launch in December on Switch and PC.
16
Blocks for Babies by BunkSoft Interactive LLC
Blocks for Babies is a block-stacking roguelike shooter where every kill shapes the game board. Drop falling tiles into complete lines, then go in guns blazing to clean up the board the messy way. Hard and soft drops aren't your only tools anymore—now you have a shotgun. It's like Tetris meets Doom.
Blocks for Babies is set to launch in July on PC.
17
Llamalandia by Paramo Games
Llamalandia is a cosy adventure game about finding your family and making a special bond with each llama you meet. Build your llama sanctuary to protect your family, raise the baby llamas so you can take them on your adventures, and invite other cute animals to live with you in this magical place.
Llamalandia is set to launch this year, on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.
18
Titan Isles by Psytec Games Ltd
Titan Isles is a rogue-lite VR action-adventure game where alone or in a team you swing, fly and parkour your way through the world to take down titanic bosses.
Titan Isles is set to launch this year, on VR.
19
Dono's Tale by Super Item Studios
Dono's Tale is a cute and colourful action platformer that combines the fast-paced action of Megaman X, and Donkey Kong Country gameplay, with the charming aesthetics of Yoshi's Island and Kirby's Dreamland 3.
Dono's Tale is set to launch in 2025 on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.
