Summer Games Fest has given us a tonne of game reveals already, even if we’re not getting our usual E3. Day of the Devs is an annual event held by Double Fine and iam8bit focusing on indie developers. Usually, it’s an in-person event, although it’s been digital for the last couple of years for obvious reasons. With Summer Games Fest going on Without any further ado, here are all the games that were featured in Day of the Devs 2022!
Animal Well
A pixel puzzle game inspired by classic titles like the original Legend of Zelda and Metroid, Animal Well is full of puzzles to solve, secrets to uncover, and ghoulish creatures. You must assess for yourself what is dangerous, and what might potentially help you. Animal Well has no confirmed release date, but will release on PC and PS5.
Bear & Breakfast
You’re a bear trying your best to run a B&B in the woods. What’s not to love about this? Gather resources and design your B&B to your heart’s content, Developer Gummy Cat has said that there’s “definitely no creepy sub-plot hidden deep within the forest,” which sure is encouraging. The game releases on July 28th on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Birth
Birth is a truly strange little title about constructing a creature out of bones and organs that can be found around the city. Solve physics-based puzzles in this beautifully hand-drawn game about loneliness. It will come out on PC later this year.
Choo Choo Charles
This game caused a splash earlier in the year when some gameplay footage went viral. Reminiscent of various Thomas the Tank Engine memes, this game asks, ‘What if Thomas was an evil spider monstrosity’? An island settlement is terrorised by the demonic train known as Charles. Upgrade an old train of your own and search the island for the supplies you need to become strong enough to meet Charles head-on. Choo Choo Charles will release on PC sometime this year.
Desta: The Memories Between
Coming from the same team who brought us Monument Valley, Desta: The Memories Between is about a young adult called Desta who has returned home after their father’s death. The gameplay is a mix of roguelike, turn-based tactics, and even some sports gameplay. The game’s theme surrounds dreams and conflicting fears. There is no current release date, but it will be released on PC.
Fox and Frog Travelers: The Demons of Adashino
From Japanese developer Rias comes this 3D adventure game starring a girl called Fox, who finds herself on the mysterious Adashino Island and begins travelling with Frog. The brightly-lit island is heavily inspired by Japanese culture, and something sinister seems to be lurking beneath the surface. The game will release something this year on PC, Nintendo Switch, and more TBD.
Escape Academy
Welcome to Escape Acadamy, the school for aspiring escapists. Solo or with a friend, complete more than a dozen hand-crafted escape rooms as well as a host of other challenges. There’s also a visual novel element here, so if you’re a fan of puzzle visual novels, this might be for you! Escape Academy is out on 14 July, 2022.
Goodbye World
Kanii and Kumade are two game designers who are trying to make ends meet. The story follows the two through 13 narrative chapters, alongside puzzle-platforming gameplay. The art style is heavily reminiscent of GameBoy-era retro gaming. Goodbye World will be released sometime this year to PC.
How to Say Goodbye
This wistful little game is a puzzle narrative about helping newly-departed ghosts get to ‘the other side’ while avoiding evil spirits. Complete levels by shifting the scenery and manipulating reality. How to Say Goodbye is coming to PC this year.
Little Nemo and the Guardians of Slumberland
As a pyjama-clad little boy, explore the Metroidvania-inspired Slumberland with a collection of toys like yo-yos and bubble wands. The game is a non-linear 2D platformer that has been lovingly hand-drawn and animated, and currently has an active Kickstarter to help bring it to fruition.
A Little to The Left
Using a combination of real photography and illustrations, this game is a satisfying mix of home organisation and puzzle-solving. Sort, stack, and organise your household items to your satisfaction, but watch out for your troublemaking cat! It’s coming to PC and Switch sometime this year.
Naiad
Immerse yourself in a minimalist, relaxing river journey in Naiad. Interact with the plants and animals you meet along the way to discover secrets, or just go with the flow. Naiad is coming to PS4, PS5, and PC later this year.
Planet of Lana
In Planet of Lana, you play as a girl searching to save her sister from an alien threat. You meet a strange creature called Mui who will help you interact with the environment, access areas you can’t, and commune with the strange creatures of the planet. Planet of Lana releases this year on PC and Xbox consoles.
Roots of Patcha
A farming/town simulator inspired by Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley, Roots of Patcha is set in the Stone Age eons before the invention of modern agricultural tools. Discover how to plant crops, wrangle some farm animals, and explore the spiritual caves of your ancestors to help your tribe thrive. The game is coming sometime this year of PC, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One.
SCHiM
SCHiM is about getting from A to B by hiding in shadows. The hustle and bustle of the 3D environment and shifting light sources provide a light puzzle experience. It currently has no release date.
Time Flies
A game about our limited time in this world. You are a fly, and your time is short. Use your time alive to its fullest by doing the only thing you can do – fly around, land on stuff, and explore the house while enjoying a lazy jazz soundtrack. What’s not to like? Time Flies is coming this year to PC, Switch, and PS4.
That’s all the games that were shown at the Day of the Devs event. There are a lot of really creative ideas this time, and most are coming out sometime this year, so we don’t have too long to wait.
About the Author
Edie W-K
she/her
If it isn't video games, Edie doesn't care about it. She's been playing games since the N64 era, and only spent enough time away from her 3DS to earn a Bachelor in Games Design from RMIT.
