10 indie game highlights from February’s ID@Xbox Showcase
Believe it or not, we are back in another gaming showcase season! Late February has been a whirlwind of showcases and announcements of upcoming showcases, including the Annapurna Showcase, the Whitethorn Winter Showcase, and many more soon to come in March. One of the heaviest hitters so far, was the ID@Xbox Showcase, part of this year’s IGN Fan Fest. The livestream event lasted around 40 minutes and was front-to-back loaded with banger announcements about upcoming indie game titles. If you missed the showcase, here are my biggest highlights from ID@Xbox.
1. Rockbeasts
Developed by: Lichthund
I had no idea how badly I needed a game that feels like Behind the Music, but looks like Bojack Horseman. Rockbeasts looks like it’s going to be gritty, angsty, inspiring, and unlike anything I’ve ever played before. My body is ready, bring it on!!
Release Date: 2025
2. Descenders Next
Developed by: RageSquid
I’m not usually a huge fan of sports games, but Descenders Next has a certain vibe that has really captured my imagination. As a kid and teen I loved to watch the X Games, so seeing longboards, snowboards and skis tearing down a mountain immediately gets my attention. I just have this strong feeling that playing this will bring me back to long summer days, playing ATV Offroad Fury on my friend’s PS2, sprawled in the middle of the living room surrounded with snacks. And that’s a vibe I desperately want to get back to.
Release Date: April 9, 2025
3. New Balatro Collabs
Developed by: LocalThunk
When I heard we were getting some news related to a new Balatro collab, I expected that we were getting one or two new sets of card faces featuring some additional iconic game characters. Little did I know we were getting not one or two, but EIGHT incredible collabs including huge AAA franchises like Fallout and Assassin’s Creed, as well as some surprising and delightful indie collabs like Bugsnax and Slay the Princess. Balatro continues to be the darling of the indie game world and I’ll continue to be here cheering it on!
Release Date: February 24, 2025
4. Moonlighter 2
Developed by: Digital Sun
As someone who hasn’t yet played the first title in the Moonlighter series, my impressions of Moonlighter 2 are just that so far: impressions. That said, this game looks like it has the potential to bring us an absolutely undeniable gameplay loop, at the level something like Cult of the Lamb. I love games that tow the line between two genres, and I’m itching to experience this marriage of combat and shop management. And I haven’t even mentioned how beautiful it looks!
Release Date: 2025
5. Herdling
Developed by: Okomotive
I was really moved by the Herdling trailer. If it’s possible to feel the beauty of solitude and the comfort of community simultaneously, that’s what I imagine this game will offer. The world looks brutal, but these yak-like creatures that you care for look so sweet and endearing. I know this game will be tugging at my heartstrings.
Release Date: 2025
6. Outbound
Developed by: Square Glade Games
Outbound looks like it combines all of my favorite parts of Firewatch, Valheim, and the upcoming Camper Van: Make it Home. The trailer features gorgeous nature shots, first person building and decorating, backed by a cheerful and calming soundtrack.
Release Date: TBA
7. Wax Heads
Developed by: Patattie Games
Wax Heads is a cute, grimy and utterly delightful vision of working at a record store. The demo has been out for a while and offers up lots of shenanigans, plus gameplay that music lovers will adore. If you’re the friend who’s constantly recommending new music to everyone, this game promises to put you in your element. Both of us at No Small Games have been keeping our eyes on Wax Heads since the summer of 2024, and were delighted to learn we finally have a release window!! 2026 can’t come soon enough.
Release Date: 2026
8. The Lonesome Guild
Developed by: Tiny Bull Studios
I’m always here for a story about found family, and The Lonesome Guild’s cast of characters looks incredibly charming. ARPGs used to be my bread and butter in gaming but I’ve fallen off that wagon for some time now. I have a feeling that this game might just bring me back to the genre, with its quirky characters, beautiful world, and combat that looks like it will be super smooth and engaging.
Release Date: Fall 2025
9. Tempopo
Developed by: Witch Beam
Does this game look and feel like a garden party fever dream? Yes. Does it have one of the catchiest theme songs we’ve heard in the past few years? Absolutely. I’ve now watched multiple people play this demo, and I feel I can safely say Tempopo is going to reel players in with its bright colors and irresistible tunes, but keep them hooked with its surprisingly devious puzzles.
Release Date: Apr 17, 2025
10. 33 Immortals
Developed by: Thunder Lotus
I find the concept of 33 Immortals completely fascinating: get 33 players into one lobby for a co-op action roguelike raid, fighting for their lives in a gorgeous hand drawn world. I truly can’t fathom how the logistics of matchmaking will work, but I trust Thunder Lotus to bring us something really special.
Release Date: 2025
About No Small Games
No Small Games is an indie game recap and review podcast brought to you by hosts Kate and Emily! They became friends while streaming on Twitch and bonded over their love of indie video games. In each episode of No Small Games, the two will discuss an indie game they both played independently. They’ll compare their experiences: the good, the bad, their most memorable moments of their playthroughs.
Learn more about the podcast and its hosts on the About page.