Six intriguing games from Day of the Devs showcase

With so many projects vying for attention, it’s difficult for indie developers to break through the noise. That’s where Day of the Devs comes in. The nonprofit pores over hundreds of submissions and highlights some of the best.

Even with that filter, the number of games shown during the presentation can be overwhelming. Here are the titles that stuck out and should be on your radar:

“Awaysis” by 17-bit: The Kyoto, Japan-based studio brings in new ideas to the dungeon brawler by adding physics to the mix. It isn’t realistic though, but rather, it blends with the gameplay to create weight to the weapons and a bit of unpredictability to the movement. Combine this with four-player co-op, and it could be a fantastic formula for a weekend of fun. Info: The game is scheduled for release in 2026 on Xbox Series X and Series S and PC

“Lucid Falls” by Eldamar Studio: This psychological horror title has eye-popping visuals that’s reminiscent of “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2” with its twilight hues and mysterious natural environments. Developer Yurii Radkevych said the game plays around with gravity as players discover that it doesn’t follow the rules. Info: The game has a listing on Steam.

“Rockbeasts” by Lichthund: Dozens of management type games have been published in recent years where players build up gas stations, a newspaper empire and more. Liccthund puts players in a more glamorous role of a manager of budding rock band in the 1990s. Players will take the foursome from performing to ratty bars to selling out stadiums and being on the equivalent of the world’s MTV. As the band manager, they’ll also have to manage egos and the members’ self-destructive tendencies. Info: It’s scheduled to release on PC, Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

“Stretchmancer” by Triangle Wave: Gamers looking for a “Portal” fix will find an intriguing option with this title. It’s another first-person puzzle game, but instead of venturing for with a portal gun, players have the ability to stretch the environment. They can push objects to lengthen them. This is great for lengthening the room and escape your cell. They can also pull an object, which can create bridges to cross chasms. Players have to use these skills and more to defeat the Claustro Empire in this adventure: Info: The title is listed on Steam

“Beastro” by Timberline Studio: Most dungeon crawlers explore the heroes role, but fewer games take the perspective of the support characters who help the wizards and warriors on their journey. Developers have explored running item shops and battling monsters in “Moonlighter.” Now, this indie team is combining a restaurant sim with a card-battler.

“Beastro”is divided into two parts. It focuses on Panko, a restaurateur who cooks food for Caretakers who guard the gtown. Players farm the ingredients and cook them to power the heroes defense. In the second half, the Caretakers regale Panko with details of their adventures. It’s seen as puppet show that doubles as a card battle game, which players interact with. The deck is augmented by the food Panko feeds the caretakers before the adventure, tying in the two elements together. Info: The demo is available now on Steam. It is scheduled for release on PC and Xbox Game pass.

“Scramble Knights Royale” by Funktronic Labs: At first glance, this title looks like it was pulled from recent 2D “The Legend of Zelda” games, but when players expand out, they’ll see up to 40 players on themap, and they’re all trying to defeat each other until there’s one standing. This isn’t “Fortnite” though. Players will have to explore short dungeons to power up their character so they can have the gear to defeat the other characters.

Even then that may not be enough for a victory because Funktronic adds dashes and rolls to create a more fighting game feel to combat. “Scramble Knigths Royale” will have a solo queue, but it also sports teams and even couch co-op. Info: This indie title is scheduled for release in 2026 on PC and Xbox Series X and Series S