Indie developers often bring freshness and originality to the gaming industry, and this year's Infogamer Reboot in Zagreb was a true stage for their creativity. Numerous domestic and regional studios showcased their unique projects, ambitions, and stories about game development that leave an impression.
Indie teams like these have the everyday task of proving that the power of an idea can compete with the budgets of the largest. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and ingenuity provide the audience with a glimpse into the future of the gaming industry that is not solely tied to large corporations.
Below, we present indie studios and their games that have marked this year's Infogamer Reboot festival with their vision and effort.
A Byte War - Stellar Studio
Stellar Studio is a Croatian development team specializing in game and web application development. Their mission is to create products that make life simpler and more enjoyable, always adding a dose of creativity and playfulness to their projects. With a focus on quality, they provide comprehensive development services - from idea and design to implementation and support. Additionally, they offer assistance on existing projects, enabling clients to elevate their ideas to the next level.
The studio stands out with a holistic approach to development, treating each project with great attention to detail and innovation. Their philosophy is based on the combination of professionalism and fun, believing that client satisfaction is as important as the team's creativity. Whether it involves creating entirely new solutions or optimizing existing ones, Stellar Studio demonstrates impressive adaptability and expertise.
Their latest game, A Byte War, represents an innovative approach to the real-time strategy genre. Players take control of block machines in a battle against a threat from another dimension, with the key to success lying in building block-based bases and strategically using unique structures like harvesters, unit generators, and influence spreaders.
A special emphasis is placed on the "influence" mechanic that allows players to dominate an area, providing advantages such as repairing units, disabling enemy structures, and generating resources. Each mission offers different strategies and outcomes, from conquering enemies to defending one's own base. The game encourages creativity with its design and innovative systems, offering a rich tactical experience, making it a true gem in the indie gaming world.
A Byte War is announced for the end of 2024, and you can find the game at the link.
Curvelicious - Filip Strelec
Curvelicious is a fast-paced, dynamic game that brings a new twist to classic "snake" and "curve" games. Focused on local multiplayer, the game allows up to eight players to compete in intense and chaotic matches. With customizable modes, a variety of power-ups, and personalization options, Curvelicious offers unlimited fun and strategic depth for all competitive gaming enthusiasts.
The game offers three main gameplay modes. Arcade Mode introduces various power-ups that add unpredictability and excitement to each match. Custom Mode allows players to customize almost every aspect of the game, from the width of the curve to speed and the selection of available power-ups, making each game unique. For purists, there is Classic Mode that brings things back to basics, without power-ups, focusing solely on player skill.
Although there is currently no singleplayer option, plans for a future dynamic singleplayer mode are already underway, with a promise of a free upgrade. With support for Steam Remote Play Together, even those who are not in the same room can enjoy the game with friends online. Curvelicious is the perfect combination of reflexes, strategy, and customizable fun that will satisfy even the most demanding players.
Curvelicious is already available on Steam at the following link.
Sigma Centauri - Pannonian Studio
Sigma Centauri is a semi-realistic sci-fi MOBA game that combines fast action, strategic team play, and unique dynamic events. Players take on the role of pilots of customizable spaceships, participating in battles set in a dark universe filled with cosmic horrors. The focus on community is reflected through a clan system that further deepens the tactical elements of the game.
The game's action is set in the Sigma Centauri system, where humanity, after a catastrophe on Earth, fights for survival. Two opposing factions, the authoritarian "Loyalists" and the democratic "Free-minded," clash for control over a rare substance known as "Stellara." The story and atmosphere are further enhanced by a dystopian musical landscape featuring heavy synthesizers and glitch elements, inspired by the works of artists like Jamez Dahl and Ben Frost.
With a modern approach to physics, Sigma Centauri offers a variety of ships, each with unique abilities, allowing players to choose between the allied side of the "Empire" or the rebellious "Pirates." Intense skirmishes, tactical depth, and incredible audiovisual presentation make this game an exciting experience for all MOBA and sci-fi genre enthusiasts.
Chaos On Wheels - Acodeon
Acodeon Studio, a young indie team from Croatia, has been merging their passions for programming, art, and gaming since 2020 to create unforgettable games. Founded by two friends who dropped out of college to pursue their dreams, the studio has gradually grown into a small but passionate team dedicated to developing innovative and exciting games. Their vision is based on creating games that provide players with fun and thrilling experiences, and Chaos on Wheels is a perfect example of that philosophy.
Chaos on Wheels brings destructive and chaotic vehicle combat action, focusing on customization, strategy, and fast-paced action. Players can choose drivers and vehicles, customize them with armor, colors, and various gadgets, and engage in explosive battles against other cars. The game offers a tense campaign of 10 chapters, where players destroy enemies, turrets, and traps to earn new upgrades, vehicles, and weapons.
A special feature of the game is splitscreen multiplayer, ideal for fun with friends and family. With plenty of projectiles, rockets, and traps, Chaos on Wheels provides intense action and the ability to manage your own "chaos garage" where players can handle upgrades and customizations. This game is perfect for all fans of fast, destructive challenges filled with explosions and adrenaline.
Chaos On Wheels is planned for full release at the end of 2025, and you can follow all updates, news, and announcements at this link.
Don't Look Back - Damage Control
Damage Control Studio, a three-member team specializing in horror game development and film production, brings a new dimension to the world of fear and tension. Their games and films combine a creepy atmosphere, psychological tension, and innovative storytelling techniques to provide players and viewers with unforgettable experiences. The key to the team's success lies in its members Mattman, Mattimoo, and Flodoor, who create unique horror projects through collaboration and diverse skills. The studio actively encourages interaction with the audience, seeking feedback to make their future projects even better.
Their latest title, Don’t Look Back, places players at the heart of a creepy and tense story. The task seems simple – to find six keys that unlock doors full of secrets, but the dangers lurking in the darkness are far from ordinary. As you explore dark rooms, collect hidden notes, and piece together clues, you uncover a dark story that lies at the foundation of the house.
The biggest challenge comes in the form of the mysterious "Crooked Man." The sounds it produces and its presence create constant tension, and one rule is crucial – never look at it! Don’t Look Back perfectly combines exploration, clue-solving, and psychological tension, providing players with an experience that won't allow them to relax for a moment.
Don't Look Back is already available on Steam as an Early Access release, while the full release is planned for early 2025.
Swords and Hexes - Studio Bedem
Welcome to Polygonia, a world of charming absurdity and epic adventures, where the story of Swords and Hexes unfolds in a unique RPG setting. The game's plot revolves around "The One True Hex," the ultimate artifact of power that shattered into six pieces and scattered across known kingdoms. To save the world from the forces of evil that seek to reassemble the hex into its original form, the main hero must defeat ruthless opponents, forge unexpected friendships, and survive a series of witty and absurd challenges.
Swords and Hexes is characterized by a unique blend of adventure, humor, and strategic thinking. With a richly developed campaign, players will encounter interesting characters and unpredictable tasks, further enriching the experience. A special emphasis is placed on the game world, which is filled with colorful details and creative elements, creating a space where every decision can mean the difference between defeat and victory.
In addition to solo adventure, Swords and Hexes also offers an innovative multiplayer mode. In this mode, players engage in strategic battles reminiscent of board games, gathering resources and creating armies to defeat their opponents. This combination of classic RPG elements and board games makes Swords and Hexes a true breath of fresh air in the indie gaming scene.
Swords and Hexes is planned for release in late 2024, and you can follow everything at the following link.
Project AionIX - Aionblaze Studio
AionBlaze Studio, founded by two passionate gamers and creatives, presents its first project, Project AionIX. The idea for the game emerged during a spontaneous conversation over coffee, when the founders realized that their complementary skills in programming, drawing, writing, and music could create something special. After several months of work, the studio developed a functional demo of the game, which is also the first step towards realizing their ambition – creating an entertaining game that will provide players with an unforgettable experience.
In Project AionIX, players take control of a space hunter, facing continuous waves of hostile aliens. This adrenaline-fueled space shooter adventure tests your piloting skills as you dodge enemy projectiles, aim precisely, and try to survive as long as possible. Currently, the game offers two gameplay modes:
- Timed Survival: Fight against endless hordes of enemies and try to reach level 12 in the shortest time possible.
- Endless Survival: Test your limits by facing continuously growing challenges.
The development team plans to expand the game and introduce a branching campaign, where player decisions will shape the story and lead them through diverse destinies. Project AionIX is a promising start for AionBlaze studio and certainly attracts the attention of genre enthusiasts.
Project AionIX is scheduled for release in the summer of 2025, and you can follow everything at the link.
Tea for Sana - Pillowsoup
Tea for Sana is a warm and emotional adventure developed by Pillow Soup, a solo indie developer based in Zagreb. The project is led by a Canadian author who found inspiration in exploring his Croatian roots and his love for the country he decided to call home. The game is a tribute to his grandmother, who lovingly cooked traditional Slavic dishes while watching her grandson play games on the Nintendo 64.
In Tea for Sana, you take on the role of Vesna, a sort of witch who communicates with the spirits of the mountain. Vesna cooks dishes to heal the villagers in the valley, while you explore the mountain, meet new characters, gather ingredients, and learn recipes throughout the story. The game is primarily narrative-driven, and its core lies in the healing power of cooking and empathy.
The story addresses heavy themes such as loss and adaptation to a new environment, but it carries an optimistic note as Vesna, facing her own inner struggles, helps others. Sana, the titular friend, hides a secret that you will uncover by recalling the recipe for her favorite tea – which is the key to her, and your, healing.
The game demo serves as a prologue, providing insight into the world of Tea for Sana, while the full version will bring more recipes, characters, new areas to explore, and a story that lasts 2-3 hours. This unique game promises a touching experience, filled with love for culture, cooking, and healing through community.
The full release is planned for early 2025, and you can find everything at the link.
Fishermans Palace - Superuser Games Studio
Fisherman’s Palace is the first commercial project of the studio Superuser Games, consisting of Damir and Ivana, a couple who combined their love for creativity and games to create this unique adventure. Both turned to video game development after leaving college to pursue their passions – Damir for programming and game creation, and Ivana for design and painting, which perfectly fit the visual identity of this game.
In Fisherman’s Palace, you arrive in a peaceful village to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, but soon you face a challenge: to catch the legendary mysterious fish everyone is talking about. This game combines a relaxed fishing experience with a tense competitive atmosphere, offering over 90 species of fish and dynamic seasonal tournaments. Collect points, climb the leaderboard, and earn prestige, wealth, and the title of the best fisherman in the village.
But fishing is not the only activity – you can choose one of the factions that reflect the different personalities and lifestyles of the villagers. Each faction offers unique experiences and challenges, allowing players to explore the rich community and its stories. Additionally, the game features farming elements – grow crops that can be used as bait or sold to fund your fishing ventures.
Expand your property, build farms, and upgrade your equipment. With better rods and more inventory space, every catch brings you closer to creating your own fishing empire. Fisherman’s Palace is not just a fishing game; it’s a story about building, exploring, and connecting with diverse characters in a magical world full of challenges and rewards.
Fisherman’s Palace will be available in spring 2025, and all relevant information can be found on Steam.
Bullets & Brains - Ajvar Studio
Bullets & Brains is an action post-apocalyptic top-down shooter where surviving fighters try to withstand relentless zombie attacks. Set in a devastated world, the game takes you through abandoned cities, forest trails, sewer systems, and even snowy mountains, where you will fight against endless waves of the undead.
In addition to fighting for survival, the main strength of your character comes from collecting puzzles and energy. These resources allow you to enhance your abilities, enabling you to perform devastating attacks and turn battles in your favor. Each character you can play has unique traits and starting weapons, allowing you to choose one that best fits your playstyle.
Bullets & Brains also offers a cooperative gameplay mode, where you can team up with other survivors and fight together against hordes of zombies. You can customize team play to your strategy, as the game supports various control options, including keyboard and mouse or gamepad, to make the experience as comfortable and precise as possible.
Throughout the game, you will explore diverse environments, uncover hidden secrets, gather resources, and battle various types of enemies. With fast-paced action, strategy, and precise combat, Bullets & Brains offers a dynamic and exciting experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Bullets & Brains will be available on all platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) in the first quarter of 2025. At this moment, players can try out the demo version and the free mini version of the game.
Dark Queen - Downtown Game Studio
Dark Queen is a 2.5D action-adventure game inspired by Slavic mythology and Croatian folklore. Set in a fantastical world, the game puts you in the role of a medieval knight returning home after bloody battles from the Crusades, only to discover that his homeland is infected with dark magic cast by an evil queen.
Throughout the game, you will fight against numerous monsters and epic bosses, exploring diverse landscapes - from enchanted forests to desolate deserts. Each new location brings new challenges and dangers, and the bloodshed of the Crusades has not prepared you for the terrifying creatures lurking around every corner.
The game is inspired by classics such as Song of Iron, Prince of Persia, Inside, and Limbo, with an emphasis on combat mechanics and exploration. To survive and defeat the evil queen, you will need to hone your skills, as that is the only way to overcome the threats that come from the darkness.
Dark Queen offers a nostalgic experience, reminding you of childhood tales of brave heroes, but in a grim, dangerous world full of mysteries.
Dark Queen is set to release in mid-2026, and you can find the game on Steam at this link.
Cave Hikers - Porcupine Parkour
Porcupine Parkour studio presents Cave Hikers, a relaxing and humorous 2D interactive cartoon game in a mockumentary style. The game follows three characters embarking on an exciting adventure through a world of caves, trying to find the mystical "cave with an infinite ceiling." The game begins in their hometown, from where they set off to explore, build a catapult, and fill out paperwork to launch themselves into the unknown parts of the underground world.
Porcupine Parkour is a young studio founded by Zvonimir Barać, who has a rich background in the video game industry. Zvonimir previously worked on the award-winning game "Viktor, a Steampunk Adventure" and numerous other projects before deciding to start his own studio in 2019. With Cave Hikers, the studio aims to offer a game that will entertain and relax, while also providing innovative elements, such as alchemy and the documentary style of gameplay, which has been recognized as characteristic of their work.
Features:
- Documentary style: The story is told as if the characters are in a nature documentary, creating a unique atmosphere.
- Cave book: The game comes with a book that is available both in-game and as a printable PDF. The book is wordless and contains sketches of flora and fauna, as well as recipes for magical potions that the player mixes during the game.
- Alchemy: Players can collect ingredients, mix potions, and shake test tubes to create various magical substances.
- Imagined greetings: Every character you hover over will greet you with a wave, which is a new element that excites everyone who has tried it.
Cave Hikers offers a relaxing experience with an emphasis on creative play and humor, ideal for fans of non-violent puzzle adventures.
Cave Hikers offers a free demo on Steam, and if you like it, you can purchase the full game.
From Basement With Love - BIG small Games
BIG SMALL GAMES is a young company specializing in video game development, with a mission to inspire and entertain people around the world. Their development efforts are focused on creating experiences that are intuitive and easy to consume, inspiring, and above all – fun.
From Basement with Love is a 2D puzzle-adventure set in the tense era of the Cold War. As a secret agent, your task is to intercept and decrypt enemy communications to prevent a military threat. The game combines elements of point-and-click puzzles with a visual novel, immersing players in a narrative-driven experience.
The game's action takes place in a small basement room that serves as both your living space and the center of your secret operations. Your desk is equipped with the necessary devices to intercept and decrypt enemy transmissions. Stay alert to track and intercept hidden messages, use specialized devices to break codes, and engage in social engineering to extract important information from your target.
As the tension of the Cold War rises, the fate of national security is in your hands. Will you uncover the truth before it's too late? From Basement with Love challenges your resourcefulness and strategic thinking as you immerse yourself in the world of espionage.
The full release of the game is planned for early 2025, and you can find the game at this link.
B-Root Force - Jayus Studio
Jayus Studio is a team from Niš that presented the game B-root Force at Reboot Infogamer 2024 in Zagreb, aimed at the PC platform. The team consists of four members: two programmers (Nikola Ljupković, Marko Krivokapić) and two designers (Matija Krivokapić, Nemanja Vuksanović). They developed the first prototype of the game at the Global Game Jam in 2023, where the theme was "Root". They found inspiration for the game in popular franchises like Worms and Plants vs. Zombies. After initial testing and positive feedback, they decided to continue development, improve gameplay, add new characters and maps, and enhance the visual identity of the game. Their goal is for B-root Force to offer a unique experience and stand out in the market with its fresh approach.
B-root Force is a 1v1 combat game inspired by games like Worms and Plants vs. Zombies. The objective of the game is to destroy the pot in which your opponent is located, while simultaneously maintaining the health of your own pot using plant powers and constant movement. Movement is performed by shooting your root at other pots, which immediately teleports you to them and gives you the health of that pot.
The game rewards dynamic movement, and each move fills your plant power bar, while also ensuring you stay healthy. However, be careful – avoid damaged pots or you will fall into a trap!
The current characters in the game are:
- Cactimothy – Cactus, a sniper with the plant ability to shoot needles around him.
- Sonne – Sunflower, a combat type with a solar beam ability that charges slowly.
- Sheriff Star – Purple star flower, which increases attack speed with each use of the ability.
- Lion – Dandelion, which grows from a small dandelion into a mature white fluffy flower that shoots pellets like buckshot.
- Rosemary – Rose, which has the ability to heal its pot.
The demo version of the game is already available on the itch.io platform, and a full release is planned for spring 2025.
Shellers.io - Fearem Studio
Fearem Studio is the team that developed the game Shellers.io, a fast-paced and exciting instagib game set in a futuristic sci-fi universe. The game features machine learning-based bots, random map generation, and dynamic matches where you fight for victory.
In Shellers.io, players are equipped with energy shields on their backs that provide protection from enemy fire. These shields can be strengthened by earned kills, but will also weaken when hit by an enemy. Dynamically generated maps add an extra layer of challenge, as each game takes place on completely new terrain.
In this game of quick reflexes and strategic thinking, you must utilize all your skills to outsmart opponents, dodge attacks, and eliminate as many enemies as possible. Each victory brings you closer to domination in this intense deathmatch environment.
The game was created as part of the 7dfps game jam, and although it is still in the prototype phase, the future will show what it will become.
The game is available for download and can also be played through the browser at the following link.
Zerospace - Ironward
Ironward is a studio based in Croatia, founded in 2013, specializing in the development of innovative real-time strategies (RTS). Our mission is to create playable, exciting, and tactically deep worlds, in close collaboration with players through active feedback that shapes our work. Our philosophy is to co-create experiences with our gaming community, as well as to enable open communication and accessibility at all stages of development.
ZeroSpace is the first RTS where all game modes (single-player, co-op, PvE, PvP) are played within a shared MMO galaxy. Participate in the war effort, conquer planets, and strengthen ally fortresses while fighting in a dynamic environment with thousands of real players. Planets, battles, and allies change from minute to minute, and you are at the heart of these changes, deciding the fate of the galaxy.
Lead a massive army of troops, aliens, vehicles, and powerful weapons through interactive battles and strategic missions. Conquer territories, protect your civilization, and adapt your strategy to the challenges each planet and new battle brings.
The game offers diverse options, including battles against other players (PvP), PvE scenarios, cooperative missions, and a special campaign mode. Choose heroes, each with their unique combat style and skills, and tailor your tactics for each mission. With over 80 units and numerous heroes, your strategy will be key to victory.
Tell your own galactic story through RPG elements and moral decisions that shape the game world. Will you save the planet from destruction or leave it in the hands of the enemy? The choices you make will affect the entire galaxy and the development of your allies, as well as your character.
Features:
- MMO galactic map with various game modes (Co-op, Single-player, PvE, 2vAI, 2v2, Scenarios, 1v1).
- Single-player campaign with 13 main missions, 14 hero loyalty missions, and 20 side stories.
- Interactive dialogues and cinematic sequences that shape the outcome of the game.
- 4 main factions with 10 units and 9 buildings.
- 6 mercenary factions with 4-5 units.
- 14 heroes that you can use in the campaign or multiplayer.
Ironward's release is planned for sometime next year, and you can find the game's Steam page at this link.
