Hey there! I want to tell you about the two main innovations introduced to the site with the new version released at the beginning of the month!
Collections and the Relics section!
Collections! Every user can create their own collections with all the games they prefer! You can also follow existing collections or clone the ones you like the most and modify them however you want. For now, all collections are public—several have already been created, and I encourage you to try making new ones! The goal of this feature is to make it easier to explore games that are similar to each other based on characteristics that go beyond genre or type!
New Relics section! When a game uses external download links that are no longer available, it gets archived and moved to the Relics section. In the future, we would also like to apply this option to games that don’t reach a certain number of players or fail to meet quality standards. The game’s author can update it at any time and bring it back to the Explore section. Archived games can still be commented on and followed.
We’ll soon go on to describe the other smaller improvements as well!
Two standout indiegames from February 2026: a tense late-night body transport horror and an underground adventure exploring a mysterious multi-layered world.
A young boy named Caleb is determined to reach the bottom of Endfall, a massive hidden underground world with multiple layers and creatures the world has never seen. With the help of your assistant, Skye the Bunny, hop into the elevator and discover the secrets hidden in this strange world.
Fifteen years ago, the world of indie games in Italy was a scattered, confusing mosaic. Small communities existed, each focused on its own engine—RPG Maker, Game Maker, Unity, Adventure Game Studio—isolated from one another, each with its own rules, forums, and rituals. To discover new games, a player had to jump from one community to another, often getting lost among links and discussions. Small developers struggled to be seen, and their creations often remained invisible, hidden beneath the noise of the internet.
Out of this chaos, indiexpo was born: a single place where all these worlds could meet, where every game could find its space, and every developer could find a voice. But the path was far from easy. It was the 2011... Programming was complex, similar platforms already existed, and a skeptical audience hesitated to trust a new site. For a moment, it seemed impossible: how could people be convinced to change their habits? How could separate communities collaborate instead of staying divided?
Communities and friends across the web, passionate developers, and generous volunteers offered help, advice, and translations. The platform began to grow thanks to those who believed in the idea: those who tested its features, translated its pages into their languages, and spread the word. With their support, indiexpo gradually took shape, transforming from a small project into a vibrant, living ecosystem.
The early years were full of trials and obstacles. Some developers became invaluable allies, while larger, established sites saw indiexpo as a competitor and tried to slow its growth. Bugs, technical problems, unstable servers, and moments when the platform seemed on the brink of collapse tested the team every day.
Over time, the platform stabilized. With the help of the comminity, it was translated into over twenty-two languages, reaching players and developers all over the world. indiexpo had become more than just a website: it was a bridge, a global ecosystem where indie creativity could flourish, where every game had the chance to be discovered, loved, and shared.
Today, on its fifteenth anniversary, indiexpo experiences a new rebirth. The latest version of the site may look familiar at first glance, but beneath the surface, the changes are profound, designed to enhance the experience for both players and creators. With the introduction of a system to evaluate the quality of game pages, indiexpo raises the bar even further: rewarding those who pay attention to detail and professionalism, ensuring the best games get the visibility they deserve.
Fifteen years of challenges, mistakes, successes, and rebirths have transformed indiexpo from a small Italian project into a beacon for the global indie scene. It is no longer just a place to find games—it is a living ecosystem, ready to guide the next generation of developers and players toward new adventures.
Pride Fists mixes the visceral impact of classic fighting games with the fast pace of modern titles.The result is a genre of its own: the Fighting Arena, with intense battles that are always fast, aggressive, and unpredictable.
Creating a game is a complex yet rewarding process, especially for indie developers working with limited resources or simply developing as a hobby. Here's a breakdown of the essential stages of game development, along with some practical advice tailored to smaller teams or solo creators:
1. Planning
This is the foundation of your game. Define the core concept and document it thoroughly.
Key Activities:
Draft a Game Design Document (GDD). Keep it concise but detailed enough to guide you.
Decide the platform, genre, and core mechanics of your game.
Identify your target audience. Are you creating a mobile puzzle game for casual players or a PC narrative-driven experience?
Indie Tip:
Use free or affordable tools like Notion or Google Docs to create your GDD. If you're stuck on ideas, analyze your favorite games for inspiration and focus on one unique feature to make your game stand out.
2. Pre-Production
This stage brings your ideas to life through initial designs and prototypes.
Key Activities:
Sketch characters, environments, and props. Tools like Aseprite or Krita are great for 2D art.
Build a prototype using engines like Unity or Godot. Focus on testing the core mechanics.
Indie Tip:
If you lack art or music skills, explore free assets on platforms like OpenGameArt. Collaboration with fellow indie developers can also be a great way to pool resources.
3. Production
This is where your game starts taking shape, but it's also the most resource-intensive stage.
Key Activities:
Develop character models, animations, and environments.
Write code for game mechanics and integrate assets into your game engine.
Record or source sound effects and music.
Indie Tip:
Prioritize the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Build only what’s essential for the game to work, le
aving advanced features or polish for later updates. Tools like Fmod or Audacity are budget-friendly options for sound design.
4. Testing
Testing ensures your game runs smoothly and meets player expectations.
Key Activities:
Identify and fix bugs through playtesting.
Test across different devices and screen sizes if developing for mobile.
Conduct focus tests with real players to gather feedback.
Indie Tip:
Leverage platforms like Reddit or Discord to find beta testers. Engage with communities focused on indie games to receive constructive criticism without spending on professional testing services.
5. Pre-Launch
This is the phase to build anticipation for your game.
Key Activities:
Release a teaser trailer or gameplay video on platforms like YouTube or X/Twitter.
Consider a soft launch to gather additional feedback from select players.
Indie Tip:
Reach out to streamers or content creators who focus on indie games. Even smaller creators with engaged audiences can help you gain visibility.
6. Launch
The big day has arrived! Make sure your game is as polished as possible before releasing it to the world.
Key Activities:
Launch your game on chosen platforms.
Execute a basic marketing plan using free tools like Canva for promotional graphics and Buffer for social media scheduling.
Indie Tip:
Have a clear post-launch plan ready, including updates and community engagement strategies. Replying to player feedback on forums or social media can build loyalty.
7. Post-Launch
Your work doesn’t end after the launch! Keep players engaged by refining and expanding your game.
Key Activities:
Fix bugs and balance gameplay based on player feedback.
Release updates, such as new levels or features, to maintain interest.
Indie Tip:
Use platforms like Trello or Asana to manage post-launch tasks efficiently. If budget allows, consider adding small DLCs or seasonal content to keep your game alive in players’ minds.
Indie game development may come with its challenges, but it also offers unmatched creative freedom. Focus on small, achievable goals for each stage of development and don’t hesitate to seek help from the indie dev community. With passion and perseverance, your game can find its audience and leave a lasting impression!
Discover the Top 2 Best Indie Games of November 2025 on indiexpo! Two standout indie experiences: a fast-paced deckbuilding roguelike with real-time combat, and a poetic walk through Rome’s shadows blending memory, myth, and the city’s hidden soul.
One Step From Eden is a deckbuilding #roguelike with relentless real-time Battle Network combat. Cast powerful spells on the fly, battle evolving enemies, find game-changing artifacts, make friends or make enemies, just make it to Eden.
A short walking sim set in Trastevere, where memories and legends intertwine.
Through alleys and ancient squares, a man retraces his grandfather’s tales of Rome’s ghosts: from Beatrice Cenci to the Monk of San Pietro in Vincoli, exploring the city’s hidden soul between beauty, myth, and mystery.
