19 fantastic indie games we saw in San Francisco that you have to check out!

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  • 19 games were pitched to us at The Very Big Indie Pitch at Pocket Gamer Connects San Fran 2025
  • These games were created by studios all over the world
  • They take on a bunch of different genres and themes

The Very Big Indie Pitch made a triumphant return to its original location at Pocket Gamer Connects San Francisco! Revisiting where it first began, Pocket Gamer Connects once again delivered an exceptional event and the Very Big Indie Pitch was a resounding success.

If you’re not already aware, The Very Big Indie Pitch is a side event designed to help developers hone their pitching abilities, connect with industry professionals, and exhibit their games. Many of the games displayed are either unpublished or still in development, making their debut at this event! Needless to say, it’s quite thrilling. To ensure you don’t miss out on these fantastic games and studios, we thought it would be great to give you a heads-up so you can keep an eye on them as well.

Pocket Gamer Connect events all over the world have Very Big Indie Pitches, along with other major gaming events. The goal is to highlight more indies and their developers, something we always strive to do on Pocket Gamer.

In terms of the pitch competition, this particular event showcased an array of diverse games across multiple platforms, created by both seasoned developers with extensive portfolios and fresh talents working on their debut projects. A multitude of impressive pitches were presented, three of which were selected as winners. Now, you have the opportunity to browse through all the games that dared to compete for the winning spot.

Are you eager to join the action yourself? Visit the Big Indie Pitch website to explore all the forthcoming events, and discover how you can showcase your game to our team of judges.

1 NAME OF THE WILL by Zeitgeist Studio

Experience a chilling daytime puzzle adventure taking place in a community reminiscent of a cult, where constant scrutiny is the norm. Unravel the intricacies of truth as you traverse between hallucinations and reality. Each decision you make has consequences that will affect your neighbors. This game boasts an exceptional art style perfectly tailored to its unique concept and mood.

NAME OF THE WILL is set to release in 2026, on PC.

2 Mole Maiden by Tastie Games LLC.

Title Character, Mole Maiden, hails from the land of Bossavania. Here, a young mole girl named Penny Copper sets out on an adventure, aspiring to emulate her elder sibling Coppra’s path as a professional wrestler. At just 14 years old, Penny delves deep into the R&D Mine, confronting formidable adversaries and perfecting her drill-based combat skills to secure a spot in the Burrow Miner League Championship. With graceful maneuvers, pulse-pounding boss encounters, and a world teeming with charm, she must demonstrate her mettle to stand shoulder to shoulder with her sister in the wrestling ring.

Mole Maiden is set to release on PC on May 15th, 2025.

3 Mars Attracts by Outlier

Mars Attracts is a park management simulation game that unfolds within the well-known Mars Attacks universe. Construct attractions, hire staff, cater to guests’ needs, and kidnap humans for stardom as the main entertainment. The challenge comes from dealing with demanding visitors, navigating environmental hazards, and preventing human escape attempts! This game creatively expands the IP concept in a humorous manner.

Mars Attracts is set to release in August 2025, on PC.

4 Thirsty Heroes by Bit By Bit Studios

Thirsty Heroes offers a streamlined dungeon crawler experience perfect for a speedy getaway from the daily grind. You’ll quickly obtain loot rewards in just three minutes! This game caters to deckbuilder enthusiasts seeking a more concise gaming option. Its vibrant characters and artistic design have left quite an impression on those who witnessed it at the event, promising a fun-filled adventure.

Thirsty Heroes is set to release in 2025, on iOS, Android, Switch, and PC.

5 Purrfect Employee by Second Way Studios

In the game titled “Purrfect Employee,” you step into the role of a mischievous cat named Lyle who aims to disrupt an unfeeling insurance company. As Lyle, your mission is to create as much chaos and wreckage as possible while avoiding detection. While your employer may not approve, fulfilling your feline nature is the key to becoming the Ultimate Employee in this quirky, action-packed game that’s a blast to both watch and play, particularly when experienced through virtual reality.

Purrfect Employee is coming out in December on VR.

6 Board Of The Kings by Team Checkmate

The Board of Kings combines the intellectual challenge of Chess with the thrill and advancement found in strategy Role-Playing Games (RPGs). In this game, players have the opportunity to create unique experiences by customizing each piece’s skills through various skill trees. Additionally, a significant permanent death mechanic enhances the gameplay by adding an element of suspense and strategic complexity to decision-making.

Board of The Kings is set to launch in early 2026, on PC.

7 Amazing Frog? by Fayju

Amazing Frog?” is a sandbox game featuring ragdoll physics, set in the quirky open-world of Swindon, England. It offers a playstyle reminiscent of a family-friendly version of GTA, filled with ample room for exploration and comedic moments. Suitable for a wide range of ages, from young children to adults seeking an unusual gaming experience.

Amazing Frog? is set to release in the summer, on Switch, PlayStation and Xbox.

8 Hank Shaw: Private Eye by Exit 73 Games

Hank Shaw: Private Investigator – A Compelling, Brief Noir Detective Adventure

Overview: In this game, players embark on a short, atmospheric detective journey reminiscent of the 1950’s noir genre. By solving intriguing puzzles, they help unfold the storyline. The characters and environment are exquisitely hand-animated in a captivating style similar to UPA animations (such as Mr. Magoo or Pink Panther). At PGC, many were enchanted by this game, commenting on its evident passion and dedication poured into the creation process!

Hank Shaw: Private Eye is set to release on March 31st, 2026 on PC.

9 SPEEED! by NAJJ Games

In SPEEED!, increasing the mayhem you unleash propels you faster. Tip your device to maneuver through an infinite space station frantically trying to halt your destructive rampage. Knock over drones, break down doors, dodge spinning lasers, and much more, just for the thrill of SPEEED!

SPEEED! is set to launch in the Fall of 2025, on iOS, Android and Switch.

10 Castlebound by Ogre Pixel

Guide a troop of valiant champions as you traverse a strolling fortress into relentless waves of adversaries in this thrilling, rogue-like game! The captivating artwork reminiscent of Paper Mario perfectly complements the excitement of this journey.

Castlebound is set to launch in 2025 on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.

11 Detective Dotson by Masala Games Private Limited

Step into the snug nooks of contemporary India, where being a detective can be quite challenging, especially if you aspire to be a Bollywood actor. Mingle with chatty aunties and dance at weddings while donning peculiar costumes. Do whatever it takes to gather clues and fill up your evidence board. This place is filled with endless tales and mouth-watering street food. Fall for adorable pixel characters, then haggle with them over everything. Be cautious of the traffic and embark on a cultural adventure like no other in Detective Dotson.

Detective Dotson is set to release on April 3rd, on iOS, Android, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.

12 Canvas Infernum by Canvas Ink Games

In simpler terms, Canvas Infernum is an intriguing landscape builder that allows you to create a fantastical Renaissance-inspired version of hell using genuine historical artwork as a base. Its design is influenced by games like Dorfromantik/Carcassonne and Bosch paintings, combining traditional board game mechanics with elements from roguelike games and a thought-provoking narrative that unfolds philosophically.

Canvas Infernum is set to launch in 2026, on iOS, Android, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.

13 Metal Haven by Xigma Games

Establish outposts on various celestial bodies, collect necessary materials, confront extraterrestrial creatures, dispatch teams to investigate far-off worlds and participate in multiplayer space conflicts against fellow gamers.

Metal Haven is set to launch in May on iOS, Android and PC.

14 Winds of Arcana: Ruination by Brewed Games

Transform into the peak warrior-mage, seeking legendary weapons and destructive abilities to craft the ideal character. In your pursuit, reconnect with former mercenary allies in a land plagued by a vengeful curse. Overcome formidable foes, heroic missions, and demanding obstacles in a realm torn apart by an ancient fury.

Winds of Arcana: Ruination is set to launch this year on iOS, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.

15 Adventure in Henders Castle by Aventuras Bonitas

Explore the enchanting 3D action-adventure game, where you wield magical spells. Conquer challenges, unravel mysteries, and combat sinister entities that have seized your family’s castle. In Henders Castle, you assume the role of a gifted youth brimming with magic, determined to survive and vanquish the ominous powers that have surfaced within your home.

Adventure in Henders Castle is set to launch in December on Switch and PC.

16 Blocks for Babies by BunkSoft Interactive LLC

In “Blocks for Babies”, you engage in a unique blend of block-stacking and shooter gameplay, where each enemy kill transforms the game board. Arrange falling blocks to form complete lines, then unleash your arsenal to clear the chaos. Previous tools like hard and soft drops have been expanded with the addition of a shotgun. Imagine a fusion of Tetris and Doom!

Blocks for Babies is set to launch in July on PC.

17 Llamalandia by Paramo Games

In Llamalandia, you embark on a snug journey of exploration where the goal is reuniting your family and forming unique connections with each llama encountered. Cultivate your very own llama refuge as a safe haven for your kin, nurture the young ones so they can accompany you on your escapades, and extend invitations to other enchanting creatures to share their lives with you within this mystical realm.

Llamalandia is set to launch this year, on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.

18 Titan Isles by Psytec Games Ltd

In simpler terms, Titan Isles is a virtual reality game that combines elements of action-adventure and rogue-lite genres. You can explore this world either solo or with others, using techniques like swinging, flying, and parkour to navigate the environment. The ultimate goal is to defeat colossal bosses.

Titan Isles is set to launch this year, on VR.

19 Dono’s Tale by Super Item Studios

In simpler terms, “Dono’s Tale” is an adorable and vibrant action platformer that blends the quick-moving action of Mega Man X, the gameplay style of Donkey Kong Country, and the endearing visuals of Yoshi’s Island and Kirby’s Dream Land 3.

Dono’s Tale is set to launch in 2025 on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and PC.

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2025-03-19 12:22