Indie Games
Highguard faces launch criticism and rapid updates
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Highguard, a new live-service hero shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, launched on January 26, 2026, to mixed reviews and declining player counts. The game, revealed at The Game Awards 2025, has drawn skepticism as another live-service title but received a major update addressing crashes and adding features. Developers are experimenting with a 5v5 playlist to boost engagement.
The horror film adaptation of the indie game Iron Lung has achieved a strong box office debut, grossing $21.5 million in its opening weekend on a $3 million budget. Starring, written, and directed by YouTuber Markiplier, the movie highlights the potential for transmedia success from smaller games. It ranked second in U.S. charts, trailing only Sam Raimi's Send Help.
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Indie developer FuzzyBot and publisher Mad Mushroom have released a free demo for their upcoming co-op comedy horror game, We Gotta Go!, on Steam. The demo lets players experience the chaotic gameplay of navigating a haunted mansion to reach a bathroom while fending off ghosts and managing digestive emergencies. This launch highlights the game's blend of humor, horror, and cooperative play.
The indie roguelite game Ball x Pit will receive its first major free update, The Regal Update, on January 26. This update adds two new characters, eight new balls, and new passives to the 2025 title. Publisher Devolver Digital confirmed the details on January 19.
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A 13-year-old rhythm platformer, Geometry Dash, has achieved a new milestone by surpassing the concurrent player numbers of major titles like Call of Duty on Steam. Released in 2013 for $4.99, the game peaked at over 100,000 players without relying on modern features such as seasons or servers. This event highlights shifting dynamics in the gaming industry as of early 2026.
The New Game+ Showcase 2026, held on January 9, 2026, spotlighted a variety of upcoming indie titles. Developers unveiled trailers and details for action RPGs, shooters, and exploration games, emphasizing innovative gameplay in fantasy, sci-fi, and survival settings. No release dates were confirmed for most, though one enters early access later this year.
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Indie developer Game Atelier has revealed that its co-op horror game Follow Us will launch in early access on Steam sometime in 2026. The asymmetrical thriller features one player exploring haunted environments while another guides from a van. The announcement includes a new trailer highlighting tense communication and relationship-testing gameplay.
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