Hey guys, we are back. Or at least I (Cal) am. It's been a rough few months, but come hell or high water, I'm determined to keep giving you guys some Indie content, and while I am just one small boi, I'm doing what I can. The format is changing a little as I need to produce these podcasts in a vacuum without my lovely colleagues, who are sorely missed. So now I will be doing a weekly, what I been playing, focusing on one game, and going through what I liked, what I disliked, and more. If this is something you like, be sure to let me know, and thank you all for continuing to listen to the IGC podcasts back-catalog while we were away, it means a lot! If you want to find more indie content, you can head over to ⁠Indie Game Culture⁠, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides!

Want to know a secret about award panels? They get it wrong sometimes, especially when they are dealing with indie games. Over the years, The Game Awards have showcased some incredible indies, with even a few sneaking into the main Game of the Year category. However, there have been some shocking decisions and painful omissions we need to vent about. So, in this episode's big discussion, JT, Melika, and Cal look back at the last decade of awards and decide what was right and what was wrong. Plus, as is custom, the trio also talks about the games they have been playing, and a few games on their radar, too. Games Been Playin' SpiritteaLethal CompanyDredge The Pale Reach DLCNew Super Lucky's TaleThe Frog Detective TrilogyAmong UsMineko's Night MarketMoonstone IslandCuisineerPizza PossumTurnip Boy Robs A Bank Games On The Radar Last Man SittingArizona Sunshine 2 Knuckle SandwichWorldless If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to ⁠Indie Game Culture⁠, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides!

Expanding on the worlds of 30 Rock's Liz Lemon, our topic this week sees us look at a variety of amazing indie game worlds and utter the words 'I want to go to there.' In this episode, Melika, JT, and Cal sit down to discuss the various in-game worlds that they would love to take an extended vacation to, or perhaps relocate to permanently if the option arose. Plus, as is custom, the trio will talk about the games they've been playing recently and will also have a discussion about the games on their radar! Games We Been Playin' CuisineerThe Frog Detective TrilogyJusant Thirsty SuitorsA Tiny Sticker Tale Sea of StarsAmong UsLords of the FallenHeadbangers: Rythym RoyaleJackbox Party Pack 10 Games On The Radar Coral IslandRoots of PachaCalicoSpiritteaHouse Flipper 2Doomsday ParadiseRisk of Rain ReturnsDungeons 4

It's that time of year when we all wrap ourselves in blankets, chug cups of hot chocolate and stick on Spooky films. Or, if you're a gamer, you'll be playing Halloween games that fit the mood just right. The only problem is that you might not know what indie games offer the best spooky experiences. So we aim to help you! In this episode, JT, Cal, and Super-sub Monica sit down to discuss the best spooky games to make you feel like a spooky scary skeleton. Plus, as always, the trio talk games on the radar, and games they have been playing. Games We're Been Playing: Laika: Aged Beyond BloodRisk of Rain 2SuperhotMail TimeThe Forgotten CitySaltsea ChroniclesLords of the Fallen Games On The Radar: CuisineerLittle Goody Two ShoesCoral IslandThe Talos Principle 2Mika and the Witches MountainPenny's Big Breakaway

Ever get annoyed that you can't have indie game news pumped right into your eardrums on a fortnightly basis? Well, IGC is about to remedy that with our new quickfire segment, the IGC news blast. In this bite-sized pod, Cal goes through some of the biggest stories within the world of indie gaming over the last few weeks, giving you the lay of the land on all things indie. It's a nice way to engage with IGC's indie news content on the go, because who has the time to read all those words on a screen, right? News this week includes: My Five Must-Plays @ Steam Next FestIndustry Layoffs UpdateStardew's New Orchestral Concert TourDave The Diver UpdateUnity CEO ResignsGames to play right now If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to www.indiegameculture.com, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides!

We love it when an indie game knocks our socks off, but there have also been more than a few times when indie games have promised us the world and delivered very little. Whether it be a game that didn't live up to the hype we built for it, or a game that was rightfully critically panned we want to air out our grievances today. So in this episode, JT, Melika and Cal have collected their thoughts on some of the worst indie experiences they have ever had, and aim to warn you off these underwhelming indies, allowing you to focus on bigger and better games on your wishlist. Also, as usual, the trio will talk about the games they have been playing, and will also give you a rundown on the indie games on their radar. Games We Been Playin: Shadows of DoubtMoonstone Island COCOONLies of PThe Messenger Paleo PinesParty AnimalsRoadwarden On The Radar: Wizard With A GunMail TimeCuisineerJusantHeadbangers: Rhythm Royale A Tiny Sticker TaleThe Fabulous Fear MachineDotage If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to Indie Game Culture, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides!

Ever get annoyed that you can't have indie game news pumped right into your eardrums on a fortnightly basis? Well, IGC is about to remedy that with our new quickfire segment, the IGC news blast. In this bite-sized pod, Cal goes through some of the biggest stories within the world of indie gaming over the last few weeks, giving you the lay of the land on all things indie. It's a nice way to engage with IGC's indie news content on the go, because who has the time to read all those words on a screen, right? News this week includes: Mediatonic hit hard by recent Epic Games LayoffsStardew Valley - A Sneak Peak at 1.6Unity Backtrack on recent policy updateLies of P Patch makes game much easierNew announcements and delaysDevolver Digital plans to avoid Xbox Game Pass If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to www.indiegameculture.com, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides!

Ever get annoyed that you can't have indie game news pumped right into your eardrums on a fortnightly basis? Well, IGC is about to remedy that with our new quickfire segment, the IGC news blast. In this bite-sized pod, Cal goes through some of the biggest stories within the world of indie gaming over the last few weeks, giving you the lay of the land on all things indie. It's a nice way to engage with IGC's indie news content on the go, because who has the time to read all those words on a screen, right? News this week includes: The Xbox Leaks and this effects indie gamingA Unity Policy Update (Sort of)Tokyo Game ShowDredge and Core Keeper New UpdatesLies of P is Bloodborne 2.0Hades 2 Surpasses Hollow Knight Silksong on Steam Wishlist's If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to www.indiegameculture.com, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides!

Have you ever played a game with a mechanic that's so out of left field that you think to yourself, wow, why has no one ever done this before? This usually leads to a search for more games of this nature to no avail. Well, in today's episode, we intend to highlight some of the weird but wonderful mechanics we loved in indie games past and present, hopefully enticing you to play these maverick indie creations. Oh, and we also have a guest. Welcome to the IGC pod, Cozy Gamer Kat, one-half of the Cozy Gamer Cast! She brings her unique brand of cozy gaming knowledge and expertise to the conversation, making this an episode tailor-made for the wholesome gaming community. She joins JT, Melika, and Cal as the gang talks about the games they have been playing and the games on their radar. It's a really fun one this time. Enjoy and remember to follow the podcast and rate 5*! Games we been playin' Lies of PYoku's Island ExpressBomb Rush Cyberfunk Sea of StarsFae FarmDredgeBefore Your EyesRaft(Also Baldur's Gate 3 & Starfield, sorry Indie purists) Games on the Radar Mineko's Night MarketWorld of HorrorsPaleo PinesLil' Gator Game The Pale BeyondLords of the FallenThe GapMoonstone Island The Lamplighters LeagueParty Animals More... If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to Indie Game Culture, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides!

Ever get annoyed that you can't have indie game news pumped right into your eardrums on a fortnightly basis? Well, IGC is about to remedy that with our new quickfire segment, the IGC news blast. In this bite-sized pod, Cal goes through some of the biggest stories within the world of indie gaming over the last few weeks, giving you the lay of the land on all things indie. It's a nice way to engage with IGC's indie news content on the go, because who has the time to read all those words on a screen, right? News this week includes: The Unity Policy Change ScandalState of Play Indie AnnouncementsNintendo Direct Indie AnnouncementsOnlyUp Removed From SteamA Disco Elysium LARP in 2024Haunted Chocolatier RumorsStray Movie Rights Sold If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to www.indiegameculture.com, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides!

Kratos, Nathan Drake, Lara Croft... these are just a handful of the long list of instantly recognizable characters within the AAA gaming scene. They represent the most prominent household names in gaming, but our question is, are there indie game characters with that same level of AAA appeal, and if so, who? In this podcast, Cal, JT, and Melika discuss the indie characters that they believe have the same level of depth and star power of AAA characters. Plus, as usual, they tell you about the games they have been playing, and the games on their radar. Happy listening, folks! Games We Been Playin' Sea of StarsHolocureLet's Build a ZooBomb Rush CyberfunkSkatebirdCat Quest 2Stardew ValleyOne Armed Cook Games on Our Radar EternightsAK XolotlNour: Play With Your FoodChants of SenaarrBehind The Frame VRCocoonMineko's Night Market If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to www.indiegameculture.com, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides!

Ever get annoyed that you can't have indie game news pumped right into your eardrums on a fortnightly basis? Well, IGC is about to remedy that with our new quickfire segment, the IGC news blast. In this bite-sized pod, Cal goes through some of the biggest stories within the world of indie gaming over the last few weeks, giving you the lay of the land on all things indie. It's a nice way to engage with IGC's indie news content on the go, because who has the time to read all those words on a screen, right? News this week includes: Sea of Stars is a critical smash hit!Little Nightmares III is on the wayIntroducing the Absurdist comedy game, Thank Goodness You're HereTormented Souls 2 announced If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to www.indiegameculture.com, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides!

Ever wondered which genre of indie game is best? Well, Melika, JT, and Cal have sat down to debate just which one of these Indie Sub Genres will reign supreme. Is there a way to split them? Is there a way to truly crown a worthy winner? Is it just an excuse for Melika and Cal to shout at each other? All questions will be answered! Also, as is custom, the trio will be looking into the near future to reveal the most exciting indies on the radar, and of course, the gang will be going through the games they've been playing. Games We Been Playin' Blasphemous 2SephonieGRISA Short Hike (Again)HolocureStorm BoyVideoverseStray Slay The Spire Games on the Radar Lies of PPaleo PinesWrestlequestTenebris PicturaSomervilleLand Above SeaFae farmSea of StarsSunkenland If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to www.indiegameculture.com, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides!

We all have little pet peeves that get under our skin. They might be teeny-tiny little issues, but for some reason, they drive us insane. Well, here on the Indie Game Culture Podcast, we feel your pain, as we have quite a few hangups about tropes and traits of indie games. That's why Cal, Melika, and JT are dedicating this episode to an old British comedy show format, Room 101. In this episode, the trio will share some little details about indie games that drive them crazy, and then the gang will vote for which of these deserve to be cast into oblivion forever. Then aside from that, the gang will be talking about the games they have been playing recently, and will also be looking forward to some games on the radar. Games We've Been Playing: VenbaAdoreManeaterTwisted MetalStorm BoyA Short HikeViewfinderGRISBlasphemous 2 Lakeburg LegaciesFriday The 13thChicory: A Colorful TaleToemFlutter Away Games On The Radar Bomb Rush CyberfunkSea of StarsThe Cosmic Wheel SisterhoodGoodbye Volcano HighVideoverseDaymare 1994: SandcastleTrine 5 Chants of SenaarPilfer: Story of LightCity of MuralsMoving Out 2 If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to www.indiegameculture.com, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides! Also, be sure to follow us on Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, all under @indiegameculture

Indie games may not have publishers with deep pockets, or the ability to pay millions to produce video game narratives in line with Hollywood blockbusters. Yet despite this, thanks to the absence of corporate drones peering over the shoulder of indie devs, they have the freedom to create touching, thought-provoking stories that cover important topics that the big guys dare not touch. With that in mind, Melika, JT, and Cal spend this episode talking about the indie games that manage to cover those 'less marketable' topics and do so with aplomb. Also, the trio do their usual run through of the games on their radar, and the games they have 'done been playin'. Here's the games featured this time around: We been Playin': Oxenfree 2: Lost SignalsSableDisco Elysium (Again)SynapseViewfinderGyltChicory: A Colorful TaleSticky BusinessFriday The 13th: The GameDave The DiverI Divine CybermancyLisa The Painful: Definitive Edition On The Radar: Repair HouseThe Banished VaultWhispers of the WestSephonie (PS5)Mr Run and JumpFlutter AwayVR SkaterBomb Rush CyberfunkMoving Out 2 Venba If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to www.indiegameculture.com, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides! Also, be sure to follow us on Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, all under @indiegameculture

Games are amazing at offering engaging narratives, producing artistic and jaw-dropping visuals, and keeping you on the hook with addictive gameplay. However, we want to ask a question a little out of left field. Are games any good at being funny? In this episode, Melika, JT, and Cal discuss how indie games handle humor, whether indie games offer a range of comedic approaches, and whether the industry as a whole has the ability to deliver the same laugh-a-minute standards as TV, Film, and stand-up. Also, they trio do their usual runthrough of the games on their radar, and the games they have 'done been playin'. Here's a quick list of the games featured on this podcast: - The Bookwalker- Supraland: 6-inches Under- Gylt- Amnesia: The Bunker- Rakuen- Dave The Diver- Norco (again)- Clive N Wrench- Behind The Frame- My Friend Peppa Pig (Not even sorry)- Sifu- Citizen Sleeper- A Hat In TimePokemon Wally Quest ROM Hack On The Radar - Oxenfree 2: Lost SignalsViewfinderStray (Xbox Release)Lakeburg LegaciesKoa and the Five Pirates of MaraScarfLisa The Painful: The Definitive Edition If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to www.indiegameculture.com, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides! Also, be sure to follow us on Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, all under @indiegameculture

It's been a busy fortnight in the world of gaming. We had Summer Games Fest, Day of the Devs, Wholesome Games Direct, and so much more to contend with. It would be very easy to lose track of what indies are coming and going. Well, not on our watch! Cal, JT and Melika are back once again to fill you in on their latest indie interests, the games on their radar, and the gang is also joined by special guest Monica Phillips as everyone discusses whether indie gaming is truly the last bastion of platforming games. If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to www.indiegameculture.com, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides! Also, be sure to follow us on Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, all under @indiegameculture

Who doesn't love a casual stroll in video game form? Walking sims are great, but are they dead and gone, or just evolving? The gang discusses this, as well as some games on the horizon and the usual spew of indies they have been playing since the last episode. In this one, we learn that JT has never played a Pokemon game in their life. (What!) Plus, we also battle against some technical issues. Big thanks to our editor! If you want to find more indie content from Cal, JT, and Melika, you can head over to www.indiegameculture.com, where you can find lots of exciting indie game news, reviews, and guides! Also, be sure to follow us on Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, all under @indiegameculture

That is the question. In this episode, the gang returns after a little hiatus to discuss the mountain of indies that they have been playing; look ahead to the games on their radar in the month of May. Plus, the trio discusses whether it's a good idea to go back and replay your favorite indies, or whether it's better to keep those rose-tinted glasses on forever. If you want more Indie game content, you need to head over to www.indiegameculture.com, where you can read reviews, guides and interviews from Melika, JT, Cal and many more dedicated indie lovers!

In this episode, we join Cal, JT, and Melika as they discuss all the indies on the horizon for the month of April; the gang talks about their recent indie adventures, including Cal's recent 100% completion streak and Melika's latest Game Pass finds, and the trio also try to definitively answer this episode's hot topic - Do Indie Games Need to be Fun? You would think that would be a categorical 'Yes' but you might think twice after listening! If you can't get enough of Melika, JT, and Cal, then head over to Indiegameculture.com. This is where you'll find a bucket load of articles from the podcast trio, as well as a wealth of other enthusiastic indie lovers!