No Small Games

Indie Game Roundup - June 2025 feat. Nick and Will, Friday Night Gamecast

Welcome back to the NSG Indie Game Roundup, our monthly series featuring indie games news, plus game demos and new release discussions.
The sun is out, the vacation vibes are bumpin', and that means another Summer Game Fest has dropped! Summer Game Fest 2025 was bigger and better than ever, with even more showcases and dozens of exciting indie game announcements. We are so lucky to be joined by Nick and Will from the Friday Night Gamecast podcast to discuss our highlights from eight of the SGF showcases this year. We had some great laughs and everyone's wishlists grew three sizes during this recording, and hopefully yours will too!Also, huge thanks to our newest Patreon supporters! In addition to other fun perks, members on Patreon get early access to all of the Indie Game Roundup episodes. If you love No Small Games and would like to support us in growing the show, while also unlocking fun, exclusive content, you can check out our Patreon page.You can find our full show notes, including links and shoutouts, on the No Small Games site: Indie Game Roundup - June 2025 Show Notes
Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:04:20 - Icebreaker Question00:12:43 - Summer Game Fest Intro00:23:33 - Day of the Devs00:33:33 - Frosty Games Fest00:45:02 - Wholesome Direct00:55:03 - Women-Led Games Showcase01:07:38 - PC Gaming Show01:22:25 - Black Voices in Gaming01:34:28 - Latin American Games Showcase01:45:00 - Southeast Asian Games Showcase02:04:45 - Plugs!
Meet our GuestsFriday Night Gamecast‪@fngcpod.bsky.social‬Friday Night Gamecast is a podcast dedicated to all things video games! Nick and Will co-host the show, providing commentary and discourse surrounding games they’re currently playing, games industry news and more. Head on over there if you enjoy thoughtful discussion, ratings, reviews and fun arguments.Check out Will, Nick and Friday Night Gamecast on the following platforms:Friday Night Gamecast FNGC on Bluesky FNGC on Instagram Will's Bluesky Nick's Bluesky
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Ep. 46 - Wanderstop

Wanderstop, developed by Ivy Road, is a narrative cozy game that follows main character Alta on her journey to understand why her body and mind will no longer cooperate with her on her mission to be the best fighter in the world. She finds herself in a clearing in the forest, sitting on a bench with Boro, the owner of the Wanderstop tea shop. Players will accompany Alta as she makes tea, gets to know whimsical and strange customers, and attempts to understand the conflicts within herself.In episode 46 of No Small Games, Kate and Emily discuss how Wanderstop stacks up as an example of the cozy management sim genre, and their impressions of the unique pacing of the game. You'll also hear the hosts' very different and very personal experiences of burnout and healing. Of course, the discussion wouldn't be complete without answering the most important question of all: which was your favorite tea mug? We hope you love this very emotional episode and the start to our summer season!
Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:05:26 - Weekly Boss Battles00:15:40 - Wanderstop Discussion01:34:04- Wanderstop Spoilers01:47:55 - Game Ratings01:54:35 - One Small Thing01:57:49 - Next Game Announcement
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Indie Game Roundup - May 2025

Welcome back to the NSG Indie Game Roundup, our monthly series featuring indie games news, plus game demos and new release discussions.
LudoNarraCon, Six One Indie Showcase, PAX East, oh my! We're beginning to ramp up towards the absolute fugue state that is Summer Game Fest. May brought us several huge gaming new events and showcases, and with those came many new indie game demos and full releases. We're sharing our favorite highlights from some of these events, as well as the demos we've played in the last month. We've also played some fascinating new games including Herald: The Interactive Period Drama, depelote and, of course, we're on the Blue Prince hype train. Want to hear more about PAX East specifically? Go check out our PAX East Recap episode!Also, huge thanks to our newest Patreon supporters! In addition to other fun perks, members on Patreon get early access to all of the Indie Game Roundup episodes. If you love No Small Games and would like to support us in growing the show, while also unlocking fun, exclusive content, you can check out our Patreon page.You can find our full show notes, including links and shoutouts, on the No Small Games site: Indie Game Roundup - May 2025 Show Notes
Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:03:05 - Icebreaker Question00:08:22 - Indie Game News00:32:06 - Demos00:52:44 - Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo00:59:18 - Upstream01:04:58 - despelote01:09:24 - Herald: The Interactive Period Drama01:14:00 - SpreadCheat01:20:17 - Blue Prince
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

PAX East 2025 Recap

PAX East 2025 was an absolute whirlwind of meeting wonderful friends and colleagues, chatting with developers and publishers, and getting our hands on awesome indie game demos!Join us for our day-by-day PAX East 2025 recap, where we relive all the exciting and memorable moments we experienced at this year's event! No Small Games was honored once again with the opportunity to cover the show as media attendees in 2025, and we took advantage of every moment. In this recap episode, we're taking you directly onto the show floor for developer and publisher interviews. We're also reflecting on the game demos we got to play, and the overall PAX East experience compared to last year. Come along for the ride as we share all the highlights!
Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:01:30 - PAX East First 2025 Impressions00:16:08 - Thursday Recap00:29:13 - Interview - Studio Hybrid00:42:40 - Friday Recap00:44:06 - Interview - GameTeam601:01:47 - Interview - Optillusion Games01:16:58 - Saturday Recap01:19:08 - Interview - Ritual Studios01:38:51 - Sunday Recap
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Ep. 45 - 1000xRESIST feat. Jenny Windom

1000xRESIST, developed by Sunset Visitor and published by Fellow Traveler, took 2024 by storm in the indie game world. You navigate a strange yet slightly familiar futuristic society as Watcher, whose role is to be witness to the Allmother's memories. Touching on topics of resistance and social change, generational trauma, love, friendship and mother-daughter relationships, the game is almost beyond definition. This is a game you just have to experience (maybe even twice) to understand.In Episode 45 of No Small Games, Kate and Emily are joined by Jenny Windom, organizer of Wholesome Games and co-host of the Geeks & Grounds and The Indie Council podcasts. The three work to unpack everything going on in 1000xRESIST, although as the game teaches us, not everything can fit in the backpack. You'll hear their theories and most surprising moments from the game, as well as the criteria they used to make the most important decision of all. Huge thank you to Jenny for joining us! We hope you love this episode, but most of all we hope you go play this game!
Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:03:40 - Weekly Boss Battles00:12:10 - Meet Our Guest - Jenny Windom00:24:55 - 1000xRESIST Discussion03:22:10 - Game Ratings03:27:04 - One Small Thing
Meet our GuestJenny (she/her)@kimchica.bsky.socialJenny "Kimchica" Windom, one of the organizers of Wholesome Games, works in indie game marketing. She currently works with the team at Ivy Road and supports the Spirit Swap team. She also co-hosts Geeks & Grounds, a monthly video game book club podcast, as well as The Indie Council. Check out Jenny's content on the following platforms:Geeks & Grounds Podcast The Indie Council Bluesky Instagram
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Indie Game Roundup - April 2025

Welcome back to the NSG Indie Game Roundup, our monthly series featuring indie games news, plus game demos and new release discussions.
2025 is ramping up, people!! April brought us more showcases, a huge number of new releases, and some brand new indie game demos to check out. We're unpacking our experiences with demos from the Galaxies and Triple-i Initiative Showcases. We're also sharing mini reviews of some spring indie game releases like Spilled!, Space Sprouts, Axyz, and more!Also, huge thanks to our newest Patreon supporters! In addition to other fun perks, members on Patreon get early access to all of the Indie Game Roundup episodes. If you love No Small Games and would like to support us in growing the show, while also unlocking fun, exclusive content, you can check out our Patreon page.You can find our full show notes, including links and shoutouts, on the No Small Games site: Indie Game Roundup - April 2025 Show Notes
Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:01:25 - Icebreaker Question00:04:30 - Indie Game News00:34:42 - Demos01:03:47 - Spilled!01:07:54 - Space Sprouts01:14:05 - Dad's Coming01:19:28 - Axyz01:25:44 - ibb & obb01:30:50 - The Deadly Path01:42:01 - Moonlighter
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Ep. 44 - Afterlove EP

Afterlove EP, developed by Pikselnesia, is a slice-of-life story that follows a young musician named Rama, as he struggles to reconnect with his friends and his music in the wake of the death of his girlfriend. The game takes place in modern day Jakarta, and players will find themselves immersed in the sights and sounds of the city through the game's beautifully illustrated environments. You'll help Rama build back relationships with his bandmates as you practice for an upcoming gig. You'll guide him through the sweet and nerve-wracking world of dating. Most importantly, players can help Rama make sure he gets his butt to therapy so he can process all these new experiences and feelings.In episode 44 of No Small Games, Kate and Emily dive into the similarities and differences in their experiences of Afterlove EP. They discuss the Choices Matter gameplay: what worked well for them and what didn't. Most importantly, they reveal who they chose to date and how that worked out for Rama. We hope you love our discussion of this heartfelt game!
Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:03:35 - Weekly Boss Battles00:11:48 - Afterlove EP Discussion01:11:38- Afterlove EP Spoilers01:40:47 - Game Ratings01:44:30 - One Small Thing01:49:35 - Next Game Announcement
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Ep. 43 - Guacamelee Gold Edition

Guacamelee is an indie classic, that released by in 2013 from DrinkBox Studios. This action platformer is a stylish take on the Metroidvania genre and its story and vibes were inspired by Mexican-culture and folklore. You play as a young farmhand-turned-luchador, who escapes the world of the dead using a magical mask. As you traverse these gorgeous map zones, both in the world of the living and the dead, you fight the evil Calaca's minions and gain new powers to push further in hopes of rescuing your dear Lupita.In episode 43 of No Small Games, Kate and Emily return to this classic indie game to see how it holds up today! They discuss the design of the platforming and special combat abilities and, of course, dissect the Metroidvania-style map. They also share their thoughts on the representation of Mexican culture in Guacamelee, relative to the many diverse representations we see today in indie games.
Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro00:04:41 - Weekly Boss Battles00:18:45 - Guacamelee Discussion01:32:05 - Game Ratings01:37:53 - One Small Thing01:46:58 - Next Game Announcement
Keep in touch with us on social media:
Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames 
Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com