5 upcoming Asian indie video games we can’t wait to play
By Isa Peralta
July 12, 2023
If you’re currently updating your video game wishlist and need some indie game recommendations, look no further.
Below, we’ve listed five upcoming wholesome games that either feature Asian culture or were developed by Asian game studios. From heartwarming adventure games to games that celebrate Asian cooking, we’ve got you covered.
“Venba”
“Venba” is a short narrative cooking game developed by Visai Games. Players create various dishes as Venba, an Indian mother who immigrated to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Learn how to cook authentic food from regional South Indian cuisine while having meaningful conversations with Venba’s family members and restoring lost recipes.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One
Expected release date: July 31
“Mineko’s Night Market”
“Mineko’s Night Market” is a game about “crafting crafts, eating eats and catting cats,” according to its developer Meowza Games and its publisher Humble Games. The narrative-driven game celebrates Japanese culture and is set on a Japanese-inspired island that values tradition and friendship.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, macOS, Microsoft Windows
Expected release date: Sept. 26 for Nintendo Switch and Steam; Oct. 26 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
“Mirth Island”
“Mirth Island” is an adventure game by Indonesian game developer Clay Game Studio. Play a young, sad duck who decides to turn his life around by journeying to Mirth Island, “a place where happiness is said to grow wild like daisies.”
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
Release date: TBD
“Fishbowl”
“Fishbowl” is a “slice of life, coming of age story told over a month” developed by Indian game studio imissmyfriends.studio. The game lets players “unpack puzzles to rediscover childhood memories, video call loved ones, work from home while taking care of yourself and chores, to figure out life one day at a time.”
Platforms: macOS, Microsoft Windows
Release date: TBD
“Gourdlets”
“Gourdlets,” developed by Preethi Vaidyanathan, is a relaxing game that lets you build a cute city for tiny residents. “Place buildings and scenery, and then watch visiting gourdlets arrive and interact with the world. No objectives, no points, just building,” the game’s website states.
Platforms: macOS, Microsoft Windows
Release date: TBD
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