Summer Game Fest has just wrapped up another exciting year filled with announcements and upcoming video game releases. This annual event, first launched in May 2020, showcases the latest in the gaming world. The summer celebration aims to unite the community from indie titles to AAA heavy-hitters. It showcases digital events, demos, announcements, and important news for gaming enthusiasts. Summer Game Fest kicked off June 1st with ‘The Mix Summer Game Showcase,’ where over 60 independent titles were showcased.

Our team explored all that Summer Game Fest had to offer and was really impressed by what we found. The industry is made up of ambitious and creative indie titles that sometimes don’t get the exposure they deserve. Here are some of our favorite indie games we played over the weekend, all of which are available to wishlist on Steam now.

Super Yooka-Laylee Kart

An arcade go-kart racer with bright 3D pixel art that brings out the competitive rivalry in players. Taking inspiration from Super Mario Kart, race through pipes and find ways to sabotage your rivals. As you encounter minor setbacks, your Rage builds. Once you unleash it, a new set of revenge abilities comes into play. Super Yooka-Laylee Kart plays from one to eight players with a solo campaign, online play, and custom race setups.

Wishlist on Steam | Developer: Playtonic Games

Apple Crumble

Apple Crumble is an intriguing and spooky mystery thriller from the makers of Duck Detective. Join in on your grandma’s 84th birthday celebration, where one of the guests is out to harm your Nan. This walking simulator invites players to explore a cozy yet eerie environment as they work to uncover the mystery. Experience a brief adventure lasting 60 to 90 minutes, interacting with adorable designed characters and suspecting your family.

Wishlist on Steam | Developer: Happy Broccoli Games

Screenbound

Embark on a journey through challenging puzzles in this single-player adventure, where you’ll navigate multiple levels in the world’s first “5D” platformer. As you progress, unlock new tools and skills to uncover a story told through the environment itself.

Wishlist on Steam | Developer: Crescent Moon Games and Those Dang Games

Petal Runner

Imagine if there was a game that was equal parts Pokemon, Undertale, and WarioWare. That’s what you’ll get with Petal Runner. We played this captivating pixel art game last SGF, but in the year between there’s been plenty of progress made. The encounters and story are still just as engaging, and some of the UI has been updated for a streamlined experience.

Wishlist on Steam | Developer: Nano Park Studios

Aether & Iron

Summer Game Fest unveiled exciting story-rich games on the horizon. Aether & Iron pulls players into a noir-decopunk world of 1930s New York City. In this single-player RPG, players navigate a world with anti-gravitational cars and sky roads. Featuring turn-based car combat, your choices shape the story as you gather a crew and uncover the city’s secrets.

Wishlist on Steam | Developer: Seismic Squirrel and Chaos Theory Games

My Arms Are Longer Now

Play as a long-armed thief in this 2D cartoon comedy where stealth is of the essence. If items aren’t bolted down, you can attempt to steal them and create chaos. The dialogue is easygoing and will be a must-have for any fans of light puzzle games.

Wishlist on Steam | Developer: Toot Games

Hela: of Mice & Magic

See the world through the eyes of a brave little mouse in this enchanting 3D co-op adventure. Explore breathtaking landscapes inspired by Northern Sweden, solve puzzles, and be a force for good in a land where heartwarming storytelling and the beauty of nature intertwine. Check out our impressions here.

Wishlist on Steam | Developer: Windup

Dreadmoor

Dreadmoor is an intriguing first-person fishing adventure set in a flooded, post-apocalyptic world. Drawing inspiration from the works of H.P. Lovecraft, players can expect to share the sea with fish that are anything but ordinary. Upgrade your gear and trusty boat with the fish you trade and the resources you collect on your voyages. The game evolves just like the sea monsters, requiring players to make specialized bait and medicines to ensure survival. After all, fighting monstrous creatures is going to require nothing but the best gear.

Wishlist on Steam | Developer: Dream Dock

Paperhead

Jump into a dark, gory, yet cute cardboard world where you zoom through the story with a magical pencil and trusty shotgun. The magical pencil goes beyond being another weapon, as you create new, creative items to use, such as bombs and doors. Uncover the eerie secret behind the story through an industrial soundtrack, exploding barrels, and high-paced action.

Wishlist on Steam | Developer: Paperhead te4m

13Z: The Zodiac Trials

13Z: The Zodiac Trials is a fast-paced, anime-inspired action game with stunning graphics and action sequences. Inspired by Eastern mythology, this thrilling roguelike hack-and-slash game allows you to create powerful builds and overcome challenges. Jump in solo or team up online to achieve the prestigious title of the thirteenth Zodiac.

Wishlist on Steam | Developer: Mixed Realms Ptd Ltd

Hoa 2

Hoa 2 is quaint puzzle platformer with adorable character designs and relaxing music. You’ll explore a lush world with other friendly creatures that help you traverse the environments. The puzzles start off easy as a way to get you bearings, but you’ll soon learn that timing and precise jumping will be the key to success.

Wishlist on Steam | Developer: Skrollcat Studios

Forever Ago

Forever Ago is reminiscent of Mixtape in that it tells a slice of life story with deep nostalgic undertones. After a heavy personal loss, Alfred packs up for a long road trip in the hopes of finding redemption. It’s a single-player narrative game that will definitely tug at your heartstrings.

Wishlist on Steam | Developer: Third Shift

Demi and the Fractured Dream

If you enjoyed The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Demi and the Fractured Dream is for you. The combat and traversal feels really similar, but with enough of its own charms and mechanics to set it apart. We only were able to play about a 15 minute demo, but it’s lasted in our minds since our time with it.

Wishlist on Steam | Developer: Yarn Owl Studios

For more games featured at Summer Game Fest 2026, be sure to check out the official Steam page.