Rob Manuel
@robmanuel.bsky.social
Indie Game Person of Interest.
Strategy / Marketing / Biz Dev / Events
(Prev: IGN, Indie MEGABOOTH, Geek & Sundry, Gametrailers, X-Play)
I talk about indie games, board games, tRPGs, and other assorted experiences. (He/Him)
Strategy / Marketing / Biz Dev / Events
(Prev: IGN, Indie MEGABOOTH, Geek & Sundry, Gametrailers, X-Play)
I talk about indie games, board games, tRPGs, and other assorted experiences. (He/Him)
Pinned
Rob Manuel
@robmanuel.bsky.social
· Sep 19
Indie Game Discovery
docs.google.com
The Game Discovery Spreadsheet for this year has been (mostly) finished with games you need to be at least familiar with coming out.
Let me know if there's anything missing or if you have any questions.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Let me know if there's anything missing or if you have any questions.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Forget making a Top 10 Games this year.
Who would make it on your Future Class list?
And second, how can we best support them in the coming year?
Who would make it on your Future Class list?
And second, how can we best support them in the coming year?
“Don’t gather some of the most brilliant activists in the industry, treat us like crap, and then expect us to do nothing about it.” After the Game Awards cancelled its Future Class programme, @alyssamerc.bsky.social talked to its former honorees
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/games/2025/n...
“We were effectively props”: young stars of game development feel let down by the ‘gaming Oscars’
Announced in 2020 by the Game Awards as an inclusive programme for the industry’s next generation, the Future Class initiative has now been discontinued. Inductees describe clashes with organisers and...
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Forget making a Top 10 Games this year.
Who would make it on your Future Class list?
And second, how can we best support them in the coming year?
Who would make it on your Future Class list?
And second, how can we best support them in the coming year?
Reposted by Rob Manuel
Join the party and tear into our origami adventure, Hirogami! ✨ Available on PS5, Steam, and Epic Games Store:
🌸 Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/3135840/...
🌸 PlayStation 5: store.playstation.com/en-us/produc...
🌸 Epic Games Store: store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/hiro...
🌸 Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/3135840/...
🌸 PlayStation 5: store.playstation.com/en-us/produc...
🌸 Epic Games Store: store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/hiro...
November 11, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Join the party and tear into our origami adventure, Hirogami! ✨ Available on PS5, Steam, and Epic Games Store:
🌸 Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/3135840/...
🌸 PlayStation 5: store.playstation.com/en-us/produc...
🌸 Epic Games Store: store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/hiro...
🌸 Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/3135840/...
🌸 PlayStation 5: store.playstation.com/en-us/produc...
🌸 Epic Games Store: store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/hiro...
Reposted by Rob Manuel
Ambrosia Sky's protagonist, a space-sailing undertaker, tries to save humanity by studying the devastated corpses of her childhood community.
If that doesn't grab you, the velvety traversal and satisfying physics might.
If that doesn't grab you, the velvety traversal and satisfying physics might.
Ambrosia Sky: Act One Impressions – Space Magic
Let's clean up.
the-indie-in-former.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Ambrosia Sky's protagonist, a space-sailing undertaker, tries to save humanity by studying the devastated corpses of her childhood community.
If that doesn't grab you, the velvety traversal and satisfying physics might.
If that doesn't grab you, the velvety traversal and satisfying physics might.
Reposted by Rob Manuel
Possessor(s) by @heartmachine.bsky.social is out now on PS5 and Steam!
Shattered by an interdimensional catastrophe, Luca forms an uneasy pact with Rhem, a powerful demon in need of a host. Together they’ll fight, survive, and uncover the truth within the city’s fractured heart. 💔
Shattered by an interdimensional catastrophe, Luca forms an uneasy pact with Rhem, a powerful demon in need of a host. Together they’ll fight, survive, and uncover the truth within the city’s fractured heart. 💔
Possessor(s) Launch Trailer | Luca & Rhem | Available Now on PS5 + PC
YouTube video by DevolverDigital
youtu.be
November 11, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Possessor(s) by @heartmachine.bsky.social is out now on PS5 and Steam!
Shattered by an interdimensional catastrophe, Luca forms an uneasy pact with Rhem, a powerful demon in need of a host. Together they’ll fight, survive, and uncover the truth within the city’s fractured heart. 💔
Shattered by an interdimensional catastrophe, Luca forms an uneasy pact with Rhem, a powerful demon in need of a host. Together they’ll fight, survive, and uncover the truth within the city’s fractured heart. 💔
Reposted by Rob Manuel
THE GAME IS OUT, I REPEAT, THE GAME IS OUT
Hopefully I squashed all the bugs, hope everyone enjoys it!
store.steampowered.com/app/2980260/...
Hopefully I squashed all the bugs, hope everyone enjoys it!
store.steampowered.com/app/2980260/...
Save 25% on Hypogea on Steam
Escape from a mysterious underground megastructure in this short atmospheric 3d-platformer.
store.steampowered.com
November 9, 2025 at 11:28 PM
THE GAME IS OUT, I REPEAT, THE GAME IS OUT
Hopefully I squashed all the bugs, hope everyone enjoys it!
store.steampowered.com/app/2980260/...
Hopefully I squashed all the bugs, hope everyone enjoys it!
store.steampowered.com/app/2980260/...
Reposted by Rob Manuel
Ambrosia Sky: Act One is available now!!
15% off on both Steam & Epic!!
store.steampowered.com/app/3580160/...
store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/ambr...
15% off on both Steam & Epic!!
store.steampowered.com/app/3580160/...
store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/ambr...
Ambrosia Sky 🪐 | Launch Trailer
YouTube video by Soft Rains Games
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Ambrosia Sky: Act One is available now!!
15% off on both Steam & Epic!!
store.steampowered.com/app/3580160/...
store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/ambr...
15% off on both Steam & Epic!!
store.steampowered.com/app/3580160/...
store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/ambr...
Reposted by Rob Manuel
pre-writing a devastating obituary for your enemy is god-tier hating of a kind you don’t often see anymore. renaissance haterism. beautiful stuff.
A Sharon Begley byline, almost 5 years after her death.
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers.
www.statnews.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:55 AM
pre-writing a devastating obituary for your enemy is god-tier hating of a kind you don’t often see anymore. renaissance haterism. beautiful stuff.
Vote For -- A Webbing Journey
I love a good engineering game where you are given a problem, the worst tools possible, and breakable rules. The tools here are webbing and the task is everything from making a meal to cleaning up a larger than life room.
store.steampowered.com/app/2073910/...
I love a good engineering game where you are given a problem, the worst tools possible, and breakable rules. The tools here are webbing and the task is everything from making a meal to cleaning up a larger than life room.
store.steampowered.com/app/2073910/...
A Webbing Journey on Steam
Adorable spider chaos! Swing around the house, weave crazy structures, play with physics-based objects, and pull off chores with nothing but your webs and your wits in this madcap sandbox adventure.
store.steampowered.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Vote For -- A Webbing Journey
I love a good engineering game where you are given a problem, the worst tools possible, and breakable rules. The tools here are webbing and the task is everything from making a meal to cleaning up a larger than life room.
store.steampowered.com/app/2073910/...
I love a good engineering game where you are given a problem, the worst tools possible, and breakable rules. The tools here are webbing and the task is everything from making a meal to cleaning up a larger than life room.
store.steampowered.com/app/2073910/...
Reposted by Rob Manuel
The retro survival horror game
With live action cutscenes
Arrives in 2026
You've never dreamed anything
like... TENEBRIS SOMNIA.
youtu.be/eAOb8cdSdj8?...
With live action cutscenes
Arrives in 2026
You've never dreamed anything
like... TENEBRIS SOMNIA.
youtu.be/eAOb8cdSdj8?...
Tenebris Somnia - Trailer 3
YouTube video by New Blood Interactive
youtu.be
November 7, 2025 at 9:15 PM
The retro survival horror game
With live action cutscenes
Arrives in 2026
You've never dreamed anything
like... TENEBRIS SOMNIA.
youtu.be/eAOb8cdSdj8?...
With live action cutscenes
Arrives in 2026
You've never dreamed anything
like... TENEBRIS SOMNIA.
youtu.be/eAOb8cdSdj8?...
Reposted by Rob Manuel
HeartLinks is a game about solving puzzles with the power of friendship!
💖Make friends with students to unlock new abilities!
🧩Solve physics-based puzzles to unlock new hallways and explore more of school!
✨Freeze time, swap materials, throw knives, and run really freaking fast!!
#PitchYaGame
💖Make friends with students to unlock new abilities!
🧩Solve physics-based puzzles to unlock new hallways and explore more of school!
✨Freeze time, swap materials, throw knives, and run really freaking fast!!
#PitchYaGame
November 7, 2025 at 7:02 PM
HeartLinks is a game about solving puzzles with the power of friendship!
💖Make friends with students to unlock new abilities!
🧩Solve physics-based puzzles to unlock new hallways and explore more of school!
✨Freeze time, swap materials, throw knives, and run really freaking fast!!
#PitchYaGame
💖Make friends with students to unlock new abilities!
🧩Solve physics-based puzzles to unlock new hallways and explore more of school!
✨Freeze time, swap materials, throw knives, and run really freaking fast!!
#PitchYaGame
Reposted by Rob Manuel
Hi #PitchYaGame! 🖤
City of Dolorosa is an interactive fiction, first-person exploration game where you...
🏃🏻♂️ Explore around the city
💀 Meet your "friendly" neighborhood demons
All made with hand-drawn india ink graphics 🖋️
WISHLIST NOW: store.steampowered.com/app/3246880/...
#gamedev #indiedev
City of Dolorosa is an interactive fiction, first-person exploration game where you...
🏃🏻♂️ Explore around the city
💀 Meet your "friendly" neighborhood demons
All made with hand-drawn india ink graphics 🖋️
WISHLIST NOW: store.steampowered.com/app/3246880/...
#gamedev #indiedev
November 7, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Hi #PitchYaGame! 🖤
City of Dolorosa is an interactive fiction, first-person exploration game where you...
🏃🏻♂️ Explore around the city
💀 Meet your "friendly" neighborhood demons
All made with hand-drawn india ink graphics 🖋️
WISHLIST NOW: store.steampowered.com/app/3246880/...
#gamedev #indiedev
City of Dolorosa is an interactive fiction, first-person exploration game where you...
🏃🏻♂️ Explore around the city
💀 Meet your "friendly" neighborhood demons
All made with hand-drawn india ink graphics 🖋️
WISHLIST NOW: store.steampowered.com/app/3246880/...
#gamedev #indiedev
Reposted by Rob Manuel
i'm working on a horror game where the levels are alive
it comes out next year, wishlist panoptique here:
store.steampowered.com/app/4100350?...
#PitchYaGame #Solodev #indiegame #horrorgame #godotengine
it comes out next year, wishlist panoptique here:
store.steampowered.com/app/4100350?...
#PitchYaGame #Solodev #indiegame #horrorgame #godotengine
November 7, 2025 at 12:16 PM
i'm working on a horror game where the levels are alive
it comes out next year, wishlist panoptique here:
store.steampowered.com/app/4100350?...
#PitchYaGame #Solodev #indiegame #horrorgame #godotengine
it comes out next year, wishlist panoptique here:
store.steampowered.com/app/4100350?...
#PitchYaGame #Solodev #indiegame #horrorgame #godotengine
Reposted by Rob Manuel
HEART DRIVE is a fast spin on the cozy fishing game genre! #pitchyagame
Catch giant fish from the top of your car, upgrade your equipment and help three friends uncover the mystery of an ancient machine god 🚗🎣
Wishlist ❤️ -> store.steampowered.com/app/4026760/...
#gamedev #indiegame
Catch giant fish from the top of your car, upgrade your equipment and help three friends uncover the mystery of an ancient machine god 🚗🎣
Wishlist ❤️ -> store.steampowered.com/app/4026760/...
#gamedev #indiegame
November 7, 2025 at 2:37 PM
HEART DRIVE is a fast spin on the cozy fishing game genre! #pitchyagame
Catch giant fish from the top of your car, upgrade your equipment and help three friends uncover the mystery of an ancient machine god 🚗🎣
Wishlist ❤️ -> store.steampowered.com/app/4026760/...
#gamedev #indiegame
Catch giant fish from the top of your car, upgrade your equipment and help three friends uncover the mystery of an ancient machine god 🚗🎣
Wishlist ❤️ -> store.steampowered.com/app/4026760/...
#gamedev #indiegame
Reposted by Rob Manuel
Hey #PitchYaGame!
We are making Alabaster Dawn, a story focused Action RPG
🔥 4 elements you can seamlessly switch between
⚔️each one has a close range and long range weapon
🧌 fight monsters taken over by the curse of Nyx
🧩solve lots of puzzles
🌿and bring back nature
We are making Alabaster Dawn, a story focused Action RPG
🔥 4 elements you can seamlessly switch between
⚔️each one has a close range and long range weapon
🧌 fight monsters taken over by the curse of Nyx
🧩solve lots of puzzles
🌿and bring back nature
November 7, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Hey #PitchYaGame!
We are making Alabaster Dawn, a story focused Action RPG
🔥 4 elements you can seamlessly switch between
⚔️each one has a close range and long range weapon
🧌 fight monsters taken over by the curse of Nyx
🧩solve lots of puzzles
🌿and bring back nature
We are making Alabaster Dawn, a story focused Action RPG
🔥 4 elements you can seamlessly switch between
⚔️each one has a close range and long range weapon
🧌 fight monsters taken over by the curse of Nyx
🧩solve lots of puzzles
🌿and bring back nature
Reposted by Rob Manuel
Today is the day to #PitchYaGame so here we are, drifting, boosting and spreading kisses across your timeline!
Crescent County is currently in development but you can play the demo and wishlist the game on Steam RIGHT NOW!
Wishlist + Demo here: store.steampowered.com/app/2202650/...
Crescent County is currently in development but you can play the demo and wishlist the game on Steam RIGHT NOW!
Wishlist + Demo here: store.steampowered.com/app/2202650/...
November 7, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Today is the day to #PitchYaGame so here we are, drifting, boosting and spreading kisses across your timeline!
Crescent County is currently in development but you can play the demo and wishlist the game on Steam RIGHT NOW!
Wishlist + Demo here: store.steampowered.com/app/2202650/...
Crescent County is currently in development but you can play the demo and wishlist the game on Steam RIGHT NOW!
Wishlist + Demo here: store.steampowered.com/app/2202650/...
Reposted by Rob Manuel
Reposted by Rob Manuel
There's a round of GOTY discussion going around, and I realized that a lot of my favourite games this year have been absolute Sicko Picks.
So here's a few games I've loved so far in 2025, starting with a mild one: Babushka's Glitch Dungeon. A scrunkly lil' puzzle-metroidvania with so many fun verbs
So here's a few games I've loved so far in 2025, starting with a mild one: Babushka's Glitch Dungeon. A scrunkly lil' puzzle-metroidvania with so many fun verbs
Save 50% on Babushka's Glitch Dungeon on Steam
Oh hello dearie.. Babushka needs to clean up her big magical cellar. Use hag magic, or just hit stuff with your broom.
store.steampowered.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:13 AM
There's a round of GOTY discussion going around, and I realized that a lot of my favourite games this year have been absolute Sicko Picks.
So here's a few games I've loved so far in 2025, starting with a mild one: Babushka's Glitch Dungeon. A scrunkly lil' puzzle-metroidvania with so many fun verbs
So here's a few games I've loved so far in 2025, starting with a mild one: Babushka's Glitch Dungeon. A scrunkly lil' puzzle-metroidvania with so many fun verbs
Vote for -- Ooo
It doesn't matter how you pronounce it as long as you play it.
Ooo is an open-world (bird) puzzlier where you need to learn the rules to make it to the next section. You also have the ability to detach your butt and blow it up.
Neat.
store.steampowered.com/app/2721890/...
It doesn't matter how you pronounce it as long as you play it.
Ooo is an open-world (bird) puzzlier where you need to learn the rules to make it to the next section. You also have the ability to detach your butt and blow it up.
Neat.
store.steampowered.com/app/2721890/...
Öoo on Steam
A Bomb Caterpillar's Big Adventure! "Öoo" is a charming yet mysterious exploration puzzle platformer where you discover creative ways to use bombs!
store.steampowered.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Vote for -- Ooo
It doesn't matter how you pronounce it as long as you play it.
Ooo is an open-world (bird) puzzlier where you need to learn the rules to make it to the next section. You also have the ability to detach your butt and blow it up.
Neat.
store.steampowered.com/app/2721890/...
It doesn't matter how you pronounce it as long as you play it.
Ooo is an open-world (bird) puzzlier where you need to learn the rules to make it to the next section. You also have the ability to detach your butt and blow it up.
Neat.
store.steampowered.com/app/2721890/...
Reposted by Rob Manuel
What are members saying about our first official game, 24 Killers? 🤔
🏆 "This is a top tier first choice!"
💪 "This looks like a super fascinating game, excited to dive into it!"
🌙 "It's incredible honestly. It's reminiscent of Moon RPG."
I think it's safe to say we know how to pick 'em 💅
🏆 "This is a top tier first choice!"
💪 "This looks like a super fascinating game, excited to dive into it!"
🌙 "It's incredible honestly. It's reminiscent of Moon RPG."
I think it's safe to say we know how to pick 'em 💅
November 6, 2025 at 5:30 PM
What are members saying about our first official game, 24 Killers? 🤔
🏆 "This is a top tier first choice!"
💪 "This looks like a super fascinating game, excited to dive into it!"
🌙 "It's incredible honestly. It's reminiscent of Moon RPG."
I think it's safe to say we know how to pick 'em 💅
🏆 "This is a top tier first choice!"
💪 "This looks like a super fascinating game, excited to dive into it!"
🌙 "It's incredible honestly. It's reminiscent of Moon RPG."
I think it's safe to say we know how to pick 'em 💅
Vote for -- Sol Cesto
Y'all weren't lying, SOL CESTO is the business!!! 🙏 @goblinzstudio.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:16 AM
Vote for -- Sol Cesto
Vote for -- Brazilian Drug Dealer 3
Imagine picking up a Brazilian Quake rom hack from the early 2000s . Everything is off kilter in some way from the layouts to the sound effects.
And the soundtrack - pure chaos gold. Listen to Carreta.
youtu.be/FQJo7D6uA6M?...
Imagine picking up a Brazilian Quake rom hack from the early 2000s . Everything is off kilter in some way from the layouts to the sound effects.
And the soundtrack - pure chaos gold. Listen to Carreta.
youtu.be/FQJo7D6uA6M?...
OST BRAZILIAN DRUG DEALER 3 VERSAO ALPHAV2 DE AVIÃOZINHO DO TRÁFICO 3 VAI SER ATUALIZADA NO FUTURO
YouTube video by DJALMA SEM CENSURA
youtu.be
November 6, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Vote for -- Brazilian Drug Dealer 3
Imagine picking up a Brazilian Quake rom hack from the early 2000s . Everything is off kilter in some way from the layouts to the sound effects.
And the soundtrack - pure chaos gold. Listen to Carreta.
youtu.be/FQJo7D6uA6M?...
Imagine picking up a Brazilian Quake rom hack from the early 2000s . Everything is off kilter in some way from the layouts to the sound effects.
And the soundtrack - pure chaos gold. Listen to Carreta.
youtu.be/FQJo7D6uA6M?...
Vote for -- Caves of Qud
IGF Narrative and Hugo Award Winning game. The game came out late last year so it missed a lot of lists.
The depths this game goes and freedoms given will boggle the mind. There's a point where classic RPG dies and you need to work past it. Go in knowing you'll die a lot.
IGF Narrative and Hugo Award Winning game. The game came out late last year so it missed a lot of lists.
The depths this game goes and freedoms given will boggle the mind. There's a point where classic RPG dies and you need to work past it. Go in knowing you'll die a lot.
November 5, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Vote for -- Caves of Qud
IGF Narrative and Hugo Award Winning game. The game came out late last year so it missed a lot of lists.
The depths this game goes and freedoms given will boggle the mind. There's a point where classic RPG dies and you need to work past it. Go in knowing you'll die a lot.
IGF Narrative and Hugo Award Winning game. The game came out late last year so it missed a lot of lists.
The depths this game goes and freedoms given will boggle the mind. There's a point where classic RPG dies and you need to work past it. Go in knowing you'll die a lot.
It's out? It's out!
HEY, you know what? You could literally be playing DEAD STATIC DRIVE right now. It is out. NOW.
store.steampowered.com/app/1166940/...
store.steampowered.com/app/1166940/...
Dead Static Drive on Steam
Dead Static Drive is Grand Theft Cthulhu. An indie survival-horror game following a nightmarish road trip across a 1980s Americana. Evade police. Equip yourself and those close to you, and follow your...
store.steampowered.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:53 AM
It's out? It's out!
It's Game of the Year season!
And while I'm glad you've played all of the usual suspects - Blue Prince, Hades 2, Silksong, Peak, ect. - you probably haven't played all of the great indies.
Throughout the month, I'll highlight games you missed out on. And maybe update that spreadsheet.
And while I'm glad you've played all of the usual suspects - Blue Prince, Hades 2, Silksong, Peak, ect. - you probably haven't played all of the great indies.
Throughout the month, I'll highlight games you missed out on. And maybe update that spreadsheet.
November 4, 2025 at 5:58 PM
It's Game of the Year season!
And while I'm glad you've played all of the usual suspects - Blue Prince, Hades 2, Silksong, Peak, ect. - you probably haven't played all of the great indies.
Throughout the month, I'll highlight games you missed out on. And maybe update that spreadsheet.
And while I'm glad you've played all of the usual suspects - Blue Prince, Hades 2, Silksong, Peak, ect. - you probably haven't played all of the great indies.
Throughout the month, I'll highlight games you missed out on. And maybe update that spreadsheet.
Reposted by Rob Manuel
If you like puzzle games, do yourself a favor and play Strange Jigsaws. Don't look anything up — just play it store.steampowered.com/app/2702170/...
Strange Jigsaws on Steam
A game of strange jigsaws.
store.steampowered.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:36 PM
If you like puzzle games, do yourself a favor and play Strange Jigsaws. Don't look anything up — just play it store.steampowered.com/app/2702170/...