The INDIE Live Expo held on April 25, 2026, showcased more than 200 indie games, including nine world premieres. With an unprecedented number of over 1,100 submissions, the event highlights the growing interest in indie gaming across the globe.
Event Overview
This year's event featured an expanded first segment called "INDIE Waves powered by Cygames," which introduced over 160 indie games. The second segment, titled "INDIE Spotlight," took approximately two hours to unveil key titles and new information. Blockbusters included the upcoming action RPG "Waro-ta, My Neighbor is the Demon King's Castle" developed by Team EARTH WARS, set for Steam release in 2026, with console editions following in 2027.
Other highlights included the psychological mystery adventure "Satori Chuunibyou Consultation Room" that tackles the phenomenon of Chuunibyou, along with a demo available on Steam from April 24. Notably, new details were revealed for ".45 Parabellum Bloodhound" from the team behind VA-11 HALL-A.
Key Titles and Announcements
Some standout titles announced during the event include:
- - Wanderburg: A medieval survival game featuring a mobile castle, with a release set for Summer 2026.
- - Finding Polka: An adventure game that follows the protagonist as they chase their former pet, featuring unique visuals crafted in ballpoint pen art, with a demo releasing on April 25.
- - Memory of Memorie: A chill adventure game featuring a magical girl named Memory who aids players in their solitary tasks; set for a Summer 2026 launch with releases on various platforms including Steam and Switch.
More world premieres such as "Lunapulse," a rogue-like card game from 213℉, and "The Veritas Tales: The Witch of Dark Castle" promise to captivate indie game enthusiasts. These titles demonstrate a commitment to diverse gameplay experiences, and their anticipated launch dates extend through 2027.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
In addition to the new titles, the INDIE Live Expo Sale on Steam is running until May 2, offering discounts on over 700 titles across previous years and this year's showcases. This sale includes both established favorites and fresh new experiences.
The INDIE Live Expo team has also announced its next event scheduled for Winter 2026, with plans for a special episode featuring Ririka Ichijou from hololive DEV_IS ReGLOSS on May 1. This installment will allow her to explore the various games and share her favorite finds with fellow hololive members.
Join the Indie Movement!
Moreover, INDIE Live Expo is looking for support staff who are passionate about promoting indie games to a broader audience. Those interested can apply through the official website. Additionally, there’s an ongoing subscription drive for the free INDIE Live Expo Letter, providing creators with valuable insights into gaming promotion and development.
As indie gaming continues to develop and attract attention within the community, the INDIE Live Expo offers an exciting glimpse into the future of gaming, highlighting creativity while fostering collaboration among creators.