The Game Awards

THE INDIE DEV is a mockumentary-style genre swapper that cycles between third-person speed-platforming collectathon, third-person hack-n-slash action title, and third-person exploration/adventure game. Expect platforming, collectibles, enemies to be slashed and defeated, vast maps to be explored, and the occasional linear hallway for narrative purposes. With these ingredients, a lone developer—who started learning Unreal Engine four weeks ago—will (try to) deliver you a game fit to win the coveted "best indie game" award. Which institution is giving that award? Who knows. Definitely not one that forced the developer to rename this game two years after launch by weaponizing the suits. :)

Key features:

• Three distinct game genres and experiences (Platform! Fight! Walk!)

• A smorgasbord of jokes—written jokes, narrated jokes, visual jokes, and even a few good jokes

• A gripping narrative, depending on your familiarity with game development and Norm Macdonald

• Cinematic presentation and minimal HUD elements offer a premium aesthetic to distract from game mechanic simplicity

• Can be beaten in under two hours, for those of you who don't like games that overstay their welcome

Gameplay:

• Again, there's platforming, fighting (with weapons), and walking (with feet). There are only so many ways to rephrase this information. Press buttons, do things.