SXSW Sydney made its comeback this month, uniting a diverse array of tech, film, music, and games. The 2024 edition was hosted at the University of Technology, Sydney, where indie game creators from Australia and beyond presented their newest projects.
### SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure
If you adore food in video games, particularly Asian fare, **SEDAP! A Culinary Adventure** is one to keep an eye on. Crafted by Singapore’s **kopiforge**, this “cooking-combat adventure” showcases delectable Southeast Asian dishes such as teh tarik, nasi lemak, and ondeh ondeh, with a nod to Taiwan’s bubble tea.
The game invites comparisons to **Overcooked**, with players hurriedly preparing dishes. In **SEDAP!**, however, chefs must source ingredients firsthand, sometimes necessitating combat—like battling a chicken for fresh meat. The game accommodates both solo players and two-player co-op modes, aiming for a March 2025 release.
### Winter Burrow
Have you ever imagined being a tiny mouse dwelling in a tree hollow, knitting sweaters from grass? **Winter Burrow** by **Pine Creek Games** brings that dream to life with a survival twist.
In this charming survival game, you return to your childhood abode to discover it in disarray and must restore it while searching for your lost aunt. Along the journey, you’ll assist the local community, but first, you must gather resources, mend furniture, and knit warm garments to endure the chill. The game’s delightful storybook-style illustrations soften the survival aspects, such as the threat of freezing. **Winter Burrow** is set to launch in 2025.
### Wabisabi Sushi Derby
Among the games at SXSW Sydney, **Wabisabi Sushi Derby** emerged as a highlight. Developed by Japan’s **ITAMAE STUDIO**, this whimsical title allows you to play as a sushi chef creating delightful sushi bites and entering them in races.
The sushi autonomously travels around a sushi train track, dodging customers and speeding up when encouraged. However, it loses freshness if not consumed on time. Players can also train their sushi to enhance their stats, adding an enjoyable strategy element. The game’s pixel art and straightforward yet captivating gameplay make it a pleasure to experience. **Wabisabi Sushi Derby** is anticipated to launch later this year.
### Dungeon Inn
**Dungeon Inn**, created by South Korea’s **Cat Society**, presents a novel approach to the business management simulation genre. Instead of merely constructing and managing an inn, players focus on strategically placing signage to guide guests.
Situated near a popular dungeon frequented by two competing adventuring guilds, your aim is to cater to both without alerting either group. Players can construct facilities and set up roadside attractions to entice customers or avoid conflicts between rival guilds. **Dungeon Inn** will enter early access on Nov. 14, aiming for a full launch in 2025.
### Identifile
One of the more inventive games showcased at SXSW Sydney was **Identifile**, developed by Singapore’s **Gearbyte Games**. In this title, you assume the role of an antivirus program combating malware on a computer. The game features a procedural folder-based dungeon system, with each file representing a new room filled with coins, keys, and malware.
Players select a cursor at the outset, each with unique attack methods. For instance, one cursor requires clicking on malware, while another inflicts damage by encircling it. However, you must evade attacks, as you are embodied by the cursor itself. **Identifile** is currently under development, with no release date revealed yet.
### Demonschool
From California-based **Necrosoft Games**, **Demonschool** is a turn-based tactical RPG that merges Italian giallo horror with elements from **Shin Megami Tensei**. Set in a school beset by demons, gangsters, and other supernatural threats, you lead a group of students in a fight for survival.
The game features a battlefield grid where you strategize your party’s attacks, executing them simultaneously for optimal effect. Beyond combat, you’ll manage your school schedule to develop skills and nurture friendships, aiding your demon-fighting quests. **Demonschool** is slated for release in early 2025.
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Despite the hurdles faced by the video game industry, including widespread layoffs, SXSW Sydney 2024 highlighted an array of thrilling indie titles that demonstrate creativity and innovation are still alive and well. These games, which range from cozy survival experiences to whimsical culinary combat, provide a glimpse into the promising future of indie gaming.