Games Like Make it indie!

In Game Dev Tycoon you replay the history of the gaming industry by starting your own video game development company in the 80s. Create best selling games. Research new technologies and invent new game types. Become the leader of the market and gain worldwide fans.

Why similar: Indie 55.7%, Simulation 44.3%

Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive simulation experience for managing the highs and lows of the game development industry.

The Beginner's Guide is a narrative video game from Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable. It lasts about an hour and a half and has no traditional mechanics, no goals or objectives. Instead, it tells the story of a person struggling to deal with something they do not understand.

Why similar: Indie 87.2%, Adventure 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: A profound meta-narrative exploration of the relationship between a developer and their creations.

Pony Island is a suspense puzzle game in disguise. You are in limbo, trapped in a malevolent and malfunctioning arcade machine devised by the devil himself. It is not a game about ponies.

Why similar: Indie 100%

Why You'll Like It: A psychological horror game that uses meta-narrative elements to trap the player within a corrupted game interface.

Thanks to next generation AI technology, BUDDY SIMULATOR 1984 simulates the experience of hanging out with a best buddy! Your buddy learns from you, constantly adapting to your interests and personality. But most importantly, your buddy can play games with you!

Why similar: Indie 56.8%, Simulation 20.2%, Interactive Fiction 13.6%, Adventure 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the unsettling feeling of a simulation that begins to spiral into psychological horror.

Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards...

Why similar: Adventure 100%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric card game that masterfully blends meta-commentary with psychological horror elements.

In a creaky old tavern, in a forgotten corner of the video-game universe, a storm is raging. An anonymous caller suggests that there is a murder plot. Six video game protagonists are the only plausible suspects...

Why similar: Indie 94.7%, Adventure 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A meta-narrative mystery that deconstructs various game genres while exploring the lives of developers.

There is no game. So don't go messing things up by clicking everywhere. You don’t want to be kicked out of your video game world, do you? Of course not!

Why similar: Indie 62.9%, Adventure 16.3%, Interactive Fiction 12.4%, Simulation 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A humorous yet deeply meta experience that constantly breaks the fourth wall to challenge the player's perception of the game.

The Literature Club is full of cute girls! Will you write the way into their heart? This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed.

Why similar: Indie 89.7%, Adventure 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: A deceptive visual novel that descends into psychological horror, mirroring the shift in tone found in Make it indie!.

This game is a simulation of self-isolation. You need to support your family, not to lose your job and finally not to go crazy.

Why similar: Indie 60.2%, Simulation 24.6%, Adventure 15.2%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric adventure that mirrors the themes of mental struggle and isolation found in the seed game.

In this game, you're playing as game developer and encounter typical problems like eating and sleeping. You need to correctly allocate your time for human needs, hobbies and work, to live another day as indie developer.

Why similar: Indie 65.3%, Simulation 34.7%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward simulation that focuses on the day-to-day grind of an independent developer.

Become an indie game developer! Make your own games by hand and publish them on a fantasy market like Steam. Earn fans, receive brutal reviews, and battle your inner demons. Can you become the creator of your dreams?

Why similar: Indie 67.3%, Simulation 32.7%

Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art simulation that attempts to capture the chaotic nature of indie game development.

The Stanley Parable is a first person exploration game. You will play as Stanley, and you will not play as Stanley. You will follow a story, you will not follow a story. You will have a choice, you will have no choice. The game will end, the game will never end.

Why similar: Indie 84.9%, Adventure 15.1%

Why You'll Like It: An essential meta-narrative game that explores the nature of choice and developer control.

Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.

Why similar: Indie 72.9%, Simulation 23.6%, Adventure 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A high-stress simulation that forces the player to make difficult choices under crushing systemic pressure.

Crush someone's skull, Suffer from Hypothermia, Transcend your Mortal Frame, Find all 10 Endings. GET YOUR HOUSE BACK.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 100%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal interactive fiction game that uses psychological horror to unsettle the player.

Work hard and you may reach the top of the video game industry!

Why similar: Simulation 50.9%, Indie 49.1%

Why You'll Like It: A classic simulation game that focuses on the mechanics of building a successful indie studio.

Experience the quiet terror of this 1-bit love letter to Junji Ito and H.P. Lovecraft. Navigate a hellish roguelite reality with turn-based combat and unforgiving choices. Experiment with your deck of event cards to discover new forms of cosmic horror in every playthrough. The inevitable awaits...

Why similar: Adventure 100%

Why You'll Like It: A psychological horror game that emphasizes the fragility of the human mind against cosmic threats.

Escape the Beast and overcome your own fear.

Why similar: Indie 83.4%, Adventure 16.6%

Why You'll Like It: A psychological horror experience that focuses on survival and atmospheric storytelling.

Coming home after visiting your doctor for the last time, you are told that you only have three more days to live. A sequence of short memory fragments flashing through as you try to run away from what you have done.

Why similar: Indie 86.5%, Adventure 13.5%

Why You'll Like It: An atmospheric walking simulator that focuses on narrative and emotional depth.

OneShot is a surreal top down Puzzle/Adventure game with unique gameplay capabilities. You are to guide a child through a mysterious world on a mission to restore its long-dead sun. The world knows you exist.

Why similar: Indie 83.6%, Adventure 16.4%

Why You'll Like It: A meta-narrative adventure that treats the player as a character within the game world.

Depression The Game is an interactive game simulating major depression. You are joining a young man on one of his really bad days trying to handle his thoughts and survive that day... Will he?

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 54.2%, Simulation 45.8%

Why You'll Like It: A life simulation that tackles heavy psychological themes through an interactive fiction format.

Greetings Enforcer, and thank you for enlisting in the Hypnospace Patrol Department! As the world falls into its slumber, Hypnospace becomes a bustling global village. These virtual streets aren't going to police themselves!

Why similar: Indie 38.2%, Simulation 37.5%, Interactive Fiction 16.9%, Adventure 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A surreal simulation that captures the nostalgic and often overwhelming feeling of early internet culture.

Social welfare survival horror based on real events. Endure emotional pain and societal pressure. Stay entertained. Survive the routine and become the hero of your studio apartment—battle inner demons, hide skeletons in the closet, and most importantly… keep the bathroom clean.

Why similar: Indie 55.5%, Simulation 31%, Adventure 13.5%

Welcome to the Game II is an atmospheric horror / strategy / puzzle game that takes you into the world of the deep web in search of the shadow web. Play as an investigative reporter trying to solve a case of a mysterious woman broadcasting for help as masked men are on the hunt to kill her.

Why similar: Indie 67.9%, Simulation 32.1%

Why You'll Like It: A terrifying simulation that puts the player in a high-stakes environment where every choice could lead to disaster.

Indie Dev Story - Quit your job to become an indie developer and make your first game!

Why similar: Indie 67.9%, Simulation 32.1%

Build and manage a medieval graveyard while facing ethical dilemmas and making questionable decisions. Welcome to Graveyard Keeper, the most inaccurate medieval cemetery sim of the year.

Why similar: Indie 54.7%, Simulation 32.9%, Adventure 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, cynical simulation that provides a twisted take on the management genre.

Live out your school days as you navigate the rocky world of game development! Can you make an amazing game, or will something get in the way?

Why similar: Simulation 100%

Person of European Heritage #112: Welcome to Relocation Block B, your new home. Your designated role is 'Bouncer'. Work hard, stay out of trouble, and we might let you stay in the UK.

Why similar: Simulation 53.5%, Indie 37.9%, Adventure 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A dystopian simulation that explores the struggle of survival within a harsh, unforgiving society.

Just open and play!

Why similar: Indie 100%

Why You'll Like It: A puzzle-focused indie title that challenges the player's perspective on repetition.

Dealing with the issue of the contemporary refugee crisis while at the same time being deeply rooted in a classical cyberpunk atmosphere à la Blade Runner, NORTH features a dark synthpop soundtrack, a sprawling mega-city and weird monster-like inhabitants.

Why similar: Indie 87.7%, Adventure 12.3%

Why You'll Like It: A short, atmospheric adventure that uses surrealism to convey a sense of displacement.

You're gonna get yourself killed out here... There's monsters, bandits, and much, much worse roaming these lands... Do you really think you've got what it takes to survive? Or do you think you're cut out for much more than that... There's only one way to find out, and time is of the essence!

Why similar: Simulation 100%

You are a body snatching creature. Capture the body, explore the environment, reproduce.

Why similar: Interactive Fiction 38.3%, Simulation 36.6%, Adventure 25.1%

You're gonna get yourself killed in there... There's beasts, warriors, and much, much worse in the coliseum... Do you really think you've got what it takes to survive? Or do you think you're cut out for much more than that... There's only one way to find out, and time is of the essence!

Why similar: Simulation 100%

Project Abyss is a deep sea adventure game where you explore as a diver, forced to survive a destiny that goes deeper than anyone imagined.

Why similar: Indie 57%, Simulation 26.5%, Adventure 16.4%

Why You'll Like It: An adventure-simulation hybrid that focuses on the dangers of exploring the unknown.

You have to find your daddy.

Why similar: Indie 100%

Why You'll Like It: A short, unsettling indie horror game that uses dark humor to create a unique atmosphere.

You venture through your mind, trying desperately to wake up from your nightmares. Will you make it out?

Why similar: Indie 76.4%, Adventure 23.6%

Why You'll Like It: A free-to-play psychological horror game that emphasizes the feeling of being watched.

A short, unique survival-farming-base-building-tycoon-horror game where you must survive through washing dishes. Explore mysterious depths, manage resources, and unravel a cryptic narrative. In DWS, a chore becomes a journey to freedom.

Why similar: Simulation 100%

Go on a trip around the worlds created by your own mind and learn yourself.

Why similar: Indie 87.3%, Adventure 12.7%

You are trapped in an endless labyrinth. You must find hidden resources scattered throughout the labyrinth to craft your own sword. Overcome the dangers of the labyrinth with your crafted sword, survive, and escape.

Why similar: Indie 46.6%, Simulation 36.6%, Adventure 16.7%

Outwit, Outplay, Outcast.

Why similar: Indie 66.5%, Adventure 18.4%, Interactive Fiction 15.1%

NeverEnd is a Rogue-Like Dungeon crawler, where you, a simple adventurer suddenly wakes up in another dimension. Inside of this dimension there is no sun and the whole world is caved in. Enemies swarm you from left and right and you need to learn how to defend yourself.

Why similar: Indie 91.3%, Adventure 8.7%

Jumpscare Simulator is a sci-fi horror game featuring a story-driven main game and two additional game modes. Pass through doors carefully, battle the simulation, and try to fall from your seat as little as possible!

Why similar: Indie 47.4%, Adventure 30.9%, Simulation 21.7%

You woke up in some basement and don't remember who you are or how you ended up here... But what you do know is that you need to get out of here...

Why similar: Adventure 47%, Indie 34.7%, Simulation 18.3%

There's a serial killer stalking your video store, and you just got called into work on your day off! Stock shelves, deal with customers and RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!

Why similar: Indie 57.6%, Simulation 25.6%, Adventure 16.8%

You finally decided to call Momo. Momo is a horror game.

Why similar: Indie 100%

Mirror Forge is a first-person psychological survival horror game. Roam between realities of fear, madness & machinery. Solve puzzles, explore an atmospheric world, survive horrifying entities.

Why similar: Simulation 100%

A story about escapism.

Why similar: Indie 80.5%, Adventure 19.5%

This is just the story of a young and naive indie dev.

Why similar: Indie 69.4%, Simulation 30.6%

Magma Tsunami is a frenzied arcade platformer game. Beat your records in 1P or Co-op mode, and don't get caught by the Magma Tsunami!!! Could you stay alive for more than one minute??

Why similar: Indie 100%

Survive five nights of terror in this chilling adventure game. Travel between time periods to solve puzzles, gather clues, and outrun the threat relentlessly pursuing you. Move swiftly and stay hidden, and you may just survive. But be careful—it's not just your own life that’s on the line this time.

Why similar: Indie 64.2%, Adventure 35.8%

In an endless air ocean of an alien world, small lonesome plots of land float above the abyss. But sometimes approach each other, and lands which have never met before, reveal their secrets.

Why similar: Indie 65.6%, Interactive Fiction 17.5%, Adventure 16.9%

Lost in the abyssal depths of limbo, you are a tortured soul who is trapped between life and death, stuck in a dungeon whose puzzles will test you as you strive to go into the afterlife.

Why similar: Indie 78.4%, Adventure 21.6%

Escape a distorted version of your own newly rented apartment in this interactive nightmare.

Why similar: Indie 56.4%, Adventure 31.1%, Simulation 12.5%

You're hired to dig up graves at a local church, looting valuables while demonic activity escalates. You must find and return all the burnt bones to stop the demonic activity. Each night you will dig for valuables to find bones, fend off growing corruption, and survive to solve the mystery.

Why similar: Simulation 78.8%, Adventure 21.2%

Plunge into the captivating realm of "Horror Inside the Forest," an exhilarating game that tests your bravery. Explore a mysterious forest, confront supernatural forces, uncover secrets, survive the darkness, and escape its shadowy embrace in this immersive horror experience.

Why similar: Indie 65.9%, Adventure 34.1%

Step into a world where dreams and reality mix. You find yourself in a dream-like world, and explore a different traumatic experience each day. Your choice determines if the boy accepts these moments and moves on, or stays in the past.

Why similar: Indie 85.6%, Adventure 14.4%

Supermarket simulator meets horror. You’re a clerk at a 24-hour convenience store. During the day - serve customers and hit your sales goals. At night - beware of strange clients. Try to survive 7 days in the Far North.

Why similar: Indie 54.3%, Simulation 30.3%, Adventure 15.4%

Energy Balance is a number puzzle. You have to swap power units in such a way that their sums form correct chains both vertically and horizontally. The game is easy to learn, but very hard to master. So, are you ready to peep under the hood of an alien spaceship?

Why similar: Indie 100%

A darkly-enticing story about unrequited love; Broken Dreams is a casual platforming game featuring full voice-acting, beautiful hand-drawn environments and a twist on the original platforming mechanic!

Why similar: Indie 100%

"Heaven Island VIVE" is an experience designed for the HTC Vive in which you'll explore wonderful places. The inspiration for the environments comes from the book "Origins of Architectural Pleasure" in which the welfare is of primary importance. The game requires the HTC Vive device.

Why similar: Indie 89.5%, Simulation 10.5%