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Amid the excitement for triple-A games and heavyweight releases, it’s equally important that smaller, indie titles get their fair share of attention. The ID@Xbox programme has always encouraged growth in the sector, offering a platform for developers to self-publish their creations.
As the momentum in Southeast Asia (SEA) and Asia picks up, Xbox is looking to roll out continued support for regional talents. Leading the 2024 announcement charge are four upcoming games from India, the Philippines, Australia (the only territory that falls outside of Asia), and Japan – namely Brocula, Fallen Tear: The Ascension, Go-Go Town, and InKonbini respectively.
And just in time to be a celebratory affair, too, as the company will hit its second-year anniversary of PC Game Pass in SEA this month. The news follows in the footsteps of last year’s drop that spotlighted five titles from the region, including Coffee Talk Episode 2, Paper Ghost Stories, and more.
Here’s a quick overview of the upcoming releases, each with their own charm and personality to boot.
Brocula (Destroyer Doggo)
Born to drink blood, forced to be a capitalist worker. Brocula, hailing from one-man team Destroyer Doggo, follows a vampire awoken from a 500-year slumber who’s forced to navigate the perils of capitalism. Just like in the real world, the bloodsucker will have to take on part-time jobs, earn money, and tackle bureaucratic demands – all while repairing his dilapidated castle home, exploring the town, tending to crops, and engaging in side activities.
It’s dash of Stardew Valley, coupled with its own flair that lets players manage their cult, restore the church, and conduct sermons to gather the lifeblood they crave. The upcoming adventure embraces absurdity and meta humour in its entirety, completing the formula with a charming, old-school aesthetic.
Brocula is “coming soon” to PC via Steam and Xbox Game Pass, Apple Mac devices, and PS5.
Fallen Tear: The Ascension (CMD Studios)
The brainchild of Philippines-based CMD Studios, Fallen Tear: The Ascension teases a striking, gorgeous look into a world reminiscent of Hollow Knight and Hades. In it, players take on the role of Hira, a mysterious young boy who will fight dangerous beasts, defy corrupt gods, and overcome various challenges in an attempt to bring balance back to his world.
In line with its hybrid genre, the game marries traditional side-scrolling elements with JPRG staples like a skill tree and party recruitment system. What’s more impressive is how the hybrid adventure features hand-drawn animation that extends to a fully interactive environment, complementing its dynamic and versatile mix-and-match combat. Be sure to tread carefully, though — not only does each decision shape Hira’s destiny and the game’s outcome, dying also means bosses return with full health. Tough luck.
Fallen Tear: The Ascension will release on PC via Steam and Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation platforms, and Nintendo Switch in 2025.
Go-Go Town! (Prideful Sloth)
Some things are better enjoyed in the company of others, and Prideful Sloth’s Go-Go Town! is one such example. Boasting a soft, marshmallow art style, the town-building sim game oozes a comforting, lively presence, but don’t be fooled — breathing life into a rundown town is hard work.
As mayor, individuals will have to construct shops, hire staff, automate deliveries with couriers, attract tourists, manage infrastructure, avoid catastrophes, deal with critters and pests, and more. It’s a delicate (and stressful) balancing act, so it’s always nice to bring some friends along on the ride.
Go-Go Town! is due to bow in on PC via Steam and Xbox Game Pass, as well as all major consoles sometime in 2024.
inKonbini (Nagai Industries)
Visiting a konbini, or Japanese convenience store, is habitual behaviour for many. Tapping into this sense of familiarity, Nagai Industries’ inKonbini seeks to create a slow-paced, relaxing experience devoid of severe challenges tailored to the taste of audience who finds pleasure in meaningful stories and well-developed characters.
The game turns back the clock to the 1990s, where Makoto Hayakawa is taking a break from her studies to spend a week behind the counter in her aunt’s convenience store. Focusing on ichi-go ichi-e, a traditional Japanese concept that reflects the transient nature of life and the hidden importance of its every single moment, it places a heavy emphasis on human interaction, player choice, and beauty in simplicity.
inKonbini is slated for release in early 2025 on PC via Steam and Xbox Game Pass, Apple Mac devices, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
