It’s an exciting time in the world of indie gaming as we introduce the victors of the PAX Aus 2023 Indie Showcase. These games are all set to be featured at the upcoming PAX Aus event, which is taking place from the 6th to the 8th of October at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
These winners, representing some of the most creative talents in the indie gaming scene, include four tabletop games and six digital games. Attendees can look forward to a variety of unique gameplay styles, interesting characters, and engaging storylines. With the Indie Showcase always a crowd favourite, this year’s lineup promises to keep the tradition alive.
All The Winners
Tabletop PAX Aus 2023 Indie Showcase Winners
Boba Master
Queensland-based team Quokka Games’ follow-up to their previous hit, Yum Cha, is a rowdy card game that’s easy to learn but challenging to master. Players aim to craft the best bubble tea by stealing from their opponents and forcing them to make mistakes.
With exciting mechanics such as swapping hands, memory-based gameplay, the race to become the Boba Master keeps players on their toes. Designed for 2-10 players, it’s a casual yet frenzied card game.
You can check the game out here.
Alien Frenzy
This card game pits players against an alien invasion, requiring them to recruit teams of eccentric characters to repel the extraterrestrial chaos.
Featuring a hand management system and an exciting ‘Invasion phase’, this game from Victorian creators Comet Squid is tense and exhilarating. Players must carefully manage their team, with the last player standing declared the winner.
You can check the game out here.
Kingless: Festival of Explosions
Set in a beautifully-illustrated dwarven world, players compete to gain the most influence and avoid the label of ‘the fool’. This fast-paced, easy-to-learn card game is designed for exciting 20-minute sessions for 1-5 players.
With strategic elements that reward smart decisions and punish narrow-mindedness, from the Tasmanian creators Two19, Kingless tests your ability to balance personal growth and competitive sabotage.
You can check the game out here.
Saltfish & Almanacs
This storytelling RPG from the NSW team Storybrewers Roleplaying offers a unique take on the genre. Players form a merchant company and embark on an annual journey, trading goods and creating their own narratives along the way.
The game’s unique selling point is its focus on storytelling over profit. From modular maps to personalised merchants and unique goods, every playthrough is a unique adventure. Suitable for 1-4 players.
You can check the game out here.
Digital PAX Aus 2023 Indie Showcase Winners
Copycat
This narrative-driven game from New South Wales team Spoonful of Wonder is a touching tale about rejection, belonging, and the essence of home. The protagonist, a newly adopted shelter cat named Dawn, has her place stolen by a jealous stray copycat and embarks on a journey to find a real family.
The game uses a branching narrative and stunning colourful visuals to depict both the warmth of the human-pet bond and the darker, emotional undertones of Dawn’s journey.
You can check the game out here.
The Dungeon Experience Game
Brought to you by Bone Assembly, comes an unforgettable and humorous first-person quest, this game features a mud-crab turned entrepreneur playing the role of Dungeon Master.
Players will meet the various inhabitants of the dungeon, explore its depths, and uncover the mystery of the corruption plaguing the realm. Packed with quirky humour and a unique storyline, this game will surely elicit both laughter and intrigue from players.
You can check the game out here.
The Drifter
An engaging pulp adventure thriller, by Powerhoof, that features Mick Carter, a drifter who gets entangled in a shady conspiracy following his death and mysterious revival. This point-and-click game is characterised by its compelling narrative.
The game also boasts a dark-synth cinematic score, full voice acting, and unique twin-stick interaction.
You can check the game out here.
Crash Course Builder
Wombat Brawler brings us a fun, rhythm racing game where players get to fast-twitch race through unique and exciting obstacle courses. In addition to racing, players can design their own courses to share with others on the platform.
The game is full of screen-rattling explosions, hilarious rag-doll physics, and the exhilarating challenge of beating the impossible obstacle courses.
You can check the game out here.
Primordials Legends: Hollow Hero
Toybox Game Studios take us into the fantasy world of Eridal, featuring Brunt, an anthropomorphic wombat on an epic adventure to save her people.
With its rich lore, character-driven story, immersive sound design, and top-notch graphics, the game offers an experience akin to the epic storytelling of Lord of the Rings. The game also features fully voice-acted characters and an original soundtrack by Alec Shea.
You can check the game out here.
DarkwebSTREAMER
This horror RPG streaming sim from the South Australian team, We Have Always Lived in a Forest, offers a unique gameplay experience that simulates the stressful reality of live-streaming, heightened by eerie occult distractions.
Players are tasked to become the #1 ranked streamer or face death. The game offers a novel messaging system, a procedurally generated web, and a variety of strange items and rituals that players can engage in. DarkwebSTREAMER is a game where fame and survival are on the line, ensuring a suspenseful gaming experience.
You can check the game out here.
The PAX Aus 2023 Indie Showcase promises to be a thrilling event, highlighting the creativity and innovation of indie game developers from all corners of Australia. With four tabletop games and six digital games set to be on display, attendees will be offered a diverse and entertaining mix of gameplay experiences.
Each game offers unique features, whether it’s the heartfelt narrative of Copycat, the hilarious escapades of The Dungeon Experience, or the haunting adventures of darkwebSTREAMER.
If you are a seasoned gamer or just starting to explore the world of indie games, PAX Aus 2023 offers something for everyone. Make sure to mark your calendars for the 6th to 8th of October for this extraordinary celebration of Australian indie gaming.