Features

15 more developers digitally battle it out to take the Big Indie Pitch crown

|
15 more developers digitally battle it out to take the Big Indie Pitch crown

Discover all the indie games pitched at our most recent digital Big Indie Pitch

Left Arrow
0/15
Right Arrow

The mobile games industry has long been known for all of the unique and different independent games that can be found around every corner within the various app stores. From the likes of Florence, to former Big Indie Pitch winners like What The Golf!?, we’ve seen many go from breakout hit to stardom. Nevertheless, with the potential next big thing hidden behind every corner, it can sometimes be somewhat hard to discover that next indie gem.

Well, this problem is exactly why we set up our regular international competition for indie developers, The Big Indie Pitch, around 8 years ago. From San Francisco to Hong Kong and everywhere in between, we currently run around 20 of these global events a year in order to showcase all the amazing new indie games in development. Of course, there are prizes and international recognition, but the reward is the chance to show all of you readers some of the latest games in development.

Understandably, 2020 is proving to be a challenging year for all in the industry. As such, we felt it was important to continue to highlight all of the indie talents in any way we can and took the Big Indie Pitch digital, with our most recent digital pitches taking place earlier in July 2020.

Much like with our previous digital pitches, the demand was high once again. A fact that made sure that not only was there 15 strong developers pitching but that the competition for the top three was as strong as ever. Nevertheless, three games rose to the top (alongside one honourable mention), with Hong Kong-based Minidragon's Fatal Funnel being crowned the unanimous winner.

Of course, Fatal Funnel, as you already know, was the winner, but we always award prizes for the top three. So read on to not only find out more about Fatal Funnel but also our runners-up and honourable mention from The Digital Big Indie Pitch #2 sponsored by our season sponsors, Kwalee.

Click Here To View The List »

1
1st Place - Fatal Funnel by Minidragon

Fatal Funnel is a puzzle action game that brings the stealth genre to mobile in a brand new and accessible manner. Within the game, players take control of an elite SWAT team and they endeavour to solve tactical situations and events through the use of a unique and innovative drawing mechanic. This gameplay mechanic allows players to connect each of their team members in order to coordinate their attack, and in turn hopefully resolve the situation effectively.

Alongside this, the game utilises a clean and easy to understand aesthetic, alongside a lot of planned content in order to keep gamers playing for a long long time. All in all the game unanimously impressed the judges, and in turn meant that Minidragon took the Big Indie Pitch crown for the second time, nearly one year exactly to the day where they first won it at Pocket Gamer Connects Hong Kong 2019.

2
2nd Place - Dungeon Warriors! by Minidragon

Not content with taking first place, another development project within the small indie studio was pitched as a part of the Big Indie Pitch. That game was Dungeon Warriors!, and it impressed just as much as Fatal Funnel, despite being a very different game. You see, unlike the slow methodical gameplay of Fatal Funnel, Dungeon Warriors is an all-out hack-and-slash game designed from the ground up for mobile platforms.

Utilising a simple one-touch control scheme alongside portrait mode gameplay, Dungeon Warriors! allows players to blend stylish combo attacks and magic spells in order to take down ever-increasing large groups of enemies. That's not all though, as the game additionally features various different hero types to choose from in addition to physics-based combat interactions that allows players to incorporate high levels of individuality to their combat style.

yt
Subscribe to Pocket Gamer on

3
3rd Place - Gogogo! by Robert Thomson

Gogogo! is a 3 to 16 player party game for iOS and Android, one that is filled to the max with unique and different challenges. Played on one mobile phone and with no need for an internet connection, the game takes some inspiration from perfect party titles and brings to mind games such as WarioWare Smooth Moves.

Of course, much like the aforementioned game, this means chaos is ahead. As such, players can be expected to complete challenges such as striking a pose, recreating a referee's drawing from memory, or even giving an impression of random noises, such as a "flirting pigeon". This really is a game for fans of crazy chaotic fun.

yt
Subscribe to Pocket Gamer on

4
Honourable Mention - BEJJ: Jiu-Jitsu Game by Smash Mountain Studio

Not satisfied with awarding a top three, the judges really felt it was necessary to give BEJJ: Jiu-Jitsu Game an honourable mention thanks to its dedicated and focused approach to game development. What was this focus exactly you ask? Well BEJJ has been created with one key goal in mind, to create a game to meet the demand for a dedicated Jiu-Jitsu title.

Now of course, at first reading, you might be expecting to find that Smash Mountain Studio has created a PvP fighting game. However, if you thought this, then you'd be wrong, as BEJJ is a unique RPG-strategy-tactical-card-fighting, one that has been designed to appeal both to those who live a Jiu-Jitsu life, and also those new to this unique martial art. As such, with both midcore and hardcore players alike being appealed to, alongside online play, Smash Mountain Studio hopes to utilise their one of a kind gameplay, alongside the global love of this fighting style in order to create a new type of hit game.

yt
Subscribe to Pocket Gamer on

5
Krystopia: Nova´s Journey by Antler Interactive

The first thing that you notice when you see Krystopia is just how stunning it is, and thankfully the game’s quality doesn’t stop there. Offering players an exciting puzzler with deep and varied mechanics all wrapped around an exciting story.

This story will see players take on the role of Nova Dune, an intrepid space explorer who follows a mysterious distress signal and is led to a desolate desert filled alien planet. However, in good mystery fashion, not all is as it seems, and the planet holds more than one secret as you discover the fate of the island’s inhabitants.

yt
Subscribe to Pocket Gamer on

6
Edge Flip by Lume Studio

Awarded one of our special honourable mentions by the judges, Edge Flip is a slick and stylish puzzle game. One that adds some unique new ideas to the puzzle genre, whilst not compromising its open and accessible nature.

At its core, Edge Flip requires players to slide panels in order to help the hero safely traverse a mysterious landscape. Throughout this quest, players will also have to make use of booster powers, collect gems, take down monolithic bosses, and ultimately escape the maze at the heart of the adventure.

yt
Subscribe to Pocket Gamer on

7
QB Planets by Madowl Games

QB Planets is a Rubix cube inspired puzzle game in which players must solve planet based puzzles all whilst navigating and exploring a constantly shifting environment. In order to achieve this, you’ll be placed into the shoes of an astronaut explorer, who with your help will collect treasure, escape dangerous situations and hopefully get home safely.

The gameplay itself utilises easy to understand touch screen controls, alongside a unique AR mode. All in all, the game is absolutely beautiful with fun and accessible gameplay, making it appealing to all gamers, new and old.

yt
Subscribe to Pocket Gamer on

8
Tower of Babel by Airraport

This isn’t the first time Airraport have pitched at the competition. In fact, they’re a former top 3 winner and a regulation judge. So there were high expectations for the latest in their line of idle clickers. Thankfully Tower of Babel did not disappoint at all, and only cements the developer's reputation as a leading mind in the idle genre.

So what exactly is Tower of Babel all about then? Well maybe unsurprisingly, this time around you’ll be building that Tower of Babel as high as you can. In order to achieve this, you’ll have a team of professionals at your disposal, including miners, masons, crafters, lumberjacks, builders. Additionally, players can also look forward to new machines and mechanics unlocking with every single floor built.

yt
Subscribe to Pocket Gamer on

9
Car Girl Garage by Sakura Games

Ever wished you had some mechanical know-how when your car breaks down or is playing up? Well if so, then Car Girl Garage is the game for you, thanks to its seamless blend of enjoyable gameplay and educational elements, that will teach you important skills such as how to change a wheel, check the oil, or even replace the air filter.

You’ll be taken through all of these skills by the game’s lead character Miriam. A woman who has just inherited her grandfather's old garage, and is looking to restore it to its former glory with a little help for her latest recruit, you. So get your tools at the ready, literally, as Car Girl Garage is hoping to leave with more than just an enjoyable experience.

yt
Subscribe to Pocket Gamer on

10
Onigiri Escape by Made With Jam

Formerly known as Isoblock, Onigiri Escape is a fast-paced casual arcade game in which players must dodge the tumbling rocks, acquire gems and utilise power-ups, all in order to ultimately survive. Made With Jam hasn’t just focused on the core gameplay though, with the isometric design being stylish and very appealing too.

Not only that but it is filled with a cute and appealing presentation that literally jumps off of the screen. The game is still very much in the early stages of development, but what we’ve seen so far points to a very promising title.

11
Drudge by Raincrow Studios

Developed in the style of classic mobile games such as Mafia Wars, Drudge is an empire-building game played on a real-world map but built with mobile gaming in mind. What’s more, you’re not going to be building any old empire. No, you’re actually going to be serving a vampire lord in order to help them methodically take control.

In doing so you’ll not only be able to get very rich through investments, but you’ll also be tasked with meeting the bizarre requests of your overlord and have the chance to exploit their unique skill set. Just make sure you don’t lose your humanity in the process.

yt
Subscribe to Pocket Gamer on

12
I-click-you by TeamJPG

Ever lamented the lack of a game that blends real-life dating with multiplayer mobile gaming? Well if so then you’re not alone, as this is exactly the type of game that TeamJPG has set out to create with I-click-you.

From kissing, to talking, to even some things a little more daring, I-click-you is a game that is a game that looks to improve relationships between friends, lovers and family members through communication, cooperation and enjoyment. It’s still early in development, but a game this unique is definitely one to keep your eyes peeled for as development continues throughout 2020.

yt
Subscribe to Pocket Gamer on

13
Wonder Dragons by Popgames Studios

Set in a colourful and vibrant land filled with some of the cutest dragons imaginable, Wonder Dragons is a match 3 puzzle game in which players can collect and raise baby dragons. From seeing them evolve into mighty creatures to decorating the home with toys and furniture, there’s far more to this game than just a conventional match 3 puzzle experience.

Of course though, for match 3 lovers there is everything you would hope to see from the core gameplay, with combinations boosters, dramatic explosions, daily rewards and a variety of challenges.

yt
Subscribe to Pocket Gamer on

14
Tyrant’s Arena by Kroy Games

Tyrant's Arena is a midcore 3 vs 3 arena-based action fighting game featuring deep and complex strategy mechanics. That's not all though, as the game is also set to include asynchronous play, multiple different match types, and short 5-minute battle rounds.

Additionally, players can upgrade and customise from one of a range of heroes, engage in social competition, and strategically create their team so that their three fighters complement each other. It is currently soft-launched on Android and iOS for anyone wanting to dive into a new battle experience.

15
gARden by Sunshine Committee

Plant lovers take note, as gARden is a new type of experience that will allow you to take advantage of the love of growing and looking after plants right from your very own home. In fact, within, gARden not only will you be taught all about how to look after and care for a variety of plants, but thanks to the AR features, you’ll also be able to build your very own mini greenhouse in your very own bedroom or office. In doing so you’ll be able to watch your plants grow in real-time and even take advantage of flowers and plants that may not be able to natively grow where you live.

yt
Subscribe to Pocket Gamer on
Left Arrow
0/15
Right Arrow
Sophia Aubrey Drake
Sophia Aubrey Drake
A lifelong gamer with a fanatical love of all things Nintendo and Japan. So much so that she's written a thesis on one and lived in the other. She's also currently on a quest to catch every last Pokemon.