From left to right: CTO Ben Clothier, CEO Sam Clothier & CMO Ewan Hart

Gamescom 2023 was a whirlwind of excitement and innovation for the gaming industry, and we were there to soak it all in. This year's event was particularly special for our gaming company as we ventured into the heart of Cologne, Germany, to immerse ourselves in the latest gaming trends, technologies, and, most importantly, the incredible indie games that captivated our hearts and minds.

While Gamescom is renowned for featuring blockbuster titles and massive gaming announcements, it was the indie genre that truly stole the show for us at Exabyte Games. The independent developers showcased their games, delivering fresh and imaginative experiences that inspired us to talk about our position within the creative field of gaming. In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry, small indie developers like ourselves often find themselves navigating uncharted territory. The allure of triple A titles and their massive budgets can sometimes overshadow the creativity, innovation, and sheer determination that indie developers bring to the table. However, the indie gaming scene remains vibrant and innovative, with many small studios producing creative and unique experiences. These indie games often explore new genres, art styles, and storytelling techniques, appealing to gamers seeking fresh and unconventional gaming experiences.

The team head over to the Xbox area

As we strolled through the bustling halls of Gamescom, we couldn't help but notice the palpable dedication of indie developers. They put their all into their creations, delivering unique and meaningful gaming experiences with captivating narratives, inventive gameplay mechanics and unconventional art styles. They stand out as symbols of diversity and creativity, breathing fresh and unconventional ideas into the gaming world. Discovering these indie titles wasn't just a Gamescom highlight; it was a celebration of the innovative spirit driving the gaming industry forward, one brilliant idea at a time.

Please check out the following games & studios for some of our favourites:

Diplomacy Is Not An Option (Door 407)

https://www.door407.com/projects

Cataclismo (Digital Sun)

https://www.digitalsungames.com/games/cataclismo/

Fireside (Emergo Entertainment)

https://emergo-entertainment.com/games/

Classified: France 44 (Team 17)

https://www.team17.com/games/classified-france-44/

Caves of Qud (Freehold Games)

https://www.cavesofqud.com/

Sam trials ‘Diplomacy Is Not An Option’ by Door 407

One of the joys of attending Gamescom is the opportunity to interact with developers directly. Engaging in such discussions at Gamescom, we were granted unique access to the creative processes, inspirations, and dedication that fuels the indie gaming scene.

The personal connection established during these encounters added depth to our Gamescom experience. It reminded us that the gaming community is just as much about the creators who bring their personal visions to life as it is about the players who enjoy them.

Ben plays and discusses ‘Caves of Qud’ with the developers from Freehold Games

We are always impressed by the innovative ideas and unwavering passion these developers bring to their projects and what really strikes us is how these small teams manage to create amazing gaming experiences. It's inspiring to witness their ability to think outside the box, experiment with unique art styles, and craft engaging stories that resonate with players.

Our time on stage with Guitar Hero was a lot of fun, playing Dire Straits' "Walk of Life" to the Gamescom crowd. Sam and Ewan's enthusiastic but less-than-perfect guitar skills added charm. However, it was Ben on the drums who really set the stage on fire, nailing the rhythm and putting on quite a show. Some games are simply about having a great time with friends, regardless of hitting every note perfectly!

The team plays ‘Guitar Hero’ in the retro games area

Our Gamescom experience concluded with a delightful session of retro gaming, courtesy of one of the oldest systems in the gaming world - the Commodore 64. It’s humbling to witness the remarkable progress in gaming technology over the years, and reassuring to see that the core experience of gaming remains completely unchanged.

Gamescom 2023 was an unforgettable journey for Exabyte Games. As we return, we carry with us a renewed enthusiasm and a commitment to fostering creativity and innovation within the gaming community. Exabyte Games looks forward to the future, where we hope to bring exciting new experiences to gamers worldwide. Until then, keep an eye out for the incredible indie games that are sure to make their mark on the gaming landscape in the coming years.