These 10 were bright spots in the world of games, and earned a place on VGG's 2025 Game of the Year nominee list.

A bittersweet narrative softened by a gentle ASMR soundscape and quietly satisfying cleaning gameplay.

In Fallen Tear's boss rush-focused demo at PAX, the combat was quick and punchy, and our talk with Creative Director Stephen Manalastas gave insights into where Filipino roots show up in subtle ways in the narrative and gameplay.

Hard to say goodbye.

'It's not the kind of loneliness where nobody is around; it's the kind where there are still people but you can't shake the feeling — which in a way is more horrifying.'

A game for those with whimsy in their hearts — and anyone looking for a gateway to finding more of it.

"I think Fractured Blooms is one of those games where you might think you know what it is by looking at it right now, but it's actually a lot more than that. You’re barely scratching the surface with even the demo that you played. I can't wait to show people what our true intent really is with the game."

Herdling's story is one of survival, collaboration, and family. Okomotive balances your emotions beautifully, giving you tense moments of fear as you face the perilous natural obstacles on your journey to bring these creatures home — but then offering heart-soaring moments of joy in equal measure.

VGG got to spend four hours with this snappy action roguelite that explores ideas of sacrifice and collaboration.

Even as it brought a newly heightened sense of my own ever-ticking life clock, I found that Time Flies was time well spent.

What you may have missed amid nearly 300 indie games showcased on Saturday.

Summer Game Fest is in full swing, and with 100+ games showcased in one day, we've never been more excited.

Most of them have post-MIX Showcase demos out now!

Ecuador, 2001: A boy, a ball and a country on the cusp of greatness.

The last place I expected to find hope for the nightmare year that has been 2025 is in the giant sparkly eyes of a severed pinky. But that's just the kind of world we live in right now.

Ain't we all just a thick block of tofu caught in the narrow door of life?

Hidden in my Paradise is a cozy and cute hand-drawn hidden object game that ends by handing over the reins with a DIY level creator.

With its morbid humor and the constant surprises of randomized repair tasks and new daily gimmicks, Uncle Chop's is endlessly unpredictable.

Congratulations to 1000xRESIST, VGG's 2024 Game of the Year winner — we can't fathom having gone through this year without playing it.

These 10 were bright spots in the world of games, and earned a place on VGG's 2024 Game of the Year nominee list.