\n

At many gaming industry events, high-profile, AAA games tend to garner most of the airtime and ensuing discussion. The Game Developers Conference is different \u2013 it\u2019s an event where indies have traditionally stepped into the limelight; indeed multiple showcases were fully populated by upcoming independent titles this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

At GDC 2023 we\u2019ve been celebrating 10 years of [email\u00a0protected]<\/span> with a Preview event showcase featuring a number of titles coming to Xbox consoles and PC this year, showcasing the diversity of genres and styles in independent games. Here\u2019s a look at a few we got to spend some time with.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Botany Manor<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n

The debut title from UK-based Balloon Studios nestles comfortably in the burgeoning \u201cCozy Games\u201d category; my time with this plant-based puzzler was undoubtedly the chillest experience of the conference. Here\u2019s how it works:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

I stepped into a fogged-up greenhouse, and planted a seed which germinated, but would not grow further. Finding clues to the plant\u2019s native land and temperature preferences around the room, I learned to place the plant pot in front of a heat source at the exact right intensity to heat the soil. The plant obliged my efforts by blooming dramatically, clearing out smog in the greenhouse and allowing progress to the next area. The next plant was a bit more complicated; I needed to replicate its favored stormy conditions by mixing chemicals and placing the sprout in front of an old-timey flash camera. \u00a0<\/p>\n

The more plants you grow, the more puzzles you solve, the further you go. Fans of puzzlers like The Witness<\/em> and Escape Academy<\/em> will feel right at home\u2026 only cozier.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

My time with this plant-based puzzler was undoubtedly the chillest experience of the conference.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Laure De Mey, creative director at Balloon Studios, promises the final game will be much more open-ended than the linear demo \u2013 if a player gets stumped on one plant, they can pursue clues to others across the sprawling manor, returning once they\u2019ve hit on a revelation. \u00a0<\/p>\n

De Mey explained how the plants grow into the story: \u201cWhen people see weeds, they pull them out, because they didn\u2019t put them there. These weeds are forgotten flora, and the main character is also a bit forgotten.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Botany Manor<\/em> is part of the just-announced Developer Acceleration Program, and Balloon Studios plans on a release this year. We won\u2019t forget it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Planet of Lana\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n

\n

\n<\/p>\n