Top Indie Games and Studios to Watch at the Global Games Show
Unlike major AAA studios, it’s the indie developers who are set to steal the spotlight at the Global Games Show in Abu Dhabi. The event is expected to bridge the gap between these developers and major investors and publishers by bringing them all under the same roof.
Yes, AAA studios are known for their capacity to deliver consistent hits and blockbusters, it’s the indie studios who manage to capture the soul of gaming. Despite being a B2B gaming event, fans and niche media shouldn’t miss out on this event because it’s where these indie studios will showcase their innovation, setting the tone for the gaming industry for 2026 and beyond.
The Indie Angle at the Global Games Show
When it comes to the gaming industry, indie studios are often considered as fillers, but that isn’t the case. Hollow Knight: Silksong, PEAK and Schedule 1 are all viral indie hits. These titles prove that indie studios are as innovative as their AAA contemporaries.
With Abu Dhabi coming into the picture, indie game studios should get a much-needed economic boost. With initiatives like AD Gaming and twofour54 backing smaller studios in the MENA region, it can help these developers reach out to a wider global audience. The Global Games Show is a B2B networking event and will feature investors and innovators from across the globe. Indie studios will have the chance to showcase their work in this global networking ecosystem while being in a festival-like atmosphere.
Top Indie Studios to Watch Out For
The Global Games Show in Abu Dhabi will focus on local indie studios for the most part and give them the global exposure that they need. Expect to see studios like Red Dunes and Nine Hermits at the event.
These studios are known for games with vibrant graphics and challenging gameplay, which can appeal to fans across a variety of genres.
Most Anticipated Indie Game Reveals
Since the show focuses more on indie studios over AAA developers, expect to see a few local indie hits at the Global Games Show stage in 2025. Ranging from platformers to roguelikes, these titles will feature some of the most vibrant visuals and player-friendly mechanics.
You can also get your hands on these titles and test them early, before the world gets access.
The Business Side of Indies: Investors, Publishers, and Matchmaking
Money is one of the main challenges that most indie studios need to overcome. By being present at B2B Gaming Events like the Global Games Show, studios have access to investors and publishers, which can help them address these challenges.
The event is structured in such a way that interested studios can network with publishers and investors in networking zones. There’s also a dedicated networking app that these studios can use, to match with the individuals who fit their criteria. With the right partnership, these studios can get their titles a much-needed and deserved global exposure, which could in-turn boost sales and improve revenue.
Regional Spotlight: MENA Indie Ecosystem
Over the years, Abu Dhabi has grown into a hub for esports and gaming setups, especially in the MENA region. With gaming becoming one of the fastest growing segments around the globe, Abu Dhabi’s interest in this form of entertainment has cemented its position as one of the most prominent backers of the industry, especially in the Middle East.
Initiatives like ADGaming have been established to help local studios grow and reach a wider audience. Cultural storytelling also plays a vital role in such scenarios, and these local initiatives can help promote local content creators too, who in-turn can help spread these stories as they build their communities in and around these indie video games.
What Indie Fans Should Watch For
Simply put, indie fans should keep an eye out for the next big indie hit, which could come out right off the bat at the Global Games Show in 2025. It’s a major platform for most indie studios, so it’s not going to be a surprise if the show witnesses the launch of a beautiful and amazing experience.
Additionally, expect to see some content creators also interacting with these indie games at this event. While new indie games don’t exactly have fandoms, because these take time to grow, you can expect to see one start off right here, since everyone will be talking about it.
The Future of Indie Games Post-Global Games Show
The future of indie games has been looking bright over the past few months, and it will be even brighter at the end of the Global Games Show. With the impressive funding and networking opportunities, smaller indie studios will get the opportunities that could propel them into the limelight for years to come.
These global events like the Global Games Show are primed to make indie studios a more sustainable venture. Not just that, this lets them break into the space that has long been dominated by AAA studios.
It’s the indies that will eventually take the reins from the AAA studios and lead the future of gaming. And the change will start at the Global Games Show 2025 – secure your spot today to experience the next wave of innovation firsthand.
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