Indie Dream

[h2] Short version: [/h2] Indie Dream is a small but personal game about the struggles of making games. It’s simple, text-heavy, and a bit buggy at times, but those rough edges almost feel fitting. If you’ve ever thought about creating your own game, it’s a relatable and oddly inspiring experience — perfect to keep running on a second screen. The game is not even 1 dollar/euro, I'd say just buy it and check it out. [h2] Long version: [/h2] Indie Dream is a small but surprisingly personal game. On the surface it’s very simple — the mechanics aren’t complex, and at times the gameplay feels slow or even passive. But that’s part of the charm. It’s less about flashy action and more about reflecting on what it means to make a game, and the thoughts that come with it. I ran into some technical issues, mostly with switching between English and Japanese text, which sometimes forced me to restart from checkpoints — occasionally way too far back. That was frustrating at first, but oddly enough it almost felt fitting. Dealing with small bugs became part of the experience, just like in real game development. Whether intentional or not, it added a strange sense of authenticity. Most issues were easy to fix, and once I accepted that, I found myself more relaxed about them. The real highlight here is the writing. It doesn’t go super deep, but the game is full of text and internal monologues that give you a peek into the struggles, doubts, and small victories of indie game development. At times it feels like you’re inside the head of a developer just trying to push through — and that’s both relatable and oddly inspiring. It’s not a game that demands constant attention. I often left it running on a second screen while doing other things, then dipped back in when I felt like reading more. That slow, steady pace suits the experience perfectly. It’s also forgiving with death, making it easy to just keep going. If you’re looking for action, you won’t find it here. But if you’re curious about the creative process, or if you’ve ever dreamed of making your own game, Indie Dream offers something unique. It’s personal, a little messy, but very genuine — and that’s what makes it worth recommending. At the moment it’s only €0.79, which makes it absolutely worth picking up. Especially if you’ve got a second monitor to keep it running on — and super especially if you’re just starting out in game development or dealing with struggles of your own.