STEAM GAME OF THE CENTURY SNUBBED BY HISTORICAL PRICE CUT
A Juggler's Tale - a cinematic indie platformer with almost 900 "Very Positive" reviews, is now $3.59 on Steam after an 80% discount. This fairytale adventure is short but memorable. The sale ends March 9. Originally released in September 2021, this cinematic puzzle-platformer has rightfully earned a "Very Positive" rating from nearly 900 players, with special focus on its storytelling and art direction.
The remarkable accessibility of indie games like A Juggler's Tale underscores the value of affordable entertainment options for gamers.
Will the continued rise of discounted indie titles revolutionize the way we approach game discovery and purchasing habits in the digital age?
Most of these game deals will end on March 13. Many top-rated games have seen a limited-time price cut on Steam, with discounts ranging from 20% to 86%. These deals include many well-rated and Steam Deck Playable titles, making it an excellent opportunity for gamers to grab some amazing indie games at discounted prices.
This sale highlights the growing popularity of indie games on Steam, particularly those compatible with the Steam Deck, which has become a staple in the gaming community.
Will this limited-time sale drive more gamers to explore and invest in the world of indie gaming, potentially leading to a new wave of innovative and unique game development?
Scrap Collector, a new strategy card game, has been free to claim on Steam due to a developer's pricing mistake. The dev meant to charge $4.99 but accidentally set it as free, allowing players to claim the game before Valve fixes the error and restores its price. Released on March 7, Scrap Collector offers resource management, crafting, and combat in a unique blend of deck-building and exploration.
The developer's mistake raises questions about the reliability of Steam's pricing system and the potential consequences for both developers and users.
How will this incident impact the gaming community's perception of indie game developers and their ability to manage production and distribution?
Isle of Jura, a casual indie exploration game, is now free to claim on Steam until March 9 - when it goes back to paid status again. The game lets players fish, explore, and unwind in a relaxing island setting, with simple mechanics paired by a laid-back, peaceful atmosphere. For a limited time, Isle of Jura is available for free on Steam as part of a promotion.
This sudden shift from free to paid could indicate a reevaluation of the gaming industry's approach to pricing indie titles, where games are often offered at very low costs or even for free to generate buzz.
Will this trend of offering games for extended periods of time without a purchase decision lead to changes in how developers and publishers set their initial prices for new releases?
Sniper Elite 4 is now available on Fanatical with a 93% discount, allowing gamers to purchase the game for just $4.50 instead of its regular price of $60. The game has earned over 50,000 reviews on Steam, with a “Very Positive” rating thanks to its tactical sniper gameplay and realistic mechanics. Despite some weaknesses, including inconsistent AI and lack of innovation, the game's thrilling gameplay and flexible stealth mechanics have won over many players.
The significant discount on Sniper Elite 4 highlights the ongoing trend of price drops in the gaming industry, making it more accessible for new players while also tempting existing fans to revisit classic titles.
How will the shift towards more affordable games impact the overall gaming landscape, particularly for indie developers and smaller studios struggling to compete with larger publishers?
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege is currently available on Steam with an 80% discount, reducing its price from $20 to just $4 until March 13. This tactical co-op shooter has become one of the most popular multiplayer shooters since its release in 2015 and consistently attracts over 80,000 concurrent players. The game's unique blend of strategy and destructible environments has made it a favorite among gamers, but also raises questions about its accessibility for newcomers.
The appeal of Rainbow Six Siege lies not only in its engaging gameplay but also in the sense of community that comes with playing with like-minded players who share the same passion for tactical multiplayer.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, will the popularity of co-op shooters like Rainbow Six Siege be sustained by newer titles that offer similar experiences at more affordable price points?
The highly-rated co-op zombie shooter Zombie Army 4: Dead War is now available at its lowest price in months, dropping to just $4.99 after a massive 90% discount on Steam. The game's engaging co-op mechanics, over-the-top action, and satisfying progression system have earned it over 7,200 "Very Positive" reviews on Steam. Players will be able to team up with friends and survive increasingly difficult waves of enemies in an alternate history setting where zombie Nazis overrun Europe.
This limited-time deal is a great opportunity for fans of co-op zombie shooters like Left 4 Dead to grab Zombie Army 4 at a steep discount, potentially attracting new players to the game.
As the deal expires on March 10, will the discounted price remain attractive enough to drive sales and maintain the game's popularity in the competitive gaming market?
Chernobylite Complete Edition is a survival horror RPG set in Chernobyl that includes all DLC and updates, now 80% off on Steam for the first time. This atmospheric game drops to $5.99 from its usual $29.99, making it an excellent deal for fans of the genre. The offer ends March 13, offering a limited-time chance to pick up this tense and engaging game.
The low price point makes Chernobylite Complete Edition an attractive option for those looking for a unique gaming experience that combines exploration, base-building, crafting, stealth, and gunplay.
Will the game's dark atmosphere and complex storyline be enough to draw in players who may not typically venture into survival horror games?
The bundle packages both open-world Middle-earth games with a flat 90% off on the total price. You get two critically acclaimed action-adventure titles based on The Lord of the Rings franchise with a unique story and the much loved Nemesis system. The game may seem like your average open-world title at first glance, but what sets it apart is the unique Nemesis system, a mechanic so good that Warner Bros. patented it. Both these games offer a unique storyline and a dynamic battle system that culminates in visually stunning large-scale assaults.
The sale of these critically acclaimed games at an unprecedented 90% discount could signal a new era for gamers looking to save big on their favorite titles, but will this lead to a flooded market with more games being discounted to unsustainable levels?
How will the future of gaming bundle sales be shaped by the success of Middle-earth: The Shadow bundle, and what implications will it have for game developers and publishers?
The critically acclaimed 2019 release, lauded for its uncompromising combat, has Overwhelmingly Positive reviews on the platform, with 95% of over 200k reviews rating the game positive. The gameplay is a mix of stealth, exploration, and brutal sword combat that demands precision, balanced out by the complexity of the posture system during combat. Developed by FromSoftware, the game puts you in the shoes of a shinobi on a quest to rescue his lord.
This discount offers an excellent opportunity for players who have yet to experience Sekiro's intense challenges and rewards, allowing them to test their skills against some of the toughest foes in gaming.
As one of the most critically acclaimed games of 2019, how will this sale affect its reputation among gamers and non-gamers alike, potentially introducing a new audience to the world of FromSoftware's Souls-like titles?
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint is available on Steam for a whopping 90% discount, bringing the price down to just $6 instead of its usual $60. The game has over 26,000 reviews and holds a Mostly Positive rating of 72% on Steam, indicating that it's worth checking out for open-world fans. With a vast open world offering plenty of freedom, players can explore, fight, and survive in Auroa, a once-thriving tech haven now controlled by the Wolves.
The key to Ghost Recon Breakpoint's success lies in its ability to balance multiple gameplay mechanics, from tactical planning and stealth to exploration and survival. By mastering these elements, players can create an immersive experience that sets them apart from others in the genre.
How will Ubisoft support the game with post-launch content and updates to address some of the criticisms raised by reviewers and maintain a strong player base over time?
Ubisoft's publisher campaign has brought gamers a plethora of discounts on full-price titles, with Far Cry 5 being one of the most eye-catching deals. With over 150,000 reviews and a very positive rating, Far Cry 5 should be an interesting option for those looking to save big. The game delivers plenty of shocking moments, but its shallow story has been a point of contention among players. Far Cry 5 sticks to the series' signature open-world design while introducing some fresh elements.
Ubisoft's sale reflects the gaming industry's growing reliance on digital storefronts like Steam, highlighting the need for retailers to adapt their business models in response.
Will this sale set a precedent for future price drops on AAA titles, and what implications might it have for game developers' revenue streams?
If you're a Souls-like fan, this game will be right up your alley. Lies of P has received a 40% price cut on Steam, making it an attractive option for those looking to experience the best of the genre without breaking the bank. With its immersive story, tough-as-nails combat, and unique in-game mechanics, Lies of P is easily one of the best Souls-like games released in recent history.
The game's ability to blend the mechanics of Bloodborne and Sekiro creates a unique gameplay experience that will appeal to fans of both series.
As the developer prepares to release new content through its story-based DLC expansion, Lies of P's popularity could continue to grow, making this a great time for new players to jump in.
A new co-op game recently launched on Steam and quickly gained over 12,000 very positive reviews within days. It now holds the top spot in two SteamDB categories, attracting both sci-fi and fantasy fans alike with its unique blend of gameplay mechanics and story. The game's exclusively co-op design allows for seamless online or local play, making it a standout title in the genre.
This sudden surge in popularity highlights the growing appeal of cooperative gaming, where social interaction and teamwork are essential to the experience.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, will we see more games adopt Split Fiction's innovative co-op model, or will its unique design be lost in the mainstream?
A selection of engaging indie games showcases the creativity and innovation present in the gaming industry beyond blockbuster titles. From unique mechanics in roguelike deckbuilders to surreal puzzle challenges, these games offer diverse experiences that resonate with players. The continual update of this list highlights the evolving landscape of indie gaming and the potential for hidden gems to capture player interest.
The rise of indie games reflects a broader cultural shift towards valuing creativity and personal expression over mass-market appeal, inviting players to explore unique narratives and gameplay experiences.
What criteria do players use to define a "hidden gem" in the indie gaming scene, and how do these perceptions shape the industry's future?
The Epic Games Store has launched a new free game giveaway, featuring the indie fighting game Them's Fightin' Herds, valued at $19.99, which will be available for download until March 13. This giveaway continues the store's trend of providing indie titles alongside mainstream offerings, catering to a diverse audience across multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, and macOS. While the game has been well-received for its accessibility and tutorial system, it faces criticism for its limited character roster.
This initiative not only highlights the ongoing popularity of indie games but also reflects Epic's strategy to attract a wider player base in a highly competitive market dominated by larger titles.
How might the inclusion of indie games in major storefronts influence the future of game development and consumer preferences in the gaming industry?
The Epic Games Store has announced the next free game giveaway for March 2025, an action RPG worth $29.99, Mortal Shell, which will be paired with a time-limited exclusive DLC for World of Warships. This upcoming free title on the platform generally receives a "Mixed" rating on Steam due to its confusing level design and limited variety. Despite this, it features a Souls-like combat system that requires players to manage stamina.
The fact that Mortal Shell is receiving a free game giveaway alongside its DLC for World of Warships suggests a strategic move by Epic Games Store to attract players from both the gaming world and naval enthusiasts.
How will the inclusion of a unique in-game item, such as the Yūbari Japanese Tier IV cruiser, influence the overall gameplay experience and replay value of Mortal Shell?
The Epic Games Store has updated its free games program on PC, offering an indie fighting game worth $20 that has also been released on Linux, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox and the Nintendo Switch. The storefront is giving away Them's Fightin' Herds, developed by Mane6 and published across various platforms, from March 7 to March 13. This deal only discounts the base game, with the Deluxe Edition offering additional content but not discounted.
The limited-time nature of this giveaway may serve as a reminder that many digital deals are fleeting opportunities for gamers to snag affordable titles.
Will the free-to-play model and exclusive storefront distribution strategies continue to shape the way we discover and play games in the future?
Palworld developer has no idea why Nintendo’s suing over its Pokémon-like game, but the company seems unfazed by the lawsuit as it rolls out a big update in December adding a new island to the game. The development of Palworld has been a surprise to many, with the game achieving 15-million-copies-sold-in-its-first-month sales. The success of Palworld has also led to the creation of a new indie publishing label, Pocketpair Publishing.
The speed at which Palworld has gained popularity raises questions about the role of social media in popularizing independent games and the ease with which they can go viral.
As the industry continues to grapple with the implications of game development and publishing in an increasingly digital landscape, how will the rise of indie publishers like Pocketpair shape the future of gaming?
Sega has topped Metacritic's rankings as the top game publisher for 2024, with Capcom taking second place and Sony third. The ranking is based on critic review scores, with a points system that rewards games with high review scores. Sega's success can be attributed to popular titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance.
This surprising victory by Sega highlights the importance of critical acclaim in shaping consumer perceptions of game publishers, potentially upending traditional market dynamics.
How will this ranking impact Sega's ability to attract talent and investment for future projects, particularly given its history of success with beloved franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog?
Detroit: Become Human, the well-received, narrative-focused sci-fi thriller is now 70% off on Steam for a limited time. Quantic Dream's adventure title was released in 2018 as a showcase for the PlayStation's interactive storytelling capabilities. If you enjoyed Beyond: Two Souls or Heavy Rain, this will be right up your alley.
As gamers, we've grown accustomed to being actively engaged participants in our favorite stories, but Detroit: Become Human predates the modern control scheme that allows us to make meaningful choices in a narrative-driven game.
Will the influence of games like Detroit: Become Human and Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered contribute to a shift in how developers approach player choice and agency in their narratives?
To help out victims of the Californian fire disaster, itch.io is now offering a bundle full of games, assets, tools, books and more. In total, the bundle with 422 contents is worth more than $3,200, but will only cost $10 for the next two weeks or so. The "California Fire Relief Bundle" contains a wide variety of titles, including PC games like Tunic, Cook, Serve, Delicious 2, and Octodad: Dadliest Catch, as well as board games, digital books, and other content.
This bundle showcases the versatility of gaming communities in responding to social crises, highlighting the power of collective fundraising and game development for good causes.
How will the success of this bundle inspire similar initiatives in the gaming industry, and what impact might it have on the broader cultural landscape?
High on Life is a comedic first-person shooter that features the trademark Juvenile, absurdist humor Rick and Morty is known for. The game was conceptualized and designed by Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland and released in 2022 to mixed reviews. High on Life has since been ironed out its technical issues and currently sits on a "Very Positive" rating on Steam.
This limited-time discount offers fans of the series an opportunity to experience High on Life's unique blend of humor and gameplay, potentially introducing new players to the world of Rick and Morty.
Will this game's comedic style and familiar voice cast be enough to attract a broader audience beyond die-hard Rick and Morty enthusiasts?
Sega has taken first place in Metacritic's annual publisher rankings, thanks to its critically acclaimed RPG releases such as Metaphor: ReFantazio and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The publisher secured a score of 325.5 points, surpassing Capcom's second-place finish by only a few points. Sega is now the first publisher to achieve Metacritic's top spot three times, following its previous wins in 2016 and 2021.
This victory highlights Sega's ability to consistently produce high-quality games that resonate with critics and players alike, showcasing the enduring appeal of its beloved RPG franchises.
How will Sega's success in the critical acclaim space impact its approach to game development and marketing in the coming years, particularly in relation to the growing importance of online communities and social media influencers?
Resident Evil 5 is currently available on Fanatical with a 79% discount for $4.30 instead of its typical price of $20. The game, released in 2009, has been well-received by fans and critics alike, praised for its immersive sound design, strong voice acting, and thrilling cutscenes. Despite some drawbacks, such as strict linear level design and AI issues with Sheva's character, the game still holds a Metascore of 86 on Metacritic.
This discount highlights the ongoing popularity of classic games in the gaming industry, where nostalgia and fan loyalty continue to drive demand for titles like Resident Evil 5.
How will the availability of retro games like Resident Evil 5 at affordable prices affect the gaming market's shift towards more modern, high-end experiences?
GOG is offering a 90% discount on Batman: Arkham Origins, bringing the price down to $2.19 from its usual $22. The game's DRM-free nature allows players to download and play without an internet connection. Released in 2013, the game follows a young Batman as he tries to earn his place as Gotham's protector.
The appeal of this deal lies in the fact that many gamers have been waiting for a discounted price point on a well-regarded title like Arkham Origins, making it an attractive option for those looking to expand their gaming library.
What will be the long-term impact on the game's community and player base if it continues to be widely available at such a low price, potentially disrupting the traditional business model of game development and distribution?