New Year - New Games!

blog by Carl Leducq, Chair, NZGDA

Happy new year everyone!

Here are 5 NZ-made games releasing this year that I'm incredibly excited about playing, and you should be too!

Rose and Locket by Whistling Wizard (Roger Heal & Ryan Forrester).I had the pleasure of interviewing this duo several years ago when they won the Kiwi Game Starter 2020 competition, and I loved their vision, their marketing content and their passion for making their dream game, which if you're a fan of platformers and Samurai Jack-esque characters and vibe, you might be too!Wishlist it on Steam here
	Flintlock: Siege of Dawn by A44 Games.  This could be the biggest original title to come out of NZ this year and I am so excited about the potential for this to make waves on a global stage.If you were a fan of A44's last award-winning game, Ashen, then don't sleep on this next gen ARPG experience.Wishlist it on Steam here
Toroa by Atawhai InteractiveSometimes simple is better, and this relaxing exploration game is a gem to me because it incorporates Maori culture in a unique and engaging way.  I love seeing games like this, that tell stories from our culture through play and in turn educate a new audience about the beautiful stories and characters we have here in Aotearoa.Wishlist it on Steam here
	Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days by PikPokThis stealth zombie game from PikPok caught my attention with it's stunning visuals and unique game mechanics that I haven't seen elsewhere yet.  The gameplay and story looks captivating and rich in character development and nuance.  Can't wait to play it!Wishlist it on Steam here
Brews & Bastards by Mune StudioThis co-op dungeon crawler just looks like an explosive and entertaining ball of fun to play with friends when you want to unwind.  Games don't need to take themselves too seriously and I think there is a huge market for fun experiences like this in the world.Wishlist it on Steam here

Honourable mentions:

Beyond These Stars by Balancing Monkey GamesWanderer: The Fragments of Fate by Mighty EyesBlackheart by Hyporeal (Josiah Hunt)Path of Exile 2 by Grinding Gear GamesTales of the Shire by Wētā Workshop LtdAbiotic Factor by Deep Field Games 

Here's to a great 2024 for all NZ's game developers and gamers - enjoy!

(Planning on releasing a game this year that isn't listed above? Please get in touch so we can add it to our list!)