Talk at the Game Developers Conference 2016 may have been dominated by virtual reality but independent and amateur game developers also had their day. Amid the hubbub, upcoming, indie and amateur developers all had their own chances to shine, and there were some unique ideas on display.

I’ve already touched upon Microsoft’s ID@Xbox, which featured demos of upcoming games from independent developers. You can check that out here.

Day of the Devs

The “Day of the Devs” area from DoubleFine and Iam8bit, featured a range of games from independent creators. The games ranged in types and technology, but all were unique.

A personal favorite was Arena Gods (developed by Supertype, Inc.) , a fighting game for up to four players, featuring a top-down view of an arena. Each brightly colored fighter could pick up weapons or shields to use in gladiatorial combat, or just punch their opponents to the ground or against the wall until they died. The matches were quick, and controls basic and easy to pick up on, making for some good (but appropriately bloody) matches.

But perhaps the most unique among the games there was Line Wobbler (developed by Robin Baumgarten and Matthias Maschek), a simple but engaging game. It didn’t have graphics or a complex storyline; simply a row of lights and a single joystick.

The player controlled the green light, and had to reach the other end of the lights; red dots were enemies that could be defeated by wobbling the joystick, and orange lights were lava that must be waited out. Each game introduced a new level with new challenges; fast-moving enemies, lava appearing with little space between, and so on, proving how even the most basic-looking of games can still be captivating.

Independent Games Festival

Over in the North Hall, the IGF Pavilion provided demos of independent games of all kinds, presented by the Independent Games Festival Awards. On display were games such as Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes (developed by Steel Crate Games), an engaging two-player game where one player walks another through the steps needed to defuse a bomb, without seeing the bomb the other was describing.

To the lament of many attendees, the incredibly popular Undertale (developed by Toby Fox) was not available, although it was still up for awards. In fact, it took home the audience choice prize, thanks to the games impressive fanbase.

At the same time, indie games from around the world were on display. One could walk through the hall and see games from developers from all corners of the globe, and try out the games they brought. Some developers there had unique ideas, such as using a tablet interface with near field communications (NFC) technology and 3D printed pieces to make tabletop games with electronic interactivity, others had basic but entertaining fighting games, but all were unique.

There was even an area called alt.ctrl.GDC, dedicated to alternate controllers for games. There were no joysticks or keyboards there, but new and unexpected ways of controlling games, such as one that used an old phone operator’s panel.

Points for Originality

For all the focus on large gaming companies and the upcoming technology, one should never overlook the originality and creativity of independent developers. They came from far and wide to show people the games they’ve created, and their efforts and ideas are to be applauded.