The video game section of the annual Tribeca Festival, best known as a showcase for films, has revealed its 2024 lineup. The festival began featuring games in 2021, and this year’s selections will highlight seven upcoming indie titles, including the next game from the studio behind emotional indie charmer Gris. The seven titles will compete for the Tribeca Games Award, which has been won in the past by Norco, Thirsty Suitors, and Goodbye Volcano High. This year’s selection is just as promising, with an innovative assortment of indies that are sure to shake things up.
For my money, the most exciting selection is Neva, the next game from Gris developer Nomada Studios. First revealed during a PlayStation showcase last year, we don’t know too much about Neva other than that it will retain the studio’s gorgeous art style. Where the studio’s previous title dealt with depression and mental health, Neva appears to be focused on environmentalism. Starring a girl and her wolf companion, it has shades of Princess Mononoke, which is always a good thing. Gris was an astounding platformer with emotional depth, and Neva has been eagerly anticipated by many (including myself) as that game’s follow-up.
Another striking title I can’t wait to get my hands on during Tribeca is darkwebSTREAMER. The horror sim puts players in the shoes of a… well, a streamer on the dark web. Through procedurally generated encounters, you’ll explore the shady corners of the 90’s internet and perform rituals, manage your stream, and encounter the unknown waiting around every webpage. The grayscale color palette and Y2K technology aesthetic make the game look uniquely unsettling. For anybody who enjoyed the off-putting vibes of World of Horror, this looks like another game for you.
The other five games on the official selection list don’t disappoint either. Unique tile-based puzzle RPG Arranger will be part of this year’s lineup, as will first-person narrative puzzler Blue Prince, about uncovering the mysteries of an expansive estate. The festival is rounded out by glowave skating game Skate Story, cartoon comedy platformer Thank Goodness You’re Here, and Goodnight Universe, the next game from Before Your Eyes developer Nice Dream.
All of these games will have playable demos during the Tribeca Festival this year. If you’re in New York City, head to Pier 57 from June 12 through 16 to get your hands on these exciting indies. And if you want to learn about how games are made, the festival will also be holding a panel about the making of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on June 14. The panel will feature Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi and original FF7 director Yoshinori Kitase.
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