Xbox has introduced a new program aimed at supporting and promoting outstanding indie games on its platform, reminiscent of the Xbox 360 era and its popular Summers of Arcade promotions.
Named “Indie Selects,” this initiative is part of the ID@Xbox program and is designed to regularly showcase a curated selection of top indie titles. Upon visiting the Xbox store page, users will discover an indie highlight section featuring themed categories, such as titles from international studios and games with playable cats.
These categories will rotate weekly and coexist with the Featured Indies category, which highlights recent notable releases. The initial Featured Indies lineup includes titles like Laika: Aged Through Blood and The Talos Principle 2.
However, the standout feature of Indie Selects lies in its monthly selection of six indie games by the ID@Xbox team, which are granted a full stamp of approval, complete with an Indie Select badge and special promotion across Xbox’s social media channels.
The objective, as explained in an Xbox blog post, is to address the challenge faced by unique titles in finding an audience amid the abundance of games in crowded marketplaces.
By establishing a dedicated, permanent, curated collection in the Xbox Store, the program aims to bring more attention to games deemed particularly special.
The initiative evokes nostalgia for the Summer of Arcade, an annual promotion that occurred from 2008 to 2013 on the Xbox 360. This event featured weekly releases of five indie games each year, contributing to the recognition of indie classics like Braid, Limbo, and Bastion.
While Indie Selects may be less formal, it provides a valuable element of curation—a rarity in today’s digital games stores. The hope is that this initiative will assist deserving indie titles in gaining more attention and enable players to discover games they will truly enjoy.
