The 8 Hottest Indie Games at PAX East 2020

There are plenty of things for gamers to enjoy at PAX East every year. But one of the best things about this annual expo is seeing (and playing) some of the hottest new games.

At this year’s PAX East, held Feb. 27 – March 1 in Boston, Massachusetts, there were a few obvious contenders for the hottest game, including the Final Fantasy VII remake and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. However, most of these big-name games are ones we have known about for a while.

The best games of PAX East were the diamonds in the rough. These are the smaller and more unexpected indie titles that will offer you brand new gameplay experiences in the next year.

If you’re ready to get a taste of your gaming future, these are our favorite indie titles that were on display at PAX East 2020.

The Big Con

Release Date: TBA 2020

Platforms: PC, unspecified consoles

Sometimes, indie games focus too much on a younger audience. Every now and then, though, a game comes along that is catnip for older gamers. And The Big Con, the first game from Toronto developer Mighty Yell, is a great example.

Mighty Yell describes The Big Con as an adventure game taking place in the ’90s, where you play a teenage girl trying to save her family’s video store from gangsters.

In spirit and tone, The Big Con seems much like the “point and click” adventure titles of yesteryear, like 1987’s Maniac Mansion. That comes through in the visuals as well, as the game looks like the artists put your favorite ’90s kids show into a blender.

Whether you miss adventure games or are nostalgic for the past, The Big Con is sure to excite. And the multiple ways of achieving objectives (like getting money for a train ticket) means there will be plenty of replay value.

30XX

Release Date: TBA 2021

Platforms: PC, unspecified consoles

30XX is the sequel to (what else?) 20XX. The sequel isn’t necessarily very innovative — instead, it serves to refine the run-and-gun vibe of its predecessor. And the result is an even prettier installment of the world’s best Mega Man/roguelike mashup.

Stages are procedurally-generated, and a single death sends you back to the beginning. Along the way, you earn money and purchase upgrades while mastering the different gameplay challenges.

Come for the pixellated aesthetic and stay for the addicting gameplay (including cooperative play so you can share the fun and frustration with a friend).