We love a good indie here at Xbox, and ID@Xbox continues to fuel and deliver unique, incredible titles to millions of players. Now in its 13^th year, ID@Xbox has distributed over five billion dollars in funding to developers all around the globe, and the mission to bring amazing games right to you remains stronger than ever.

Last week, we got to see brand-new gameplay for ten independent titles currently in development across the globe as part of two Xbox Developer sessions. We also spoke to the teams working on each project to find out how they’re doing, and to share one major thing they want you to know about their game.

Many of these titles will support Xbox Play Anywhere, which allows players to access eligible games across Xbox consoles and Windows PCs with one singular purchase.  You’ll also be able to share saves, progress and achievements across devices too, for seamless play anywhere.

Here’s what you can look forward to, all heading to Xbox and Windows PC in the near future.

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Winter Burrow
Xbox Play Anywhere

We saw some new gameplay for Winter Burrow, described by developer Benjamin Salqvist as a combination of Don’t Starve and Animal Crossing. A cozy survival experience where you play as tiny mouse searching for a lost relative, Winter Burrow combines relaxing activities like baking and knitting with the perils of adventuring. With minimal map features, you’ll rely on landmarks and your own snowy footprints to navigate the wilderness, and the help of woodland NPCs dotted around the landscape to aid you on your journey.

One thing to know: “It’s a game that really lets you explore the contrast between cozy and harsh and that this contrast enhances each other, something that we spend a lot of time nailing, but now that it is coming together it makes the game a very special experience.”

One thing you’re proud of: “We are very proud of the atmosphere and setting that we have created with the hand-drawn art style and all the amazing details, and the way the team has implemented all that into a fascinating game world that you can’t help wanting to explore and enjoy.” – Benjamin Salqvist, CEO and Creative Director, Pine Creek Games.

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Outbound 

Next, we got a fresh look at Outbound, an open-world exploration game that lets you take to a distant, utopian future in your very own eco-friendly camper van. As you adventure, you’ll find materials to upgrade parts of the van, as well as build your own cozy outdoor cabin that can travel with you. It’s a peaceful, jaunty journey through an idyllic world with lots of secrets to uncover, either alone or with friends.

One thing to know: “The one thing people should know about Outbound, is that you can build on top of your vehicle! You can customize and build both on top and inside your vehicle, while also being able to easily pack everything up and get back to the road again. This makes Outbound one of the first games in which you can take your base with you virtually everywhere you go!”

One thing you’re proud of: “The idea and fantasy that the game portrays. The fantasy being that you can go out into nature at any time with your own customizable camper van. Our fans and community responded so strongly to that idea, that this has shown to be one of the biggest sources of the success of Outbound to date. This makes us very proud as a studio, both about the game, but also about our fans and community.” – Tobias Schnackenberg, Co-founder, Square Glade Games.

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Hela
Xbox Play Anywhere

A new game from the team behind Unraveled, Hela is a 3D co-op adventure where you play as mouse familiars belonging to a witch. When the witch falls ill, its up to her tiny rodent buddies to venture into the wilderness and scavenge potion supplies to restore her strength. The game combines exploration and adventure with clever cooperative puzzle solving, all wrapped up in a vibrant setting inspired by the gorgeous Swedish countryside.

One thing to know: “We want people to know they can play the game with friends—either in two-player local split-screen or with up to four players online.”

One thing you’re proud of: “We’re most proud of how deeply playful the game is, and how lovely the world feels to spend time in.” – Martin Sahlin, Creative Director, Windup Games.

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The Alters
Xbox Play Anywhere

Next, an update on The Alters, a sci-fi survival idea with a fascinating twist from the minds behind This War of Mine. As the lone survivor of a crashed expedition, you must use a mysterious substance to create alternate versions of yourself to run an abandoned space station. Each ‘clone’ will have a different experience of your past life, and you’ll need to build and maintain good relationships with every version of yourself to survive.

One thing to know: “While The Alters may seem worlds apart from This War of Mine, the two share more than just a part of the dev team. At their core, both games are about survival. Both games force you to step out of your safe space—whether it’s a bombed-out shelter in This War of Mine or the expandable, circular base in The Alters. In both, venturing into a hostile environment isn’t just a risk—it’s a necessity in a world where resources are scarce. Where This War of Mine gave you a group of survivors to manage, in The Alters you “build” your crew in the most unique way—by revisiting your own past and altering the choices you made.”

One thing you’re proud of: “I just read on Reddit: ‘Absolutely stoked for this game. Day one purchase on Xbox,’ so I guess some already are. In short though – The Alters is high-concept sci-fi with mind-breaking implications, wrapped in a deep space survival simulation that leaves you with a deep impact: both emotional and simply as thrilling game. What else gives you possibilities to alternate yourself in order to survive?” – Tomasz Kisilewicz, Game Director, 11 bit Studios.

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Moonlighter 2
Xbox Play Anywhere

A sequel to popular roguelike Moonlighter, Moonlighter 2 brings back the game’s combination of adventuring and shopkeeping with a trove of charming improvements. Embark on perilous dungeon crawls to find rare relics and shiny loot, and bring it home to help build the store of your dreams. The sequel also boasts a lovely new 3D art style, alongside a brand-new setting and story.

One thing to know: “If you loved the first Moonlighter, you’ll find everything that made it special here—but taken to a new level. This is a deeper, more layered take on what it means to live that double life: adventurer by night, shopkeeper by day. From refined dungeon design to more meaningful shopkeeping choices and a richer world, Moonlighter 2 expands on the original in every direction. It’s familiar—but bolder, darker, and more ambitious in all the right ways.”

One thing you’re proud of: “Moonlighter 2 builds directly on the legacy of the first game—but it’s not just more of the same. We’ve revisited every system and improved it across the board. One of our biggest technical and artistic achievements is the transition from 2D to full 3D. It’s a bold step, but we made sure to preserve the charm and identity of the original while unlocking new possibilities for worldbuilding, animations, and storytelling. It still feels like Moonlighter—but now it breathes with even more life.” – Israel Mallen, Communications Manager, Digital Sun.

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13Z: The Zodiac Trials
Xbox Play Anywhere

Embark on a quest to become the 13th Zodiac in this vibrant hack-and-slash roguelike, inspired by the legendary tales of the 12 Eastern Zodiacs. Built for replayability, 13Z fuses frantic combat with a deep upgrade system that lets you craft powerful builds across a cast of mystical animal spirits. Take on thrilling trials—solo or in co-op with friends. Along the way, you’ll encounter the 12 Zodiac Guardians: powerful and unique characters whose stories unfold as you rise through the Trials.

One thing to know: “Ultimately, we want 13Z to be a game where the challenge goes beyond combat. Every Zodiac you face represents more than a fight – they’re characters with history, values, and something to prove. And as a player, you’re not just trying to defeat them – you’re navigating a system built on tradition, trying to carve out your place in it. The more you engage – through your build choices, your curiosity, your adaptability – the more the game reveals.”

One thing you’re proud of: “We’re proud of the depth we are aiming for across both gameplay and storytelling. 13Z takes inspiration from the Eastern Zodiac – but instead of treating the signs as symbols, we built an entire world where the Zodiac Guardians are living, flawed, and evolving characters. Each one represents a different challenge, not just mechanically, but thematically. Their personalities and values shape the Trials they host, and each boss fight is designed to reflect who they are and what they stand for. At the same time, the story asks what happens when these ancient roles no longer fit the modern world – and what it takes to earn a place among them.”  – Chalit Noonchoo, Game Director, Mixed Realms.

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Kriegsfront Tactics

Kriegsfront Tactics is a procedural turn-based game that combines familiar elements from classic tactical strategy with mecha combat. As the commander of a mecha squad sent behind enemy lines in an alternate 1970s Southeast Asia, you’ll need to manage your squad, strategize smart battleplans, and maintain your mechs and pilots. The game is also wrapped up in nostalgic, lowpoly retro-style visuals, harking back to classic isometric strategy titles like Front Mission, a big inspiration for Kriegsfront Tactics.

One thing to know: “There is no hit chance in Kriegsfront Tactics, so there should be no more frustration where players have a 98% hit chance but still miss the shot. And, because Toshiro Tsuchida enjoyed the demo, we hope players who like mecha turn-based tactical RPGs like Kriegsfront Tactics will also enjoy the demo and buy the game when it’s out.”

One thing you’re proud of: “With Kriegsfront Tactics, we are not only bringing back mecha turn-based tactical RPG and ambitiously modernizing the game mechanics, but we are also setting the game in a world inspired by the history and culture of Southeast Asia and taking the players to see the perspective of Southeast Asians. Front Mission is one of the inspirations of this game, and as a developer, I am a huge fan of this series. When we found out that the original creator of Front Mission, Toshiro Tsuchida, tried the demo of Kriegsfront Tactics and was impressed, I was so happy, and it truly motivated me and the team!” – Ivander Emlingga, Project Manager, Toge Productions.

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Agni: Village of Calamity
Xbox Play Anywhere

Agni: Village of Calamity is a cinematic survival horror experience that puts you in the shoes of an Indonesian investigator from a secret covert unit. Tasked with uncovering a case beyond human comprehension, every step you take brings you closer to the truth, but at a cost. A relentless, unkillable entity lurks in the shadows, stalking your every move, ready to strike if you make a single wrong decision.

One thing to know: “Inspired by the eerie, unsettling nature of Lynchian horror, the game goes beyond fear and suspense. It delves into the personal struggles of each character, revealing how their fates intertwine with the case you are unraveling. As the lines between reality and nightmare blur, the true horror isn’t just what hunts you, it’s what you uncover.”

One thing you’re proud of: “We know we’re not the first Indonesian game studio to explore cinematic storytelling in games , but we believe we are among the best in Indonesia. What sets us apart is the seamless fusion of authentic talent from both the animation and game development industries, coming together to create something meaningful and push the boundaries of what’s possible in both fields.” – Leo Avero. Creative Director,  Separuh Interactive.

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Nightmare Circus
Xbox Play Anywhere

Become a member of a wandering circus troupe in Nightmare Circus, a top-down, platforming adventure where your goal is to make it back to the real world. Trapped in a quaintly spooky world full of mysteries, you’ll need to take down enemies and plot your escape using the game’s puppeteer mechanic – a slick tool that’ll allow you to attack foes and traverse this whimsical realm.

One thing to know: “If you’ve seen our game trailer, we would love for our players to try our unique ‘Collision Combat’ system firsthand to truly get a feel of Nightmare Circus‘ unique mechanics. We will make sure our demo is ready for you to experience even more than what our trailer has previewed. We hope you look forward to it!”

One thing you’re proud of: “We are proud that Nightmare Circus is the most ambitious game our studio has ever made to date. Our game’s key feature, the ‘Puppet String’ mechanic is another component we are very proud of. The puppeteer’s string is used to traverse, manoeuvre, and attack using our unique ‘Collision Combat’ system. Players can employ an array of tools to create satisfying collisions, smashing, crashing, and slamming into enemies, obstacles, and danger; create your playstyle to deal with the many nightmares that roam the land!” Kachain Puttiwarawut, Co-founder and CEO, Fairplay Studios.

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Vapor World: Over The Mind

The final game we saw at the sessions took a spookier turn – Vapor World: Over The Mind is a narrative driven platformer that sees a young boy dragged into a twisted dream. With souls-like mechanics and a focus on deflection combat, you must take on enemies known as “traumas” in boss fights that steadily increase in scope and difficulty. The surreal, 2D world is also completely hand-drawn, bringing a unique atmosphere to a setting both foreboding and magical.

One thing to know: “Vapor World is not just a visually unique action platformer, it is a narrative-driven adventure that explores inner fears, traumas, and the hidden truths buried deep within. We will immerse you in this dream-like world from start to finish. If you love exploring rich stories with challenging battles, challenging the nightmare of Vapor World will be a lot of fun.”

One thing you’re proud of: “We are especially proud of how Vapor World successfully combined our own dark, moody, painterly art style with intense souls-like battles. I think we’ve done a good job of this seemingly impossible challenge of having to create every scene without recycling any resources, which has created a unique and original feeling that we haven’t felt in existing games. It’s a great achievement for our team to see players get pulled into this seamless, alive illustration and then experience the challenge of our dynamic battles.” Young Kim. CEO, Alive Inc.

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Keep an eye on the ID@Xbox channels for updates on all of these exciting titles, coming to your Xbox and PC very soon.