Summary
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of watching acrowdfunded gamehit its fundraising goal. In recent years, many developers have been able to get top-notch games into the hands of fans with helpfromthe fans, creating a symbiotic relationship that is truly unique to the gaming community. While major titles have been dropped this way and continue to gain exposure through sequels and triple-A funding, there are still some games slated for 2025 that have already rallied a tremendous amount of support.
When a crowdfunded game hits its established fundraising goal and is no longerat risk of being canceled, that’s when the real fun begins. Whether a game is currently in development or slated for release any day now, there areplenty of crowdfunded games that are due to hit Steam and consoles sometime in 2025.From cozy world-building games to horror adventures, this year is shaping up to be a memorable one for games that got their start with help from future fans.
Pixelscopic
Action RPG
DELVER’S DROPis slated to shine with classy 2D graphics, dungeons that shift and change allowing for multiple playthroughs, and customizable character choices. The game’s physics-based movement sets it apart from other action RPGs, with elements such as lighting and motion adding realistic detail to elevate the retro-style levels.
Early reviews of the gamecompared it to titles such asSecret of ManaandALink to the Past, giving it high praise in addition to its unique gameplay classes that allow players to choose from Sorcerer, Rogue, and Gladiator.
Qloud Games
MMO
Cozy games are still very much on the rise, andLoftiais high on the list of the genre’s crowdfunded releases. While playtests were available to Kickstarter backers in August 2023, fans will hopefully see the official release inDecember, as it remains the targeted Early Access date.
Loftiaincorporateselements of world-building, classic MMOs, and futuristic graphics to create a Solarpunk world in which the player’s mission will be to create a sustainable future. The game will feature group quests, challenging puzzles, and the ability to explore unique biomes with friends. Character customization, home design, and island exploration make this feel like a cozy game, but with an endgame goal that will resonate with many players.
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, PC
D-CELL GAMES
Rhythm, Adventure
UNBEATABLEcombines two ultra-unique facets of gameplay to create a highly anticipated rhythm game: hand-drawn anime art styles and a fully original musical score. This rhythm adventure game follows the main character, Beat, as she and her bandmates set out on their own journey through various performances and live shows.
For players, this journey will come in the form of intricate rhythm challenges paired with music to set the mood, as well as mini-games andfun open-world explorationwhere they can chat with various NPCs. The kicker? In this world, music is illegal—but crime pays.
YrdVaab
Strategy
Ephemerisisn’t a cozy game, nor is it an RPG, but it does sit in its own unique class of gaming. Those who live for strategy-based gameplay, thrive in galactic combat, and are looking for a new turn-based challenge will be happy to hear of this game’s crowdfunding progress.
While it’s already available to wishlist on Steam, there’s no hard and fast release date forEmphemeris—only hints that the game is getting closer to a release. Eager fans can anticipate cinematic space battles, customizable warship designs, unique tech, and the ability to explore other worlds—if they are daring enough to engage in combat.
Developer
Genre
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
The Matte Black Studio
Action, Platformer
While the current target release date forLUCIDislate-2025, this 2D action RPG is already gaining attention as a new-age game that goes back to classic platformer roots.LUCIDpromises to deliver a unique crystal-punk world that players can experience through the eyes of Oenn, the main character who possesses powerful abilities called Crystal Arts.
Players can look forward to acrobatic challenges, uniquely designed enemies and bosses, and a sense of nostalgia that calls gamers back to the golden era of classic platformer gameplay.LUCIDwill be released on Steam and consoles, and the exact date is still to be determined.
Strawberry Games
JRPG
Koe(声)is already being compared to games such asPokemon,Dragon Quest, andFinal Fantasy, which makes sense since developerJitesh Rawaltook inspiration from thesebeloved franchises. This story-driven JRPG emphasizes learning the Japanese language in order to connect with gamers not only through gameplay, but also to bridge barriers through it.
The story ofKoewill be a personal one, as gamers traverse a myriad of worlds after arriving at the airport in Japan. Unique aspects of gameplay, such as language-based attacks in a turn-based battle system, already set this crowdfunded game apart from the rest of the genre.
ChelseaGrinEden
RPG, Horror
In an age where horror games are continuing to make a comeback thanks to the remakes ofResident Eviland, more recently,inspiration from theSilent Hill 2remake, a horror adventure RPG such asUndershadowswill be highly anticipated. With the release date now reflecting aQ4 2025 timeframe on Kickstarter, fans can expect more news this year from creator ChelseaGrinEden.
While thethree-hour demoof this stylistic horror RPG is available to play and even features two bosses, fans will have even more to look forward to as they play through the full release of this dark adventure as a gamer in the Kingdom of Shadows.
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, macOS, Linux
Yacht Club Games
Action- Adventure
For fans ofShovel Knight,Mina the Halloweris a new action-adventure game that promises to bring the same level of excitement through classic (but updated) 8-bit gameplay, a compelling story, and harrowing battles. What makes this soon-to-be new release so unique is its nod to traditional Game Boy Color-style graphics, immersing gamers in a world of horror and adventure with a nod to nostalgic gaming.
Players will take on this adventure from the perspective of Mina, a Hallower who is also a visionary inventor. Along the way, Mina and friends will unravel the mystery of the game’s island setting, which alludes to the idea that there’s more going on than meets the eye.
Frogsong Studios
Casual, City-Builder
Anyone who has had the joy of playingTavern Talkknows thatRiver Townscomes highly recommended by the developers at Gentle Troll Entertainment. TheTavern Talkdeveloperspraised their friends at Frogsong Studios, speaking highly of the water-centric “utopia” players can create once this game is officially released.
Along with building unique waterside towns, players will be able to restore the world’s natural environment, experience gameplay unique to each level, and find ways to make each puzzle work in an effort to bring thriving communities to life.
Chibig, Nukefist
Casual, Action-Adventure
Perhaps one of the most highly-anticipated cozy games of the early 2025 season,Mika and the Witch’s Mountainhas been the talk of the indie community for some time now. In this unique adventure, players have the chance to journey through various island locations as Mika, a witch responsible for delivering packages to her fellow townspeople. The game’s vibrant graphics, unique gameplay, and heartfelt story are what captured the early attention of fans and backers, and the anticipation has only continued to grow.
The good news is this:Mika and the Witch’s Mountainwas one of the first crowdfunded releases of 2025,and is available to players as of January 22nd.
