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The low barriers to entry make PC a crucial platform for any new or small developer, which is why so many studios start out with a downloadable title. In our latest round-up of Game Connection Development Awards finalists, we look at some of the devs trying to make waves in this market.
Popular business and networking event Game Connection America will once again run alongside GDC in San Francisco next week, and will be highlighting some of the most promising upcoming titles with its own awards ceremony.
Previously known as Selected Projects, the Game Connection Development Awards are designed to reward some of the most innovative titles from studios big and small, across various platforms and in various states of development.
All this week, Develop will be rounding up the finalists in all ten categories. You can find out more about the awards at www.game-connection.com.
Here are the finalists for Best Desktop & Downloadable project:
Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders
Studio: Microids
Country: France
Platforms: PC, PS4 and tablets
Stage: Beta
An adventure game based on one of the famous Hercule Poirot stories by Agatha Christie, this title challenges players to explore crime scenes and other areas related to the case in order to solve the mystery. They will also have to question key characters and examine objects to pick up as many clues as possible. Microids promises a modern touch never seen before in an adaptation of this novel.
My Night Job
Studio: Webcore Games
Country: Brazil
Platforms: PC and PSN
Stage: Video
This arcade-style skill-based title draws inspiration from classic horror movies of the 1980s. Players explore a haunted mansion in which they must slay as many monsters as possible before the terrifying hordes fill each room over capacity, collapsing the house. Webcore Games is hoping to seek traditional publishing for this game after a period in Steam Early Access.
The Dead Flowers Cases
Studio: Mando Productions
Country: France
Platforms: PC, PSN and tablets
Stage: Video
A Steampunk adventure game inspired by the works of artist Stephane Halleux. The Dead Flowers Case combines point and click gameplay with puzzle solving and using forensic tools, and its visual styel sees 3D characters interacting with pre-rendered environments. The game will initially be sold via Steam and other PC digital stores, followed by iOS, Android, PSN and XBLA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_0bk4KWEH8
Shards of War
Studio: Bigpoint
Country: Germany
Platforms: PC, PSN and tablets
Stage: Video
Bigpoint’s attempt to shake up the MOBA market pits two teams of five against each other in fast-paced 20-minute matches. The objective of each game is to destroy the enemy based by controlling the arena’s three lanes, with the option of AI-controlled drones available to help defend your own headquarters or secure the lanes. The game will be free-to-play.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hds7n8X6ukA
DUR
Studio: ZHdK
Country: Switzerland
Platforms: PC, PS4 and PS Vita
Stage: Playable Demo
This haunting and bizarre puzzle game sees players control a rusty iron sheet with a violin, left alone in an empty city. By playing the violin, gamers can move the world around them, which is the only way to survive the deadly fog threatening to flood the city of DUR. Players must investigate the cause of the city’s downfall and find a way to save it.
