Chinese publisher Gamera Games has announced at ID@Xbox showcase their selection of indie games will come to Xbox and/or PC Game Pass. The lineup includes horror puzle Firework, branching RPG Depersonalization, sandbox RPG Keplerth and fantasy parenting simulator Volcano Princess all slated to arrive on Game Pass in the coming months. Additionally, pixel puzzle adventure The Rewinder is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC with Game Pass as of today.
Microsoft is actively expanding in the Asian market, having recently announced a partnership with China’s NetEase Games to reintroduce World of Warcraft to China and explore options to add new titles to Xbox. Additionally, Microsoft is collaborating with China’s Gamera Games to bring a variety of indie titles to Game Pass. Earlier this year, the Xbox Developer_Direct event featured Square Enix’s Visions of Mana, and Final Fantasy XIV has also made its debut on the Xbox console, further strengthening ties with the company. However, the release date for Octopath Traveler II remains unannounced, despite previous statements indicating an early 2024 launch on Xbox.
It’s clear that Microsoft wants to grow in Asian market and also have a wide offering of Asian games for global audience, which was one of the console’s lacking points and what fans have been asking for a long time.
Game Pass Additions
The Rewinder (Available Now)
Platform: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC (with Game Pass)
Developer: Misty Mountain Studio
Using pixel art to evoke ancient Chinese painting styles, this 2D puzzle adventure game sees you take on the role of Yun, a “rewinder” who has the ability to enter people’s memories and influence their actions. Travelling to a village, you’ll be able to unravel the mysteries of what occurred there, and uncover a story inspired by Chinese mythology.
Firework
Platform: PC (with PC Game Pass)
Developer: Shiying Studio
Firework is a horror puzzle game. An accidental fire at a funeral forces the police to re-investigate a horrifying closed case. You play as a rookie police officer who joins the case by chance, and discovers that this crime is more bewildering than they could have expected.
Depersonalization
Platform: PC (with PC Game Pass)
Developer: MeowNature
Depersonalization is a branching RPG with multiple endings, which allows you to shape the world of the game around you. Players can create a variety of characters, each with their own personalities, offering exploration, investigation, and deductive reasoning as means to reach the end of the story you help create.
Keplerth
Platform: PC (with PC Game Pass)
Developer: TARO
A 2D sandbox RPG, Keplerth lets you take on the threats of a dangerous alien planet wither alone or with friends. Offering an open world with near-infinite variation on every run, you’ll be able to fight, farm, craft, and even edit your own characters’ genes to survive.
Volcano Princess
Platform: Xbox Series XIS and PC
Developer: Egg Hatcher
In this fantasy parenting simulator, you’ll be tasked with raising a daughter – not only affecting her future, but the future of an entire kingdom. With multiple choices and endings, you’ll be able to help your daughter to learn, train, and befriend others, ultimately affecting how the story plays out as a result of your decisions.
Watch the sizzle reel announcement trailer below:
