Discover the most unforgettable indie games from PAX Australia — creative, quirky, and brilliantly designed titles that stole the show and proved why gaming innovation is alive and thriving.

Each year, picking standout indie games from PAX Australia gets harder — and that’s a good problem to have. With more than 100 titles showcased across every imaginable genre, this year’s lineup was overflowing with creativity, personality, and technical polish.

Choosing the best wasn’t about size, genre, or even hype — it came down to feel. The games that lingered in my mind long after the expo floor closed were the ones that felt right — smooth, intuitive, responsive, and memorable.

Here are my top picks from PAX Australia 2025 — a collection that celebrates originality, humor, and gameplay that just clicks.

My Arms Are Longer Now – Toot Games

What a delightfully bizarre experience. You play as a disembodied, extendable arm on a mission to steal everything in sight. Imagine Untitled Goose Game meets slapstick chaos, wrapped in a very Australian sense of humor.
It’s weird, clever, and endlessly fun — though that local humor might divide players. Still, I couldn’t stop thinking about it after leaving the booth. Expect this one to cause a stir when it launches.

Middle Management – Headplug Games

New Zealand’s Headplug Games has turned office life into a wickedly funny management sim where you psychologically manipulate workers to boost productivity.
Beneath the satire is a genuinely strategic experience, with interconnected systems that make designing your workplace oddly satisfying.
It’s darkly humorous, unapologetically Kiwi, and yes — it features a giant tentacled blob that mind-controls employees.

Doggy Don’t Care – Rotub Games

Sometimes, the simplest concepts are the most joyful. Doggy Don’t Care puts you in the paws of a mischievous pup who trashes the house while the owners are away.
With its destructible environments and playful physics, it nails what most 3D platformers struggle with: feel. Every jump, crash, and wag is pure, chaotic fun. Expect a full release next year — and expect it to be a hit.

Enfant – Zedbra PTY LTD

Visually striking and surprisingly polished, Enfant follows a lone anthropomorphic elephant on a quest to find his herd.
It’s a 3D metroidvania that blends emotional storytelling with ambitious design. Smooth controls and an atmospheric world make this one to watch as it continues development.

Other Must-See Indies

If your gaming wishlist isn’t long enough yet, here are a few more gems that deserve your attention:

  • RITA — A puzzle-platformer that charms you with wordplay and brain-teasing challenges.
  • Adaptory — A smart base-builder reminiscent of Fallout Shelter, but with deeper customisation.
  • Lone Pine — A cosy, story-driven adventure with photo-capture mechanics inspired by Pokémon Snap.
  • Blood Vow: Survive the Night — A Diablo-like tower defense that promises addictive co-op sessions.
  • Lament of the Lost — Think Portal, but you’re Death’s assistant solving mind-bending gravity puzzles.

Final Thoughts

This year’s PAX Australia once again proved why indie developers are the heart of modern gaming — fearless, funny, and constantly pushing boundaries.
If any of these titles caught your eye, don’t just scroll on — follow, share, and wishlist them. Indie creators thrive on community support, and your click can make a real difference.