Annapurna Interactive continues to be the A24 of video games. While it might throw out the occasional stinker like 12 Minutes, most of its published games are striking, innovative, and unlike anything else you can find in the medium. It gives a platform to fantastic ideas that might otherwise go unnoticed, and in the process has become a name to keep an eye on.

Tonight’s Annapurna Interactive Showcase was both a statement of intent and a fascinating glimpse into the future. For roughly 30 minutes we saw a selection of new reveals, game updates, and domestic glimpses into the creators behind these titles. It was a surprisingly refreshing break from the bombast of similar livestreams, and I came away more excited than I ever could have expected.

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Stray is finally coming to Xbox

If your cats hate PlayStation and PC, then I have some good news for you! Stray is finally heading to Xbox on August 10. The narrative adventure took the gaming world by storm last year with its realistic feline protagonist who loved to cause chaos amidst a post-apocalyptic landscape. Aside from scaring our pets and being super cute though, it was also a brilliant game. No news of downloadable content or extra features though, which is a shame.

Ghost Bike Is Sable Meets Tour De France

From the folks over at Messhof, Ghostbike is a visually striking semi-open world game that puts you in control of a streetwise kid from Freehub City on a mission to revive a legendary courier company that also happens to be run by ghosts. An ethereal orb has attached itself to your bike, so it seems you’ll be befriending the undead fellow while completing challenges across its luscious world filled with natural landscapes and classic European architecture.

Lushfoil Photography Sim Is Frighteningly Realistic

When the trailer for Lushfoil began, I was convinced I was watching footage from someone’s vintage video camera. It swoops across snow-drenched mountains and picturesque lakes with an unsettling level of realism. Then a second camera interface appears as the character we control begins to take pictures, seemingly focusing on certain parts of the environment to earn points or complete an objective. It’s deliberately minimalist, but also rather breathtaking. It takes the initial realism we saw from impressive Unreal Engine 5 demos and turns it into an exploration of photography fueled by fitting music and detailed mechanics.

To a T is Keita Takahashi Back To His Absurdist Best

Imagine a reality where you had to live your entire life in a permanent T-pose. To many this would be an unparalleled nightmare, but with the help of AbleGamers, industry legend Keita Takahashi hopes to explore the joys that come through life in spite of your bodily limitations. Our protagonist can be seen attending school, hanging out with friends, and even relaxing alongside an anthropomorphic giraffe as a trio of supporters breaks out into song beside him. I’m not sure how this game will play, but it already looks like so much fun.

Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth Fills In The Universe’s Long Held Gaps

While we don’t know much about this one, the trailer still got me amped. Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth is set between the events of the original film and 2049, taking place across Los Angeles shortly after the Blackout hits. Developed by some of the folks behind Solar Ash and What Remains Of Edith Finch, it appears to be a narrative puzzle adventure of sorts that focuses heavily on atmosphere and character. Here’s hoping it’s like the point and click titles we saw on PC decades ago.

Thirsty Suitors, Storyteller, And Plenty More Updates

The remainder of Annapurna’s Showcase was focused on release date reveals and gameplay updates for existing titles. Thirsty Suitors will be coming our way in November, while Storyteller is due a free update later this year as it comes to more platforms. Stylised horror game Mundaun is creeping its way onto additional consoles.

We also saw updated looks at the likes of Cocoon, Flock, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, and Bounty Star. It was a solid show, in both its variety of titles and confidence for the creators responsible before them, and the deep dives into smaller indie studios with interview excerpts also gave Annapurna a human touch most major showcases are missing these days.

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