Yoshida Unveils the Hottest Indie Gem Set for 2025

When discussing independent video games, perhaps nobody understands them as well as Shuhei Yoshida, who formerly led the Indies Initiative at Sony Interactive Entertainment. Over his tenure, he enjoyed engaging deeply with numerous indie titles.
indie games
Before these games are even launched, he often makes forecasts about which ones will become successful. Frequently, his predictions have proven accurate, particularly when it comes to anticipating the success and popularity of certain titles.
Blue Prince
and
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Now, the icon has unveiled another independent game that he is presently most looking forward to.

Recently, Game Rant had an interview with Shuhei Yoshida at Gamescom Latam held in São Paulo, Brazil, during which he provided some insights on the topic.
most anticipated video games
set to be launched this year. One of these was Sucker Punch’s
Ghost of Yotei
, which Yoshida had previously shared his views with the public. Nevertheless, Yoshida also mentioned that he was particularly looking forward to showcasing his latest indie title,
Blue Prince
and
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
are trailing him, which is rather unexpectedly,
Baby Steps
.

Shuhei Yoshida Is Really Anticipating Baby Steps


“Baby Steps” Is a ‘Literally Step-by-Step Walker Simulation’

Created by the innovative team of
Overcoming Challenges with Bennett Foddy
,
Ape Out
, and
Pin it on the Stickman
,
Baby Steps
has been referred to as a “literal”
walking simulator
” in the most absurd and brilliant way possible. Players control a 35-year-old slacker named Nate who, after being mysteriously transported out of his basement, finds himself in a strange mountaintop wilderness. With no clue of where to go or how to survive, he is forced to do something he has never done before — learn to walk. Every leg movement, every foot placement, and every stumble is fully physics-based, making any progress players make both challenging and frequently hilarious.

Unlike most games where walking is as easy as it is in real life,
Baby Steps
transforms it into a central aspect of gameplay. Gamers manipulate Nate’s movements using the analog sticks and triggers, making something as simple as climbing an incline feel perilous. There are no battles, inventories, or experience levels in this title. Instead, the sole objective is maintaining balance throughout the journey. Featuring dry wit along with minimalist graphics, the game offers a distinctive experience.
relaxing open world
,
Baby Steps
encourages its participants to view failures as opportunities for humor, setting the stage for plenty of comedic gaming experiences.

Although Yoshida didn’t go into detail about all the independent titles he’s presently monitoring, he did pause to emphasize
Baby Steps
As one that has impressed him sufficiently to capture his excitement. He recounted with a chuckle how its peculiar premise and clumsy mechanics ultimately won him over, mainly due to its comedic value. The game is undeniably absurd, yet this seems to be exactly what appeals to Yoshida. Indeed, he feels that such an unconventional experience is precisely what defines a worthwhile endeavor for him.
great indie game
. Regarding
Baby Steps
, Yoshida commented,

From an independent gaming perspective, the title I’m looking forward to the most is “Baby Steps,” which happens to be quite hilarious. If you’ve had a chance to watch the trailer, you’d know what I mean. Walking proves challenging at first, yet once you get accustomed to ascending hills, making even a minor error sends you sliding right back down to your starting point. This scenario is genuinely amusing. Given how entertaining failures can be within this game, it’s likely going to attract significant attention from content creators who stream their gameplay sessions.

While it might not be the kind of indie game people expect to steal the spotlight,
Baby Steps
could very well be the
sleeper hit
Of 2025. If Yoshida’s history is anything to go by, this could be a title worth following closely—not due to high speed or dazzling visuals, but thanks to the laughter and delight it discovers even within the most basic action of moving forward, feet first (occasionally ending up flat on the ground in the process).

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