XBOX Indie Selects Anniversary Celebration

Indie Selects Anniversary Celebration – Our Yearly Selects, a Huge Indie Sale, and Xbox Dynamic Backgrounds

• Raymond Estrada, Indie Selects Lead

Summary

• Indie Selects celebrates its second anniversary and we’re honoring the milestone by showcasing our top six selections from the past year.
• Check out quotes from the developers of our Anniversary Collection.
• Celebrate in style! Customize your Xbox with three brand-new Indie Selects Anniversary Dynamic Backgrounds.
• Our Indie Selects Anniversary Sale is live! Score deals on over 300 indie games and add-ons from 2025.

Every Wednesday, dive into the Indie Select Hub — your gateway to a fresh, curated indie collection plus four themed spotlights that rotate weekly! 

You can always find this collection hub in the Xbox Store and on Xbox.com/IndieSelects.

Today, we’re celebrating two incredible years of Indie Selects and we’re thrilled to introduce this year’s Xbox Indie Selects Anniversary Collection! 

Handpicked by the ID@Xbox team, this curated lineup features six standout indie titles from 2025 that, we all agreed, you won’t want to miss:

•              Despelote – Available on Xbox Series X|S

•              Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound – Available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Cloud

•              Cronos: The New Dawn – Xbox Play Anywhere

•              I Am Your Beast – Xbox Play Anywhere

•              Afterlove EP – Available on Xbox Series X|S 

•              Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Xbox Play Anywhere

Indie Selects Anniversary Collection

Games have the power to heal, connect, and inspire. Whether you’re seeking a captivating story, exploring fresh ways to play, or simply need a mental escape after a long day, indie games can offer an unexpected — and often essential — outlet. 

From 2025, these six titles and the talented teams behind them deserve recognition and celebration. 

At ID@Xbox, we proudly declare: These are must-play experiences.

The Anniversary Collection, which will continue to include Yearly Selects from all previous years, can be found in the Indie Selects hub on Xbox Store Games home from January 28 to February 10. 

Here’s how to find it:

• From Xbox Home select Store
• On Store go to the left nav bar and select Games Home
• On Game Home scroll down

Each of these titles exemplifies the very best of what our industry strives to achieve. 

Like the previous year, to honor and thank these incredible developers for creating such beloved experiences, we invited them to reflect and share their thoughts on this question:

Looking back at the entire development process, what does it mean to your game studio to launch this project and receive so much high praise from both the gaming audience and critics alike?

despelote – Developed by Julián Cordero & Sebastian Valbuena

Working on such a personal game for so long (almost 7 years), it was incredibly scary to press the release button and let people finally play it. 

It’s weird because the moment you press that button, it feels like the project stops being yours, and your journey with it has ended. But for everyone else, their journey with it has just begun, you just don’t get to see it.

At first, I wanted to avoid reading stuff about the game because it was very hard to let go, but after reading some wonderful reactions to it, I feel very lucky that people have connected with the game to the extent that they have.

I deeply enjoy reading reviews and comments about the game where people project their own lives into our game, because that is exactly how I tend to engage with art that I like. 

We had a hope that the more specific a story is, the more universal it becomes, and the reaction has been quite validating to this vision. 

We hope to be able to make more work like that in the future! – Julian Cordero, Developer of Despelote

despelote

Panic

Feel the city change as Ecuador comes closer than ever to qualifying for the World Cup.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound – Developed by The Game Kitchen

As a studio made up of developers who grew up with the classics of the ’80s and ’90s, having the chance to work on such a beloved and iconic series like Ninja Gaiden has truly been a dream come true. 

One of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities you never expect, but pour your heart into from day one.

We were always aware of the responsibility that came with working on a franchise with a decades-long legacy and a passionate fanbase and that meant every decision carried weight. 

That’s why we approached Ragebound with the utmost respect for the original material, while also updating the formula to meet modern expectations.

Seeing all that effort recognized, by both the press and players, has been the most rewarding outcome we could have hoped for. 

We’re incredibly grateful for the support and enthusiasm and we hope Ragebound plays a part in keeping the Ninja Gaiden legacy alive for a whole new generation! – David Jaumandreu, Game Director, The Game Kitchen.

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound

Dotemu

☆☆☆☆☆ 200★★★★★$24.99$18.74Get it nowPC Game PassXbox Game PassA NEW TWIST TO THE SIDE-SCROLLING NINJA GAIDEN SERIES EXPERIENCE From the acclaimed team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound successfully unites the classic lore and gameplay of the Tecmo-developed (now KOEI TECMO GAMES) NINJA GAIDEN series from the classic era with the depth and intensity of the modern 3D entries. 

The best of both eras come together to create an epic and thrilling adventure. 

DIVE INTO AN UNTOLD CHAPTER OF THE NINJA GAIDEN SAGA Our story begins when Ryu Hayabusa journeys to America to honor his father's will. 

While he is away, the barrier between the human and the demon worlds suddenly shatters, unleashing a terrifying army upon the Hayabusa Village, which now faces an unprecedented threat in Ryu's absence. 

To stand against this new threat, Kenji Mozu, a young ninja from the Hayabusa Village, rises to the challenge! 

Trained by Ryu, he fights fiercely but soon finds himself in desperate straits. 

Forced to tap into forbidden power, Kenji sets aside centuries of animosity and forms an alliance with the sinister Black Spider Clan, convinced that combining their souls and skills is the only way to protect the world out of the Demon Lord's grasp! 

OLD SCHOOL GAMEPLAY WITH A BRAND-NEW POLISH Combining old-school feeling with modern precision, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound retains the pick-up-and-play action of the classic titles, while introducing new layers of depth. 

Alongside the new protagonist, Kenji Mozu, is the skilled assassin Kumori. 

Take control of these two powerful ninjas simultaneously and unravel their interconnected stories. Use the Ninja Fusion to unleash devastating abilities and obliterate your enemies. 

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound features impeccable mechanics that are easy to learn but hard to truly master, challenging the skills of even the most seasoned fans of the NINJA GAIDEN series! 

A SPECTACULAR PIXEL ART SHOWDOWN Step into a reimagined version of the classic NINJA GAIDEN universe, brought to life through stunning, meticulously crafted visuals. 

Every enemy is recreated with a level of detail that was once impossible. 

The brutal, nostalgia-filled aesthetic of NINJA GAIDEN: 

Ragebound pays homage to the past while pushing the boundaries of modern pixel art, making every battle a feast for the eyes. Do you have what it takes to become a true ninja master?

Cronos: The New Dawn – Developed by Bloober Team S.A.

Looking back at the whole development journey, launching Cronos means a lot to us, not just as a studio, but also as huge survival horror fans. 

From day one, this project was about bold ideas and pushing ourselves creatively, even if it meant taking some real risks along the way. 

It was also the first time we treated combat as something so central and complex. 

Creating a brand-new story and building a unique system around the merge mechanic was a big step for us. It felt like growing up alongside the game.

The way the community has responded has been amazing. 

We love seeing all the content players create the theories they come up with, and how deeply they engage with the lore, which can seem a bit exotic. 

Inviting players from all over the world to step into Nowa Huta (New Steelworks) the game’s real-life location 

– felt a bit crazy at first but seeing how people embraced it has been incredibly rewarding. 

Community feedback has always mattered the most to us, and it keeps shaping how we think about what’s next.  

– Wojciech Piejko, Jacek Zięba, Game Directors, Bloober Team S.A.

Cronos: The New Dawn

Bloober Team S.A

☆☆☆☆☆ 213★★★★★$59.99Get it nowCronos: The New Dawn is a brutal third-person survival horror where you fight for the future by salvaging the past. Burn monsters before they merge. 

Extract souls from the living. Adapt or die. SURVIVE THE FUTURE. 

SALVAGE THE PAST Set in a grim world where Eastern European brutalism meets retro-futurist technology, Cronos: The New Dawn lets you experience a gripping story that straddles the line between past and future. 

In the past, you will witness a world in the throes of The Change, a cataclysmic event that forever altered humanity. 

Meanwhile, in the ravaged wastelands of the future, every moment is a fight for survival against dangerous abominations that will test both your reflexes and your tactical thinking. 

You are a Traveler working for the enigmatic Collective, tasked with scouring the wastelands of the future in search of time rifts that will transport you to 1980s-era Poland. 

ADAPT OR PERISH In a desolate world filled with ever-present danger, your survival hinges on your ability to strategize and plan ahead. 

The enemies you’ll encounter are nightmarish creatures, born from the remnants of humanity – defeating them will require you to make full use of your arsenal. 

You can manipulate temporal Anomalies to clear a path through the desolate environment, and will have to scavenge for resources to replenish your limited ammo and supplies. Good preparation is key. 

Once in battle, split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death. DON’T LET THEM MERGE The creatures you kill won’t stay dead for long. 

Fallen enemies can be absorbed by others — through a grotesque process called Merging — to become faster, tougher, and far deadlier. 

The only way to stop them? Burn their bodies. And do it fast. If you don’t, you’ll face ever-evolving abominations that will push your combat skills to their limits. 

HARVESTER OF SOULS Your mission is to locate key people from the past who perished in the ensuing apocalypse. Using your all-powerful Harvester, you can extract their Essences and have them accompany you into the future. But be wary: these essences have a profound impact on your journey. 

The more you carry, the more haunted your suit becomes — increasing your prowess on the battlefield but also bringing with them whispers in your ear and flickers into your vision, edging you ever closer to madness.

I Am Your Beast – Developed by Strange Scaffold

We’ve released 17 games in the last 6 years, and it not only made I Am Your Beast better–it let us build an audience for our unique voice. 

We’re the opposite of an overnight success, and proud of it! – Xalavier Nelson Jr., Founder and Creative Director, Strange Scaffold

I Am Your Beast

Strange Scaffold

☆☆☆☆☆ 239★★★★★$19.99 $13.99Get it nowPC Game PassXbox Game PassHunt the military-industrial complex across stylish comic book micro-sandboxes in this fast-paced covert revenge thriller FPS from the developers of El Paso, Elsewhere.

Afterlove EP – Developed by Pikselnesia

The development process, while deeply fulfilling in the way all creative work can be, also felt like running a tongue over an aching cavity. 

We were constantly reminded of what we had lost. At times, that reminder was devastating — at others, strangely motivating. It was unpredictable, almost like a roulette.

Since launch day, however, every player who finished the game feeling satisfied, or who found something meaningful in the story we told, has made that struggle worth it many times over. 

We held on to every word of praise — from players, and professionals alike — with genuine gratitude. 

If Cinta can see everything Rama sees, then perhaps Fahmi can read those words too, as long as we keep them close to our hearts. – Sasha Ariana, Narrative Director, Pikselnesia

Afterlove EP

Fellow Traveller

☆☆☆☆☆ 16★★★★★$19.99 $11.99Get it nowTaking place in the vibrant city of Jakarta, capital of Indonesia, Afterlove EP is a blend of visual novel, narrative adventure and rhythm game from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After. 

Step into the shoes of Rama, a young musician struggling to move on with life after the death of their girlfriend, Cinta. 

Whilst his close friends and bandmates are all determined to help him move on, Rama has been stuck for more than a year.

He’s neglecting his music, his mental health and his relationships. 

Making things harder, he’s hearing Cinta’s voice inside his head, unsure if she is a spirit or part of his imagination. Now he has just one month to get it together! Rama’s band has a critical gig in one month’s time. 

Either he gets serious about his music and delivers the new songs he has been promising or the band will move on without him. 

KEY FEATURES 

• An emotional new story from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After.

 • Set in a vibrant and authentic recreation of modern day Jakarta, Indonesia

 • A blend of narrative adventure, visual novel and rhythm game elements – explore, talk, jam out! 

• Multiple endings and story paths – over 28 days and nights, it will be your choices that determine the path Rama takes.

 • Featuring the distinctive art of renowned Indonesian indie-manga artist, Soyatu.

 • Featuring an original soundtrack from popular Indonesian band, L’alphalpha.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Developed by Don’t Nod

We are getting close to the anniversary of the Tape 1 release. Time flies so fast! This has been an amazing ride, and the whole team is super proud of this first achievement as a studio. 

We worked on Lost Records: Bloom & Rage directly after Life is Strange 2, following the journey we started with the original Life is Strange. 

The creative process followed a similar path: starting with a key idea (playing over two timelines), defining who our characters are, and making sure everything else makes sense with the game’s core ideas.

Our hope was to reach our fans and people who love this type of game, and we’re deeply honored to see all the positive reactions from players and critics. 

We loved sharing the adventures of Swann, Nora, Autumn, and Kat with you all, and hope to resume their adventures in the future! – Luc Baghadoust, Executive Producer, Don’t Nod

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

DON'T NOD

☆☆☆☆☆ 261★★★★★$39.99$31.99Get it nowPC Game PassXbox Game PassRewind back to the 90s and live the defining summer of four high school girls as they forge bonds through their growing friendship, their punk band, and an unexplained event that will forever change their lives. 

Experience the story in two thrilling parts, both included!  UNCOVER THE MYSTERY  Navigate between the dual timelines of 1995 and 2022 and shape both narratives, with each offering a piece of the larger puzzle: the life-changing secrets they uncovered as teens and who – or what – has brought them back together. 

Reunited, they must piece together what was real, what really happened back then, and what lies festering under the surface of Velvet Cove… 

 CAPTURE & CONNECT Connect with your newfound sisterhood through lifelike interactions and conversations that feel real: engage in immersive dialogue that changes based on where you look and what you say; where you can do things like interrupt and ignore. 

Grab your camcorder and explore, filming Velvet Cove and capturing the essence of its people, places, and lush nature. Film just for the fun of it or try to find the dark secrets tucked away. 

A NEWFOUND SISTERHOOD  Play as Swann and get to know your new friends, each with their own lives and battles. Come out of your shell and embrace rebellion over the summer as you form friendships with Nora, Autumn, and Kat. 

Through your actions and words, you’ll shape your relationships with each of them on your journey to self-discovery. 

Will your bond wither over the years or will it feel like you were barely separated at all? A NOSTALGIC DREAMSCAPE  In a picturesque corner of Michigan in 1995 lies the seemingly sleepy little town of Velvet Cove. 

Between dense woodlands and serene lakes, it’s a place where beauty meets the bizarre. Cloaked in a carefully crafted dreampop soundtrack that blends nostalgia and ethereal vibes, you’ll definitely find it all nice and relaxing… 

Indie Selects Anniversary Dynamic Background

Customize your Xbox experience with our 3 brand-new unique Indie Selects Anniversary Xbox Dynamic Backgrounds.  To access this feature, click the Settings button on your console dashboard. 

Under the General tab, hit the Personalization button and find the “My Background” button. Once there, you can browse Dynamic Backgrounds and, under the “Xbox” category, choose from these three Anniversary designs or explore other stunning options to make your Xbox experience truly yours.

Indie Selects Anniversary Sale

On top of the Collection itself, we’re running an Indie Selects Anniversary Sale from January 28 to February 9 featuring over 300 indie titles and add-ons featured in Indie Selects that launched in 2025. 

This is the perfect opportunity to save on titles we recommended, including Jump Space, Rooftops & Alleys: The Parkour Game, The Sinking City Remastered, Killing Floor 3, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, I Am Your Beast, and more.