Indie Games Exploring Women’s Intergenerational Identity, Struggles and Connection

As women, we’re often reminded that we stand on the shoulders of many generations of women before us. Mothers, grandmothers, daughters, and sisters fought tooth and nail for the rights and opportunities we have today. They did this all while working, caring for families, and upholding their communities. It’s awe-inspiring to think about the immense strength they showed, to reach higher so that future generations could see broader horizons. But it can also feel like a debt that must be paid forward. I don’t think I’m alone in sometimes feeling the pressure to achieve as much as possible, to be the perfect version of ourselves, so that we can show we’re making good on the legacy that has been left to us. 

In the past few years, indie games have brought us some beautiful, profound stories that center women on their journey to better understand themselves and their purpose. These games also recognize the huge role that intergenerational connections have on each individual’s life, decisions and direction.

1000xRESIST

In spite of its sci-fi setting and absolutely wild narrative structure, 1000xRESIST does an amazing job of depicting grounded, relatable portrayals of generational trauma, between mothers and daughters, and whole generations of women. The game also shows the power of female friendship, support and love, to both individuals and society. Best of all, every character (the vast majority of whom are women) is deeply human, filled with flaws, insecurities, hopes, dreams, and a deep desire to be seen and loved. 1000xRESIST shows who we are at our worst and who we can be at our best, when we offer ourselves and each other compassion and dignity.

Thirsty Suitors

We meet Jala, our lead in Thirsty Suitors and an absolute street style icon, as she returns home for the first time in years, gearing herself up to face the consequences of past actions. At the start of the game, she feels like an utter disappointment to everyone in her life, but also profoundly misunderstood. As she restores fractured relationships (through the power of dance, of course), she learns that feeling seen and understood is often a two-way street. She also learns that the same desire to be understood applies even to mothers and grandmothers.

Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals

Oxenfree 2 follows main character Riley on a mission to save some teens and possibly also the world, while grappling internally with existential questions of where her life is headed. She is haunted (at times, literally) by memories of her own upbringing, as she ponders what it might mean to one day become a mother. I think many women will find her struggles relatable, as she feels pulled in multiple directions, trying to be a caretaker to many different people in her life. Oxenfree 2 also features one of the most genuine examples of female mentorship I’ve seen in an indie game.

These three games provide authentic depictions of women’s experiences, moving through the world in search of love, connection and a path forward.

Article written by Emily Merritt.

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