Wholesome Direct 2025 Round Up

As always, there are so many incredible announcements this time of year to keep track of, and the Wholesome Direct just gave us a whole bunch more to get excited about. From Scrapbooking to fighting giant robots, this 2025 Direct gave us so many examples of joyful and uplifting games to suit just about anyone. So, to help keep track of all the wonderful upcoming games, here are a few of our highlights from the direct:

Instants 

Developer Endflame

OUT TODAY

This game stands out because it is so unique. At the heart of it, this is a puzzle game that is about figuring out the chronology of a series of photographs in order to see a family's favourite memories played out in front of you. But there is also a decorating and design element to the game that allows you to get creative to make your scrapbook look however you want.

Is This Seat Taken

Developer Poti Poti Studio

Aug 2025

Playable Demo

A really fun concept that involves trying to find the perfect seat for some very fussy people. Whether it's on trains, in restaurants, or at the movies, these fussy individuals need to be seated, and it's your job to do it in a way that keeps everyone happy. The art style is very cute, and it looks like this is going to be a game filled with laugh-out-loud moments. 

Big Hops

Developer Luckshot Games

2025

Playable Demo

If there is one this that unites all of the Patch it is our undying love of frogs and need for more frog games! Big Hops may be my personal game of the show because it looks like such a great platformer that involves many fun mechanics. The Breath of the Wild style climbing mechanics, alongside using your tongue to swing around and traverse the world, mean that Big Hops could be an un-frog-etable experience!

Out and About

Developer Yaldi Games

Release Date TBA

Playtest out now

The thing that made this game really stand out is that it teaches players about how to forage and use real-life plants. The game is about connecting people with the outside world and educating them about nature along the way. Create your own character and use your new foraging skills to help build your town and form new friendships.

Everdeep Aura

Developer Nautilus Games

July 12th

If you are in the mood for something a little bit spookier, than Ever Sleep Aura has you covered. The beautiful dark pixel art of this game makes it one of my standout out art styles of the show. The game sees you play as a cat in a in an apocalyptic world where everyone lives underground. Using a drill, make your way deeper and deeper into the mysterious world below.

Ambroise Niflette & The Gleaned Bell

Developer Topotes Studio

Release Date TBA

Yet another INCREDIBLE art style. This is a stop-motion inspired adventure game that has you take the role of a cute little detective trying to track down a stolen bell. Every scene shown in the trailer makes this little French village look like a picturesque work of art. 

Winter Burrow

Developer Pine Creek Games

2025

Playable Demo

A charming-looking survival game about a mouse preparing for the winter. The world looks so enticing to explore, and the art, and use of camera angles, make the mouse look so tiny and helpless. As you explore the world, you learn to craft new things and can build up your burrow using the resources you’ve gathered.

Lynked: Banner of the Spark

Developer FuzzyBot

OUT TODAY

A really unique-looking action RPG that has so many different things to do. You can farm, fish, and then go out and kill robots – what more would you want!? Use resources and skill points earned in battle to upgrade your abilities, weapons and build up your town.

All Will Rise 

Developer Speculative Industry

2026

Described as a narrative cultural deck builder, this game really did stand out as a distinctive game that deals with real-world issues. The concept of using people’s intellect and emotions instead of swords and spells is what really made this feel like a completely new experience.

Let’s Build a Dungeon 

Developer Springloaded

Release Date TBA

Playable Demo

Ever fancied dabbling in the world of game development? Well, this game has you managing a studio building an MMORPG. It is not just about making a game, but also learning about marketing, contract negotiations, and even server management! There is even a co-op mode, so you can build and work alongside a friend!

It was so hard to choose just 10 games because this direct was filled with incredible titles, and this list just scratches the surface! We, as indie game lovers, are so lucky to have so many incredible people making so many wonderful games! If you are interested in some deep dives into even more of the great titles shown at this direct, then remember to subscribe to Patch now to receive our July issue focusing specifically on the Wholesome Direct.