2024 is the best year ever for indie games, according to Metacritic

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According to Metacritic, indie games this year have received scores of 90 or higher more than ever before. Five different titles earned the prestigious “Metacritic Must Play” label, setting a new record for the indie gaming scene.

Here are the five standout indie titles that reached a score of 90+ on Metacritic this year:

• Slay The Princess: The Pristine Cut (92)
• UFO 50 (91)
• Animal Well (91)
• Balatro (90)
• Thank Goodness You’re Here (90)

The year started strong with Balatro, a fun card game that caught the attention of players. In May came Animal Well, a mysterious and intriguing Metroidvania that received widespread praise. Thank Goodness You’re Here and UFO 50 launched in August and September, bringing even more excitement to the indie scene. Finally, in October, a special edition of Slay The Princess was released, becoming one of the highest-rated games of the year.

Beyond these five top-rated titles, other indie games also made a strong impact. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes and Neva were nominated for “Best Indie Game” at The Game Awards. Manor Lords, The Plucky Squire, and Pacific Drive were nominated for “Best Debut Indie Game,” showcasing the diversity and quality of indie games this year.

This is the first time that five indie games in a single year have achieved a Metacritic score above 90. In previous years, only four indie titles reached that threshold. This year, Baldur’s Gate 3, Against the Storm, Slay The Princess, and Videoverse also received high praise.