Book Review - Indie Game Works

Jul 20
5 min read

July 20th 2026

There are more options for gamers than ever today, with titles for everybody’s tastes and interests. This is most true when it comes to games from smaller teams, where the most unique visuals and mechanics can be found. For those that enjoy this scene, a look at 50 of the most acclaimed and beloved releases can be full explored in Indie Game Works!

The book was released on April 13th in the UK and May 12th in the US and Canada by publisher Thames & Hudson and writer Nathan P. Gibson. A copy was kindly sent to me and I can now share my thoughts on a book as someone that enjoys many of the games featured inside.

Build Quality

Indie Game Works is a 22cm x 28cm hardcover with 288 pages to get lost in, making it a good-sized book. The cover art uses an illustration from Planet of Lana that I think works really well and sets the tone for the types of games found inside.

The hardcover itself is very unique and not something I’ve seen before. As you can see in the image below, it comes in three parts; the spine, the front, and the back. These separate panels are held together by the plastic of the cover and the endpapers. While I like that the covers open with great ease, I do have reservations about the page block being glued in. It doesn’t offer the flexibility found in a traditional cover and when used in softcover artbooks, over time the pages can detach. I haven’t experienced any issues during my time reading the book, but I would advise caution for long term preservation. This should also be taken into account for the page edges, as they are cut to the same dimensions as the cover, leaving them more exposed.

Content

As mentioned as shown below, there are 50 games highlighted in the book, and it’s an impressive selection of a variety of releases from over more than a decade. There have been so many hit titles in the ‘indie scene’ that there is a lot to choose from, but what is featured offers an eclectic mix of genres, styles, and visuals that I really liked.

If you like smaller titles, then there’s a good chance that you have played some of the games and heard of others, so this is a fantastic way to learn about them in one place. I myself enjoyed learning about games like Tunic, GRIS, and Journey to the Savage Planet, as well as seeing screenshots and artwork for them too. I also found myself looking up games I hadn’t played before, so this was a fun way to discover new games.

There are a lot of images included throughout the book and that perfectly reflects the range of visual styles that smaller teams are producing. Whether it is the pixel art of Hyper Light Drifter, the black and white 2D style of Silt, or the higher fidelity visuals of We Happy Few, readers will be treated to the magic of the gaming space that isn’t dictated by larger publishers.

I loved that a lot of the games include concept art, some of which are scans of paper documents with rudimentary sketches, the type of early documents that solo developers and small teams will create. As well as this, are 3D models, key art, and screenshots, each allowing the art styles of the games to shine and leaves you wanting to create a playlist to dive into after putting down the book.

Equally as impressive is the details shared for the games. While some get more pages than others, they all feature insights through interviews with the developers and notes on their development from author Nathan Gibson. With so many games placed in the spotlight, getting interviews for them all was no doubt a lot of work, but it elevates the book from a list of great games to a thoughtful read about the passion and journeys of the developers.

Indie Game Works can’t be as in-depth as a book dedicated to just one title, but in the limited space for each one it gives a lot of information, from the early ideas, to the challenges and changes that happened during development. Most mention the visual style, which is complimented by the art and screenshots, so even if you aren’t familiar with the game, you can still fully appreciate each one. I also like that a game like ECHO was included despite it not being a commercial success, and the openness of that being acknowledged. It’s a celebration of game design, not just what sells.

The content makes this a very interesting read for players that enjoy the some of the more interesting and obscure releases in gaming, catering for the more modern players and the time in which the space has exploded with creativity. Most of the games are from the last 10 years, including 2026’s Cairn from The Game Bakers, but it also goes back as far as Gone Home from 2013. Enthusiasts will find a lot to enjoy in this book and it’s always a joy to have lesser-known titles get some love in a physical release.

Credits

Individual artists are not credits to each image, but with so many games covered, that’s not a simple task. At the back of the book, a paragraph is used to show the studios that the art and screenshots belong too. Knowing the artists is always nice, but in a book like this, noting the developers and studios is the next best thing.

Use of Space

As you can see in the previews, the space is used well and the balance between text and artwork is done very well. A lot is packed into the 288 pages, but with 50 games being featured, that’s no surprise. There is some minor image loss in the centre fold in places, but there are not many images that spill across the spread.

The print quality is high and so all image details are clear, with the placement and size of the text making it very readable. I like the colour backgrounds as they mix things up without distracting your eyes from the artwork. The game titles that include artwork are also a fun and consistent touch.

Value

The book comes with an RRP of $49.95 or £35, and while this isn’t strictly an artbook, it fits within the price range for books of this type. I think for that those that are interested and enjoy the mix of games here, this is a reasonable price point. I do however wish it had been a regular hardcover for preservation.

The good news is that deals are available too, making the book even more attractive to interested players. Using Amazon for consistency, the book is $37.33 or £22 at the time of writing this, which is a great deal, especially the UK pricing. It’s hard to be let down by the full price, but the deals to be found make this an easier purchase choice.

Verdict

Indie Game Works takes some of the most unique and beloved games that would usually be celebrated in the more niche corners of the internet, and gives them the spotlight they deserve. The types of games featured here highlight what makes the gaming space special, both visually and through the stories of the development and talented people behind them.

Although the physical format isn’t my favourite, the games chosen, the insights shared, and wonderful images shown will make you appreciate the games you love, while possible introducing you to something new. With the gaming industry seemingly at a point of major change, Indie Game Works could one day be looked at to mark a moment in time for the indie scene, making it an interesting addition to any collection.

If you enjoyed the review and previews of the book, you can order a copy here;