Hello, I'm Taro-chin, a game streamer and writer.
I usually make a living by writing online and streaming games. You can simply think of it as "unemployed."
Taro-chin
Born in 1985. Real name: Shoutarou Ooi. In 2008, I started game streaming as "Taro-chin" on Niconico Douga. After working as a writer and editor for the web news site "Netorabo," I am currently freelancing. I used to be a person who loved alcohol, but in 2022, I suffered from a severe illness called "acute necrotizing pancreatitis," which caused two-thirds of my pancreas to necrose. I am now permanently abstaining from alcohol.
The other day, I went to Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS2024) with Mr. Harada, the representative of Scoota Films.
Scoota Films is an anime studio, but for some reason, they also create indie games under the name "SKOOTA GAMES." At this TGS, they showcased a rhythm game called "Momo Crash," which has a bizarre concept of "squeezing souls with thighs to help them pass on," attracting curious gazes from visitors. It's quite eccentric.
So, I was invited with the idea of "since we're exhibiting, I want to cover other indie games too. I might even want to write an article." By the way, the article you're reading is also on "SKOOTA," which is operated by Scoota Films. They are really spreading themselves thin.
Recently, the indie game industry has been gaining attention with various hit titles emerging. There are even major games that make you think, "Isn't this too much to still be considered indie?" Additionally, many games that become popular are those that streamers and Vtubers play, creating a perception that indie games are not just for hardcore gamers but are becoming diverse and accessible.
This time, I'll introduce a few "games that seem likely to be popular for streaming" that I found while wandering around the indie booth at TGS.
Commentator
A "public opinion manipulation reporting novel game" where you become a commentator on a news program and dissect various news stories. The news featured is based on actual topics that have been discussed in modern Japan, making it a game that strongly reflects the player's thoughts on current events. I thought this concept would definitely spark lively comments during game streams.
If you usually think, "Being a commentator is an easy job since you just have to say whatever with a knowing face," you should definitely give it a try (demo version). In this game, you need to earn favor from both viewers and sponsors, and the results can change significantly based on which news you support or oppose. If you pander too much to the viewers, the sponsors will leave, and if you pander too much to the sponsors, the viewers will leave. You have to balance this well to make a living as a commentator. This aspect feels very "society" to me, which I like.
By the way, the old man in the key visual is not the commentator but the program producer. Apparently, almost everyone misunderstands this (which is understandable).
SAEKO: Giantess Dating Sim
An adventure game with a rather fetishistic element where you become a tiny person and are kept by a giant girl. The owner, Saeko, has an unpredictable nature, and the player must aim for "survival" as the leader of the tiny people. When Saeko approaches, the drawer you live in shakes as if Godzilla is walking by. It's quite scary.
It's not "Attack on Titan," but there is an absolute power difference due to the size disparity, creating a situation where "life is cheap" for the tiny people. I'm intrigued by how they navigate such a scenario, and I was quite captivated even at the demo stage. Interactions with Saeko are tense, but exchanges between the tiny people are light-hearted, and there are many parts of the dialogue that can be read in a relaxed manner. The game has a nice balance of tension and levity.
I'm not very knowledgeable about it, but it seems there is a certain demand for the "giantess" genre. It might resonate strongly with those who like it. The way the author's personal tastes are reflected in this game gives it a very "indie" feel, which I find appealing.
CASSETTE BOY
This game really hit the spot for me. The Game Boy-style graphics reminiscent of "The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening" are charming, but what I found particularly interesting is the game system called the "Schrödinger System," inspired by questions from quantum mechanics.
It might sound complicated when you mention quantum mechanics, but the rule is essentially "if you can't see it, it doesn't exist." For example, if there's a person blocking your path, you can rotate the camera to hide them behind a wall. Since they are "not visible on the screen," they don't exist, meaning there’s no collision detection, allowing you to pass through. You can use this system to operate switches from a distance, eliminate enemies, or even make yourself disappear to dodge attacks. The "aha" moment when you understand the meaning of the mechanics is really enjoyable.
I also appreciate the philosophical vibe, like the quote from Einstein, "Are you saying the moon doesn't exist when I'm not looking at it?" I'm not sure if it will catch on with younger people, but it has a chill and gentle quality that appeals to my generation of older folks. I highly recommend it.
On the Keyboard
Interesting game number one that uses the keyboard. The simple rule is to press the keys skillfully to roll a ball into the goal. Because of this simplicity, it makes you want to play just by watching, and when you try it, you find it surprisingly challenging and addictive. It feels somewhat similar to "QWOP."
At TGS, there was a venue-exclusive mode where the ball turns into a pumpkin (Halloween-themed?). As a writer, I was confident in my touch typing skills, but I was thrown off by the irregular behavior of the bumpy pumpkin ball and struggled a lot. It’s surprisingly strategic and action-packed, as you need to press the keys ahead of where the ball is rolling to create a "wall." But sometimes, you can't press the key you want in a pinch...
Like "QWOP" or "Getting Over It," it’s a game that allows you to cheer for someone else's play while also wanting to try it yourself. It seems like it would be exciting for speedrunning, and it would definitely shine in streaming.
Last Standing
Interesting game number two that uses the keyboard. This one is more intense, as you can increase your attack power by smashing the keyboard, with the number of keys pressed determining your strength in this power-action game. You unleash special moves by swinging the mouse around.
The basic operation involves hitting as many keys as possible with your palm while repeatedly pressing the spacebar to recover stamina. This is surprisingly challenging, testing both your muscles and the durability of your device. It might be tougher in some ways than Fit Boxing.
The game incorporates a "Vansaba-style" system where you collect items to strengthen your character, increasing the sense of exhilaration and making it addictive to play repeatedly. The question is whether your hands and device can withstand it. The visual appeal during play is top-notch, so streamers should definitely go for it with a webcam.
Pia
SNS has been buzzing about this mine-clearing game. The game involves "disarming a mine without lifting your foot off the triggered mine," and at the venue, you could play using a foot pedal. Of course, if you lift your foot, it’s game over.
The foot pedal is mostly for immersion, as the core gameplay revolves around "not lifting your finger off the S key on the keyboard." To disarm the mine, you have to dig with a shovel or unscrew bolts using the mouse or keyboard, but you must keep pressing the S key (and the foot pedal), which puts a lot of strain on your fingers.
Additionally, since it’s a battlefield, you constantly have to dodge enemy bullets or wild boars attacking you. You need to crouch or turn off your light to deal with these threats, all while keeping the S key and foot pedal pressed. If you get caught up in this, you might run out of time... I found myself quite absorbed in it.
With the single idea of "keeping the S key (and foot pedal) pressed," they’ve created a thrilling gameplay experience with such simple controls. It feels like the indie spirit that connects to things like "Exit 8." While I was playing, I found myself quite vocal, and the people behind me seemed to be enjoying it too, which gives me the feeling that this could become a popular game among streamers. It’s going to sell well.
So, I introduced some indie games that particularly caught my attention from a gamer’s perspective. Of course, I couldn’t see everything, and there may be some bias based on my personal preferences.
In other news, the indie game that won the Grand Prize at the "Sense of Wonder Night 2024," a gateway for indie games, is Esophaguys. It seems to be gaining popularity as a quirky party game with strange mechanics and visuals. It's a game that anyone can laugh at, making it a great choice for collaborations. The already buzzed-about title Unsolved Cases Must Be Resolved is undoubtedly a masterpiece, and it has been gaining traction again with the recent release of the Switch version.
Additionally, when I spoke with the developers, I was impressed by how many people have a positive attitude towards game streaming. Even in the adventure game genre, which is heavily affected by spoilers, I felt that there are more games like Inverted Angel, where players' personalities are strongly reflected through free text input for solving puzzles. This might be indicative of games in an era where "game streaming" has become the norm. As an internet elder, I find myself gazing into the distance a bit.
Finally, I pondered what makes a game suitable for streaming. There are several conditions, such as "settings that provoke reactions and comments" and "visuals or systems that make you want to play yourself," but ultimately, it comes down to being an "interesting game" that transcends those clever theories. After trying out many games, I deeply felt this truth.
In that sense, I find myself excited about "indie games" that reveal personal quirks and ambitions to create something unprecedented.
（Written by: Taro-chin）
The first game from SKOOTA GAMES, the momentous label introduced at the beginning, is "Momo Crash"! "It's a rhythm game where you just squeeze with your thighs!" (Editorial Department)