After 2 years, it's nearly time for us to return to hosting live pitches. However, our digital pitches aren't going anywhere. In fact, we have a number of them planned for 2022, as our digital pitches have allowed us to highlight an ever-increasing range of diverse brand new gaming experiences from some of the world's most exciting indie developers.

Most recently that meant hosting our January Digital Big Indie Pitch (PC+Console Edition) #13. An event we hosted in part due to the overwhelming talent coming from indie developers at this time.

This time around we saw even more exciting and interesting indie developers pitch their latest works to some of our most established judges and journalists, with 15 battling it out for the crown. The competition was tough, so tough that not only was there an honourable mention, but the judges even gave out a joint 2nd instead of a 3rd place. Nevertheless, the winner was Cuisineer, a rogue-lite dungeon crawler crossed with a restaurant simulator.

For those not in the know, The Big Indie Pitch is a regular event run by the makers of PCGamesInsider.biz. It gives indie developers the chance to pitch their games to industry experts and journalists in a speed-dating-style format. Teams get the opportunity to get valuable feedback on their games, as well as win great prizes such as promotional packages and opportunities to promote their game.

Of course, Cuisineer, as you already know, was the winner, but if you want to learn more about not only Cuisineer but also our runners-up and honourable mention from The Digital Big Indie Pitch (PC+Console Edition) #13, then simply read on.

1st Place - Cuisineer by Battlebrew Productions

Cuisineer is a very unique game. One that seamlessly blends rogue-lite dungeon crawling with a restaurant simulator, all whilst wrapping it up in an adorable presentation style. From traversing procedurally generated dungeons, to collecting rare ingredients, and even slaying monsters, players will have to traverse the diverse world of Cuisineer in order to collect the resources needed in order to save the debt-ridden family restaurant from bankruptcy.

Of course, this is only half the adventure though, as once you are back at the restaurant its now time to put those resources to good use as you cook dishes, create new menu items, keep the customers happy, and of course make sure to stop those dine and dashers. From bubble tea to laksa, the restaurant is yours to make your own.

So, whether you're into resource management, deep adventures, high customisation, or just a lovely looking game, this is one game to keep your eyes peeled for.

Joint 2nd Place - Run Prop, Run! by PlayTogether Studio

Run Prop, Run! is a multiplayer inspired by both the well-known children's game of hide and seek alongside the classic Prop Hunt mod in which players must disguise themselves as a background object in order to avoid being discovered by the hunter. As you can imagine, this allows for a massive amount of unpredictability and comedic escapades, something compounded by the fact that up to 13 players can play at the same time.

What's more, as each Prop gets caught, they themself become a hunter, meaning that there are increasingly fewer places for those remaining to hide. Nevertheless, PlayTogether has made sure that the game is evenly balanced. Not only does each Prop have the ability to transform into any object in the stage, but the game will also include a variety of gameplay mechanics in order to increase strategic play.

Joint 2nd Place - West Hunt by NewGen

In West Hunt players must step into the boots of an outlaw in the Old West as they are challenged with completing a variety of missions without being captured or killed by the Sheriff. Primarily utilising gameplay focusing on social deduction, players will have their detective and stealth skills put to the test in quick matches played out socially alongside friends or solo.

From bribing the barman to poisoning the water, as the Outlaw your challenges will test your skills to the max. However, don't think it's easy for the Sheriff either, as the Outlaw could be absolutely anybody. What's more, in West Hunt everything is random, from the missions to the setting to, of course, the Outlaw, meaning that every round will challenge players and require skill to complete. 

Honourable Mention - Townseek by Whales And Games

Townseek is a relaxing exploration-trading game. One in which players are able to fly freely across their world utilising their very own airship. Within the game players will be able to travel far and wide as they discover exotic landmarks, trade within towns, fish, mine, farm, and finally complete their journal by finding the missing pages of Sir Reginald Sharkingston’s journal, the first sharkfolk to freely explore the world.

Want to show off your exciting new game? We host Big Indie Pitch events throughout the year, so make sure to regularly check our upcoming events page over on BigIndiePitch.com.