IndieDev 2024

IndieDev 2024: Cross-Border Games Prototype Fund was a first of its kind programme that funded seven teams, three from Northern Ireland and four from the Republic of Ireland to build a prototype for their game. This programme allowed the teams two weeks of ideation and prototyping, followed by a 12 week programme that had the teams attend workshops, receive mentorship and develop their prototypes.

This programme, which included teams from Kilkenny, Limerick, Down, Kildare, Antrim, Derry, Galway and Dublin; was managed by Ardán and Imirt on behalf of Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Ireland.

The participants of IndieDev 2024 all participated in our AGM 2025 event, by giving their final presentations to our audience. For feedback, we assembled a panel of Industry experts who would judge each pitch and give each team feedback. Our panel consisted of;

Llaura McGee (Dreamfeel)
Jairo Lopes (Xbox)
Caolan McKendry (Ambertail)

The seven teams from IndieDev took part in these presentations, showing each of their games to our audience. This was followed by a Networking Reception where the teams got to show off their demos to the Game Dev Community.

Saorspell - Secrets of Sunshore

First up was Saorspell, who showed their narrative-driven adventure RPG, Secrets of Sunshore. Inspired by games such as Sea of Stars and Paper Mario, this game sees a trainee alchemist discover and protect a lost raindrop as he finds his way home. Secrets of Sunshore features a turn-based combat system, potion brewing mechanics and a beautiful artstyle. Saorspell consists of Adam Englishby, Megan Fox, and Jade Wren Folan.

(From Left to Right) Adam Englishby, Megan Fox, and Jade Wren Folan presenting Secrets of Sunshore

Dott studios - a silver cord

The second team to present was Dott Studios. They showed us their 3D puzzle platformer, A Silver Cord, where the player characters soul has been tied to their favourite doll. Players must astral project themself to help move their physical body to the goal. Explore your father’s workshop, solve puzzles, and gather enough magic research to undo the spell - collecting a few outfits along the way. Dott Studios consists of Donal McClean, Oisin Corr, Tiernan Gribbin, and Tom Daly.

(From Left to Right) Tiernan Gribbin, Tom Daly, Oisin Corr, and Donal McClean presenting A Silver Cord

fogcore - wayside

The third team presenting was Fogcore with their third-person, horror demake, Wayside. Wayside draws inspiration from Irish mythology and culture, classic games and shows such as Twin Peaks and Silent Hill 2, and modern hits such as Signalis and I Saw The TV Glow. The game features our protagonist Étaín, as she returns to her hometown, the once prosperous town of Wayside, in search of her missing friend. Unbeknownst to Étaín, Wayside is a shadow of its former self, hiding dark and sinister secrets beneath its unassuming exterior, and she is unprepared for what she finds instead. Meanwhile, Samhain looms ever closer. Fogcore consists of Sara Buckley and Derek Byrne.

(From Left to Right) Derek Byrne and Sara Buckley presenting Wayside

digital dullahan - night strike

Our fourth team was Digital Dullahan, presenting their third-person character-action game, Night Strike. In Night Strike, you play as a broke vampire looking to make ends meet. With your cheap camera on hand, you’re going to take on the creatures of the night and make it entertaining, getting paid through the charity of the freaks that tune into your broadcast. Inspired by games such as Devil May Cry 5 and leaning into 2000’s nostalgia with a graphic novel inspired artstyle, Night Strike features simple to understand, yet difficult to master combat and a scoring system to reward players for fighting creatively. Digital Dullahan consists of Najib Magee, Scott Getty and Morgan Lai.

(From Left to Right) Najib McGee, Scott Getty and Morgan Lai presenting Night Strike

banbha productions - wings of balance

Our fifth presentation came from Banbha Productions, who were showcasing their episodic fantasy action-adventure, Wings of Balance. Wings of Balance delves into a world inspired by the tales and legends of Irish mythology. With a focus on narrative the player will dive into a dynamic and immersive story, continuing through a series of chapters, uncovering the origins of a dark power and learning the language and powers of the locals you aid along the way. The game features a focus on the Irish language, and players will learn the language alongside the character as they progress through the story. Banbha Productions consists of Kieran Murphy, Katie McGuire, Dylan Hanly, Dave McLoughlin and David Cañizares Navarro.

Kieran Murphy presenting Wings of Balance

comedy séance - paranormal platoon

The sixth team presenting was Comedy Séance, who showed us Paranormal Platoon, their pulp tactical action horror game set in an alternate WW1, that mixes S.W.A.T. 4, The Mummy (1999) and Kelly’s Heroes. The game sees a soldier who was forced to be a part of the Paranormal Platoon, attempt to escape a failed war. Gameplay focuses on balancing stealth, resource management and exploration to create tension, as you try to avoid enemies and escape. With an importance on sound, a diagetic HUD and no health regen, Paranormal Platoon forces the player to think about every move. Comedy Séance consists of Veronika McKittrick, Ethan Topping, Kharis Beggs, and Kevin Regan.

(From Left to Right) Ethan Topping and Veronika McKittrick presenting Paranormal Platoon

margarita games - ravel the frays

The final presentation of the evening was given by Margarita Games, who showed us their sci-fi mystery visual novel, Ravel the Frays. This visual novel with puzzle mechanics sees the player presented with all of the lines of a conversation out of order. The player must put them in the correct order to solve the puzzle, unlocking the ability to watch the visual novel scene play out in full with art and music. Ailish needs you. Solve the puzzles. Untangle the mystery. Margarita Games consists of Gary Chadwick and Marija Petrova.