The Playdate, Panic’s distinctive yellow handheld console with its signature crank, just opened its second season of games, delivering a fresh collection of unique titles to its dedicated user base. This comes alongside a steady stream of engaging indie games hitting various platforms, including the much-anticipated Spray Paint Simulator. For gamers seeking experiences outside the mainstream, the indie scene continues to offer diverse and creative options.
Playdate Kicks Off Season Two
After a successful initial run, Playdate Season Two launched on May 29, 2025. This new season follows the familiar format: twelve new games delivered two at a time, every Thursday, for six weeks. Owners who purchase the season for $39 USD gain access to the full bundle through Playdate’s Catalog digital store.
The Season Two rollout began with two notable titles: Fulcrum Defender and Dig! Dig! Dino!
- Fulcrum Defender: From Subset Games, the creators of critically acclaimed titles like FTL: Faster Than Light and Into the Breach, comes an arcade action game. Players control a turret using the Playdate’s crank, aiming to stop incoming projectiles. It offers a gameplay loop that is easy to understand but hard to master, testing focus and skill.
- Dig! Dig! Dino!: Developed by Dom2D and Fáyer, this game focuses on paleontology. Players join a team at a digsite, using their shovel to uncover dinosaur bones and other ancient treasures. The game involves piecing together dinosaur skeletons and analyzing artifacts, revealing buried secrets.
Beyond these two, Season Two promises a varied selection of games over the coming weeks. The entire season is estimated to use about 550 MB of storage, with options to offload and re-download games as needed. Many of the season’s games utilize the D-pad, A and B buttons, while approximately half incorporate the unique crank for precision and fast movement. Some titles include significant English text, and a few deal with mature themes or mild violence. Panic has also teased a mysterious broadcast called “Blippo+” which began with the first batch of Season Two games.
Spray Paint Simulator: A New Kind of Creativity
For those who enjoy a more relaxed, creative experience, Spray Paint Simulator arrived on May 29, 2025, for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. A Nintendo Switch version is set for June 19, 2025. Developed by North Star Video Games and published by Whitethorn Games, this title focuses on the satisfaction of restoration.
The game invites players to “bring color to the world” by restoring worn-out surfaces with fresh coats of paint. Players use a spray tool with precision to cover every inch, aiming for a flawless finish. The game features a story mode set in “Spatterville,” where players build a spray-painting business. Tasks range from restoring kitchens and local landmarks to tackling a giant robot. Gameplay involves masking surfaces, repairing objects, and filling damaged areas to prepare the canvas.
Spray Paint Simulator emphasizes a calming, no-pressure experience. There are no time limits or complex mechanics. Players manage consumables like paint and tape, and can upgrade tools for better capacity and coverage. The game also offers a “Free Spray” mode, allowing players to unleash their creativity without objectives. It targets a different kind of engagement, focusing on the simple pleasure of making things look new again.
Other Indie Games to Note
The indie gaming landscape constantly shifts, with many smaller studios producing compelling experiences across different platforms. While a comprehensive list is difficult to compile, several Playdate games beyond Season Two, and other standalone indie releases, continue to garner attention.
On the Playdate, the diverse catalog includes titles that leverage the console’s unique design:
- Cranky Cove: This farming simulation game puts players in charge of various operations, from food production to selling artisanal goods. Customers arrive with orders, and timely fulfillment is key. The game presents a challenging management experience.
- Bwirds: A relaxing word game that provides a gentle mental exercise. Players help eccentric characters find words fitting their interests, complemented by calming music.
- Spooky Squad: Often described as a “Ghostbusters for Playdate,” this game involves clearing haunted homes with a blaster. It features detailed level designs, music, and humorous ghost visuals.
- Echo: The Oracle’s Scroll: A Metroidvania-style adventure set in an underground world. Players navigate caverns and confront kingdom rulers to deliver a scroll. The game stands out with its art style and score.
- A Balanced Brew: A quirky and surprisingly challenging game where players navigate a unicycle to find coffee. It captures the Playdate’s unique aesthetic.
- Angel Pop: A bullet-hell shoot ’em up with cute visuals. It offers adaptive difficulty and a relentless stream of projectiles. The crank can control firing direction.
- Root Bear: Players serve root beer to a cast of dramatic bear customers as a bartender. The game requires precise pouring to satisfy patrons.
- Mars After Midnight: From Lucas Pope, known for Papers, Please and Return of Obra Dinn, this game simulates cleaning up after group therapy sessions. It blends routine tasks with alien interactions.
- Summit: A demanding platformer that requires constant problem-solving. Players navigate perilous obstacles and falls while climbing a mountain, with a high number of deaths expected.
- Touch Egg: A high-score chase game where players use the crank to extend a finger and poke an egg repeatedly, all while a “creepy man” observes.
Beyond the Playdate, the broader indie gaming scene continues to offer a wealth of experiences. While specific upcoming releases vary, the focus remains on creative mechanics, artistic direction, and narratives that stand apart from larger studio productions. Events like Summer Game Fest are expected to bring hundreds of new game announcements and updates, particularly in early June. These events highlight titles across various genres, ensuring a steady flow of new experiences for players.
The indie gaming space, whether on specialized hardware like the Playdate or across major platforms, fosters creativity and offers unique gameplay. As Playdate Season Two unfolds and new titles like Spray Paint Simulator gain attention, the appeal of these independent creations remains strong.
