The SXSW Gaming Conference and Festivals was held at the Austin Convention Center March 16–18, 2017. In addition to enjoying an Esports Tournament Stage, tabletop gaming, open play areas, and vendors, attendees could meet game developers and play new and upcoming games. There were so many featured games that we loved, here were the standouts:
5. Battlesloths 2025: The Great Pizza Wars (Rooster Teeth Games)
It’s no secret that we’ve been drooling over Battlesloths 2025: The Great Pizza Wars for almost a year now. As we previously reported, the game is going to be published by the Austin-based Rooster Teeth Games.
The upcoming local multiplayer game allows up to four players to battle it out, ruthlessly killing each other for slices of pizza. Each player chooses a sloth, a pizza topping and adds one of the hundreds of crazy hats available. The game is zany, addicting and fast-paced. An official release date hasn’t been announced, but it is coming soon.
4. Blink (nextReality Games)
In this beautiful 2D puzzle platformer, you’re an ancient being who can see after-images when you blink, hence the title. The special feature allows you to walk on light, which helps you get to your destination. The game, created by Ryan Sligh and Loic Ferdinandi, was featured as part of the SXSW Gaming Student Showcase. If you enjoy games such as 2009’s Braid, this is sure to be up your alley. Blink was released earlier this month.
3. RWBY: Grimm Eclipse (Rooster Teeth)
RWBY: Grimm Eclipse is based on Rooster Teeth’s hit anime web series, RWBY. The game is a 4 player online co-op that allows you to play as Team RWBY- Ruby, Weiss, Blake, or Yang. Fans of the show can explore familiar locations and characters, as well as new. But you don’t have to be a fan of the show to enjoy this high energy combat game. As of January, the game is available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC.
2. Ape Out (Devolver Digital)
In Ape Out, you play an escaped ape trying to make your way through people trying to capture you. Don’t let the simplistic look of Ape out fool you, though. The challenges quickly ramp up as the game play gets more frantic. The game is beautiful, primal and offers a free playable demo on Steam, which you can find here. The full game is set to come out this summer.
1. Mages of Mystralia (Borealys Games)
This action-adventure game features a young girl named Zia, who was born with the magical powers. As you journey along, Zia learns her powers, which are banned in this universe. But you must use them to defeat obstacles, enemies and challenges. The story was written by Ed Greenwood, who created the “Forgotten Realms” fantasy world for Dungeons and Dragons. Mages of Mystralia won “Best Of” at PAX South 2017 and kicked off their Kickstarter this month.
