As the indie game scene continues to grow, with over 2,000 new titles being released on Steam every month, it's becoming increasingly difficult for smaller studios to get their games noticed. To help shine a light on these hidden gems, we're highlighting Calligram Studio's upcoming audio deduction game, I'M YOUR HOST. In this game, players use a custom OS to restore a series of lost podcast episodes, uncovering a parallel story through discarded interviews, field recordings, and other audio clips. We spoke with Calligram Studio co-founder Jigmé Özer about the development process, the importance of audio in designing an immersive mystery, and the challenges of being a smaller developer. With a team of just three people, Özer, Eleanor Summers, and Alexander Smith have been working on I'M YOUR HOST for about two years, aiming to create a short, manageable scope after the success of their first game, Phoenix Springs. The game's retro-futurism aesthetic is inspired by old computer operating systems, which Özer finds evocative and texturally interesting. By using audio as the primary storytelling medium, the team aims to create a unique and engaging experience that leverages the power of sound to convey information and evoke emotions. As a smaller developer, Calligram Studio faces challenges in getting their game noticed, but Özer believes that by carving out their own niche, they can succeed. The team is currently looking forward to the game's release, which is expected to be available on PC, Mac, and Linux, and can be wishlisted on Steam.

Source: Engadget