Have you ever sat down to play a game expecting to relax for a couple of hours and ended up crying? If the answer is yes, then you know the power of emotional storytelling in indie games!
Here are a few of my favorite short indie games that deliver big on emotional depth. Just make sure to grab a tissue box, don’t say I didn’t warn you!
1. Before Your Eyes
| Playtime | ~1.5 hours |
| Developer | GoodbyeWorld Games |
| Platform(s) | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, PlayStation VR2 |
This first-person narrative game has you reliving memories as your life flashes before your eyes. The blink mechanic forces you to let go of moments, just like in real life.
The story packs a serious emotional punch and will likely leave you thinking (and sobbing) for days. Before Your Eyes is for sure a masterpiece!
Note
On PC and mobile, the game requires a webcam or front-facing camera for the blink mechanic to work properly.
2. What Comes After
| Playtime | ~1 hour |
| Developer | Pikselnesia, Rolling Glory Jam |
| Platform(s) | PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 |
What Comes After is set entirely on a train ferrying spirits to the afterlife.
The game tackles themes of depression, self-worth, and finding meaning. It is a heartwarming story about learning to love yourself, and I am sure it will make you appreciate life more.
3. Unravel
| Playtime | ~3–5 hours |
| Developer | Coldwood Interactive |
| Platform(s) | PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
Unravel may be slightly longer, but it surely deserves a mention for its beautiful visuals and amazing storytelling.
Yarny, the main character, is a tiny creature made of red yarn, navigating environments tied to memories of love and loss. It’s soft, nostalgic, and aching in all the right ways. Unravel is such a beautiful and heartwarming game. The story behind it was built brilliantly, and it touched my heart.
4. Gris
| Playtime | ~3–4 hours |
| Developer | Nomada Studio |
| Platform(s) | PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Amazon Luna |
Gris by is a visual masterpiece that turns grief into art! The game’s storytelling lets you interpret the journey your own way, but its emotional core is unmistakable.
It’s one of those experiences you feel more than understand. An incredible journey and one of the most memorable gaming experiences I’ve had in my entire life!
5. Dordogne
| Playtime | ~2–3 hours |
| Developer | Un Je Ne Sais Quoi, Umanimation |
| Platform(s) | PC, Switch, PS4/PS5, Xbox |
In Dordogne, you play as Mimi, returning to her late grandmother’s home to piece together childhood memories during a summer in the French countryside.
The game blends soft exploration with journaling, photography, and sound recording. It’s tender and reflective. The style of the game is pure art, and trust me when I say that if nostalgia were a watercolor painting, it would be Dordogne.
Why Short Emotional Games Matter
In a world of endless content, these shorter titles remind us that less can truly be more. Indie developers don’t need giant budgets or 60-hour campaigns to make you feel something real or make the game stand out. All they need is honesty, creativity, and heart, and that’s what these games deliver.
These short indie games may only last a couple of hours, but the feelings they create stay for far longer. If you ever need a game that speaks to your heart more than your skill level, look no further than the titles above. Do you have a favorite short, emotional game I missed? I’d love to hear it. Just drop them in the comments and let’s cry about pixels together.
