When an indie game becomes so astronomically popular that it challenges the popularity of most AAA games released this year, you know that it must have a special 'something' about it. Rocket League is the driving-football hybrid game that's not only transcended 'indie gaming' as a result of its popularity, but the entire gaming medium. Casual gamers know about Rocket League, e-sports followers know about Rocket League, as do your colleagues at work and your frustrated non-gaming girlfriend who constantly hears you insisting that one game takes just five minutes, and that you can't just quit or pause the game because you're playing online. But it never is just five minutes that you play, as the game's quickfire matchmaking system and high skill ceiling mean that you're compelled to keep playing, to keep improving, and to keep rising up through those rankings (or regain your rank after a bad losing streak). Scoring your first goals in Rocket League is a magical feeling, but the real joy comes when you realise that beyond the simple controls and floaty physics-based mechanics, this is a game that demands dedication. It's a game in which you're constantly pushing yourself to master that next trick - the aerial hits, the off-the-wall shots, the acrobatic goalkeeping - with the only ultimate goal in the game being your self-improvement, which can pretty much go on forever in this game. Watch this space, because Rocket League will be joining the likes of Minecraft and Team Fortress as a game that's going to be a dominant force on the gaming scene for a very, very long time. Any indie gems that we missed? Let us hear about them in the comments, or try your hand at writing for What Culture yourself!
Gamer, Researcher of strange things.
I'm a writer-editor hybrid whose writings on video games, technology and movies can be found across the internet. I've even ventured into the realm of current affairs on occasion but, unable to face reality, have retreated into expatiating on things on screens instead.
