As a Photographer hobbyist, who also loves to play indie games, the combination of photography and gaming is kind of like the pinnacle gaming experience for me. Thankfully, the indie scene offers some compelling titles that combine these two interests.
In this article, we highlight 10 of the best indie games for photographers where the act of taking photographs isn’t just a side task—it’s a core gameplay element. Where I can I have included links off so you can check out these games, along with some videos of their gameplay.
Table of Contents
Umurangi Generation
Developer: Origame Digital (Website)
Mechanics: First-person exploration, photography
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
3rd Party Review: Umurangi Generation Review
Gameplay Experience
Umurangi Generation is set in a dystopian future, providing a unique context for the standard photography game mechanics. Through a first-person perspective, the game allows players to explore a range of urban environments on the brink of collapse.
Here, the real challenge lies in capturing photographs that not only satisfy in-game criteria but also make you think about the underlying themes of environmental decay and societal neglect.
With a star rating of 4.5 out of 5, the game has been highly praised for its immersive and thought-provoking gameplay.
Firewatch
Developer: Campo Santo (Website)
Mechanics: Adventure, exploration
Star Rating: 4.2 out of 5
3rd Party Review: Firewatch Review
Gameplay Experience
Firewatch offers players a unique blend of adventure and exploration, set against the visually stunning backdrop of the Wyoming wilderness. While the core gameplay revolves around exploring the environment and solving a gripping mystery, a disposable camera adds another layer to the experience.
Players are encouraged to capture the breathtaking scenery, providing a refreshing departure from more action-oriented titles.
With its scenic vistas and compelling story, the game holds a star rating of 4.2 out of 5.
Toem
Developer: Something We Made (Website)
Mechanics: Exploration, photography
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
3rd Party Review:
Gameplay Experience
Toem distinguishes itself by melding exploration and photography mechanics into a single, cohesive experience. Players journey through a variety of landscapes, each teeming with unique subjects and puzzles.
The objective is not just to photograph these elements, but to use the pictures as tools for puzzle-solving. This gameplay loop makes for an engaging experience that rewards creativity and keen observation.
The puzzles are well-designed, and the photography elements enhance rather than distract from the game’s core mechanics. Consequently, Toem boasts a high star rating of 4.5 out of 5 for its innovative gameplay.
Beasts of Maravilla Island
Developer: Banana Bird Studios, LLC (Website)
Mechanics: Adventure, photography
Star Rating: 4 out of 5
3rd Party Review:
Gameplay Experience
Beasts of Maravilla Island offers an adventurous take on the photography game genre. Your mission is to document the magical wildlife and scenic landscapes of the fictional Maravilla Island.
The game encourages players to be explorative and creative, seeking out exotic creatures and capturing them in their natural habitats. This serves not just as a visual diary but also contributes to the story and sometimes even influences gameplay elements.
The captivating environment, coupled with the mission-based photography tasks, create an immersive experience that is deserving of its 4-star rating.
Off-Peak
Developer: Cosmo D (Website)
Mechanics: Exploration, photography
Star Rating: 4 out of 5
3rd Party Review:
Gameplay Experience
Off-Peak transports players into a strange, surreal train station filled with art, ephemera, and odd characters.
The photography aspect comes into play as you capture these bizarre scenes, and the images you take serve as a means of piecing together the game’s subtle narratives. It offers a distinct atmosphere that keeps you engaged, encouraging exploration and interaction with the environment.
The gameplay is fluid and seamless, earning a well-deserved 4 out of 5 stars. The intriguing characters and abstract narrative elements give players plenty of photo opportunities that are as mysterious as they are compelling.
NUTS
Developer: Joon, Pol, Muutsch, Char & Torfi (Website)
Mechanics: Adventure, surveillance, photography
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
3rd Party Review:
Gameplay Experience
NUTS is a single-player surveillance adventure where you’re tasked with tracking the movements of squirrels in a forest. With the help of a range of surveillance cameras, your mission is to capture footage that reveals the secretive activities of these creatures.
What sets NUTS apart is its captivating narrative that gradually unfolds as you delve deeper into your assignment.
The photography element in NUTS isn’t conventional but is integral to the gameplay, adding a layer of complexity to your tasks. The star rating is set at 4.5 out of 5, acknowledging the unique blend of mystery and photography with compelling gameplay mechanics.
Paparazzi
Developer: Pringo Dingo Games (Website)
Mechanics: Action, photography
Star Rating: 4 out of 5
3rd Party Review:
Gameplay Experience
In Paparazzi, you take on the role of a relentless photographer or a dodging celebrity in this fast-paced, dual-action game. The objective differs based on which side you choose: as the paparazzo, your goal is to capture as many scandalous photos as possible; as the celebrity, you aim to avoid the camera at all costs. The gameplay mechanics are straightforward yet addictive, offering a unique blend of action and photography elements. The game receives a 4-star rating for its engaging gameplay and innovative take on the role of photography in our celebrity-obsessed culture.
A Short Hike
Developer: Adam Robinson-Yu (Website)
Mechanics: Adventure, exploration
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
3rd Party Review:
Gameplay Experience
In A Short Hike, you’re not restricted to just hiking. You can also find spots to take beautiful photos of the landscape around you. The game mixes elements of exploration and casual adventuring in a pixelated world. While photography is not the core gameplay element, the game’s environment is so compelling that you’ll find yourself wanting to capture every moment. The mechanics are intuitive, the world is expansive, and the story is subtle but poignant. These qualities make for a highly enjoyable experience that merits a 4.5-star rating.
Penko Park
Developer: Ghostbutter (Website)
Mechanics: Adventure, photography
Star Rating: 4 out of 5
3rd Party Review:
Gameplay Experience
In Penko Park, you explore an abandoned wildlife park with the task of photographing its strange and wonderful inhabitants. While it may draw comparisons to Pokémon Snap, this game offers a darker, more whimsical atmosphere. The game thrives on its quirky sense of humor and oddball creatures. The photography mechanics are straightforward but gratifying, allowing you to focus on capturing the bizarre beauty of the park. It holds your interest not only through its photography but also via its underlying narrative elements. The game scores a solid 4-star rating for its entertaining yet nuanced gameplay.
Goodbye Volcano High
Developer: KO_OP (Website)
Mechanics: Narrative-driven, choices matter
Star Rating: 3.5 out of 5
3rd Party Review:
Gameplay Experience
Goodbye Volcano High is less about photography as a gameplay mechanic and more about storytelling. The narrative is rich and emotionally charged, focusing on a group of anthropomorphic dinosaur teenagers navigating the complexities of love and friendship. The game offers multiple choices that influence the outcome of the story. While not a photography-based game in the traditional sense, it’s worth including for its unique approach to visual storytelling. This character-driven experience might not fully satisfy those looking for robust photography mechanics, but it is compelling in its own right. It earns a 3.5-star rating due to its strong narrative but limited interactive gameplay elements.
Conclusion: Our Top Pick
We’ve explored some of the most engaging indie games that feature photography as a core mechanic. Each offers its unique take on the art of capturing moments, whether it’s documenting environmental decay in Umurangi Generation, capturing the scenic beauty of Wyoming in Firewatch, or photographing fantastical creatures in Beasts of Maravilla Island.
If we had to pick one game that stands out for its gameplay experience, it would be Umurangi Generation. With its dystopian setting that is both haunting and relevant, it manages to use the photography mechanic in a way that elevates not just the gameplay but also serves as social commentary. Its design invites players to think more deeply about the world they are engaging with, making it more than just a game but a poignant experience.
So, if you’re looking for an indie game that leverages photography to offer an unforgettable gaming experience, Umurangi Generation would be our top recommendation. Happy gaming!