In the run-up to SGF 2026, two showcases featuring a ton of promising Indie games from areas often overlooked by mainstream gaming.
Taking place on June 4th, 2026 the Latin American Games Showcase (or LAGS) and the Women-Led Games Showcase pulled out all the stops at Summer Game Fest 2026. Both showcases featured over a hour of interesting and exciting game premiers, while also offering release dates for previously announced games.
Starting with the Women-Led Games Showcase—hosted by Briana White, best known for her role as Aerith in Final Fantasy VII Remake—a wide variety of games were highlighted ranging from action games to cozy sims; all from studios led by women. Some of the highlighted games included:
lily’s Word XD
A narrative puzzle game where the player must figure out what happened to a young girl named Lily after she mysteriously vanished. Playing like a mix of Hypnospace Outlaw and Her Story and starring Lily Ki (A.K.A LilyPichu), the game is available to Wishlist now.
Barbie Horse Ride & Rescue
Rescue and rehabilitate charming horses, test your riding skills, and customize your style as you uncover the mysteries of Moonrise Valley. Launching on June 16th for iOS and Android. Coming to Steam and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027.
On-Together
In a new Women-Led Games Artemis collaboration, coming as DLC this summer. Digital pals hang out at the bottom of the screen while you work, study, and get stuff done. Includes productivity tools, hangout spots, break-time games, and more.
For a full list of games announced during the Women-Led Games showcase, check out their Steam Page.
The Latin-American Games Showcase had no shortage of unique and captivating games in the lead up to SGF 2026. Not only capturing a wide variety of genres, it was a highlight of the talented studios all across the continent, from Argentina to Chile and of course, Brazil. Some of the most notable games debuted included:
Ornament Tower
After getting transformed by a curse for approaching the Ornament Tower, Azulin and Guaraná decide to climb it together in order to recover their original bodies. Solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and reach out to each other’s hearts in this Action-Puzzle adventure.
Kernel Hearts
From Argentinian studio EPHEMERA, Kernel Hearts is a co-op action-RPG roguelike is about four magical girls and their attempt to save a world that’s drowning in ashes. A unique blend of action RPG and roguelike elements with multiplayer co-op that evokes the feeling of classic 3D action RPGs.
SHADE Protocol
Announcing the Kickstarter for SHADE Protocol, a 2D cyber-fantasy Metroidvania where music, code, and combat collide! Featuring stylish anime cutscenes a 16-bit aesthetic and some impressively fluid and intense combat evoking the feeling of games like Mega Man X or Azure Striker: Gunvolt.
For a full list of all the games announced during the Latin-American Games Showcase, check out their official Steam Page.
