Apple's App Store Indie Games Week features No Man's Sky mobile debut plus six other indie titles

Apple has launched 'Indie Games Week' on the App Store to highlight seven new independent titles. The promotion recognises recent launches and upcoming releases from solo developers and small studios.

What happened

According to 9to5Mac, Apple announced the 'Indie Games Week' initiative to feature seven specific games on the App Store. The selection includes recently launched titles and those arriving in the near future. Apple’s head of App Store Worldwide, Carson Oliver, stated that indie developers push creative boundaries. He noted the platform provides a global stage for bold ideas from solo creators or growing studios.

The seven highlighted games include Sifu, a critically acclaimed third-person brawler. Vampire Crawlers is listed as a spin-off of Vampire Survivors that focuses on tactical deck building. Little Kitty, Big City allows players to guide a cat through an open-world city. Other titles include the kingdom builder 9 Kings and the alien mining simulator Dome Keeper.

Yes, Your Grace 2: Snowfall is also featured, focusing on moral choices within an empire. No Man’s Sky is highlighted for its mobile debut on iPhone and iPad. According to the report, this title launches on 28 October and includes every major content expansion released to date.

Why it matters

This promotional event signals Apple’s continued support for independent game developers on its platform. By featuring diverse genres, from strategy to action, Apple aims to showcase unique gameplay experiences. Carson Oliver emphasised the artistry and design of these titles in the press release. The inclusion of a major franchise like No Man’s Sky suggests significant resources are being allocated to mobile ports.

For IT managers, the influx of new applications requires standard monitoring procedures. The variety of genres means different data handling practices may apply. Organisations should assess these apps against their existing mobile device management policies. The global stage provided by the App Store increases the visibility of these smaller studios.

Next steps

• Review the list of seven featured games for potential employee usage.
• Check internal policies regarding the installation of new gaming applications.
• Monitor network traffic for any unusual activity from newly installed apps.
• Verify that No Man’s Sky mobile version meets organisational security standards.

Background: Mobile device management

A mobile device management system is a software framework that allows organisations to monitor, manage and secure employees' mobile devices. It enforces security policies, separates work data from personal content and enables remote wiping of corporate information without affecting private files on the device.

Read the full guide: How a mobile device management system secures corporate data

What to do and how to stay safe: Apple

• Ensure mobile device management software is updated before installing new applications.
• Review app permissions carefully before granting access to sensitive device features.
• Keep iOS devices updated to the latest version to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
• Monitor application behaviour for any unexpected resource usage or data requests.

Step-by-step guide: Wifi router security: Stop hidden admin access from leaking data

General security guidance from the Packet Tribune newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Which games are featured in Apple's Indie Games Week?

Apple features Sifu, Vampire Crawlers, No Man’s Sky, Little Kitty, Big City, 9 Kings, Dome Keeper and Yes, Your Grace 2: Snowfall.

When does No Man’s Sky launch on mobile?

No Man’s Sky launches on iPhone and iPad on 28 October, according to the announcement.

Who commented on the importance of indie games?

Carson Oliver, Apple’s head of App Store Worldwide, commented on the creativity of indie developers.