Indie Selects Demo Fest Kicks Off on Xbox, Featuring Over 40 Playable Demos – Including Canadian-Made RPG Aikyam
Xbox’s Indie Selects Demo Fest has officially launched, inviting players to discover over 40 exciting and unique game demos across Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Running from September 9 to September 30, this month-long event is your chance to sample some of the most promising upcoming indie games all in one place.
You can find the full lineup in the Indie Selects Demo Fest collection on the Xbox Store, where each demo offers a limited-time, early look into the gameplay and artistic vision of titles still in development. Just remember these demos represent in-progress builds, so expect some elements to differ from the final releases.
Among the standout titles in this edition of the festival is Aikyam, a Canadian-developed fantasy RPG from Thousand Stars Studio based in Toronto.
Aikyam Brings Bollywood-Inspired Battles and Heart to the Xbox Demo Fest
Representing Canada in this international showcase, Aikyam is a vibrant, turn-based action-adventure RPG set in a fantastical version of ancient India. The game follows Vishva, Ramli, and Guruji, three unlikely heroes on a mission to unite their chaotic village and fend off a demonic threat attempting to steal the powerful Celestial Glue—the substance that holds their world together.
Gameplay features include:
- Unleash Your Inner Bollywood Star
Engage in dramatic, cinematic, turn-based combat inspired by iconic Bollywood films. Expect gravity-defying stunts, flamboyant flair, and plenty of showmanship. - Spread the Kindness
In Aikyam, your actions ripple through the world. Help villagers through heartfelt side quests to earn their support in battle and build a stronger, more united community. - A Larger-Than-Life World
Explore a rich, fantastical version of ancient India filled with memorable characters, oversized challenges, and stories that blend humour, magic, and emotion.
A Spotlight on Canadian Indie Talent
Aikyam’s inclusion in the Xbox Indie Selects Demo Fest highlights the growing global recognition of Canadian-made indie games. Thousand Stars Studio, based in Ontario, is committed to showcasing cultural richness through storytelling, design, and heartfelt character interactions. Their mission with Aikyam is to bring players an uplifting narrative that’s just as funny and emotional as it is stylish and strategic.
If you’re looking for something unique, culturally rich, and deeply charming, Aikyam deserves a spot on your radar. And with the demo available now during the Indie Selects Demo Fest, there’s no better time to experience it for yourself.
Check out our interview from a while back
Play Now Until September 30
Don’t miss your chance to dive into Aikyam and over 40 other demos before the festival ends. Whether you’re into fast-paced combat, chill exploration, or heartfelt narratives, there’s something for everyone in this curated celebration of indie innovation.
You can find the full list of demos in the Indie Selects Demo Fest below
Joe Skrebels, Xbox Wire Editor-in-Chief