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Video games are unique among narrative art forms in that it allows the player toparticipatein the story.

One of the most awarded indie games of 2023 definitively falls into that category.

Screenshot of Venba running on Xbox Series X.

Venba is made with love, just like these Idlis.

Venba tells the story of a Tamil family immigrating to Canada in the 1980s.

Now that I’ve played it, I want to share it with you.

What follows is an emotional story spanning decades, during which you watch this family grow together and apart.

Screenshot of Venba running on Xbox Series X.

Venba is made with love, just like these Idlis.

The gameplay in Venba is split into two parts: dialogue and cooking.

Yes, Venba is another short-lived narrative-focused indie game, which works both to its benefit and its detriment.

Venba can be completed in an easygoing afternoon, but then it’ll resign itself to your memory.

Screenshot of Venba running on Xbox Series X.

Venba spans decade, during which you watch this family grow.

Still, Venba makes good use of its brief life, and it’s incredibly accessible to play.

My colleague Brendan Lowry also agrees, listing Venba as one of his7 hidden gem recommendations going into 2024.

It’s also a day one addition toXbox Game Pass, making it easy to jump in and play.

Screenshot of Venba running on Xbox Series X.

Realizing how short Venba is was a bittersweet feeling.

It’s the indie game of the year according to IGF, and I now understand why.

Screenshot of Venba running on Xbox Series X.

Visai Games cooked up something special with Venba, continuing the trend of indie game excellence from 2023.

Venba — $14.99 at Microsoft Store (Xbox & PC) | $14.99 at Steam (PC)

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