Glizzy. A term that seemingly erupted out of nowhere and has now become part of the cultural zeitgeist. From TikTok videos to general daily conversations, the word Glizzy is something that continues to grow and change. And wouldn’t you know it? It’s going to (hopefully) do the same thing for the world of video games. Sure, there are a surprising number of games that feature the term Glizzy in their title. Game Time Glizzys. Glizzy Gobbler. Well, those are the two main games that have Glizzy in their name, I guess… I figured that there would have been more of them, especially considering how much of an effect this word has had on the world.

Now, imagine this. You’re browsing on social media, just looking to see what the world of gaming has to offer as of late. Doom scrolling has become a part of my daily life, after all. But, shining like a beacon of light in the distance, you see it. The bright green logo, a screaming skull smack dab in the middle. And that magical word. GLIZZY. Curiously enough, this wasn’t an announcement for a new type of hot dog, or even a new game. Instead, this was the launch of a platform. One that hopes to give Indie Developers, especially those with games as weird and wild as the name of the launcher itself, a home to call their own.

Two Aussies and a Freedom Lad Make the Dream Work (AKA: You’re A Glizzard, Harry)

First off, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Shaun Cichacki. I’ve been working in the journalism field for about… 4 years now at this point. Between SEO changes, layoffs, and just about everything in between, I’ve found myself rolling around like a neglected Glizzy at a sporting event. Gathering dirt, grime, and everything in between. Kicked around by algorithm changes, SEO-ification, and anything else that the world of electronic media can toss my way. But, as they say, things have to become their “wurst” before they can become their best. That’s where two Australians came into play. Lachlan and Jack.

Browsing through LinkedIn one day, I noticed that I had a new message from the land down under. “˙ʇno ɥɔɐǝɹ oʇ pǝʇuɐʍ ʇsnſ 'unɐɥS ᴉH”, read the first message (get it, because Australia is upside down?). But seriously, Lachlan reached out to me shortly after leaving my most recent role, asking if I had a moment to chat. He wanted to talk about Glizzy, a new launcher for indie games. Something that I’m incredibly passionate about, and something I care deeply about. Of course, I was interested. But at the same time, I was confused.

Why was this place named after a hot dog? What was with the screaming skull iconography? And most importantly, WHY WAS IT NAMED GLIZZY OF ALL THINGS?!? Well, after speaking with Lachlan about it, it all made sense. It’s meant to be weird. It’s meant to be wild. It’s meant to catch your eyes, your ears, and your attention right off the bat. Pardon my lack of professionalism, but I absolutely fucking love it and everything that it stands for.

The world of game development is a wild and weird place. There are more games than ever before being released daily, and a lot of times, some of the most interesting titles get swept under the rug to bring further attention to the biggest AAA releases. When I was working in my previous role, I made it my mission to try and bring attention to as many of these weird, wacky indie games as humanly possible. I’ve stumbled upon some absolute bangers, all because I wasn’t afraid to look between the cracks of the sofa cushions to try and find the strangest and most unique games out there, while disregarding the majority of the biggest releases. I would much rather play through Ratshaker 6 times in total than spend an hour playing the newest Black Ops game, personally. That’s why I had to take the opportunity and become the official first Glizzard, head of Glizzatorial. The Glizzy Gladiator. Whatever weird pun I can think of next. Glizzy stands for more than just indie games; it stands for the little guys who need that additional attention.

Don’t Let Your Memes Just Stay as Dreams

Of course, I had to ask Lachlan what makes Glizzy the de facto spot for indies to call home. As the team gears up for an official launch, there’s an awful lot that’s been going on behind the scenes to make the debut as glistening and glorious as possible. Speaking with developers, chatting with folks for the DevSpotter podcast, and finding the weirdest and wildest indie games possible. No AAA crowding, no 30% store tax. Just a curated space, shaped around three values - Culture, Community, and Collaboration. Making something like this happen, especially in the world we inhabit today? It sounds crazy. But here we are.

It’s a platform developed for Indie creators by those who love the games that they make. Lachlan, Jack, and I adore the world of indie games. From the most well-known games to the smallest releases, you’ll find us diving into anything we can find. The indie scene has been popping off for the past few years, and it’s only going to get better. Glizzy wants to be there to support developers and creators however they can, and that’s why I had to jump on board.

Indie games deserve to be celebrated, and what better way to do that than actively collaborating with developers, creators, and members of the space? House their games with no hidden fees, make them the champions of their realm, and find ways to support them however we possibly can. That’s what caught my eye about Glizzy from the start, outside of the wild and weird branding. It’s a home for all of the misfits, for all of the folks who may get buried under the constant barrage of AAA, AA, and even other indie releases.

Glizzy is a home for the freaks, the weirdos, and even the most normal of them all. Everybody is welcome here. Lachlan and Jack have made Glizzy the perfect home for indie creators, indie game fans, and everybody in between to nerd out and be their true selves. Myself included. So grab some ketchup and mustard, grab a seat, and watch the revolution begin.

Want to become a member of the Glizzy family? Follow Glizzy on X, join the Discord server, and keep your eyes peeled for the latest releases.