Since itch.io is full of very interesting personal games, I thought it would be the best place to post something like this. I would love to learn more about the subject myself, so suggestions are welcome! :)
This is meant as a comprehensive list to help game developers make "personal games" (loose term for games that focus on autobiographical experiences). Some of these links relate to experimental and innovative games more broadly. Hope you find them useful! :) Big thank you to everyone that contributed <3
EDIT 23.12.17: removed two links in Where to begin? that weren't working anymore.
Where to begin?
Twine, the Video-Game Technology for All
Examples of Personal Games
Memoir en Code (Alex Camilleri)
With Those We Love Alive (Porpentine)
Aubergine Sky (Jonathan Whiting)
Manifestos
Games Could Learn a Thing or Two From Confessional Poetry's History
The Beautiful Art Program (Tale of Tales)
Just Making Things and Being Alive About It: The Queer Games Scene
queer as in fuck me – a design manifesto
What to read
Designing Autobiographical Games
How four keys can create a spectrum of feelings
This 'empathy game' reveals a real challenge for indie games
How do you measure the success of an autobiographical game?
Cibele showcases the expressive power of autobiographical games
Nina Freeman's Anime Sex Quest
Games As A Two-Way Conversation
Where to read
What to watch
Systems, Stories, & Shenanigans
Designing Monument Valley: Less Game, More Experience
Free Indie Games: Curating the DIY Revolution
Conveying personal & universal truths through game design
Four perspectives on personal games
Creativity
Create Something You'll Never Show Anyone Else
Perfectionism is just fear in a fancy suit
Events / Competitions