Here’s what smaller indie developers want their fans to know about the industry as it currently stands.
Due to my position, I have a healthy respect for indie game developers.
But there are many things that indie developers don’t typically disclose to their audience.
Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek
This personal involvement results in games that are deeply personal and crafted with immense passion.
For players, this means every indie game represents a labor of love.
The developers are not just looking to make a profit; they are sharing a piece of their soul.
Jason Dookeran / How-To-Geek
Game Development Is Pretty Expensive
Triple-A studiosinvest millions of dollars in a new title.
Without the vast budgets of major studios, indie developers must maximize every dollar and every hour they invest.
This constraint can lead to longer development times and the need for careful resource management.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
The next time you see an indie game, remember all the funding required to make one of them.
There are thousands of games being developed and released each year.
Even the most innovative and well-crafted indie games can go unnoticed without effective marketing and community support.
Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock.com
For players, this means that discovering hidden gems can require a bit more effort.
Some developers have curated a community on social media that helps them get the word out about their game.
Even so, coverage is still very limited.
Rokas Tenys/Shutterstock.com
Screengrabs, gameplay videos, and other things help to raise awareness and get people involved with the development.
Some developerscreate and manage a Discord serverto help them get updates to their followers much faster.
There are a few reasons community is such a huge thing for an indie developer.
That’s why some devs releaseearly access games on Steamto get a community interested in its development.
For gamers, participating in early access and providing constructive feedback isa way to directly influence the development process.
Imagine saying you had a hand in helping to develop a great game!
Community Marketing
Have you ever seen a game and then told all your friends about it?
That’s the kind of energy that indie devs love about their communities.
Positive reviews, social media shares, and personal recommendations can significantly boost a game’s visibility and success.
Common Misconceptions Shadowing The Industry
Putting together an indie game isn’t an easy task.
Some players have a preconceived notion that mostindie games are of low-quality.
Another common misconception is that indie devs are making tons of money from their product.
Many game devs have to findalternative ways of making moneyto stay afloat.
Even if their game is successful, it won’t necessarily pay for itself unless it gets massive traction.
Despite facing significant challenges, their dedication results in some of the most innovative and unique gaming experiences available.
We love it when people come to us and tell us they played our game and enjoyed it.
For many indies in the industry, game development isn’t about the money.
It’s about making more things for people to enjoy and exploring a passion for creating.
