Indie game developers create some of the best games in the industry. Yet more often than not, the industry is dominated by big-name publishers and franchises. 

Despite this, indie game developers consistently innovate, finding new ways to weave engaging gameplay mechanics with masterful storytelling.

But how do these smaller, often underfunded teams manage to produce such high quality work? 

Let’s get into it…

Creative freedom

Having creative freedom means they can take risks and explore new concepts without having to answer to constraints sometimes imposed by institutional investors and mega publishers. Their freedom often leads to unique gameplay mechanics and compelling narratives which really make them stand out.

One example of this is a platformer game, Celeste by Maddy Makes Games Inc. It’s known for its tight controls, challenging levels, and heartfelt story following a young woman climbing Celeste Mountain, dealing with her inner struggles along the way. The game has been praised for its accessibility options, allowing a broader range of players to enjoy its challenging gameplay.

‍They have passion

Indie developers and the people who work there are typically driven by passion and their love for gaming. And we all know that when you love to do something, you put your heart and soul into it and have incredible attention to detail.

‍Content Warning by Landfall Publishing was crafted by a team of just five developers. It smashed milestones and sold over 700k copies in under two weeks and hit over 200k players on day one. The game is a cooperative horror that isn’t just about survival but also about the filming and video creation - giving players 3 days to film videos in the Old World.

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They have the backing of their community

Indie game developers build and maintain close relationships with their community. They actively seek and listen to feedback, involving players throughout the development process. This creates an instant buzz from the start, leading to a more refined and player-centric gaming experience.

‍Chained Together, has the complete backing of its community. Building trust with the player base was a top priority for indie game developer, Anegar Games. They regularly update and expand based on player feedback.

What makes it different is its game mechanics. Like the name suggests, players are ‘chained together’ meaning their movements and moves must work with their teammates. It’s also very visually pleasing!

‍They’re resourceful

As mentioned previously, indie developers often have smaller budgets so they need to be resourceful and innovative. The restraint of budgets gives them the chance to creatively problem-solve and come up with unique design choices to distinguish their indie game from AAA counterparts. 

Instead of relying on cutting-edge graphics, indie game developers often prioritize gameplay mechanics, storytelling and artistic expression.

Just like Among Us, developed by InnerSloth. The game became a global phenomenon because of its interactive and engaging gameplay, not its high-end graphics. The game is simple and focuses on player interaction - making it stand out!

‍They’re diverse

Indie game developers come from a wide range of backgrounds, which brings diverse perspectives to the table. We often see this diversity being translated into games through exploring new themes, representing different cultures and telling stories that are not commonly found in mainstream gaming.

An example of this is Spiritfarer, developed by Thunder Lotus Games - a game all about dying. It explores life, death and grief, offering players experiences that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

‍They’re agile

Without the burden of the top dogs and with less hoops to jump through, indie game developers can pivot quickly, adapting to new trends and that all important player feedback! This agility allows them to stay ahead of the curve, creating fresh and relevant games.

So there you have it, our top reasons (and proof) as to why indie game developers create some of the best games in the industry - and they have no signs of stopping!

They are crucial to  shaping the future of gaming and are living proof that big things come in small packages!

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Here at GG Talent Group, helping indie game developers succeed is one of the reasons we love what we do! We’ve worked with hundreds of indie game developers on thousands of campaigns. If you’re looking for the perfect way to launch your next game, then get in touch via our website.

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