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What Is An Indie Game Anyway?

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When we talk about indie games, most of us picture a small team of passionate developers working tirelessly in a garage, driven by creativity rather than a hefty budget—but as the gaming world expands, so does the ambiguity around what an indie game really is.




What is Considered Indie?

The term 'indie' is short for independent, and it's a badge of honor for many game creators. These games are typically crafted by individual developers or small teams who operate without the financial safety net and technical resources of big game publishers, setting them apart from the high-budget, high-profile "AAA" (triple-A) titles. This lack of external support, while challenging, actually fuels the modern indie game scene. 


Freed from the constraints of major publishers, indie developers get to enjoy creative liberty that allows for innovation and experimentation. This greater degree of creative freedom often results in games that push boundaries, including introducing experimental gameplay, narrative techniques, and artistic styles that might be deemed too risky or unconventional for the mainstream market.


The modern indie gaming scene is reminiscent of independent movements in other creative industries, such as independent music or film. Like indie musicians or filmmakers working outside the confines of major label or studio systems, indie game developers prioritize artistic vision and innovation over commercial success.



The History of Indie Games


The history of indie games is a fascinating journey that mirrors the evolution of technology and the democratization of game development. This story begins back in the 1970s and 1980s, with the introduction of personal computers and the BASIC programming language. These technological advancements gave rise to a new breed of game developers: the amateur and hobbyist programmers, often referred to as 'bedroom coders,' particularly in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe. 


Initially, they distributed these games through mail order, a method that later evolved with the advent of the Internet in the 1990s, embracing shareware and other file-sharing methods. However, by the time the internet became widespread, interest in hobbyist game programming had begun to wane. 


The early 2000s marked a pivotal moment for indie games that served as the start of a resurgence, which was driven by a complex confluence of technical, economic, and social changes. New technologies made game development less costly and more accessible, while digital distribution channels opened up ways for indie games to reach broader audiences. 



During this era, the scene also saw a shift in gaming culture, with players seeking fresh, non-traditional gameplay experiences distinct from mainstream offerings. Success stories from this early period, such as Cave Story and Braid, spotlighted the potential of indie games and fueled further interest in this burgeoning and growing sector.


The indie game scene was further bolstered by the advent of digital storefronts, crowdfunding platforms, and other funding mechanisms that helped new teams launch their games. On top of this, the availability of low-cost and open-source development tools leveled the playing field, allowing smaller teams to create games for all gaming platforms. 


The Shifting Indie Scene

Traditionally, indie game developers are known for their independence from large video game publishers—this independence isn’t just financial; it's also about maintaining their overall creative freedom. 


Indie developers typically work with smaller budgets that are often sourced from personal funds or crowdfunding, allowing them to make design decisions free from the constraints of a publisher-mandated budget or creative limitations. Smaller team sizes in these indie setups also mean that each member often has a more significant, direct impact on the game's development.


However, the indie gaming scene isn't just black and white, and there are numerous cases where the development process involves some level of involvement with major publishers, yet the games are still considered indie. 


This is evident in titles like Journey from thatgamecompany, which had Sony's financial backing but still retained its creative independence. Similarly, Bastion by Supergiant Games received publishing support from Warner Bros. Entertainment, mainly to avoid complications with the certification process on Xbox Live, but the studio maintained its independent status.




A more recent example of this is Dave the Diver, developed by Mintrocket, a Nexon-owned studio, is a fascinating case where corporate ownership did not strip away the game's indie identity. Although the studio did not identify as an indie dev, the industry acknowledged it as one. This recognition was further cemented when their game received a nomination for Best Indie Game at The Game Awards 2023, reflecting a much broader acceptance of what can be considered indie in the modern age.


The definition of indie games is further expanded when considering their innovation, creativity, and artistic experimentation. These qualities often arise from the freedom and limitations small teams face. However, carrying the indie label doesn't necessarily equate to focusing on innovation; some indie games may not prioritize new gameplay elements or might even be of poor quality.


Further complicating things, the concept of "triple-I" games, like Ninja Theory's 'Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice,' represents a middle ground in this spectrum of a grey area. These games, while not as expansive as AAA titles, are produced by bigger independent studios, occasionally with the support of major publishers.


They apply AAA design principles and polish, reflecting their experienced teams. Additionally, there are "double-A" games that are developed by mid to large-size studios, which operate similarly to AAA studios but manage to maintain creative control over their respective titles.


The Future of Indie Gaming

By now, it's pretty clear that pinning down what exactly makes a game 'indie' isn't straightforward. Indie games have significantly evolved from their modest origins, transforming into a vast, varied, and dynamic segment of the gaming world. From small, quirky projects to larger, almost mainstream-like productions, the indie scene is constantly redefining itself.


At the heart of it all, indie games are about breaking the mold of conventional games and daring to be different. Whether they're bringing back the nostalgic pixel art or introducing mind-bending gameplay, these games are a testament to the creativity and resilience of their developers. Simply put, it's less about the categories and more about the fresh perspectives and unique experiences that these games offer.


As we look ahead, the indie game world shows no signs of slowing down—it's a constantly changing scene that’s full of surprises and new ideas. For us gamers, that just means more exciting, out-of-the-box games to look forward to in the future.

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