My game dev perspective

Author: Joe Little

Date: 12/01/23

I fondly remember epic battles and adventures I had with my brother and sister through our NES console on our little boxy tv. There was a little game rental store half a block from my house, visible from my living room window! We used to take our birthday money and spare change there to rent games and buy candy. It was perfect. Now, as an indie game developer, I get to combine my childhood appreciation of games with the modern game dev tools to create fun worlds for the next generation to enjoy.

I love to explore a new indie game with my kids. Don't get me wrong, big budget games can be great, and hold some of my most cherished memories. However, more and more it feels like big studio games are losing touch with their audience, prioritizing monetization over the gamer's experience.

That's where indie developers differentiate themselves. Indie developers are not afraid to experiment, we let our imaginations run wild. Indie game development is the freedom to take risks. Indies can experiment with gameplay mechanics, art styles, and narratives in ways that larger studios might hesitate to. This freedom fosters a culture of innovation, giving rise to groundbreaking titles that leave a lasting impact on the gaming community.

When it comes down to it, the magic of great games lies in the dedication of passionate creators who pour their hearts and souls into crafting worlds that players can get lost in.