From a Gamer to an Indie Dev: Thank You, Wherever You Are
Why I love indie games, and how I’m giving back to the community in 2023
When it comes to the world of video games, it’s easy to focus on the big-name studios and their blockbuster releases. We all love our God of Wars, Call of Dutys and such — and I won’t deny I’m often victim to the hype machine myself. But behind the scenes, there are countless indie game developers working tirelessly to bring their unique visions to life. And after many years spent with some truly unforgettable experiences by these dreamers from the code realm, my heart is endlessly bound to them.
As a lifelong gamer, I have been drawn to indie games for at least the past decade. Many indie game devs are artists and visionaries, pushing boundaries, dedicated to their stories and to following their vision in ways triple-A studios may sometimes overlook. These unsung heroes of the video games industry deserve just as much recognition and praise as their mainstream counterparts — if not more.
Indie games are often created by small teams with a burning passion for their craft. They pour their hearts and souls into their games, and it shows. They prove that size doesn’t always matter — it’s the passion and dedication of the developers themselves that truly counts.
And each time one of these games finds its way into the hearts and minds of a large audience, I’m reminded that some dreams can, in fact, come true.
So, if you’re some indie game developer from across the Internet, and you ever wondered whether your hard work makes a difference — I’m here to say to you that it does. Thank you for caring. Thank you for wanting to push ahead, and thank you for being so special.
Because, whether you know it or not, you are very special indeed.
Not ‘just’ games
Indie games come in all kinds of shapes and forms, and not all are made equal. I spend just as much time playing the most “visible” games as I try to hunt down the hidden pearls, the underdogs, the absolute underrated titles that deserve some extra love and support.
This was the year I played Firewatch, developed by a team of just 12 people. But this was also the year I played Inmost, an absolute masterpiece of a pixel-art game about grief, domestic abuse and loss, Blue Fire and White Shadows — all absolutely incredible in their own unique ways.
From the past, there’s Braid. Cibele. Moonlighter. Celeste, The Sexy Brutale, even Hollow Knight. Stardew Valley, which was developed by only one person over the course of four years, and To The Moon, the game that can make me shed tears with just a few notes from its unforgettable soundtrack. Every year, all-new amazing indie games are born, and whenever I get around to playing them, they tend to leave a burning mark in my heart and soul — one way or another.
These are just a few rushed examples, but there are countless other indie games I love and cherish — and that many others will remember fondly as well. On a personal level, all these experiences have shown me the power of interactive storytelling; on a professional level, they have inspired me to get into coding to learn the fundamentals of game development — and as a writer, possibly build a career in games someday.
To indie games and their developers, I owe you so much. Which is why the time has come for me to give back.
The Underdogs of the Games Industry
Believe it or not, all it takes is a bunch of dedicated developers, sometimes by themselves, sometimes with very small teams and minimal budgets. Indie game developers often work with whatever they have, making it even more impressive when they manage to create something as special as they do. It is not unusual for indie devs to work long hours and juggle multiple roles to get their projects off the ground. It takes a whole new level of commitment and dedication to their passions — especially if they’re trying to juggle a day job in between.
Sadly, many of these games we will never see in our lifetimes, crushed under the weight of self-doubt, impostor syndrome, or simply the impending doom of monthly rent and bills. Others will be published, but promptly forgotten – lacking the proper support of a publisher or some other investor behind them.
Many of these indie games we will never see in our lifetimes, either because they don’t get published at all, or because they get buried under “more visible” titles.
Funding and discoverability are ongoing issues for indie game developers. Many small teams struggle to secure funding for their projects, leading them to turn to crowdfunding platforms or work on a shoestring budget.
And without the marketing muscle of major studios, indie developers can often struggle to get noticed in a sea of big-budget releases. Indie devs are expected to be their own marketers, but in truth this often forces them to rely on word of mouth or media coverage to get their games in front of players.
It’s no secret that the indie game development scene has problems and ongoing challenges. It’s had them for a while — and acknowledging these issues is a first step towards reaching a solution. It’s up to the industry and the players to support indie devs and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive. After all, it’s the indie scene that keeps the gaming industry fresh and exciting, and I strongly believe we as players should do everything we can to nurture and celebrate it.
That’s why I’m excited to launch this new project, entirely dedicated to the indie game developers I love — and all the ones I am yet to meet.
Introducing: The Indie Diarist Podcast
“The Indie Diarist” podcast show will launch in January 2023. It will be a platform for indie game developers to share their stories, struggles, and triumphs as they navigate the world of indie game development. Everyone’s welcome — especially if you have a good story to tell.
I’ve spent years writing about games online in one form or another, often behind the scenes, often in some little corner of the internet. Quietly, I’ve been playing and loving countless indie game experiences, appreciating their depth and uniqueness, being moved by their stories and touched by their approach to interactive storytelling. This is my way to say thank you. And I will do all that’s in my power to make it mean something.
To all the indie game developers out there, wherever you are: thank you. You have no idea how many people you’re helping with your incredible efforts and talent.
My career has now taken a turn away from games journalism, but my passion for indie games and my support to developers are more solid than ever.
I want these amazing and talented people to have a space for themselves to tell their stories. I want other people to know about them and show them the support they deserve. And as much as possible, I want to play a part in helping their dreams come true.
So, to all the indie game developers out there, wherever you are: thank you. Thank you for the countless hours of entertainment you have provided me, and thank you for your unwavering dedication to your craft.
Thank you for all that you do. Your creativity, perseverance, and talent are what make the gaming industry such a special and vibrant place. I am grateful to be able to play and experience the amazing worlds that you bring to life, and I can’t wait to see what amazing things you will create next.
You have no idea how many people you’re helping with your incredible efforts and talent. You will always have my endless support.
And this is just the beginning.
If you’re an indie developer and would like to appear on the show, please reach out to @TheIndieDiarist on Twitter. My DMs are open, and I’m always looking forward to welcoming fellow creators with a beautiful story to tell.
