In 2024, independent games seem to be caught in a web of challenges. The independent game industry is facing difficulties in terms of funding, exposure, and market competition.
This year, the independent game industry has seen many excellent works emerge, such as “Animal Well,” “Joker Card,” and “Nine Days.” “Joker Card” received nominations for TGA’s Game of the Year and won the honor of Best Independent Game of the Year, enabling its producer to achieve financial freedom. However, the independent game industry finds it hard to escape the “Pareto principle,” where a small number of successful works account for the majority of the market share, while the majority face obscurity or even failure. The development prospects are not entirely optimistic. Recently, the closures of independent studios like Black Flag and Studio Thunderhorse have sounded an alarm for the industry.
Foreign media GamesIndustry.biz has discussed with independent developers the most pressing issues in the current independent game industry, including improving exposure, obtaining financial support, and dealing with market competition.
Players have so many choices that it has become extremely difficult for independent games. Aurélien Condomines, co-founder of Humble Reeds, the developer of “Kamalu: Froggy Utopia,” pointed out that the market competition is fierce. Many developers are prepared to sell their games at low prices, triggering price wars. As a result, studios close down, and it becomes difficult for people to make a living through game development. Rebekah Saltsman, CEO of Finji, agrees with this view and mentions the pressure of long development cycles, the need to ensure task completion without “burning out” with a small team size, and the helplessness in the face of astronomical budgets. Another problem faced by Finji and many independent developers is third-party engines like Unity. The development cycle is long, and it is difficult to keep up with the pace of technological iteration. The graphic quality needs to be improved at the time of release, as it takes two to five years to complete a game.
The creative process is also a challenge. Luc Baghadoust, executive producer of Don’t Nod Montréal studio, believes that the creative process is a major challenge for any studio. One cannot assert that the original design is correct. Iteration is key. Technology is always changing. The most difficult thing is to make space for creativity without delaying or going over budget.
Exposure rate is a problem. Mélanie Christin, co-founder of Humble Reeds, said that it is very difficult for a good game to stand out among so many. Whether on digital distribution platforms or at events. Condomines added that players have so many choices that they don’t know what to choose and often play old games. New games get lost in the vast sea of works. Players are torn between blockbusters and classics. For example, on the Steam platform, new features have a short lifespan, and independent games compete for exposure.
“So many good games disappear in silence.” The game industry can support independent developers through activities such as Cologne and its independent exhibition area, Indie Arena Booth. Condomines believes that this kind of attention is particularly important for independent games at the publishing stage. The industry can also support independent development by taking care of new-generation developers in the form of mentorship and guidance. Saltsman of Finji believes that we should help newcomers by finding mentors and giving feedback. Many games can become profitable and maintain the operation of a studio with just a little extra help.
