The creation time of an indie game can range from a few weeks to many years depending on how complex the project is. The majority of indie game developers distribute digitally through downloads on websites and platforms such as Steam.
Steam, a direct download client for video games is now well known for helping independent developers get their games on the market, with two notable games, Garrys Mod and Audiosurf receiving phenomenal success rates since being sold there. The Xbox live network has also recently allowed sale of indie games in their store and the Wii U is said to allow other developers and clients to distribute their games through the network. Something that is to be confirmed nearer to the consoles release.
Many indie games out today are very different to the commercial games being released. Unlike commercial game companies that have the support of publishers, indie games are very low budget and simply cannot afford the high polygon (Polygons being used to compose graphics with a 3D feel to them) count, HD graphics that most commercial games sport. Because of this, the large majority of independent video games will use 2D, retro or unusual graphics, making them quirky and desirable, instead of trying to compete and failing with commercial developers.
Terraria and Minecraft are both very notable indie games that have taken the gaming world by storm. Terraria having an 8bit 2D feel and Minecraft having very blocky and low polygon count graphics.
Both of these games have gone on to prove that a games graphics are not everything. Terraria sold over 200,000 copies on Steam within its first week of released and Minecraft (not released on Steam) has sold 3,000,000 units since its release in May of 2009, both games and developers are doing incredibly well.
An example of the graphics in the indie game Terraria, produced by the studio Re-Logic
An example of MineCraft's low poly graphics from the first person viewpoint.
An example of the high poly graphics of recent commercial game Portal2 (VALVE). Showing off the high detail and depth of scenery, hardly comparable with the low poly and 2D worlds of Minecraft and Terraria.
In the first week of Terraria's release, it overtook Portal 2 on Steam sales, proving that each has its unique charm about it and both can be popular.
Despite the harsh and often unsteady market of the games industry for an indie developer, it is now becoming easier for these producers to gain success, especially through download clients and apps for phones, such as the android and iphone. Cheap but effective programs such as Game Maker and AGS allow those aiming to produce an indie game, get their foot in the door without facing extortionate costs.
Due to the fact that I will not have a publisher and therefore will be an indie developer myself, I will need to concentrate on a style of graphics or game play that would interest gamers in my game. This will need to be emphasized in my trailers and poster. By emphasizing an interesting type of game play or graphics style when advertising, it will help my game a little to not be overlooked by fans of more commercial companies.
My next step will be to research some of the legal affairs within the industry, such as age ratings. As this is a requirement of the majority of video games in some form. I will be researching some video game standard and rating companies, before going on to look at game packaging, another part of my brief.
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