Q&A: Independent Game Creators On Importance Of Indie Movement

Author: by Staff

To celebrate the launch of IndieGames.com, a new informational site about the best independent games, notable indie game creators, from Darwinia's Thomas Arundel through Aquaria's Derek Yu, have been discussing why the indie game movement is so important. The site, which has been set up by the CMP Game Group to help publicize independent games, includes game creators' opinions on indie games alongside an in-depth guide to 50 great indie games published in partnership with independent game site TIGSource. It also includes newly compiled information about the Game Group's work in the indie game scene, including the yearly Independent Games Festival and the newly birthed Independent Games Summit - and will be a base for information about any further outreach in this area. Gamasutra is reprinting the page dealing with the nature of the indie game movement as part of this launch: The Indie Game Movement The power of independent games are undeniable, but what are indie games, and what makes them so important right now? The rise of the Web and digital downloads, both on PC and console, has unlocked a hive of creativity from independent game creators - leading to innovation in a multitude of game genres, the revitalization of classic game styles and the creation of entirely new blends of art and playability. IndieGames.com asked prominent creators, from Braid's Jonathan Blow through Aquaria's Derek Yu, Venture Africa's Andy Schatz and Armadillo Run's Peter Stock and Darwinia's Thomas Arundel, why they think independent games are so vital as a creative art: "The indie game movement is the most important transition this industry has seen since the rise of the internet. Indie visionaries have single-handedly created the casual game genre, brought back long-dormant genres such as the strategy, adventure, and puzzle games, and have created entirely new concepts within gaming. Indie games have spurred the growth of technology that has allowed serious games and persuasive games to be created. Indie games are the ONLY games that simultaneously satisfy the gourmand, the casual gamer, and the revolutionary." - Andy Schatz, Pocketwatch Games (Venture Africa) "Games are an important medium for communication. They have a mode of expression that's very different from what other media can do. However, the mainstream industry does not spend much effort exploring the expressive power of games; that's where the indies come in. Indies can make whatever games they want to make, because they feel those games are interesting -- which is something the mainstream industry is no longer capable of." - Jonathan Blow, Number-None (Braid) "Basically, the indie scene made me love games again! It's where the passion is, it's where the most interesting games are, and it's where the most interesting people are. For the mainstream industry, everything goes in one direction: bigger, shinier, 3D-ier. Indie games go in every direction, and it's exciting as hell. We'll keep 'em honest." - Derek Yu, Bit-Blot (Aquaria) "I think indie games are important because there seems to be an increasing feeling of stagnation in mainstream games. Although I'm not convinced that the mainstream doesn't innovate (Vib Ribbon, Katamari, EyeToy, Singstar, DS, Wii), I think indie games are a fruitful avenue for innovation. I also think indie games are important because they democratize development. Games are creations and the lower the barriers to making them the better. I couldn't design and make cars, buildings or practially anything else tangible on my own even if I had the skill, but I can make games on a small budget." - Peter Stock (Armadillo Run) "Indie games are important because the challenge the current status quo in the games industry. Independent games take risks and push the game play boundaries that licensed, franchised & sequel games rarely do, and everyone benefits. Gamers benefit from new experiences and perhaps new emotions that only truly innovative games can deliver. The industry benefits through the introduction and testing of novel ideas & techniques that can be used to enhance larger games. Larger studios are often responsible for technical innovation, but it's independent studios that push the boundaries of creative innovation." - Thomas Arundel (Darwinia) For further information on the independent games scene, including the aforementioned list of 50 great independent games, many of which are free to download, interested parties can visit IndieGames.com.