Indie Game Development
Indie game development refers to the creation of video games by individuals or small teams outside the traditional framework of large game development companies. This sector of the video game industry has grown significantly over the past few decades, driven by technological advancements, the democratization of development tools, and the rise of digital distribution platforms.
History
The term "indie" in video gaming began to gain traction in the early 2000s, although independent game development has existed since the inception of video games. Here are key milestones:
- Early Days: In the 1970s and 1980s, game development was less commercialized, allowing for more independent creators. Games like Space War and Rogue are early examples of games developed independently.
- 1990s: With the advent of the internet, developers could share games more easily. Platforms like shareware became popular, with games like Doom using this model for distribution.
- 2000s: Digital distribution platforms like Steam and later Itch.io emerged, providing indie developers with direct access to consumers. This era saw the rise of games like Minecraft and Braid.
- 2010s: Crowdfunding through platforms like Kickstarter became a significant source of funding for indie developers, leading to projects like Shovel Knight and Undertale.
- Current Trends: The indie scene continues to thrive with developers leveraging tools like Unity and Unreal Engine, alongside new distribution platforms like Epic Games Store and Google Stadia.
Characteristics