In this blog post, we look at five main strengths that make indie video games more exciting than some AAA game titles from major publishers. If you have never played an indie game, you might want to check these strengths out!
Innovative & Exciting Game Mechanics
Indie developers are well-known for bringing peculiar gameplay features that frequently reshape genres. Innovative game mechanics that don’t mimic any other popular games but strictly follow their own concept is one of the biggest strengths of indie games.
Indie games definitely excel in creativity, as they are not constrained to take the safe route like large-budget games. There is plenty of room for experimenting and trying out mechanics that bigger studios might consider risky. Indie developers, free from the need to attract a broad audience, can actually afford innovative mechanics that might eventually transform the whole gameplay and offer players something they will not experience in any other game.
Many concepts that are now legendary wouldn’t make it through a corporate pitch meeting, but they thrive in the indie niche.
Numerous indie games combine genres in ways that AAA studios would not dare to try but also reshape current mechanics. Some basic mechanics all passionate gamers are already aware of can give a totally new feel in the hands of indie developers.
As indie teams tend to be smaller, they have the ability to perfect their mechanics due to total flexibility. There’s no corporate excess, no requirement for inflated open worlds to make the game look stunning, or monotonous filler to squeeze in some in-game purchases. Rather, each mechanic has a role, enhancing gameplay to feel more personal, refined, and deliberate. Players absolutely love it when the game mechanic makes sense and feels logical in the world they are offered to experience.
Another truth is that some top AAA games frequently take inspiration from concepts initially explored in indie realms. Due to flexibility and (almost) unconstrained artistic liberty, even without large financial resources, independent games push the whole industry forward.
Diverse Storytelling and Representation
Powerful storytelling is one of the strengths of indie games that absolutely all gamers love and are looking for. Indie games often delve into themes and stories that are less featured in mainstream gaming - from LGBTQ+ narratives and inclusive viewpoints to some totally unexpected concepts.
Indie games usually boast varied storytelling and representation as they are free from mainstream pressures and corporate control. Vice versa, developers look for unusual themes and concepts and offer exotic points of view even on everyday things. Although AAA titles frequently depend on secure, marketable plots, indie developers share personal, innovative, and culturally diverse narratives that otherwise would have never been tapped into.
Although indie games tend to have strong storytelling, they also include some emotional experience, so the plot doesn’t feel just like an arthouse movie. Themes that most AAA titles minimalize or avoid can easily be addressed in indie titles. Moreover, representations offered by indie games feel less stereotyped and more authentic. Not only they are used to offering less boring, more exotic, or even to a certain degree shocking content that might attract curious players but are also able to stir some genuine emotions.
By the way, this is true for any type of game, regardless of the niche. When players check online casino reviews at CasinosHunter.com or casino game reviews, they want to see something that stirs their interest and excitement. Players want emotion from any game.
Retro Aesthetics and Simple Visuals
An increasing number of indie games are adopting retro graphics and lo-fi visuals to stir nostalgia and establish distinctive atmospheres. This approach not only attracts veteran gamers but also enables developers to emphasize creative gameplay not limited by the requirements for advanced graphics.
Indie games featuring retro aesthetics are not merely nostalgic. They represent a creative decision that enriches storytelling, gameplay, and accessibility without overburdening the game with complicated visuals. This approach enables developers to work on impressive and engaging gaming environments without huge financial investments. If the story is good and the game invokes genuine emotions, the game will find its audience without advanced graphics.
Developers often go for retro aesthetics when prioritizing gameplay mechanics. Moreover, pixel art is, in a way, timeless. Players do not anticipate the game to be realistic and give them a 3D Hollywood movie impression - they anticipate the game to be expressive and engaging.
Exploration of Niche Genres
Indie games often explore niche genres that mainstream developers tend to ignore. Overlooked by major studios, niches that might have a narrow but loyal audience are usually researched by indie developers. Particular groups of players searching for something unique can become loyal and long-term fans of a game or studio if the studio is willing to take risks and explore. Indie studios also feel brave enough to either resurrect obscure genres or invent absolutely new ones.
Text-based adventures and interactive fiction are good examples. They nearly vanished from the industry until several games revived them using AI. Some niches are just totally unsuitable for blockbuster games that major studios are after. Certain realistic simulators, for example, are eternal favorites for some players but few major studios make them.
Emphasis on Artistic Expression
Unique art styles and unconventional visuals are among the things that players love so much in ensure games. Not restricted by corporate limitations, emphasizing aesthetics and unusual vision of individual artists, indie games are often praised for visual innovation.
Often completely ignoring market trends and mainstream “rules”, indie games allow their artist to share unique expressions and offer players something new and fresh. Funnily enough, although major studios can invest more finances in developing the visuals, unique aesthetics is an aspect in which they often cannot compete with smaller indie studios.