5 Minutes Worth of Observations about AAA Indie Games Chris Hecker
Jan 06, 2016
5 Minutes Worth of Observations about AAA Indie Games
Chris Hecker
I have not shipped my indie game, nor have I shipped any
indie games, so all of this might be and
probably is wrong.These are just my observations about some
released games.
Disclaimer #1
My Definition of “AAA Indie”
“I know it when I see it.”- Justice Stewart, 1964
Polished to Perfection
Clearly Contains Lots of Love
Highly Anticipated Before Launch
Disclaimer #2
These are not the only kind of indie
games worth making.
Polished to Perfection
Clearly Contains Lots of Love
Highly Anticipated Before Launch
Polished to Perfection
Clearly Contains Lots of Love
Highly Anticipated Before Launch
How to Market “Mainstream Games” in
20111. Don’t talk much about your game until right before ship.
2. Have a giant pile of cash ready.
3. Saturate available channels when people can hand you money.
(not me)
So, what did these guys do?
The Common Denominator
Talk about your game early and often;
awareness takes time.
Play to your strengths.
Long-term
Slow-burn
Grass-rootsAwareness-
building
Style Style Style!Tower of Goo
Development Story
Design PhilosophyAesthetic Goals
Industry Controversy
Fan CommunityAlien Hominid
Art & Design StyleTons of Extra-Game
Stuff
This is not being manipulative, or
evil, or selling-out.
This is being proud of what you’re making
and taking time to tell people
about it.It is not an accident or luck.
People want to know about your
game!
A Few Words on the Press
They are very indie friendly.
They want interesting stories.
Thank you.