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.