## Forget the Blockbuster: Why Indie’s MVPs Might Be Tiny Games
The dream of every game developer is often a grand, sweeping epic. A world-building masterpiece with intricate narratives and jaw-dropping visuals. But what if the key to lasting success, especially in the indie sphere, lies not in one colossal game, but in a string of nimble, impactful experiences?
Passion Projects: Balancing Creative Freedom with Realistic Goals
In the world of game development, the dream of crafting a magnum opus, a sprawling, ambitious title that pushes the boundaries of interactive entertainment, is alluring. However, the reality of development often presents a different picture. The monumental task of creating a large-scale game can be daunting, demanding immense resources, time, and unwavering dedication. This can lead to burnout, creative roadblocks, and, ultimately, a project that never sees the light of day.
Gamestanza believes in championing the alternative: the power of creating numerous smaller games. This approach, often fueled by passion and individual vision, offers a more sustainable and fulfilling path for indie developers. It allows for experimentation, rapid iteration, and the creation of diverse and unique experiences.
Brandon Goins: A Case Study in Small-Town Game Dev
Escape and Inspiration: Goins’ Journey from Journalism to Game Development
Brandon Goins, a game developer based in Gray, Tennessee, embodies this philosophy. He wasn’t always immersed in the world of game creation. Initially, Goins pursued a career in journalism, reporting for the Harlan, Kentucky, newspaper and later working for the county government. However, the realities of small-town life and the challenges he witnessed within the community led him to seek a more fulfilling path.
“I just got to where I really didn’t care about it, didn’t want to see it, didn’t want to be a part of it, didn’t want to hear about it and moved away,” Goins explains, reflecting on his decision to leave Harlan. “I wanted to get back [to] how fun it used to be to play video games and be young and have ideas instead of [working] for a bunch of hateful people all day.” It was this desire to reconnect with his youthful passion and escape the negativity that inspired Goins to pursue game development.
Rural Roots, Urban Dreams: How Location Shapes Creative Vision and Influences Game Design
Goins’ choice of location, a small town near Johnson City, Tennessee, played a significant role in shaping his creative vision. Gray, a town known for its scenic beauty and laid-back atmosphere, provided a stark contrast to the challenges he had faced in Harlan. This tranquility and connection to nature profoundly influenced the themes and aesthetics of his games.
One of Goins’ most notable projects, the 2D platformer Orphan, exemplifies this influence. The game’s melancholic atmosphere, its exploration of loneliness and isolation, and its beautiful pixel art, inspired by the stained glass windows of local churches, are all reflections of Goins’ surroundings and personal experiences.
Orphan: A Glimpse into Goins’ Approach to Game Development and Storytelling
Orphan is a poignant and visually captivating game that tells the story of a young girl navigating a world shrouded in mystery and loneliness. Goins’ meticulous attention to detail, his thoughtful approach to storytelling, and his ability to evoke strong emotions through minimalist visuals are all hallmarks of his development process.
The game’s world is built with care, filled with subtle details that hint at a deeper narrative. The environments are both beautiful and haunting, reflecting the character’s emotional state. Orphan is a testament to the power of small-scale game development to create deeply personal and resonant experiences.
Practical Takeaways for Aspiring Indie Developers
Embrace Iteration: Value Small Wins and Continuous Improvement Over Perfection
For indie developers, time and resources are precious commodities. Chasing perfection can lead to stagnation and frustration. Goins’ approach to game development emphasizes iteration, the continuous cycle of creating, testing, and refining. By focusing on small, achievable goals and embracing the learning process, developers can make steady progress and create polished games without getting bogged down by unnecessary complexity.
Find Your Community: Connect with Other Developers for Support and Collaboration
The indie game development community is a vibrant and supportive network. Connecting with other developers, sharing experiences, and seeking feedback can be invaluable. Goins himself has found strength and inspiration in the online game development community, drawing upon the collective knowledge and encouragement of fellow creators.
Stay Curious: Explore New Ideas, Experiment with Different Genres, and Never Stop Learning
Curiosity is the driving force behind innovation. Goins’ willingness to experiment with different genres and explore new creative avenues is evident in his diverse portfolio of games. By staying curious, indie developers can push the boundaries of their craft and discover new and exciting ways to engage players.
Conclusion
The Smaller, Sustainable Route to Success
In the article “When making lots of small games is more sustainable than making one big one” from Polygon, we’ve delved into the notion that creating multiple, bite-sized games can be a more viable and sustainable approach to game development than focusing on a single, sprawling title. The key points revolve around the flexibility and adaptability that comes with smaller projects, allowing developers to quickly pivot and respond to changing market trends and player preferences. This approach also enables studios to minimize financial risks, allocate resources more efficiently, and foster a culture of experimentation and innovation.
The significance of this topic lies in its potential to disrupt traditional game development paradigms, where the emphasis has long been on creating massive, AAA titles that often come with enormous financial burdens and high stakes. By embracing the smaller, sustainable route, developers can break free from these constraints and focus on crafting experiences that are tailored to specific niches or communities, leading to greater player engagement and satisfaction. This shift in approach also has broader implications for the industry as a whole, as it may encourage more studios to adopt a more agile and iterative development model.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see even more developers embracing the small but mighty approach. This could lead to a proliferation of innovative, genre-defying titles that cater to diverse player tastes and preferences. Ultimately, the future of game development may belong to those who are willing to take calculated risks, be nimble, and prioritize creativity over grandeur. As the gaming industry hurtles forward, one thing is clear: the smallest games can often pack the biggest punch.