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 Dont 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-roots Awareness-building

Style Style Style! Tower of Goo Development Story

Design Philosophy Aesthetic Goals Industry Controversy

Fan Community Alien Hominid Art & Design Style Tons of Extra-Game Stuff

This is not being manipulative, or evil, or selling-out. This is being proud of what youre 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.