The Current State of Indie Game Development in 2024

The video game industry is experiencing significant layoffs and studio closures, with notable indie studios like Black Flag and Studio Thunderhorse recently shutting down due to various challenges. Over the past few months, industry leaders have shared their insights on the most pressing issues affecting the sector and the necessary support required to help indie developers thrive. Securing funding is a major concern, with many developers competing for limited resources. According to Aurélien Condomines, co-founder of Humble Reeds, the market is highly competitive, and the pricing of games is a significant issue. "The market offering is problematic, and the pricing of games is also a concern, as many developers are willing to underprice their games," he explains. "Combining this with financing issues creates a squeezing effect that can be seen in the long term, with studios closing and developers struggling to make a living." Rebekah Saltsman, CEO of Finji, agrees, adding that the pressures of long development cycles, team size, and astronomical budgets exacerbate the problem. "The amount of money we need to make from our projects, and finding external funding or marketing partners, often feels impossible, even for our studio, which has a track record of success," she says. Another challenge faced by indie developers is the use of third-party engines like Unity, which can be difficult to keep up with due to rapid technological advancements. "There's often a moving target with these engines, where you think you have everything set, but because games take too long to develop, the engine is shifting underneath you," Saltsman notes. The creative process itself is also a significant challenge, as every game has a story to tell, and it must start somewhere. Luc Baghadoust, studio executive producer at Don't Nod Montréal, emphasizes the importance of iteration and adaptability in the creative process. "You can't assume that the first design will be the right one," he says. "Iteration is key, and technology is always changing. The hard part is ensuring we leave room for creativity without delaying things or going over budget." Discoverability and visibility are also major concerns for indie developers, as they struggle to stand out in a crowded market. Mélanie Christin, co-founder of Humble Reeds, highlights the difficulty of getting noticed among many excellent games. "It's hard to stand out and show your game to the right people," she says. "There are many good games out there, and it's challenging to know how to reach your audience, even with marketing." The industry can support indie developers by providing visibility, particularly at launch, and by offering mentorship and guidance to the next generation of developers. Alison Czarnietzki, CEO of Only By Midnight, suggests that events like Gamescom and its Indie Arena Booth are excellent ways to get eyes on games that might not otherwise receive attention. "Everything here is a labor of love, with real artistry on display – more innovation than you'll see in AAA areas," she says. "But we're all struggling to get noticed. When I see events like this celebrating indie projects, the industry needs to put a spotlight on these great ideas." Saltsman emphasizes the importance of mentorship and guidance in supporting indie developers. "Anyone holding back support needs to be encouraged to provide it," she says. "If you have the space to reach out and offer guidance, it's the only way our industry will grow and improve. We should be pulled by the people coming behind us to make introductions, provide feedback, and support projects that have funding but may need guidance to succeed."