Understanding Indie Game Buyers: Preferences and Habits

Indie game enthusiasts typically seek out titles priced between $15 and $25, often discovering new games through YouTube, and tend to prefer single-player experiences. A study conducted by an independent analyst group on behalf of Humble Games surveyed 5,000 gamers across six countries, categorizing them into Regular Indie Buyers, Light Indie Buyers, and Traditional Game Buyers. The study found that 40% of respondents had purchased at least one indie game in the previous year, with Regulars spending an average of 18 hours gaming per week, compared to 15 hours for Lights and 12 hours for Traditionals. The survey also explored personal attitudes, revealing that indie buyers consider gaming an integral part of their identity, preferring unique and innovative games with creative storytelling and artistic touches. In terms of monetization, indie game buyers prefer full paid games, with microtransactions focused on cosmetics, and tend to discover new games through YouTube, Steam, and friends and family. The study also highlighted the importance of gameplay videos, with 54% of respondents considering them the top choice for learning more about a game, and 30% citing them as a key purchase trigger. Overall, the study provides a nuanced understanding of indie game buyers, highlighting their distinct preferences and habits, and underscoring the importance of innovation, creativity, and great gameplay in the indie gaming market.