Team17 Emphasizes Understanding Player Needs for Indie Game Success

During his talk at Devcom, Team17's head of game scouting Jasper Barnes discussed the key factors indie publishers consider when investing in games, highlighting the importance of understanding player desires. According to Barnes, the primary consideration is whether players will be invested enough in the game to play it. He believes this can be achieved by tapping into emotions, referencing previous titles or cultural phenomena, or simply by creating a unique concept that sparks excitement. Barnes illustrated this point by sharing his personal wish for a classic survival horror game, emphasizing that a game's core concept doesn't have to fit into a specific genre or trope. Instead, it could be centered around a particular moment, nostalgia, or reference that resonates with players. A strong, original concept can lead to replayability, which Barnes considers crucial in today's competitive market. He warned that developers often make the mistake of focusing on a game's long-term narrative, neglecting the fact that players may lose interest after just a few minutes. Barnes stressed that demonstrating an understanding of what players enjoy and look for in a game is essential for capturing their attention and maintaining engagement. While replayability can be difficult to determine, it is a top consideration for publishers when deciding which games to invest in. Team17 receives around 4,000 pitches annually, and being able to play a demo can make the evaluation process easier. Barnes also highlighted the importance of a developer's ability to handle feedback, as it is vital for a strong partnership between the developer and publisher. He emphasized that a publisher's feedback, even if constructive, comes from a place of enthusiasm and mutual excitement, and developers should be open to and match that enthusiasm to create a successful partnership.