ID@Xbox's Chris Charla Discusses the Blurring Lines Between Indie and AAA Games

Chris Charla, the strategic director of Microsoft's ID@Xbox program, believes that the distinction between indie and AAA games is becoming less relevant to consumers. During a recent keynote, Charla noted that players no longer prioritize the difference between the two, instead focusing on the quality and appeal of individual games. He emphasized that while there is still value in separating indie and AAA titles from a business perspective, the creative output of both is now viewed equally by consumers. Charla also discussed the importance of discoverability, stating that it is no longer just about helping players find games, but also about assisting developers in finding their target audience. He highlighted Microsoft's efforts to improve discoverability on its platforms, including the use of data to connect players with games that suit their interests. Charla expressed optimism about the future of indie games, citing the growing acceptance of video games as a mainstream form of entertainment and the increasing quality of games being developed. He predicted that indie games will continue to thrive, with scholars potentially studying them as cultural artifacts in the future.