Indie games have recently surged in popularity and can compete with more significant titles and other intellectual property (IP). However, few indie games reach that level of success and often face unfavorable challenges than established IPs. Fortunately, individuals can help an indie game succeed through several supporting gestures.
How can individuals help an indie game’s success? Continue reading to learn more.
Financial Support
Purchasing an indie game is the fastest and easiest method of supporting a game, but there are other financial methods, too. Indie games often have smaller budgets than franchise titles, but individuals can help fund indie games. For example, platforms such as Patreon or Kickstarter have dedicated pages for video games and can offer unique experiences.
Users can directly converse with developers on Patreon, provide feedback, and play exclusive or early downloadable content (DLC). This can greatly help an indie game’s success.
Online Endorsement
Indie games typically depend on online access and video game digital distribution platforms for any chance of success. Individuals can help endorse a title online through reviews, video comments, uploading personal gaming videos, and more.
Video Game digital distribution platforms such as Steam, Epic Games, and Itch.io offer game reviews and ratings to help promote smaller titles. Video comments, such as YouTube comments in a trailer or launch trailer, can provide first-hand positive anecdotal experiences for others to consider. Moreover, social media and other online platforms can also spread a game’s awareness and provide calls for alpha and beta testing.
Alpha & Beta Testing
Indie developers have several disadvantages compared to famous game studios, but they can call on volunteers to help refine a game’s alpha stage. Vintage is the New Old, a website dedicated to vintage technology, describes alpha testing as “formal testing, during which the software is tested internally.” They describe beta testing as “tested by a larger group of users, typically outside of the organization.” The testing stages can help eliminate common bugs, glitches, and crashes that harm the game’s experience. Moreover, indie developers can create a testing listing in AlphaBetaGamer, a devoted testing site for overlooked indie games. Overall, individuals can be the key to helping indie games flourish and find success.
Play to Support
Indie games are unique for executing a game’s creative vision and story. Indie games face several disadvantages, like budgets, game testing, and lack of online support. Individuals and communities can create an indie game’s success. Financial support, online endorsements, and alpha and beta testing can ensure healthy growth for success.
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