The Next Step in Gaming is....

Why Do We Think This Way?

When you're immersed in any aspect of gaming culture, be it the consumer or creator, you'd be familiar with the recent rhetoric of the current state of gaming being the "dark ages".

But is that true?

It depends and there are good arguments for it. Layoffs in most of the major companies, long time leads resigning and starting their own studios, long-standing communities of top titles turning their backs on their favorite series.

It's troubling but the trend is certainly noticeable. In all honesty, the consumer sentiment can't be blamed. Consumers and even developers don't want to buy or be forced to make "half-baked" and creatively void games that recycle the same gameplay systems of its predecessors without any meaningful innovation.

Long gone are the days of beloved AAA studios innovating, creating new genres through their creativity, putting effort in the narrative, fleshing out games to have depth and replayability. Gamers are being burnt out and rightfully so.

So, is all hope lost? Well indie games are here to say a bit, fat "NO!".

Indie Games/Studios are the Cure

Innovation, variety, depth. Those are just a few things that gamers yearn for. They want a game that grips them with the story and keeps them hooked with the gameplay. Look at games like "Hades", a rouge-like action game that was built by a small team who took risks and made an already existing genre their own.

"Celeste", "Balatro", and "Disco Elysium", are just some games that show that gamers desire engagement and creativity. Games like "Balatro" turned an old card game into this epic, poker-themed roguelike deckbuilding game that surprised everyone and even got a Game of the Year nomination. You know what's the best part? It was made by one person.

What Can You Learn from This?

The most important lesson here, especially if you're an aspiring game developer, is to really hone into the art of video game making. The success stories of these legendary indie titles show you that you don't need to land that job at that AAA studio.

You just need to find a place or make a place where you can express your passion wholeheartedly. Make games that people and you love. Don't chase the sales numbers, chase the audience, chase the passion.

Another thing that is important to note is that info like this is not meant to discourage, but to realign what your vision as a game developer should be and the road to be a successful one. Remember, every downside is followed by opportunities.

Keep your head up aspiring devs, and keep the creative juices flowing!