Independent games are basically what they sound like: games made without the financial backing of large publishing companies like EA; they are to games what indie films are to film, and indie music is to music. The reasons for being interested in them are likewise predictable: the commercial industry avoids risk to minimize financial loss, and the resulting games are generally stale derivatives of things past. Fortunately, independent game developers are popping up like weeds these days, and some of them are attempting to be creative, innovative, and thoughtful (some of them even pound games out while lounging in their meadows). So if you’re interested in the medium (or in having fun), indie games are probably your best bet at the moment. If you’re new to the scene check out this great guide for some good games to start out with. And here’s a (very) partial list of developers:
Auntie Pixelantie: wonderful scratchware work.
Bay 12 Games: home to the awesome Dwarf Fortress.
BitBlot: home of the celebrated Aquaria.
Cryptic Sea: Gish 2, anyone?
Derek Yu: home of many cool games and drawings.
Free Lunch Design: home of Johan Peitz and the sweet game Icy Tower.
Jason Rohrer: home of some really, really good art games.
PomPom Games: insane retro gaming action.
Raptisoft: home of some really fun games, like Hamsterball.
Are you an indie developer who’s not listed here? I’d love to give you some love. Just email me at .
