Rebekah Saltsman, CEO of Finji, has pointed out that the indie industry is at a critical survival stage, marked by financial difficulties that inhibit investment in smaller projects.
Saltsman has expressed that funding for indie games has decreased, which affects the creation of titles that could have a significant impact on the sector.
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The CEO indicates that the current mindset of large investors is to be cautious regarding projects that are not considered profitable enough. This shift in investment has led many developers to face a perpetual wait in the hope that conditions will improve “in the next 12 to 18 months.”
Despite the fact that indie games have survived what was known as the “indiepocalypse” a decade ago, the current situation presents new challenges.
The lack of interest from major investors has created a shortage of titles that could revitalize the industry, leading Saltsman to wonder what games have not been made due to the lack of funding in small amounts. “What could have changed the way we think about video games for just $100,000 in funding?” he questions.
Despite these obstacles, Finji continues to bet on innovative projects. The company has been responsible for notable games such as I Was a Teenage Exocolonist and Tunic.
With his recent announcements, such as the action game Usual June, Saltsman emphasizes the importance of ensuring that developers can continue to create quality content that, although it may not always generate millions, is essential for the evolution of the medium.