Tag: Indie

The owner of an indie company erupts against Steam for its abusive model against developers

The debate over income distribution in digital video game platforms has once again gained relevance in the industry, especially between Steam and Epic Games Store. While Valve takes 30% of each sale, Epic Games has adopted a more favorable policy by taking only 12%, allowing independent studios to increase their profit margins. An excessive favoritism for those who have the most Thomas Mahler, co-founder of Moon Studios, has pointed out that the Steam model mainly benefits blockbuster games and large publishers, who receive a percentage […]

The debate over income distribution on digital video game platforms has become relevant again in the industry, especially between Steam and Epic Games Store. While Valve takes 30% of each sale, Epic Games has adopted a more favorable policy by taking only 12%, allowing independent studios to increase their profit margins.

An excessive preferential treatment for those who have the most

Thomas Mahler, co-founder of Moon Studios, has pointed out that the Steam model mainly benefits blockbuster games and large publishers, who receive a more favorable profit percentage due to their sales volume. According to Mahler, this situation creates an unfavorable environment for smaller studios, making it difficult for them to generate significant income. “It’s hard to see the logic,” says Mahler, who also describes the 30% as an “aggressively excessive tax”. He also highlights that large companies enjoy discounts that independent developers do not receive, further increasing the disparity in revenue sharing.

In this context, Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, has supported Mahler’s criticism, stating that the 30% that Valve takes not only harms small developers but also affects medium-sized studios and consumers. The concern is that while large publishers can negotiate more favorable deals and lower platform fees, indie studios face a complicated landscape where their ability to compete is diminished.

As the developer community continues to debate equity in revenue distribution, these discussions are expected to influence future strategic decisions within the sector. The current market setup may leave many emerging studios at a disadvantage, raising the question of whether this model is sustainable in the long term.

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Wes Anderson's new movie is a hit in theaters despite a very limited release

The movie The French Dispatch, directed by Wes Anderson, has had an impressive opening, grossing approximately $570,000 in just six theaters across New York and Los Angeles. This performance makes it the best limited opening of the year, with a remarkable average of $95,000 per theater, highlighting the director’s continued appeal in the independent film landscape. It has managed to surpass other films that have performed well at the box office. The film, distributed by Focus Features, has not only captured the attention of critics and audiences but has also outperformed A24’s Friendship, which […]

The film The Phoenician Plot, directed by Wes Anderson, has had an impressive debut, grossing approximately $570,000 in just six theaters across New York and Los Angeles. This performance makes it the best limited opening of the year, with a remarkable average of $95,000 per theater, highlighting the director’s ongoing appeal in the independent film landscape.

It has managed to surpass other movies that have performed well at the box office

The film, distributed by Focus Features, has not only captured the attention of critics and audiences but has also surpassed Friendship from A24, which had been performing well at the independent box office. This shift shows a renewed interest in Anderson’s works, whose visually distinctive and intricate stories have become favorites among cinephiles.

In order to capitalize on this initial success, The Phoenician Plot is scheduled to expand to 1,500 screens next weekend. This decision could further boost its earnings and solidify its position on the independent cinema charts. The expansion will allow a wider audience the opportunity to experience the unique narrative that characterizes Anderson’s style.

As the release season progresses in 2023, independent cinema continues to demonstrate its ability to attract audiences, and The Phoenician Plot is a clear example of this. The competition in the indie film realm remains fierce, but it seems that this work could set a new standard for upcoming releases in this cinematic format.

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This game is a tribute to the games of From Software and is made with a game creation tool from From Software

The world of indie video games has received a significant new addition with the release of Lunacid: Tears of the Moon, a sequel to the acclaimed game Lunacid developed by Kira LLC. This new installment is set thousands of years before the narrative of the original game and has been created using Sword of Moonlight, a game creation tool inspired by FromSoftware’s King’s Field series. This not only provides a nostalgic touch but also allows players to explore a landscape full of secrets and surprises. A game with the best possible price: free Tears of […]

The world of indie video games has received a significant new addition with the release of Lunacid: Tears of the Moon, a sequel to the acclaimed game Lunacid developed by Kira LLC. This new installment is set thousands of years before the narrative of the original game and has been created using Sword of Moonlight, a game creation tool inspired by FromSoftware’s King’s Field series. This not only provides a nostalgic touch but also allows players to explore a landscape full of secrets and surprises.

A game with the best possible price: free

Tears of the Moon is completely free on Steam, making it an accessible option for those seeking enriching gaming experiences. However, the game’s soundtrack is available for an additional cost of four dollars. The title features simplified combat mechanics, with no blocking or parrying, which favors gameplay that is more focused on exploration than on extreme difficulty. Additionally, players will not have to worry about character building issues, as stats automatically increase when leveling up.

Despite some technical inconveniences, such as limited keyboard controls and issues with driver support, early players have praised its immersive atmosphere and the sense of discovery reminiscent of classics like Thief and The Legend of Zelda. Although the game lacks a conventional tutorial, a PDF manual is provided to guide new adventurers in this vast underground world.

The nostalgia and simplicity of Tears of the Moon have been well received by critics and players, who highlight its isolating quality and its design that invites experimentation. Undoubtedly, this title stands out as one of the most pleasant surprises of the year in the realm of indie RPGs.

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This indie publisher is clear about the secret to success: adjusting expectations

The publishing director of Yogcast Games, Simon Byron, has emphasized that planning with small and realistic expectations is essential for success in the competitive world of video games. In a recent interview with GamesRadar+, Byron explained that his team usually anticipates sales of between 100,000 and 120,000 units over a couple of years, a figure that is considered achievable both for them and for the associated studios. Despite these conservative projections, Byron admits that he has never been able to accurately forecast the sales of a game. The way to ensure that games […]

The publishing director of Yogcast Games, Simon Byron, has emphasized that planning with small and realistic expectations is essential for success in the competitive world of video games. In a recent interview with GamesRadar+, Byron explained that his team usually anticipates sales of between 100,000 and 120,000 units over a couple of years, a figure that is considered achievable both for them and for the associated studios. Despite these conservative projections, Byron admits that he has never been able to accurately forecast the sales of a game.

The way to get games to sell: don’t get carried away

A notable example of unexpected success was PlateUp, a restaurant management game that exceeded all expectations by selling 200,000 copies in its first month. This figure contrasts dramatically with the initial projection of 100,000 units over two years. Byron expressed his surprise at this phenomenon, indicating that such results, while a cause for celebration, also create pressure on future projections, given that some titles fail to meet their goals.

On the other hand, Byron emphasizes the importance of creating and strengthening player communities to achieve the expected sales. The growth in these communities is essential, especially when considering the number of active players on platforms like Steam. “With the number of people currently playing, it should be feasible to achieve those sales targets for a publisher of our size,” he added.

As the video game industry continues to evolve, Byron’s realistic planning strategy could serve as a model for other independent publishers looking to navigate this complex and ever-changing landscape.

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The producer of a Minecraft movie says that playing the game was an important part of the filming

The long-awaited movie A Minecraft Movie has generated excitement among fans of the popular video game, not only for its premise but also for the creative environment in which it was produced. According to Torfi Ólafsson, the film’s producer, team members interacted with great enthusiasm, playing Minecraft during their free time and sharing ideas about the game between takes. This camaraderie on set, similar to that of an indie video game studio, has helped infuse the playful essence that characterizes Minecraft. A movie full of nods to the game The details of the movie promise […]

The highly anticipated movie A Minecraft Movie has generated excitement among fans of the popular video game, not only for its premise but also for the creative environment in which it was produced. According to Torfi Ólafsson, the film’s producer, team members interacted with great enthusiasm, playing Minecraft during their free moments and sharing ideas about the game between takes. This camaraderie on set, similar to that of an indie video game studio, has helped infuse the playful essence that characterizes Minecraft.

A movie full of nods to the game

The details of the movie promise to pay homage to many of the iconic elements of the game. Among the highlighted scenes is the representation of redstone mines and a nod to Technoblade, with a crowned pig that will surely be a significant moment for the character’s followers. The recreation of typical moments from the game, such as crafting weapons and encounters with creatures like piglins, also offers a special appeal for players.

A crucial moment in the movie is the dynamic chase that uses elytra, the wings that allow players to fly in the game. This sequence, where the characters jump from a cliff, offers an exciting and realistic representation of what it is like to fly in the world of Minecraft. The creators have shown a true love for the universe of this game, which is reflected in every corner of the movie.

With its blend of nostalgia and emotional connection with players, A Minecraft movie not only promises to be a visual delight but also a powerful reminder of the fun and creativity that Minecraft offers. The movie could spark the desire in many fans to dive back into their own Minecraft worlds, completing projects still unfinished. Although the early reviews do not invite us to dream too much.

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Pacific Drive will receive an update that will add a feature that the developers were reluctant to introduce

On April 3rd, the video game Pacific Drive will receive its most anticipated update to date, titled Endless Expeditions. This new content promises to introduce a series of features and improvements that have been requested by the player community for months. An update with which we can stop playing whenever we want One of the major new features will be the implementation of a suspend and quit function that will allow players to pause the game and exit without losing progress in the middle of an exploration. This feature comes after the acknowledgment of the game’s director, Seth Rosen, who previously […]

On April 3rd, the video game Pacific Drive will receive its most anticipated update to date, titled Endless Expeditions. This new content promises to introduce a series of features and improvements that have been requested by the gaming community for months.

An update that will allow us to stop playing whenever we want

One of the major innovations will be the implementation of a suspend and quit function that will allow players to pause the game and exit without losing progress during an exploration. This feature comes after the acknowledgment of the game director, Seth Rosen, who had previously stated that the inclusion of a mid-race save system could affect the tension of the video game. However, in response to player demand, an exception has been made.

The Endless Expeditions update will also include new gameplay mechanics, maps, spawning systems, tools, cosmetics, and more than an hour of new music for the radio, in addition to the additional lore that characterizes the game’s narrative. These expansions are designed to enrich the player experience and add more depth to the gameplay, which is essential for the continued success of Pacific Drive.

The pause function in the middle of explorations is a significant change, as currently the game only auto-saves when moving between intersections. This caused frustration among players who, when forced to leave a session, could lose the progress made in an environment whose nature is exploration. With the new system, players will be able to better manage their time and responses to unexpected situations.

With these updates, Ironwood Studios hopes not only to address the concerns of its player base, but also to revitalize interest in this title, allowing users to enjoy longer and more rewarding adventures. The community is eagerly awaiting what will be revealed in the full patch notes on launch day.

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The creator of Lethal Company says you should be playing this cooperative horror game

The phenomenon of cooperative terror in video games continues to gain momentum, and one of the recent protagonists is R.E.P.O. (The Retrieve, Extract, and Profit Operation), which has caused a sensation on Steam since its early access launch on February 26. With over 28,000 user reviews and an “Extremely Positive” rating on the platform, the game has managed to capture the attention of even the creator of Lethal Company, a title that also made its mark on the genre two years ago. R.E.P.O. is a game that is sweeping among players. R.E.P.O. offers a multiplayer experience for six players […]

The phenomenon of cooperative terror in video games continues to gain momentum, and one of the recent protagonists is R.E.P.O. (The Retrieve, Extract, and Profit Operation), which has caused a sensation on Steam since its early access launch on February 26. With over 28,000 user reviews and an “Extremely Positive” rating on the platform, the game has managed to capture the attention even of the creator of Lethal Company, a title that also made its mark in the genre two years ago.

R.E.P.O. is a game that is taking the players by storm

R.E.P.O. offers a multiplayer experience for six players where the mission is to recover physics-simulated objects without alerting terrifying monsters lurking in the dark. A simple scratch of a valuable object can cause a demonic creature to burst into the room and take out one of your teammates, creating a unique and tense approach to gameplay.

The success of the game has been positively commented on by its direct competition. Zeekers, the developer behind Lethal Company, expressed his appreciation on social media, noting that, despite feeling initially slow, it provided fun moments while working together to move a piano in a narrow mansion. However, he also offered suggestions for improvements, such as increasing the range of voice chat and adjusting the level design in open spaces, which do not fit well with the game’s atmosphere.

With its novel blend of cooperation, strategy, and fear tactics, R.E.P.O. has positioned itself as a significant contender in a saturated indie game market, and it is definitely worth keeping an eye on. As the community continues to grow, many players are eager to see what else the future holds for this innovative title.

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The developers of Shovel Knight are clear that good indie games imitate the limitations of retro games

The live concert series for Shovel Knight: Steel They Shovel will take place next month in New York and Los Angeles, celebrating the nostalgic impact of this iconic indie video game. Nick Wozniak, an artist from Yacht Club Games, shared his perspective on the importance of creating a game that respects and understands the retro gaming era, emphasizing that nostalgic authenticity cannot be simulated. “I can tell when a game is made by people who really know the kind of game they are creating,” Wozniak stated. Shovel Knight, a game with the limitations of a […]

The live concert series for Shovel Knight: Steel They Shovel will take place next month in New York and Los Angeles, celebrating the nostalgic impact of this iconic indie video game. Nick Wozniak, an artist from Yacht Club Games, shared his perspective on the importance of creating a game that respects and understands the retro gaming era, emphasizing that nostalgic authenticity cannot be simulated. “I can tell when a game is made by people who really know the kind of game they are creating,” Wozniak stated.

Shovel Knight, a game with the limitations of an NES

Wozniak explained that, to evoke the authentic retro style, Shovel Knight mostly adhered to the NES color palette, limiting itself to the original 55 colors and adding only five more to enhance gameplay on modern screens. This not only helps anchor the game in a nostalgic context but also compensates for the limitations of old hardware by providing a richer visual experience on contemporary devices.

Jake Kaufman’s musical work was also highlighted by Wozniak, who emphasized that the Shovel Knight soundtrack can be played on original NES cartridges, which underscores the team’s commitment to authenticity. In his analysis of other developers, Wozniak praised Bloodborne PSX Demake and Nightmare Kart as examples of how to understand and effectively use nostalgia in game development.

Despite the fact that the retro gaming market has grown, Wozniak observes that many developers rely too much on their source material, highlighting the need to add a personal touch. He also mentioned that there are always new ways to make 2D platform games appealing to players of all ages. Meanwhile, Yacht Club is working on Mina the Hollower, their first game unrelated to Shovel Knight, inspired by Link’s Awakening.

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3.5
I am long over the novelty of pixel art throwbacks. No longer can a game impress me solely by invoking my nostalgia. But Shovel Knight doesn't just look like a game from the 80s, it plays like one too. This tight, exacting platformer encapsulates all that was good about this early era of gaming, in an exciting and punishingly difficult new experience.

This indie video game has sold more than 100,000 units under one premise: solving crimes realistically

The independent video game The Operator, developed by the solitary French creator Bastien Giafferi, has performed remarkably well in the market following its release in July 2024. This investigative game has managed to sell approximately 50,000 copies in the first month, quickly placing itself on the radar of genre enthusiasts. Currently, sales estimates range between 110,000 and 160,000 copies, translating to revenues between $1.2 million and $1.6 million, a significant achievement for an individual developer. One of the features that have captured the attention of players is the […]

The independent video game The Operator, developed by the solitary French creator Bastien Giafferi, has performed remarkably well in the market following its release in July 2024. This investigative game has managed to sell approximately 50,000 copies in the first month, quickly placing itself on the radar of genre enthusiasts. Currently, sales estimates range between 110,000 and 160,000 copies, translating to revenues between $1.2 million and $1.6 million, a significant achievement for an individual developer.

One of the features that have captured the attention of players is the use of different investigative software tools to solve crimes, an approach that has resonated greatly with a community in search of unique and creative experiences. This growing interest in indie titles has been evident in 2024, a year that has seen a resurgence in the preference for games that move away from high-budget productions in favor of more innovative proposals.

Not just a commercial success: also in awards

In addition to its commercial success, The Operator has begun to receive recognition in the awards arena, being in the running for five categories at the Pégases Awards, including Best Indie Game and Best Game Overall. This acclaim highlights not only the quality of the title but also the growing importance of independent developers in the video game industry.

As more players choose to explore the diverse indie gaming space, The Operator is expected to continue establishing itself as an example of how creativity and outstanding design can translate into commercial success. Undoubtedly, this title adds to the numerous indie success stories of 2024, at a time when innovation is more valued than ever.

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The creator of Thomas Was Alone is convinced that nowadays it would not have been successful

I admit it: Thomas Was Alone is one of my favorite games. So simple, so fun, so pleasant to play. And its creator has spoken again after the independent game Balatro won the awards for Best Independent Game and Best Indie Debut at the last edition of the Game Awards, consolidating its position in a landscape where originality and innovation are increasingly difficult to find. Balatro, developed by a single individual, stands as an example of the purity of indie development, a phenomenon that, according to Mike Bithell, creator of Thomas Was […]

I admit it: Thomas Was Alone is one of my favorite games. So simple, so fun, so pleasant to play. And its creator has spoken again after the independent game Balatro won the awards for Best Independent Game and Best Indie Debut at the latest edition of the Game Awards, consolidating its position in a landscape where originality and innovation are increasingly difficult to find. Balatro, developed by a single individual, stands as an example of the purity of indie development, a phenomenon that, according to Mike Bithell, creator of Thomas Was Alone, has become more challenging to achieve today.

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Thomas was never alone

Bithell, in a recent interview on the podcast You Are Error, highlighted the challenges that small developers face in the industry today. Although there is still room for surprises like Balatro, the veteran developer indicates that market saturation, particularly on platforms like Steam, has made it difficult for unique titles to rise. In its day, Thomas Was Alone stood out in a less crowded environment, whereas today, quality is not the only factor that determines success; the ability to target specific niches is crucial.

The concept of the solitary developer has been romanticized, an image that Bithell considers problematic. Projects like Indie Game: The Movie have promoted the figure of the “suffering hero,” which could distort the collaborative nature of development. In this sense, Bithell’s analysis allows for a reflection on the evolution of the industry and the need for a change in the perception of teamwork.

The categorization of indie games is also debated within the industry: the recent controversy at the Game Awards over the inclusion of Dave the Diver, backed by a large company, as the best indie game, has highlighted the ambiguities of what such a thing means. Bithell argues that many small developments now require external funding, but they retain their innovative essence. On this matter, the developer concludes with a joke: “I leave it to the journalists.” Thanks, man.

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