5 Minutes Worth of
Observations about
AAA Indie Games
Chris Hecker
Disclaimer #1
I have not shipped my
indie game, nor have I
shipped any indie games,
so all of this might be and
probably is wrong.
These are just my observations
about some released games.
My Definition of “AAA Indie”
Polished to Perfection
Clearly Contains Lots of Love
Highly Anticipated Before Launch
“I know it when I see it.”
- Justice Stewart, 1964
Disclaimer #2
These are not the only
kind of indie games
worth making.
Polished to Perfection
Clearly Contains Lots of Love
Highly Anticipated Before Launch
Polished to Perfection
Clearly Contains Lots of Love
Highly Anticipated Before Launch
How to Market
“Mainstream Games” in 2011
1. Don’t talk much about
your game until right
before ship.
2. Have a giant pile of
cash ready.
3. Saturate available
channels when people
can hand you money.
(not me)
So, what did these guys do?
The Common Denominator
Long-term Slow-burn Grass-roots
Awareness-building
Talk about your game early and
often; awareness takes time.
Play to your strengths.
Style Style Style!
Tower of Goo
Development Story
Design Philosophy
Aesthetic Goals
Industry Controversy
Fan Community
Alien Hominid
Art & Design Style
Tons of Extra-Game Stuff
This is not being
manipulative, or evil, or
selling-out.
This is being proud
of what you’re
making and taking
time to tell people
about it.
It is not an accident or luck.
People want to know
about your game!
A Few Words on the Press
They are very indie friendly.
They want interesting stories.
Thank you.