Indie games provide much needed innovation and creativity that many AAA titles miss the mark on; however, in an already struggling industry, it is more important than ever support these smaller developers and publishers.
There are several venues where the indie scene receives support, such as Kickstarter, in-person events like PAX, Steam’s Next Fest, Wholesome Games, and Day of the Devs.
What is Day of the Devs you ask? It’s a group founded by iam8bit and Double Fine Productions in 2012 to highlight diversity, creativity, and talent in gaming that otherwise is overshadowed by larger companies with a fatter wallet. Over the years, Day of the Devs provided in-person and virtual events at no cost to developers or viewers.
While they have always operated like a non-profit, Day of the Devs has made it official by partnering with Legacy Global to ensure sustainable funding opportunities to keep things free. This also enables them to not rely on any possible sponsorship that could cause a conflict of interest, allowing them to be totally neutral.
With this massive step toward complete independence and continued passion to support independent developers, Day of the Devs have launched a fundraiser. As of Friday, 2/9/2024, they have raised just under $80,000 out of a $500,000 goal. Check out their fundraiser announcement video below.
If you want to support creative developers with Day of the Devs, please consider donating HERE. There are reward tiers if you are interested.
Those that donate $100 will receive VIP Access to Day of the Devs 2024: San Francisco, and Day of the Devs 2024: The Game Awards Edition (Winter 2024). They will also receive a plethora of Steam games, including Sea of Stars! Check out the list below:
A Little to the Left • Afterparty • Below • Birth • Broken Age • Bugsnax • Critter Crunch • Escape Academy • Everything • Falcon Age • Flinthook • Frog Detective 1 & 2 • Gang Beasts • Garbage Pail Kids • GNOG • Grindstone • Knuckle Sandwich • Loot Rascals • Melatonin • Mercenary Kings • Mutzaione • N++ • OXENFREE • OXENFREE II: Lost Signals • Psychonauts 2 • Return of the Obra Dinn • Rez Infinite • Sea of Stars • SPORTSFRIENDS • Subnautica • Super T.I.M.E. Force • Thumper • Toem • Venba
Those that donate $250 will receive physical goodies in addition to the above, such as a Day of the Devs mug, cozy socks, and custom keychain.
If you’re financially strapped, that’s okay. There are many other ways to show indie developers and publishers your support.
For example, check out as many indie-themed showcases when possible. Nintendo hosts Indie World Showcases a few times a year as well as Microsoft with ID at Xbox. Wholesome Games holds a showcase in the summer and awards show in the fall/winter. If you use Steam, indie developers have unanimously told me that adding their games to your wishlist is huge by increasing their visibility.
And of course, nothing beats word of mouth. If you end up playing an indie game, leave reviews wherever you can and call the dev out on social media. You’ll be surprised the level of interaction you can get when you interact with creators.
If you haven’t played many indie games, this would be the time to give them a try. Not only do indie titles tend to be more innovative, but they also generally more affordable than you standard $70 USB PlayStation 5 of Xbox Series X game. What’s there to lose?
Over the years, indie games have slowly replaced mainstream titles in my personal top video games. Some titles include Inscryption, Smushi Come Home, West of Loathing, and Coffee Talk. There is a level of thoughtfulness, creativity, and passion that draws me to them, and leaves me thinking about them long after I roll credits.
Please consider supporting indie developers and publishers however and whenever you can!
Image Credit: Asymmetric Games
What are some of your favorite indie games? What do you love about them? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.
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