How have indie developers changed video games?

The world of video games has undergone a tremendous transformation in the last two decades, with much of it attributed to the rise of indie developers. For students of game design, there’s an exciting opportunity to carve out your own career in a dynamic and diverse industry that thrives on big ideas. Let’s take a look at why it’s easier than ever for hopeful amateur developers to get their start in video game programming.

The rise of indie games

Although developed by small studios or even solo devs, indie games have become a powerful force and in some ways have even revolutionised the industry. As they tend to prioritise satisfying storytelling, artistic expression and unconventional gameplay mechanics, games like Celeste, Hollow Knight and the universally beloved Stardew Valley have resonated with players for their intimacy over big-budget AAA titles. Platforms such as Steam have been game-changing for the distribution of smaller developers, allowing for a level of commercial and critical success that wasn’t possible previously.

As they’re not confined to traditional industry norms, indie developers have been able to experiment with styles, genres and themes that larger studios have shied away from in pursuit of profit. This freedom has led to the reemergence of platformers, puzzles and intimate narratives, all of which were once front and centre of the industry. If you’re passionate about game development, this landscape provides ample room to express your creativity and originality, just as BoredApe did when he developed Stardew Valley.

A collaborative community

With software like Unity and Unreal Engine now easier than ever to use; along with a wealth of online tutorials and forums, the entry point for budding developers to create and share their projects has never been more accessible. There is a strong sense of collaboration and community right now, with developers sharing open source resources, offering feedback and even working on projects with other developers, creating a supportive environment that benefits everyone, just like you’d experience at the University of Bolton.

Community events such as a game jam brings the community together, with the aim of challenging yourself to build a game from scratch within a limited timeframe. It’s a great opportunity for students of game development to get hands-on experience and practise their skills outside of their typical coursework. The indie scene is full of success stories of developers that started from similarly humble beginnings, despite their own personal challenges or diverse backgrounds, so there’s no better time than now to turn your passion and perseverance into success.

Looking to take advantage of the opportunities present in indie game design? Why not get equipped with the right skills to carve out your own career in video games at the University of Bolton? Talk to us on 01204 903394 or emailing enquiries@bolton.ac.uk to experience #UniAsItShouldBe and start the journey towards turning your passion into your career. You never know, you might just be the brains behind the next cult classic in gaming.