Why 96% of Indie Games Fail

Summary

This video explores why many indie games fail, with only 4% turning a profit. The primary reason is misplaced passion, where developers focus on ideas instead of the process of creation. It emphasizes the importance of market research, understanding the target audience, and marketing effectively. Drawing examples from industry veterans like John Romero and various indie developers, the video outlines steps for success, including changing mindsets, gathering feedback, and building games that resonate with the market. The key takeaway is that success lies in execution, persistence, and learning from failures.

Takeaways

• 🎲 Indie game development is a gamble, with only 4% of games turning a profit, making success seem like a toss-up.
• 💡 Passion for an idea often misleads indie developers, leading to burnout or disappointment when the game doesn’t succeed.
• 🛠️ Developers should focus on enjoying the process of creation—coding, designing, testing—rather than just the final product.
• 🎯 John Romero’s success with Doom highlights the importance of execution over ideas, emphasizing years of practice and persistence.
• 🗣️ Step two in development: talk to potential players early and often to validate ideas before diving into code.
• 📊 Research your target market and subgenre, understanding who will play your game and why they play similar games.
• 🎮 Developers are entrepreneurs and need to wear many hats, especially when it comes to knowing their market and managing expectations.
• 💸 Most indie games fail because developers either don’t market their game effectively or target the wrong audience.
• 🔍 Marketing is about delivering value—whether inspirational, educational, or entertaining—and to the right people in the right way.
• 🚀 The key to success lies in passion for creation, market research, setting realistic goals, and effectively marketing to the right audience.

Q & A

Why do most indie developers fail to release more than one game?

Many indie developers focus too much on passion projects without fully understanding the challenges of game development. When faced with difficulties, such as coding or design issues, they may lose motivation. This discouragement, compounded by impostor syndrome, often causes them to abandon future projects after a perceived failure.

What does the script suggest developers should focus their passion on?

The script emphasizes that developers should focus their passion on the process of creation itself, rather than a singular idea. Being excited about building, testing, and improving the game is crucial for long-term success, rather than only being passionate about the final product.

What example is used to highlight the importance of persistence in game development?

John Romero and his team at id Software, creators of *Doom*, are used as an example. Romero had made 90 games and worked for almost 15 years before finding global success with *Doom*. This example emphasizes that success comes from the ability to consistently execute ideas over time.

What is the second step to avoiding failure according to the script?

The second step is to engage with potential players before writing any code. Developers should gather feedback, understand what players want, and avoid building a game based solely on personal assumptions. Validating ideas early on can prevent wasting time on a project that might not appeal to the intended audience.

Why is market research important in indie game development?

Market research is essential because it helps developers understand the target player base for their game. By researching similar games, analyzing their performance, and understanding player demographics, developers can tailor their projects to meet market demand and avoid creating a product that lacks a viable audience.

What mistake did the developer of BattleBit make during development?

The BattleBit team initially created a hardcore game without validating if their community wanted such a game. Their failure to listen to player feedback cost them years of development. They eventually had to pivot and make the game more casual to align with their audience's preferences.

What is the significance of understanding subgenres in game development?

Subgenres, or submarkets, allow developers to narrow down their target audience more effectively. For example, while *Portal* and *Candy Crush* are both puzzle games, they cater to very different demographics. Understanding these distinctions helps developers craft a game that resonates with the right audience.

How can developers assess the potential of their game's market?

Developers should study the performance of similar games within the same subgenre. For instance, by looking at revenue data and market share for games like *Candy Crush* in the match-3 puzzle genre, developers can set realistic expectations for how well their game might perform within its market.

What is a common misconception about marketing in indie game development?

A common misconception is that simply posting on social media will lead to sales. The script argues that marketing should be focused on delivering value to the right audience and understanding what resonates with them, rather than just throwing content into the void and hoping for success.

Why is it critical to treat indie game development as both an art and a business?

The script emphasizes that successful game development requires balancing creative passion with business acumen. Understanding your audience, conducting market research, and effectively marketing your game are all crucial to ensuring that the game finds commercial success in addition to being a creative accomplishment.