John Romero says indies are the future of game development
The current state of the gaming industry feels bleak, especially with recent corporate layoffs. Yet, John Romero argues that indie developers are shaping its future. "Just go to Itch.io if you want to see how many indies there are out there." Romero highlights how indie games often dominate Game of the Year awards, showcasing their impact. However, the discoverability crisis looms large, as nearly 19,000 games launched on Steam in 2024 alone. While technology barriers have fallen, indie devs still struggle for visibility amidst a sea of competition. The challenge of securing funding adds to the pressure, forcing many to balance development with day jobs. Romero's optimism for indies is compelling, yet the industry's survival hinges on resolving these critical challenges.