Why authenticity is better than trends in indie game development
In the constantly shifting landscape of indie game development, trends often seem like the surest path to success. Developers may feel the urge to tap into popular mechanics or genres to capture attention quickly. However, prioritizing authenticity over fleeting trends can lead to more sustainable success and a deeper connection with players. Here’s why focusing on authenticity is better than following trends in indie game development.
The temptation of trends
It’s easy to understand why indie developers might gravitate toward trends. Whether it’s the rise of battle royales or the boom of roguelikes, trends often bring a wave of financial success for some developers. Following trends can give a game immediate visibility because players are already interested in those mechanics or themes(Bleeding Edge Studio).
However, there are significant drawbacks to chasing trends:
- Short-Term relevance: Trends fade, and games built solely around them may quickly become outdated. The market can become oversaturated, making it harder to stand out.
- Lack of distinctiveness: When everyone follows the same trend, games start to feel interchangeable. If a game doesn’t bring anything new or authentic to the table, it risks being overlooked(SecuritySenses).
The power of authenticity
In contrast, authenticity taps into the unique vision, creativity, and passion of the developer, fostering a more genuine connection with the audience. Authenticity is not bound by the lifecycle of trends—it has the potential to resonate with players on a deeper level.
- Emotional connection: Authentic games often carry the personal touch and vision of their creators, leading to more emotional engagement from players. Games like Celeste or Hollow Knight aren’t just following a trend—they are deeply personal, and their authenticity shines through in their design and storytelling(IGR).
- Longevity: Authentic games often have a "long tail" of success. While they may not explode onto the scene in the same way that trendy games do, they can gradually build a dedicated player base over time. This organic growth, based on the game's core appeal rather than fleeting trends, can lead to long-term success(SecuritySenses).
- Creative freedom: Staying true to your authentic vision allows for more creative freedom. Instead of being confined to the expectations of a trend, developers can experiment and explore new ideas that may not align with popular genres but are more fulfilling to create and play(Bleeding Edge Studio).
Finding the balance between authenticity and trends
That said, it’s important to acknowledge that trends aren’t inherently bad. Successful developers often find a balance by blending current trends with their authentic vision. By innovating within or around a trend, developers can create something that feels fresh yet relevant. For example, Hades capitalized on the trend of roguelikes, but its narrative depth and emotional engagement set it apart from other roguelike games(IGR).
Authenticity as a sustainable path
In conclusion, while trends can offer short-term visibility, authenticity provides a sustainable path to success in indie game development. By focusing on a unique vision and emotional connection, indie developers can build games that not only stand out but also have lasting appeal. Authentic games often create deeper, more meaningful player experiences that are remembered long after the trends fade.
