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It's the #1 problem of the indie game developer right now- they're building games that they themselves want to play, instead of the games that actually work for

It's the #1 problem of the indie game developer right now- they're building games that they themselves want to play, instead of the games that actually work for the market. It's the difference between a professional and a hobbyist. If you want to make money, stop being a hobbyist and turn into a professional. This kind of thinking is the reason why the contemporary video game ecosystem is so dull. When you orient everything around profit and "working for the market" (appeasing to the lowest common denominator), you make crappy products that sell, but fail to leave a lasting impression. It's the reason why demos are no longer released, a few levels or even core game functionality is shipped as DLC, games no longer ship with mod tools and why you get tons of microtransaction-focused games with predatory mechanics. Among other things... I agree with the 90% thing, it is Sturgeon's law. But to say that the root cause is indies not exploiting their players for $$$ is ridiculous. We need visionaries and hobbyists who develop games they want to play.

ryandrake 13y ago
The contemporary video game ecosystem is dull because customers demand dull. It's the same reason why 90% of the cars coming out of the major manufacturers look like identical bars of soap and come in shades of black, white, silver, red, and blue. The market's taste is generally very dull, and people want cars with styling that doesn't vary far from the norm.
- talmand 13y ago
  Well, that and the increasing requirements based around safety and fuel efficiency. You have to suppose that there's one optimum shape for each type of car for fuel efficiency and all cars will eventually slide into it's shape. At that point only minor visual cues can be different from car to car.
- vezzy-fnord 13y ago
  In which case there is nothing wrong with people defying market expectations and stepping outside of boundaries, even if they do not have the capacity and/or skills to deliver AAA-quality titles.

ryandrake 13y ago

The contemporary video game ecosystem is dull because customers demand dull. It's the same reason why 90% of the cars coming out of the major manufacturers look like identical bars of soap and come in shades of black, white, silver, red, and blue. The market's taste is generally very dull, and people want cars with styling that doesn't vary far from the norm.

talmand 13y ago
Well, that and the increasing requirements based around safety and fuel efficiency. You have to suppose that there's one optimum shape for each type of car for fuel efficiency and all cars will eventually slide into it's shape. At that point only minor visual cues can be different from car to car.
vezzy-fnord 13y ago
In which case there is nothing wrong with people defying market expectations and stepping outside of boundaries, even if they do not have the capacity and/or skills to deliver AAA-quality titles.