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There’s a pattern in the most recent games I’ve enjoyed—Valheim, V Rising, Sons of the Forest. They’re all indie games from smaller developers. Reflecting on this, I realized thatAAA titlesdon’t even cross my mind when I’m looking for a new game. My brain automatically filters them out. Here’s why.
1The Developers Have Full Control
When a small team decides to make a video game, it’s rarely driven by a desire for massive profits. These developers are passionate about bringing a unique story or experience to life. It’s about sharing an idea, a vision, with the world. Like other forms of art, video games can be profitable, but money is often a secondary consideration for indie developers.
In an indie setting, the development team has full creative control—they’re not just employees; they’re creators with skin in the game. This autonomy allows them to execute their ideas without external interference. In contrast, AAA developers often find themselves constrained by the demands of publishers, who are primarily focused on profitability.
Feedback is another area where indie games shine. Indie developers genuinely listen to their community because they’re committed to refining and improving their games. When players provide feedback, it’s not just noted; it’s often acted upon. In the AAA space, feedback feels like shouting into the void—unless there’s a chance to squeeze more money out of players.
Take Hades from Supergiant Games, for example. The small team behind it refined the game over time and incorporated player feedback during its early access phase, resulting in a polished and beloved final product.
2Less Budget, More Creativity
Every game emphasizes certain elements—story, graphics, gameplay mechanics, or a blend of these. Indie games operate under tighter budgets, meaning they can’t rely on sheer technical prowess or massive marketing campaigns to win over players. This limitation, however, often results in more creative and innovative gameplay experiences.
AAA games frequently boast the “biggest open world” or “best graphics,” but these features can feel hollow without a solid foundation. High-quality graphics aren’t synonymous with creativity; they’re just a tool. On the other hand, an indie game can’t afford to be just average, propped up by shiny visuals. It needs a distinct identity, whether through innovative gameplay, compelling storytelling, or a unique art style.
Take Disco Elysium, an indie game that captivated players with its deep narrative and complex characters despite its lack of flashy, high-end graphics. Or Slay the Spire, which combined deck-building and roguelike mechanics in a way that felt fresh and engaging. These games couldn’t compete with AAA titles in terms of budget or graphical fidelity, but they didn’t need to—they succeeded by offering something genuinely different.
Indie developers are often driven by a desire to tell a particular story or introduce fresh gameplay mechanics—goals that aren’t easily quantifiable but resonate deeply with players. They’re not trying to create the next technical showcase; they’re focused on making a memorable experience. This forced creativity makes indie games stand out and results in enjoyable, exciting games where you’re not thinking about whether you should refund it throughout your gameplay.
3Fewer Cash Grabs
Microtransactions are the bane of modern gaming, turning what should be a fun experience into a constant reminder of how much more money you could be spending. Thankfully, this plague is rare in indie games. Indie developers want players to fully experience what they’ve created. If there’s something to be had in the game, it’s usually available without additional costs or grinding.
This philosophy extends to downloadable content (DLC). In the indie world, DLCs are true expansions—additional content that enhances the game without detracting from the core experience. In contrast, many AAA games feel like they’re selling you parts of the game that should have been included in the first place. Theexcessive focus on microtransactionsis one of the main reasons why somany have lost faith in AAA games.
To put it into perspective, The Sims 4 Expansions, Game Packs, Stuff Packs, and Kits amount to a total of 1,194 USD, which is an exorbitant sum for a game that is a decade old.
4More Affordable Pricing
Indie games are priced more reasonably, reflecting both their lower development costs and a lack of corporate greed. WhileAAA games have pushed the baseline price to $70—and often much more if you want the “full” experience—indie games typically cost $40 or less. This makes them a safer bet, especially when you consider the risk involved with expensive AAA titles that may end up being buggy or incomplete.
With indie games, even if they have some rough edges, I’m more forgiving. The lower cost means my expectations are tempered, and ironically, I often feel I get more value from these smaller, less expensive games.
Titles like V Rising or Celeste—which both launched at under $40—offer immense replayability and a depth of experience that many AAA games struggle to match, despite their higher price tags. They may not have the flashiest graphics or the largest marketing campaigns, but they offer something far more important—a genuine, heartfelt gaming experience.
Indie games remind me why I fell in love with gaming in the first place. When I boot up a game like Hades or Disco Elysium, I know I’m about to embark on an adventure crafted by a team that truly cares about the journey they’re offering.
Of course, there are exceptions. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur’s Gate 3 have shown that AAA titles can still offer immersive and fresh experiences when they prioritize innovation and storytelling.
Still, while the allure of AAA titles may never completely fade, my heart will always lean towards the authenticity that indie games bring to the table. Ultimately, it’s not just about playing a game; it’s about experiencing something unforgettable—and that’s where indie games outshine the rest.
