How Indie Developers Survive the Game Market?

So, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla just release their brand new trailer a week ago. This incredible trailer got a lot of positive feedback and so much attention from people around the world. This situation, makes me think about the fate of the indie developers out there who strive to survive with the games they created. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will have a better chance to have a player than the indie games. After a couple of research, I roughly got the answer on how indie developers survive the game market.

Good Game

Indie developers need to explore and create a new type of game experience. That’s why indie developers are known for taking risks and make innovative games. Games like Baba Is You, Undertale, Subnautica are known for their new innovative gameplay experience. They will try to create something different from other games, but also fun.

If an indie developer got their signature game, the one game that attracts a lot of people, they will maintain the game by giving them updates and DLCs. It’s the game that shows the developer’s profile and it will always remain the developer’s bread and butter.

Stay Connected

Social media is a powerful tool to grow and maintain followers. Many indie developers love to share their updates and news through social media like Reddit, Facebook, and Instagram. Not only that, but indie developers love to share their fanarts. When indie developer maintains their social network, their fans will grow, and many will buy the game and even befriend with the developer.

Not only social media, but indie developers also attend several game expos like Gamescom, Tokyo Game Show, and E3. From the event, people who attend will come to the booth and test the game, giving feedbacks, and even having an interview with the developer. Even the booth won’t be crowded as Cyberpunk’s booth, but it is a good method to grow followers.

Wishlist the Game

When the developers are nearly done with the game, they create a trailer to promote the game. The trailer is a good example to make players wishlist the game on steam. The game doesn’t need to be on steam but it’s just for example. People who wishlist the game will receive an email and notification that the game is downloadable, which creates a new player or the game.

Earn Money from Games

From my research on some of the indie developers out there, in 1 week, an indie developer will make around $1K with a decent follower. It won’t be worth the time spent on the game, but it was a great start for an indie developer. From their first game, they will learn many things about players, retention, and much more about game marketing. Indie developers will earn around $10K from the second game and they’ll earn more every game they created.

Sell Merch

Merch like T-shirts, plushies, and other stuff will boost your exposure to the game. Even this is not the major income for the developer, but it will cover a major outcome for taxes and other administration purposes. Some developers like to give away the merch on their social media. It will boost their exposure and get recognition from people around the world.