What Makes a Game Not Indie?
The term "indie game" has become synonymous with independent game development, but what exactly defines an indie game? Is it the size of the development team, the budget, or the level of creative control? In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics that distinguish indie games from their AAA counterparts.
Direct Answer: What Makes a Game Not Indie?
A game is not considered indie if it meets the following criteria:
- Large Development Team: Games developed by teams of over 20-30 people are typically considered AAA, while smaller teams of 1-10 people are considered indie.
- High Budget: Games with budgets exceeding $1 million are often considered AAA, while indie games usually have budgets under $500,000.
- Franchise or Established IP: Games based on existing franchises or intellectual properties (IPs) are often considered AAA, while indie games typically create their own unique IPs.
- Publishing Deal: Games published by major publishers, such as Electronic Arts or Activision, are often considered AAA, while indie games are self-published or published by smaller, independent companies.
Characteristics of Indie Games
Indie games often share the following characteristics:
- Smaller Development Team: Indie games are typically developed by small teams of 1-10 people, allowing for more creative control and flexibility.
- Lower Budget: Indie games usually have smaller budgets, which can lead to more innovative and experimental gameplay mechanics.
- Unique IPs: Indie games often create their own unique IPs, rather than relying on existing franchises or IPs.
- Self-Publishing: Indie games are often self-published, allowing developers to maintain creative control and keep a larger share of the profits.
What Makes a Game AAA?
AAA games, on the other hand, are characterized by:
- Large Development Team: AAA games are typically developed by large teams of over 20-30 people, allowing for more complex gameplay mechanics and larger-scale productions.
- High Budget: AAA games have budgets exceeding $1 million, which enables the use of high-quality graphics, sound design, and marketing campaigns.
- Franchise or Established IP: AAA games often rely on existing franchises or IPs, which can attract a larger audience and generate more revenue.
- Publishing Deal: AAA games are often published by major publishers, which can provide additional resources and support for development and marketing.
Comparison of Indie and AAA Games
Here’s a comparison of indie and AAA games in terms of development team size, budget, and publishing deal:
| Indie Games | AAA Games | |
|---|---|---|
| Development Team Size | 1-10 people | 20-30 people |
| Budget | Under $500,000 | Over $1 million |
| Publishing Deal | Self-published or small publisher | Major publisher |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the characteristics that define an indie game include a small development team, lower budget, unique IPs, and self-publishing. AAA games, on the other hand, are characterized by large development teams, high budgets, franchise or established IPs, and publishing deals with major publishers. By understanding these differences, game developers can better determine whether their game is indie or AAA, and plan accordingly for development, marketing, and distribution.