James GordanTable of Contents
Online games and indie games might seem really different at first. Online games are often big and made by large companies, while indie games are usually created by small teams or even just one person. But they actually influence each other all the time. Indie games come up with new, creative ideas. Online games often take those ideas and make them bigger. At the same time, online games show indie developers what players like and how to keep people coming back. Let’s look at how these two types of games learn from each other and grow together.
Indie Games Start the Trends
Indie games are great at trying new things. Since indie developers don’t have to follow big company rules, they can experiment with unique stories, game styles, and features. A lot of the cool stuff you now see in big online games, like building mechanics, story choices, or new ways to play, actually started in small indie games. Once an idea works in a small game, bigger studios often pick it up and use it in online multiplayer games. In a way, indie games help shape the future of gaming by taking creative risks first.Online Stores Help Indie Games Get Noticed
In the past, it was hard for indie games to reach a big audience. But now, thanks to online stores like Steam or the App Store, indie developers can share their games with players all over the world. Gamers love trying out unique games and spreading the word online. Even if a game doesn’t have a huge budget, it can still become super popular if enough people talk about it. The internet has made it possible for small games to succeed in a big way just by being fun and different.Indie Ideas Make Online Games Better
Many online games today include features that were first seen in indie games. Things like hand-drawn art styles, relaxing music, and personal stories have made online games feel more creative and fun. Even online casino games have followed this trend.
For example, JackpotCity in Canada uses simple layouts and fun animations that are similar to those found in indie games. These small details make the experience more enjoyable and easier to use, showing how indie games have changed the way online games are designed, not just how they look, but how they feel to play.
Indie Developers Learn from Online Games Too
It’s not just a one-way street. Indie developers also learn from online games. Big online games show how to keep players interested for a long time with things like updates, online chat, or leaderboards. Now, many indie games include online co-op, live events, or shared worlds. By paying attention to how online games build community and keep things fresh, indie developers can make their games more exciting and long-lasting. This helps small games feel just as engaging as the big ones.Players Help Both Kinds of Games Grow
At the heart of both online and indie games are the players. Neither would be successful without people who love to play, share feedback, and tell others about the game. Indie games often grow because fans support them on social media or in online forums. Online games rely on players to form communities, join events, and keep the game alive. In both cases, the players become part of the journey. It’s not just about who made the game. It’s about who plays it, talks about it, and helps it grow.
Simon Leonard