What does it mean to be an independent developer in the age of big publishers? Does it offer greater creative liberties? Next-Gen.Biz spoke to Insomniac Games, Pandemic/Bioware, Foundation 9 and Valve...
The term "indie" isn't just about not being owned by a publisher, although that does play an important factor. The word is an idea, a mindset and a culture that is often worn as a badge of pride and a sign of freedom and free-thinking by creative types. You have the indie musician, indie writer and of course, the indie game developer.
There's also this air of myth surrounding indies of all types, that, commercialism be damned, they'll create what they want, when they want and how they want, even if it means Ramen noodle dinners for the foreseeable future.
Not so, at least for the following big independent developers, who have seen success, growth and (major) cash money, while still managing to retain that creative freedom and way of thinking that can best be described as "indie."
The new unit comprises over 500 developers representing the entire World of Warcraft development team.
I used to be anti-union, it kills productivity, investment and turns product mediocre. Their games suck anyways though so what was lost? Might as well get their people paid until they are dissolved.
Modders have cooked up something pretty special – a Wii console which is small enough to fit on your keys. A wee Wii.
Another studio has held layoffs, this time its Humble Games letting go of its entire QA team according to social media posts.
They will rehire cheaper labor during the restructuring. The stupid thing is that they are struggling and the first thing they do is lower the quality.