As consumers in the digital age, we are often spoilt for choice. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the world of games. Every year, thousands of new titles are launched into the marketplace, each one passionately created by a dedicated team of developers who believe in their product. Yet, paradoxically, the sheer volume of great games creates a problem for players. In the tumultuous sea of games, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for developers to get their games noticed and for players to find games that align with their interests.
The Embarrassment of Riches
There is no shortage of talent in the world of game development. From small, independent creators to huge AAA studios, developers all over the globe are continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming. This has led to an influx of high-quality games. From immersive RPGs, fast-paced shooters, and heartwarming indie games to complex strategy games and casual mobile games, there’s something for everyone.
However, the enormous volume of games being created poses a significant challenge. With so many options available, the attention of gamers tends to be focused on the most popular or most heavily marketed games, usually created by top mobile and AAA studios.
The Indie Dilemma
While the rise of independent game development has given birth to some truly innovative and creative games, these often struggle to find their audience amidst the sea of better-known titles. Despite their quality, indie games are often drowned out by the thunderous noise of more mainstream games.
Occasionally, an indie game manages to break through and captivate a broader audience, becoming a surprise hit. But for every indie success story, there are countless other games of equal or greater quality that never find the audience they deserve.
The Advertising Conundrum
One of the key factors in a game’s success is visibility, which is often driven by advertising. Yet advertising has only gotten more challenging in the saturated gaming market. With thousands of games vying for attention, it’s becoming increasingly difficult and expensive for developers to make their games stand out. Additionally, the ongoing battle for visibility often leads to a disproportionate amount of advertising spend being funneled into games from larger studios, further overshadowing smaller indie games.
A New Path Forward
So, what’s the solution? The industry needs a new approach, a system that better matches players with games that align with their tastes and preferences. This is no small task; it requires a shift in the way we market, discover, and distribute games.
Improved curation and personalization algorithms could be one part of the solution. By leveraging the data on players’ preferences and behaviors, platforms could better recommend games that match their interests.
Additionally, diversifying marketing strategies could help. This could include strategies such as influencer partnerships, community engagement, or hosting gaming events that help showcase a wider range of games.
Lastly, support for indie developers in terms of visibility, resources, and networking opportunities can give these underdogs a fighting chance. Initiatives like indie-focused gaming festivals, development grants, and partnerships between indie developers and bigger studios or platforms could help level the playing field.
Conclusion
The issue isn’t that there are too many good games — the issue is that our current methods of game discovery and promotion aren’t equipped to handle the abundance. Indie games need to work together to compete in this crowded market.
We need to embrace cooperation and give players the games they deserve.
There are Too Many Good Games: Navigating the Deluge of Talent was originally published in gam3on on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
Hello Topper,
very good read! And yes its hard for indie games to surface amongst the sea of games out there. I believe at 8Bit Arcade we are somewhat on the way to helping/solving part of the issue indie games have with visibility. There is no single solution but a collaborative effort in a buoyant sector with the necessary resources and contacts can make all the difference.
I'd love to know more about the game you are working on?
Here is my telegram handle if you want to reach out: @Bryant_Russell
Regards, Russell
Hi Topper,
yes, funnily I'd already come across your project a couple of weeks back. Think I may have been on a twitter spaces you were speaking in.
Anyhow, here is my telegram: https://t.me/Bryant_Russell
or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-bryant-52419a24b/
Please connect and we can arrange a call sometime.
Regards, Russell