Making games alone or in small teams.
WHAT IT REQUIRES
Breadth across disciplines Finishing discipline Financial runway Marketing effort Tolerance for uncertainty
WHAT THE COMMERCIAL REALITY IS
Most independent games do not earn a living.
WHY THAT MUST BE FACED
Planning otherwise leads to avoidable hardship.
WHAT REDUCES THE RISK
Small scope, so projects finish Releasing regularly rather than once Building an audience across projects Other income while building
WHAT TO DECIDE
Whether this is a business or a practice.
WHY THAT DISTINCTION MATTERS
It changes what you make and how you make it.
WHAT CONTRACT WORK PROVIDES
Income while building skills and relationships.
WHAT IT COSTS
Time not spent on your own work.
WHAT FUNDING SOURCES EXIST
Publishers Platform funds Grants, where available Crowdfunding Self-funding
WHAT CROWDFUNDING REQUIRES
An existing audience, and something convincing to show.
WHY
Campaigns with neither fail.
WHAT TO BUDGET FOR
Longer than planned, and marketing.
