The Curious Case of Indie Games Backed by Billionaires

The Illusion of Independence

As gamers, we often celebrate the creativity and innovation brought forth by independent game developers. However, a closer look at some popular titles reveals that they may not be as indie as we thought.

Take Clair Obscur, for instance. Its founder is none other than the son of a man owning several companies. Does this make him an "indie" developer? I think not. The line between independent and backed-by-a-billionaire can be blurry, but it's essential to acknowledge when big money is involved.

Peak Performance

Remember Peak, that popular brain-training app? It was developed by two veteran studios under the umbrella of a well-known gaming company. While the game itself may have been innovative, its development process was far from independent.

Nexon's Dave the Diver

Nexon, an Asian-based gaming giant, published Dave the Diver. Now, I'm not saying that the game isn't enjoyable - it is! But let's be honest; when a major corporation like Nexon gets involved, "indie" loses its charm.

The Problem with Backed-by-Billionaires Indie Games

The issue lies in the fact that these games often receive funding and resources that regular indie developers can only dream of. This creates an unfair playing field, where big-budget games can outshine smaller, more innovative projects. It's not about stifling creativity or innovation; it's about acknowledging the reality.

What's Next?

As gamers, we should be aware of these backed-by-billionaires indie games and call them out for what they are. Let's celebrate true independent game developers who risk everything to bring their vision to life. And hey, there's nothing wrong with enjoying a well-crafted game, even if its creators have some big-name backing.