Can You Really Make It Big in Games?

Editor's Note: A Reflection on Making It Big In Games in 2024

There have been a great many success stories of solo developers and small indie teams in the nearly 20 years since the original 2006 article, with several standouts in that time period who undeniably made it BIG in games:

Markus Persson ("Notch") (creator of Minecraft):
In 2009, Persson released Minecraft on the TIGSource forums after making a string of smaller games over the years that saw little to no commercial success. By 2014, he had grown the Minecraft game (and the company Mojang that he created to service it) to such great heights that he sold it to Microsoft for a cool 2.5 billion dollars, netting himself personally an estimated 1.3 billion dollars... and yes, that is billion with a b.
Eric Barone ("ConcernedApe") (creator of Stardew Valley):
Eric Barone, under the moniker ConcernedApe, developed Stardew Valley over four years as a solo project. Released in 2016, the farming simulation game drew inspiration from the Harvest Moon series and quickly became a commercial success. It has sold over 20 million copies across various platforms, turning Barone into a renowned figure in the gaming world.
Toby Fox (creator of Undertale):
In 2015, Toby Fox released Undertale, a quirky RPG that subverted traditional gameplay mechanics and storytelling. Developed almost entirely by Fox himself, the game became a massive hit, praised for its innovative design and emotional depth. It sold over a million copies within its first year and has since become a beloved classic in the indie game community.
Lucas Pope (creator of Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn):
Lucas Pope made a name for himself with the release of Papers, Please in 2013, a dystopian document thriller that won multiple awards and garnered critical acclaim. He followed this success with Return of the Obra Dinn in 2018, a monochromatic mystery game that was also met with widespread praise. Both titles have cemented Pope's reputation as an innovative and successful indie developer.
Matt Thorson and Noel Berry (creators of Celeste):
In 2018, Matt Thorson and Noel Berry, along with a small team, released Celeste, a challenging platformer that quickly became a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its tight controls, compelling story, and representation of mental health issues. It won several awards, including Best Independent Game at The Game Awards 2018, and has sold over a million copies.
Supergiant Games (creators of Bastion, Transistor, and Hades):
While Supergiant Games is a small team rather than a solo developer, their journey is noteworthy. Founded in 2009, the studio gained fame with their debut game Bastion in 2011. They continued to build their reputation with Transistor (2014) and Pyre (2017), but their biggest success came with Hades in 2020. Hades won numerous Game of the Year awards and sold over a million copies, showcasing the potential for small teams to achieve massive success.

Since 2006, the landscape of game development has changed dramatically, making it more accessible than ever for indie developers to find success. Advances in technology, widespread access to development tools, and the rise of digital distribution platforms have lowered the barriers to entry. Now, more than ever, solo developers and small teams can make a living—and even thrive—by creating and selling their games. The explosion of online communities and social media has also provided developers with powerful tools to promote their work and connect directly with players.

In 2024 we are still seeing continued success stories of developers making hit games and earning themselves the security they need to continue doing what they love for many years to come:

LocalThunk (creator of Balatro):
In February of 2024, LocalThunk released Balatro, a game that quickly captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. Developed over two and a half years, Balatro sold over 250,000 copies in its first three days and reached 500,000 copies in less than two weeks. Available across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, the game's universal appeal and accessibility have been key to its success.
PlayWithFurcifer (creator of Backpack Battles):
In April of 2024, PlayWithFurcifer released Backpack Battles, a game that sold 100,000 copies within two days and achieved an "overwhelmingly positive" rating on Steam with over 2,700 reviews. The developer's proactive community engagement through YouTube and Discord, as well as strategic collaborations with other indie games, have been instrumental in the game's success.

These examples highlight that with passion, creativity, and perseverance, making it big in games is not just a dream but a tangible reality for many indie developers today.

For many aspiring game developers, the question looms large: "Can you really make it big in games?" Success stories of companies like Electronic Arts, Sierra, and Activision illustrate how humble beginnings can lead to industry leadership, blending innovation with serendipity to achieve greatness.

Bobby Kotick's Ambitious Journey

Consider Bobby Kotick's story, revealed during a conversation at a Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Kotick ambitiously took over the struggling Mediagenic, transforming it into what is now known as Activision. This bold move not only revitalized the company but also propelled Kotick into significant wealth. While inspiring, Kotick's path, marked by financial acumen and elite networking, is less typical in the gaming world.

Garr Godfrey's Approachable Success

Contrastingly, Garr Godfrey, a former Microsoft programmer, ventured into game development, producing simple yet engaging games. His company, Gamehouse, was eventually acquired by Real for $35MM. Godfrey's journey, shared at IndieGamesCon, serves as a relatable success story, demonstrating how small-scale projects can find their audience and achieve remarkable success.

Addressing Modern Skepticism

In today's rapidly evolving gaming landscape, skepticism about replicating such success is understandable. However, "Make It Big In Games" emphasizes that opportunities for innovation still abound. Our goal is to equip aspiring developers with practical strategies, from game conceptualization to team assembly and navigating post-launch dynamics, focusing on actionable advice over mere inspiration.

The Indie Development Evolution

We've seen independent game development grow from an uncertain venture into a recognized industry sector. This shift highlights the vast opportunities available to indie developers to make their mark.

Future Directions

Upcoming posts will explore comprehensive tactics, and we will foster a vibrant community for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

As we step into 2006, the game development landscape is teeming with potential. "Make It Big In Games" is here to guide, inspire, and support the next wave of developers eager to make their mark in the gaming industry.

First published January 17, 2006 and last updated at May 17, 2024

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