Many successful indie games are developed by small teams, sometimes just one or two people, but they manage to achieve incredible things with limited resources.
Meanwhile, AAA developers, who have access to larger teams and bigger budgets, often miss the mark in certain areas.
So, what can AAA developers learn from indie games? Let's take a deeper look.
One indie game that stands out is Geometry Dash, a simple, yet addictive platformer.
By looking at Geometry Dash, we can understand how indie games can teach AAA developers some important lessons about simplicity, focus, and player experience.
The Simplicity of Geometry Dash
When you first look at Geometry Dash, it might seem basic. The game's graphics are simple, the music is upbeat, and the gameplay doesn't have much to it. But that's part of what makes it so successful.
Geometry Dash doesn't try to do too much.
Instead of overwhelming players with unnecessary mechanics, it focuses on what really matters: simple controls and tight, responsive gameplay. You control a small block that jumps over obstacles.
That's it.
But the game is hard, and players are motivated to keep trying to beat the levels, even when they fail over and over.
This is where AAA developers often go wrong.
They try to add too many features. They want to add open worlds, complex storylines, multiple character abilities, and huge maps. But in doing this, they often lose sight of what makes games fun at their core-clarity and focus.
Focus on Core Gameplay
In Geometry Dash, there are no complicated menus, no confusing storylines, and no hidden features that distract from the main objective.
The game focuses purely on the core gameplay loop: jump, avoid obstacles, and keep going.
This simplicity is incredibly effective. The fewer distractions, the easier it is for players to understand and enjoy the experience.
AAA games often try to do too much.
They add side missions, endless collectibles, and skill trees that can be overwhelming to players.
Sometimes, these additions make the core gameplay feel cluttered. Games that could have been fun end up feeling like a chore. This is where indie games like Geometry Dash can show AAA developers the value of simplicity.
Player Engagement and Challenge
One thing that makes Geometry Dash so engaging is its difficulty curve.
At first, the levels are simple. But as you progress, the difficulty ramps up. You are challenged, but not in a frustrating way. Every time you fail, it feels like a small step toward mastering the level. This keeps players coming back.
AAA developers often face challenges when creating difficulty curves.
Some games either start too hard, which discourages players, or they start too easy, which makes the game feel boring. Indie games like Geometry Dash get it right by offering a balanced challenge that matches the player's skills as they progress. This is something that AAA developers can learn from: don't make the game too easy, but also don't make it too hard. Find that sweet spot.
Less is More: The Power of Minimalism
Another lesson from Geometry Dash is the power of minimalism.
The game doesn't overwhelm you with tons of features. It doesn't try to have the best graphics or the most complex mechanics. Instead, it focuses on making its simple concept the best it can be.
When you look at AAA games, you often see teams spending millions of dollars into stunning visuals, expansive environments, and high-tech gameplay mechanics.
But are these features always necessary?
Sometimes, simplicity is the key to making a game more enjoyable.
Geometry Dash shows us that a game doesn't need to be graphically intensive or have huge budgets to be engaging. It needs to focus on a core idea and do that one thing really well.
Impact of Sound and Music
If you've ever played Geometry Dash, you know that the music is a huge part of the experience.
The game uses electronic dance music (EDM) tracks that match the rhythm of the gameplay. The beat helps guide your actions, making each jump and movement feel more satisfying. Music is one of the game's simplest elements, but it has a powerful effect on how we experience the game.
AAA games can sometimes overlook how important sound and music are in creating an atmosphere.
While AAA games often have massive soundtracks and orchestral scores, they can sometimes fail to connect the music with the gameplay itself. GD shows that sound can be a tool to enhance the player’s experience, making the gameplay more immersive and exciting.
Player Feedback and Rewards
Another aspect of GD that stands out is its player feedback system. When you complete a level, the game rewards you with a sense of achievement.
You don't need fancy cutscenes or big rewards. Instead, the satisfaction of completing a difficult level is enough to keep players motivated.
AAA games often rely on big rewards like loot boxes, achievements, or rare items. While these can be fun, sometimes they feel like distractions from the actual gameplay.
GD reminds us that the true reward is the feeling of progression. Players don't need an endless list of things to collect or unlock; they just want to know they're improving.
The Impact on AAA Games
As indie games continue to gain popularity, we're starting to see AAA developers take some of these lessons to heart.
Games like Celeste and Hollow Knight have pushed the boundaries of what an indie game can do. They show that you don't need a huge budget to create something that's both engaging and memorable.
In recent years, we've also seen larger studios adopt more minimalist designs. Games like Journey and Limbo prove that simplicity can be just as powerful as a high-budget production. These games aren't full of complex mechanics or sprawling worlds, but they manage to create deep, emotional experiences through their focus on gameplay and player engagement.
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