Why I Believe Why I Believe Making Short Indie Games Is the Way to Go: A Writer's Perspective Games Is the Way to Go: A Writer's Perspective

Hey everyone! Today, I want to share my thoughts on why I believe it’s a great idea to create short indie games instead of dedicating years to a single project. This concept isn’t entirely new; I’ve heard several game developers discuss it over the past year, but it’s something I’ve been contemplating for a long time based on my experiences as a writer and my observations of many authors in the field.

The Benefits of Short Games

Let’s explore why focusing on shorter games can be a beneficial approach. I’ve noticed that many authors are able to make a full-time living by producing a high volume of books. They often sell their books at relatively low prices—think around £2.99 for an eBook or about 4 cents a page in Kindle Unlimited. Even with these lower price points, they find success by consistently releasing new content.

As game developers, we can learn a lot from this model. If authors can produce numerous books, why can’t we create shorter games more frequently? Sure, game development is inherently more complex, but it’s not impossible! If someone can complete a game jam project in a week, developing a short game over a few months is absolutely achievable—especially when reusing assets and building on what you’ve learned.

More Opportunities for Success

One of the greatest advantages of short games is that you’re not tied to a single massive launch event. You won’t be relying on Steam to push your game to the top during just one launch week. Instead, you create multiple opportunities throughout the year to get your game noticed, opening avenues to connect with YouTubers, streamers, and gamers who might discover your work.

When you focus on creating shorter games, you’re essentially building a diverse portfolio. You’re not placing all your hopes on one title being your breakout hit. By having several projects, you create more chances for visibility, feedback, and sales. With each game, you refine your skills, learn from your mistakes, and grow your fan base.

A Practical Perspective

Let’s put this into perspective: imagine releasing 3 to 6 games in two years instead of one colossal game that takes the same amount of time to develop. That’s six opportunities for your work to be discovered, reviewed, and played! If one game doesn’t take off, the next one just might, and players who enjoy one game may explore your others, helping you build a loyal audience over time.

In my case, I’m focusing on creating short horror games as part of a series titled

Separated by Nightmares.

Each game will stand alone, allowing players to dive in at any point without needing to have played the others. This way, I’m not depending on a single title to build my brand; instead, I have multiple chances to engage players, refine my craft, and get my work seen. Additionally, I’m weaving in subtle themes that hint at deeper narratives, encouraging gamers to explore the rest of the series while still keeping each game feeling complete on its own.

Lessons Learned

From my own experience, relying on a single launch event can be risky. When I released my book,

The Swords of the Unforgotten: Memories

, I learned the hard way that depending solely on one platform for promotion can lead to underwhelming results. I don’t want to repeat that mistake with my games, which is why I'm shifting my focus toward short, standalone projects that help build my brand and fan base over time.

If you’re interested, I’ve created a free downloadable planner for the six-act structure! You can access it by subscribing to my newsletter (details are in the description), and you’re welcome to unsubscribe if it’s not for you—I’m totally okay with that.

My Free Six Act Planner

By the way, I’ve created a checklist for publishing your game!

it's completely free if you sign up for my newsletter. If you’re only interested in the guide and want to unsubscribe later, that’s absolutely fine! But if you decide to stick around, you’ll get more tips and insights from me. You can download it here: Free Game Publishing checklist.

Conclusion

So, if you’re a game developer, I encourage you to consider making shorter games. It’s less risky, less stressful, and provides you with more chances to learn, grow, and ultimately succeed. Plus, having multiple games available makes it easier to build a consistent income over time.

Thanks for reading! If you’re interested in following my journey further, consider subscribing to my newsletter. You can also check out my free planner on how to publish a game. If you’re curious about my game series, Separated by Nightmares, feel free to wishlist it! All the details are available in the links below.

Happy game developing!

Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a great day!

Interested in Starting Your Own YouTube Channel?

I’ve also written a short book on how to set up your YouTube channel, focusing on gaming and game development. If you're interested, you can find the book in the description below or check it out here:

How You Can Support My Journey

Finally, if you’re curious about my game, Separated by Nightmares: Where Duty Dies I’d love your support! Please wishlist it on Steam – it would mean the world to me, especially come launch day.

You can check it out here: Wishlist My Game

Thank you for reading, and I'll see you in my next post!