About this episode
Summary In this conversation, Bill and Rich discuss the definition of indie games. They explore the relationship between budget and creativity, and how it impacts the indie label. They also touch on the Triple-I Initiative and the importance of creative freedom in indie game development. The conversation highlights the subjective nature of defining indie games and the importance of celebrating the creativity and novelty they bring. In this conversation, Bill and Rich discuss various topics related to gaming, including the release of a new Prince of Persia game, the definition of indie games, Xbox's commitment to game preservation and forward compatibility, and the Stop Killing Games campaign. They also share their thoughts on the Steam Deck and ask viewers to vote on whether they would prefer a bigger battery or an OLED screen. Keywords indie games, budget, creativity, Triple-I Initiative, creative freedom, gaming, Prince of Persia, indie games, Xbox, game preservation, forward compatibility, Stop Killing Games, Steam Deck, battery life, OLED screen Takeaways The definition of indie games is subjective and can vary from person to person. Budget alone does not determine whether a game is indie or not. Creative freedom and novelty are important factors in defining indie games. The Triple-I Initiative aims to support indie games with higher budgets and name recognition. Indie games provide an opportunity to celebrate creativity and unique experiences. The gaming industry has seen the release of a new Prince of Persia game, developed by Evil Empire and backed by Ubisoft. The definition of indie games is subjective, with factors like creative freedom and financial backing playing a role. Xbox is committed to game preservation and forward compatibility, ensuring that games from previous generations can be played on future Xbox hardware. The Stop Killing Games campaign aims to prevent developers from shutting down online games without providing players with a way to continue playing. The Steam Deck, a handheld gaming PC, has sparked discussions about the importance of battery life and OLED screens. Viewers are invited to vote on whether they would prefer a bigger battery or an OLED screen for the Steam Deck. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 03:45 The Triple-I Initiative and Low Power Games 09:08 Defining Indie Games 13:12 The Subjectivity of Defining Indie Games 25:42 The Triple-I Initiative: Showcasing Larger Indie Developers 29:03 The Complex Relationship Between Budget and Creativity 32:08 Exclusivity Deals and Crowdfunding: Supporting Indie Games 33:34 The Rise of Independent Developers 36:28 Defining Indie Games 44:48 Xbox's Commitment to Game Preservation 58:13 The Stop Killing Games Campaign 01:05:12 Steam Deck: Battery or OLED? 01:07:57 Engaging with the Gaming Community