When it comes to creating a video game, immense time and effort are required when crafting digital entertainment. Though remarkable when any studio can produce an amazing game, it is inspiring to know that some of the most critically acclaimed indie games have been created by one developer. Grab your favorite fuzzy blanket, get comfy and discover five indie video games developed by one person.
Stardew Valley by Eric Barone
In 2016, video game fans were introduced to the incredible world of Stardew Valley, the indie role-playing game in which players tend to an inherited farm in the fictional town of Stardew Valley. Praised for its simplicity and player freedom to pursue multiple aspects of the game, Stardew Valley shines as one of the greatest RPGs created by one developer.
Eric Barone, or ConcernedApe, took four years to develop the game players have come to love, and drew inspiration from Harvest Moon, the classic agriculture RPG. Escape your fictional(or nonfictional) mundane life, and cultivate the 8-bit farm of your dreams in Stardew Valley, which is available on Playstation, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch, and for mobile download in the Google Play Store and App Store.
Thomas Was Alone by Mike Bithell
Explore the power of friendship as told by colorful geometric AI characters in Thomas Was Alone. Initially released in 2010 as an online browser game, the game was later released on additional platforms in 2012 following its online popularity. The game was developed by Mike Bithell, the then full-time video game developer who began creating the early version of the game in his free time.
In-game, the player controls several different colored shapes as they navigate their way through a computer mainframe. The game has been highly praised for its storytelling and gameplay, which stands as a testament to Bithell’s dedication to his creation. Thomas Was Alone is available to play on Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Undertale by Toby Fox
Journey to the Underground, in the choose-your-adventure style RPG Undertale. Known for its enthralling story, characters, and strangely hilarious internet memes, Undertale has solidified itself as one of the most iconic 2D RPG games in the past 20 years. Created by Toby Fox in 2015, the game follows a child who has fallen into the Underground, a prison realm for monsters after a war with humans, as they venture to return back to the human realm. Fox drew inspiration from Earthbound, a game he had played when he was a child. The game’s mechanics allow for players to choose whether to befriend or kill bosses, a unique feature that has rightfully earned the game praise. Choose your pixelated fate in Undertale, which is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Minecraft by Markus Persson
No list of indie games is complete without the famous Minecraft, which was originally developed by Markus Persson. Though technically no longer an indie game since being sold to Microsoft in 2014, Minecraft’s humble beginnings are duly noted. Persson was inspired by several games while creating Minecraft, such as Infiniminer and Dwarf Fortress, releasing an early version of Minecraft to YouTube in 2009, citing Infiniminer.
Though the colorful sandbox game that fans know and love has undergone many changes over the years, the legacy of Persson lives on as players continue their adventures deep into The Nether. Minecraft is available to play on Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and for mobile download in the Google Play Store and App Store.
Cave Story by Daisuke Amaya
The colorful world of Cave Story, originally released in 2004 by developer Daisuke Amaya has become a classic in regard to independent development. The game follows the unnamed main character, suffering from amnesia as they discover the world of a floating island inhabited by Mimiga, sentient, rabbit-like creatures. Amaya spent five years developing the game and designed much of the games art on his own. Since its initial release, Cave Story has since been re-released as Cave Story+ and is available to play on Steam, Nintendo Switch, and through Epic.
Sydni is a senior at the University of North Texas studying digital and print journalism. When she isn’t working hard or studying for an exam, she loves to spend time in the library with her friends, or play an excessive amount of Apex Legends. In the future, Sydni hopes to attend graduate school and earn her master’s degree in digital communication analytics.
