This site is dedicated to presenting and preserving the indie games of the late 1990s and early 2000s. It serves as an archive of this impactful era, honoring the creative and ambitious minds of independent developers.
What are indie games?
Indie games, short for independent video games, are video games created by individual creators or small development teams. They typically lack the funding of large game publishers. This site primarily focuses on PC indie games from the late 1990s and early 2000s—an era when the internet was emerging from its infancy and grassroots indie development was beginning to take off.
A History of Indie Games
1960s to 1980s
Pioneer Era
The roots of indie game development trace back to the early days of computing. One of the earliest examples was Spacewar! (1962), originally created by MIT students and staff. As the source code was shared with other institutions, each group made its own modifications. Little did they know, they were making history.
By the 1980s, the rise of home computers like the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Apple II gave individual developers the tools to create and share games. These games were often distributed through magazines, floppy disks, and bulletin board systems.
1990s
Early Digital Era
As personal computing became more widespread, so did independent game development. The rise of shareware distribution helped small developers to reach larger audiences, with early game development tools such as RPG Maker made it easier for hobbyists to create and distribute their games. As the internet grew, indie developers turned to personal websites and online forums to share their creations.
Early 2000s
Indie Breakthrough
With the rise of broadband internet, independent games became easier than ever to create and distribute. The web flourished with Flash games, while freeware titles fostered dedicated audiences through blogs and online communities. Many indie games from this period experimented with gameplay mechanics, unique art styles, and storytelling. While the industry was still dominated by large publishers, the work of independent developers was finally being recognized.
Mid to late 2000s
Golden Era
By the mid-2000s, indie games had become mainstream. With the rise of digital storefronts such as Steam, Xbox Live Arcade, and the Apple App Store, independent developers could now distribute their games with ease. Indie titles began to gain commercial success, demonstrating that small teams and solo developers could rival major studios.
Present
In the present day, the internet is well aware of modern indie hits such as Undertale, Hollow Knight, Celeste, Hades, and Stardew Valley, all of which have achieved both critical and commercial success. With game engines like Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot, independent game creation is more accessible than ever. Indie games are no longer a niche but a driving force in the gaming industry.