Can an independent publisher be mainstream?
We’re getting close to wrapping up my second game for Shrapnel Games, and neither one is a wargame. Actually, neither one has anything to do with killing, or violence of any kind. Does that mean I’m against violence in video games? Hell no! I love strategy, war and RPG games more than anything. Also, I think GTA 3+ are the best video games ever made.
I guess that with all of the violence in games, I don’t feel as compelled to create a game with even more of it. At least right now. I want to make a game that somebody hasn’t already made. I want to reach an audience that doesn’t realize it existed until my game is released. Of course, this is a huge gamble, but I guess that’s what independent game development is all about.
Everybody knows that the major publishers just wait for the next big thing, then try to copy it anyways. Who’s to say that the next big thing won’t come from a small publisher like Shrapnel Games? I’m not saying that my next game will be the next big thing, but who knows? I mean, look at The Sims. Who knew that such a mundane “game” would do so well? Not me, that’s for sure.
But one good thing came out of The Sims. It really opened the industry’s eyes to another demographic that has been practically ignored…women. Hmmm. Maybe I can get women to like my new game… then maybe I’ll get lots of chicks. Sounds like a good plan. I guess only time will tell.
Stay tuned for more news from Shrapnel Games regarding my new project. It is yet to be announced.