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Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction

Indie Developers and AAA Games: The Shift in Gaming Industry Trends

Indie Developers and AAA Games: The Shift in Gaming Industry Trends

Gaming has become a massive industry, with millions of players worldwide. However, many aspects of gaming remain shrouded in mystery for those unfamiliar with it. This article aims to demystify some of these complex concepts by using everyday language and engaging metaphors or analogies.

Gaming Platforms and MMR

  • Gaming platforms like League of Legends (LoL) have ways to let players know their MMR (Matchmaking Rating) without revealing the exact number.
  • Each player is assigned to one of two teams, with multiple lanes containing computer-controlled NPCs (Non-Player Characters) in some modes. The aim is to level up, obtain gold, defeat the other team, and destroy their Nexus.

AAA Games

  • AAA games are triple-A rated, meaning they have a high level of quality, graphics, and gameplay. They are developed and published by big companies like Riot Games (LoL).
  • Indie games make up 40% of all units sold on Steam, indicating a shift towards smaller, more creative titles.

Generational Changing of Gamer Behaviors

  • The younger the gamer, the more likely they prefer multiplayer games. This shift has been observed over the past five years, with a rise in tools for creating games and indie developers.

Mental Health and Representation in Gaming

  • Mental health is an essential aspect of gaming, and representation matters. Games like LoL aim to send positive messages and share feelings with players while making sure the game itself is fun.
  • Developers learned various skills like programming, organization, logic, animations, and creative writing while working on the game.

Assets and Dialogue System

  • The game’s assets could be improved, and the dialogue system needs to be reworked for smoother controls and better support for mobile phone input.

In summary, gaming has evolved into a complex industry with various platforms, genres, and player preferences. While some aspects remain mysterious to outsiders, understanding the basics of gaming can help demystify these complex concepts. By using everyday language and engaging analogies, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the world of gaming without oversimplifying the subject matter.