Sustaining a Career as an Independent Game Developer across Two Decades
In the dynamic world of video game development, Size Five Games, a UK-based independent studio, has carved out a niche for itself with its unique and engaging indie games. Founded by Dan Marshall in his spare room, the studio has grown from humble beginnings to become a significant player in the industry.
Marshall's journey into game development began at the tender age of 24, when he started learning C++ from the book "C++ for Dummies". His first foray into the industry was with Size Five Games, previously known as Zombie Cow, and his first game, Privates, a free twin-stick shooter designed to engage children with educational content.
Size Five's breakthrough came with the smash hit, The Swindle. Released in 2014, the game was a polarizing success, dividing critics and players alike. Yet, it proved to be Size Five's greatest financial success. Despite this, Size Five's follow-up, Lair of the Clockwork God, did not quite achieve the same level of success, despite being critically acclaimed.
Marshall's approach to game development has been instrumental in Size Five's success. He focuses on creating distinctive indie games with humor and originality, such as Gunpoint and The Swindle, which garnered critical acclaim and loyal fanbases. His adaptability and iteration, often seeking direct community feedback to improve his games, have also been key factors.
Operating with a minimal team allowed Size Five to remain financially sustainable during the volatile market shifts common in indie gaming. Marshall's commitment to community engagement and transparency has also helped build a supportive community that sustained interest over time. Diversifying platforms by releasing games on multiple digital storefronts and platforms (PC, consoles) expanded their reach.
Marshall believes that changing the protagonists of Lair of the Clockwork God might have increased its financial success. He also acknowledges that multiplayer games are not financially viable for most indie developers due to their difficulty in development and marketing.
Size Five's endurance in the industry can be credited to a certain thriftiness, hiring outside help only in short bursts. Marshall wonders whether Size Five's endurance can also be attributed to the lessons learned from meetings with men in suits about condom hats.
Ben There, Dan That! and Time Gentlemen, Please!, developed by Size Five Games, revived the LucasArts-style adventure genre. These games, along with The Swindle, established Marshall's comic voice, known for breezy, flippant dialogue. However, one of his games, "Behold the Kickmen", received a 26% review score from PC Gamer.
Jeremy Peel, an award-nominated freelance journalist who has been writing and editing for PC Gamer over the past several years, has covered many of Size Five's games, including their smash hit, The Swindle. His greatest success during that period was a pandemic article called "Every type of Fall Guy, classified".
As Size Five Games continues to innovate and push boundaries in the indie gaming scene, it remains a beacon of success for independent developers worldwide.
- In the ever-changing landscape of professional video game development, Size Five Games' focus on unique, humor-infused indie games has helped them garner a significant presence in the industry.
- Prioritizing education and self-development, Dan Marshall initially honed his game development skills through the book "C++ for Dummies," eventually venturing into the indie gaming world with Size Five Games.
- Despite the mixed reception to Lair of the Clockwork God, Size Five Games' smash hit, The Swindle, proved to be a financial triumph and a testament to Marshall's adaptability and community engagement.
- As Size Five Games persists in pushing boundaries in the indie gaming scene, they offer a shining example of career development for independent game developers worldwide.
