In our “Making Indie” series, we invite game developers and publishers to speak directly to our readers about what it means to be an independent game developer. Our readers include video game developers, video game fans, and players just passionate about video games. See all of our “Making Indie” segments here.
Contents
- Introducing Mike Strollart
- What does “Making Indie” mean to you?
- What do you draw upon for inspiration?
- What advice can you give to new indie game developers?
- What challenges and rewards did developing Below The Stone bring you?
- What effect do you think AI is having on gaming?
- What effect is AI having on video game programing?
- What effect do you think AI is having on video game graphics specifically?
- Do you think AI is contributing to recent game industry layoffs?
- What challenges are facing game publishers today?
- How are platforms such as Steam and Epic affecting game development?
- Learn more about Below The Stone
Tells us about yourself and your current game project.
My name is Mike Strollart. I am President and Game Director of Strollart Studios, a video game studio located in New Jersey, USA. I lead a team of six like-minded and dedicated game development professionals. We have been been independent (Indie) game developers for over 8 years now.
Our latest game title is Below the Stone a cool dungeon crawler that we’re developing on the Unity game engine platform, funded by a successful KICKSTARTER campaign, and published in partnership with Apogee Entertainment.
See below for more about this cool game!
What does “Making Indie” mean to you?
I would define “Making Indie” as being in full control of your game project at all times and the willingness to listen to your team and players. It is born of inspiration, freedom, and flexibility. It always leads to something fresh and different, whether it’s an innovative game mechanic or a new art style. When “Making Indie” is done well, your contribution helps propel the genre forward!
What do you draw upon for inspiration?
I find inspiration in movies, stories, and art. During the development process, I want to recreate the feelings I had when I won big, or when I conquered something difficult. I love the idea of creating something special that people can experience and enjoy.
What advice can you give to new indie game developers?
Put yourself and your project out for the world to see. Many do not make this important first step. That is how we got to where we are today. Believe in yourself and your project and do not worry about the “what ifs”. This is one of the best way to make it as an Indie game developer. Always be on the lookout for connections and opportunities and ways to benefit from them. This is how we partnered with publisher Apogee Entertainment.
What challenges and rewards did developing Below The Stone bring you?
Funding was our biggest challenge. Long term development of a large game on a small budget has been our hardest challenge. The most rewarding is having a community that loves what we make. We want to make an amazing game that we know players will adore. We want Below The Stone to be that “hidden dwarven gem” that shines bright in the rogue-like genres.
What effect do you think AI is having on gaming?
Some game developers find AI to be frightening, and I can sympathize with their concerns. Currently though, I think AI, if given the opportunity, would come up with some very awful video games. However, I would also tell them that they stand at one of those unique moments in history. A moment when they can embrace AI technology and with it, create some amazing video games!
What effect is AI having on video game programing?
Programmers are already using AI to do quick tests or make mock-ups of the code they will use in their games, though I haven’t seen it copy-pasted into them quite yet. In the next five years, I expect that between 10% and 15% of code will be generated directly by artificial intelligence.
What effect is AI having on game graphics specifically?
Developers already use AI-generated graphics for backgrounds, textures, and assets. While I think the percentage right now is quite low (under 2%), I could see 50% of games having some level of AI generated graphics in subtle ways.
Do you think AI is contributing to the recent industry layoffs?
In my opinion, AAA studios feel they are bloated. A lot of talent could be hired very quickly when the economy was prosperous – but when the games are done, it’s difficult to keep 100+ employees around during early development for another big project. As I see it, this is a natural cycle. I think people will get their jobs back, whether with another company or with the one they left.
In my opinion, only 10% (or less) of current layoffs are due to AI. I don’t think it’s capable enough to destroy the industry outright. In the end, however, this tool will lead to more game developers, and learning it will be crucial to our careers.
What challenges are facing game publishers today?
Both big and small publishers are feeling this massive pressure from changes in the industry. The “Traditional” methods publishers use will need to be altered to remain competitive. This is expected in any changing industry, but video games are particularly volatile. We saw “Lethal Company” outselling “Modern Warfare 3”, something we’d never have thought possible 10 years ago. Established Indie studios are going to see their value increase 5-10-fold in the coming years.
I also think we will see AAA studios and publishers change their strategy in the next few years. Publishers will become more like developers for several reasons. Mostly because the entry barrier for indie developers entering the market is quite low. More AAA studios may wager on indie games (Dave the Diver, for example).
How are platforms such as Steam and Epic affecting game development?
Currently, Steam is our largest market. Selling Below the Stone during major updates has helped us tremendously. It has also given us many early access testing opportunities that we use to improve the game and make it better for our players.
Learn more about Below The Stone
In Below the Stone, dwarves search for the deepest depths in a pixel-art roguelike. The hidden world that lies below the stone will reward only those most determined dwarves who have lost many lives. This is where each and every descent will lead to new adventures.
Below the Stone by Strollart Studios and Apogee Entertainment is a miner’s delight and graphically sweet dungeon crawler that will keep you absorbed for hours! It’s not easy, but nothing rewording ever is! I’m glad I added this game to my pick list. Now where did put my pick axe! – Donnie, Editor, GameForce.blog | See our full page write-up on Below the Stone!
