Independently developed games are something of an urban legend for the less adventurous gamer, which is a big shame considering the innovation and quality offered by some of them. Sure, most everyone knows of Darwinia or World of Goo, but many just as worthy examples of a small team's creativity, never get the mainstream exposure they deserve.
The annual Independent Games Festival is one of the biggest events for every such developer, assuming they have an interest in this sort of thing in the first place, and this year's nominees are a massive 226 diverse experiences. Anything, from small, experimental web games, to adventures of epic lengths, is represented in the main event, or as one of the 145 Student Showcase entries.
Examples of the entries span already announced indie titles, including Jason Rohrer's Between, alternate reality RPG Barkley Shut Up and Jam Gaiden, visually lush point and click adventure Machinarium, and art-game I Wish I Were The Moon, through previously little-discussed titles such as Pieces Interactive's "first walk'em up" Walkie Tonky, new Nifflas-designed title Night Game, and Lexaloffle's "ecological action game" Conflux.
The official website has also been updated with a gallery that includes information, or images, about each game. It's well worth browsing, considering you may be able to find a freeware gem of a game, or discover the demo of a retail title you'd otherwise have never heard of.
All in all, this year's Independent Games Festival is a good way to be introduced to the whole independent game development concept. However, if you don't find anything that interests you -- which is highly unlikely -- don't give up hope. This is only one year, while many developers are not even into entering such contests, despite the quality of their games. Rock on, indie spirit!
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