Indie game development has come a long way over the past few decades. In the early days, developers often had limited resources, both in terms of time and money. As a result, they relied on creative solutions to build their games. While today’s developers have access to powerful game engines and tools, indie developers in the past had to make do with whatever software was available, sometimes using unconventional methods.
Let’s take a look at some of the software that indie game developers used in the past to bring their creative visions to life.
1. Game Maker Studio (1999)
Game Maker (originally released in 1999) was a revolutionary tool for indie game developers. It was one of the first user-friendly software programs designed specifically for creating games without requiring advanced programming skills.
- What it offered: Game Maker provided a drag-and-drop interface, which made it accessible to both novice and experienced developers. It was particularly popular for 2D games and helped give rise to games like Spelunky and Undertale.
- Why it worked for indie developers: It offered a low barrier to entry, allowing indie developers to focus more on creativity than coding. The built-in scripting language also provided flexibility for developers who wanted to customize their games further.
2. Clickteam’s Multimedia Fusion (1995)
Another notable tool for early indie developers was Multimedia Fusion, later known as Clickteam Fusion. Originally released in 1995, it allowed developers to create both games and interactive applications without needing advanced coding knowledge.
- What it offered: The software had a visual interface with a drag-and-drop system for creating game mechanics. It also supported basic coding through an easy-to-understand scripting language.
- Why it worked for indie developers: Like Game Maker, Multimedia Fusion made game development more accessible. Developers could create 2D games without a heavy technical background. Games like The Sims were built using similar tools in their early stages before larger engines took over.
3. Adobe Flash (1996)
Adobe Flash was once a powerhouse for creating interactive web content, and it became an essential tool for indie game development, especially in the early 2000s.
- What it offered: Flash provided an easy way to create games using vector graphics and animation. Flash games could be embedded in websites, making them highly accessible to players. ActionScript, Flash’s programming language, allowed for some level of interactivity and logic within the games.
- Why it worked for indie developers: Flash made it incredibly easy to distribute games online. Developers could create small, simple games and share them for free or for a small fee. This led to the rise of Flash game portals like Newgrounds, where many indie developers found an audience early on.
4. RPG Maker (1988)
RPG Maker is a software series that has been around since 1988, and it’s still widely used today. Initially created in Japan, it was designed for those interested in creating their own role-playing games (RPGs).
- What it offered: RPG Maker came with pre-built tilesets, characters, and a turn-based combat system that developers could customize to create their own RPGs. It also featured a simple scripting system to add more complex features.
- Why it worked for indie developers: RPG Maker simplified the process of creating RPGs. For aspiring indie developers who loved classic RPGs like Final Fantasy, it provided a quick and easy way to bring their ideas to life. It also helped foster a community of developers and players that shared their games and experiences.
5. Doom Engine (1993)
The Doom Engine was initially developed for the 1993 first-person shooter Doom, and it became a powerful tool for aspiring indie developers. While the engine itself was not specifically designed for indie developers, it was made available to the public and was later used by many game creators to develop their own games.
- What it offered: The Doom Engine was a 3D game engine that allowed for the creation of immersive first-person shooters. It included tools for creating game levels, sprites, and basic gameplay mechanics.
- Why it worked for indie developers: The release of the Doom Engine was a game-changer for indie developers. It provided developers with access to sophisticated game-building tools for free, making it one of the first instances where developers could make their own commercial games using existing technology. Games like Heretic and Hexen were built on the Doom Engine, showing how indie developers could create engaging FPS games.
6. Unity (2005)
While Unity is considered modern-day software for indie developers, it revolutionized the game development process when it first launched in 2005.
- What it offered: Unity provided an intuitive interface, allowing developers to create both 2D and 3D games with ease. It also offered compatibility with multiple platforms (PC, consoles, mobile devices, etc.), making it a go-to tool for indie game developers. Unity’s asset store also helped provide developers with ready-made assets that saved time.
- Why it worked for indie developers: Before Unity, indie developers had to build game engines from scratch or rely on more expensive commercial game engines. Unity’s flexible pricing model and powerful features allowed independent game creators to develop and release games that would’ve previously been impossible without major financial backing.
Conclusion
In the past, indie game developers didn’t have access to the powerful engines and development tools that are available today. Instead, they used software like Game Maker, Multimedia Fusion, and RPG Maker to create their own games. Platforms like Flash helped distribute these games to a wider audience, while engines like Doom Engine allowed for more complex creations.
As technology advanced, tools like Unity and Unreal Engine began to democratize game development further, making it easier for indie developers to create and release their games across multiple platforms.
The software available to indie developers in the past has paved the way for today’s thriving indie game scene. And as the industry continues to evolve, who knows what future tools will help shape the next generation of indie games?
