Rethinking the Indie Label in a Crowded Field
The Game Awards nominations have arrived, and the so-called “indie” category is once again under the microscope. This year’s lineup features a mix of beloved heavyweights and surprising inclusions, including Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades 2, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance. The spread raises a simple question for players and developers alike: what does it mean for a game to be labeled “indie” in 2025?
Traditionally, indie games were defined by smaller budgets, independent publishing, and a distinct creative voice that diverged from major studio productions. But as the industry has evolved, the line between indie and AAA has blurred. Crowdfunded projects, studio partners, and cross-platform releases complicate a clean division. The Game Awards nominees mirror that complexity, with several entries that push creative boundaries while enjoying broader production support than the earliest self-published titles.
The Nominees: A Mirror of an Evolving Scene
Among the nominees, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Hollow Knight: Silksong stand out for their intimate design sensibilities and strong artistic direction that many would traditionally associate with indie studios. Yet other titles on the list—Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Hades 2, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance—carry a higher profile, larger teams, or long-running fan bases. Donkey Kong Bananza, with its homage to classic platforming, broadens the spectrum even further. This mix illustrates that “indie” is less a badge of size and more a badge of approach: risk-taking, originality, and a distinctive authorial voice.
The tension is not just about budget; it’s about who controls the creative process, who brings a singular vision, and how those visions connect with players. When a seed of an idea grows into a polished experience with wide distribution, does it stop being indie? Or does its indie spirit persist in concept and iteration, even if the project scales up in scope?
What This Says About the Industry
Industry observers note that the very existence of such a diverse Game of the Year field signals a shift in where audiences find novelty. The indie label has always helped players discover experimental gameplay, fresh narratives, and unconventional aesthetics. Today, however, major platforms and publishers often champion unique experiences from teams of varying sizes, eroding the easy binary between indie and mainstream.
For developers, the evolving meaning of indie offers both opportunity and risk. On the plus side, creative freedom and a loyal audience can thrive even with larger production values. On the downside, the pressure to appear “indie” in branding while delivering blockbuster polish can create conflicting priorities. The nomination landscape this year suggests that success is increasingly tied to how well a studio communicates its artistic intent, rather than sticking to a conventional definition of indie.
What This Means for Players
For fans, the changing semantics can be liberating. The priority shifts from labels to experiences: which game offers a captivating universe, responsive systems, and memorable moments? If the trend continues, players may start seeking quality and originality in a broader spectrum of titles, no longer constrained by a box on a shelf labeled “indie.”
As the awards approach, the conversation around indie is likely to intensify. Expect debates about funding, publishing, and creative control to accompany discussions of who deserves the Game of the Year crown. In the end, what matters most is the enduring impact of the games themselves—their ability to surprise, challenge, and delight players long after the credits roll.
Bottom Line
The Game Awards nominations underscore a shifting reality: indie is not a size or a wall in a marketplace, but a spirit of experimentation that can exist anywhere. Whether through Clair Obscur or Hollow Knight, the term may be evolving, but the appetite for bold, original games remains strong.
