Cultures of independent game production: Examining the relationship between community and labour

Abstract

In this paper I aim to show the process in which independent game development is being shaped and leveraged by communities of developers. Despite digital distribution channels and the emergent markets configured around a new generation of mobile and online platforms, indie developers still struggle to develop creatively controlled games mainly by the means of more or less compromising sources of funding. Within this context, I argue that experimentation, user testing and feedback, exploration of ideas, skill acquirement, collaboration and moral support within indie communities are crucial elements of the process of game development. These features constitute the very nature of the events organised by communities, providing a series of emotional, cognitive and practical tools to deal with changing markets and work conditions. In sum, I suggest we might be witnessing the configuration of communities of production as a means by which developers seek to regain creative control over of their own labour.