What, it’s Thursday already? You know what that means – it’s almost the weekend. I just hope this weekend is like last, where I refuse to get dressed and play games all day. Ah, good times. Until then, here’s the latest indie news.
At the end of last week, Xbox South Africa published their new podcast, and this time is was a spotlight on local indies. Featuring Steven Tu, Michael De Jager, Julian Pritchard and Dave Russel, the podcast covers development approaches and what you should do if you want to be an indie developer. Go listen over on soundcloud.
In international indie news, the issues of women in gaming are back again, this time in the form of stereotyping. I think Mike Bithell approached it well in his editorial explaining that games work on a foundation of metaphors for real life and need to be based on shared prejudices and beliefs to be accessible. Maybe one day we will see less sexist game design, but it will only work when our preconceived notions have changed, too.
But what if you’re designing a game for someone with prejudiced expectations? You almost certainly are, as all of us have them. Arguably, damsels in distress are an excellent design solution for giving an objective to someone with a prejudice that women are in need of protection
Good news over on Steam – more games got the Greenlight! It seems like the process is moving more quickly over on Greenlight, definitely a good sign for indies. Which reminds me – go vote for games that you like! Community support is a big part of the approval process, plus it’s good to be involved.
In games, we’ve got a squad-based new indie from Canadian team Hyper Hippo – Mech Mice. They’re running a strange scavenger hunt to find all the pieces of the map, for those who like to get involved.
Looking to get your hands on some cheap games? Humble Bundle 7 is out with games that will run on PC, Mac and Linux. Honestly, there isn’t anything there that made me need to insta-buy this bundle. Rather, head on over to Bundle Stars and pick up the Indie Jam 3 Bundle – R50 and I can get Sanctum and Dear Esther? SOLD!
Finally, show your support for indies by watching people play them. And by people, I mean us. And by us, I mean Darryn and me. Darryn has been pointing and clicking his way through Goodbye Deponia while I have been gasping my way through Knock Knock. If you aren’t subscribed to our YouTube channel, you really should be.
Last Updated: October 17, 2013
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Admiral Chief Ninja
October 17, 2013 at 13:46
I need some SANCTUM brothers to jam with, who is with me?
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 17, 2013 at 13:56
That Humble Bundle has The Bard’s Tale – which includes the original 3 games too. If you don’t think that game is worth it, then.. ahem… “It’s bad luck to be you!”
Zoe, I saw a game up for pre-order on Steam last night called Contrast. It looks freaking amazing. It’s a 2D/3D puzzle platformer, where the 2D bits take place using shadows created & manipulated in the 3D portion, and you can switch between 2D/3D on the fly.
Rock789
October 17, 2013 at 13:56
Zoe – are the rest of the vids of your Knock Knock playthrough up? I watched the first Episode of your exploits and:
a. It looks like a really good game.
b. I loved your commentary about what was going on (actually, it almost hightens the tension in the video).
Great vid! Very keen to check out the rest of the playthrough. 🙂
Her Highness the Hipster
October 17, 2013 at 16:37
episode 2 is up! although this one is without as much gasping. episode 3 will go up soon… and i think will include my absolute horror moments
Rock789
October 17, 2013 at 16:39
Shweet – will check it out tonight. Keep em coming – as I said, really good vid! 🙂
P.S. Yes, you gotta keep some horror moments in there. Those are the best part! 🙂
TiMsTeR1033
October 17, 2013 at 13:56
*Wonders if should make a new Indie Zoe Header
Her Highness the Hipster
October 17, 2013 at 17:55
totally! let me know when you have time and i’ll send you more pictures *wags eyebrows*
TiMsTeR1033
October 18, 2013 at 07:56
Should have time today lol
Alukard Neck Nympho MD
October 17, 2013 at 15:40
Great indie articles. Humble Bundles rock! Double Fine has a new game green lit but it’s $25 on steam; which is a little much to pay to be an alpha play tester imo.