In a landscape where creativity often finds itself overshadowed by the glitz of AAA titles, Pocketpair, the studio behind the quirky Palworld, is carving out a niche for itself by championing indie games. With a portfolio that includes intriguing projects like the pixelated fishing adventure Normal Fishing and the atmospheric platformer Never Grave, the studio is on a mission to bring fresh ideas to the forefront of gaming.
Passion for Indie Games
John Buckley, the publishing manager at Pocketpair, expresses a deep-seated passion for indie games, viewing them as a treasure trove of innovative mechanics and diverse gameplay experiences. In an interview with 4gamer, translated by Gamesradar, he remarked, “Indie games have so many interesting mechanics and different styles of gameplay … I think AAA titles are overwhelmingly about graphic quality and fidelity, and that’s great. But I personally don’t have much interest in their gameplay mechanics. On the other hand, recent indie games are incredibly unique, and often include the kind of systems you can’t find in other games.”
As the definition of “indie” continues to evolve, with titles like Clair Obscur garnering nominations for indie of the year, the conversation around what constitutes a good game has expanded. While some may argue that big-budget games like Elden Ring and Doom Eternal offer more than just visual splendor, Buckley’s focus remains firmly on the innovative spirit of indie development.
Despite his limited experience with AAA titles, Buckley acknowledges the wealth of creativity that the indie scene has to offer. “It seems broadly true that more creative freedom and fewer corporate strings are good things,” he notes, emphasizing that the unique concepts found in indie games often diverge significantly from mainstream offerings. “Sony or Microsoft aren’t likely to dish out a trippy WarioWare-like or ‘basically Spongebob meets Duke Nukem’ anytime soon.”
In a world where gaming experiences are as varied as the players themselves, Pocketpair’s commitment to nurturing indie titles is a refreshing reminder that innovation and creativity can thrive outside the confines of corporate expectations. As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the release of these upcoming titles, the sentiment remains clear: the more video games, the merrier.
