A good recent example of outside factors influencing success is Mewgenics. It went semi-viral despite being a tactical strategy game because 1) it's the dev who made Binding of Isaac and 2) he was savvy enough to give almost every big streamer/YouTuber a "voice acting" credit for fucking cat meows.
The actual game, however, is both very niche and (I think) mediocre. A much better tactical strategy game, MENACE, released in the same window and pulled only a fraction of the players. So as with AAA development, indie games can also succeed based on retarded criteria. Saving grace: shit's usually only $15-25.
It's funny, I really thought Menace would get more of a push from the same outside factor of who the dev is too. Battle Brothers is well known and generally beloved too, but I guess it's just not in the same league as the binding of isaac fanbase size. Plus I do think all the incestuous streamer PR did most of the legwork on Mewgenics' success.
A good recent example of outside factors influencing success is Mewgenics. It went semi-viral despite being a tactical strategy game because 1) it's the dev who made Binding of Isaac and 2) he was savvy enough to give almost every big streamer/YouTuber a "voice acting" credit for fucking cat meows.
The actual game, however, is both very niche and (I think) mediocre. A much better tactical strategy game, MENACE, released in the same window and pulled only a fraction of the players. So as with AAA development, indie games can also succeed based on retarded criteria. Saving grace: shit's usually only $15-25.
It's funny, I really thought Menace would get more of a push from the same outside factor of who the dev is too. Battle Brothers is well known and generally beloved too, but I guess it's just not in the same league as the binding of isaac fanbase size. Plus I do think all the incestuous streamer PR did most of the legwork on Mewgenics' success.
Menace fuckin rules. And since it's from Overhype it'll get support for years to come.