5 things to learn from AAA studios

The world of game development offers both challenges and solutions for indie developers. However, certain practices adopted by AAA studios indie creators can learn and follow to stand out.

As Studio Head at Larian, I am responsible for running the UK studio of Larian Studios to help deliver the best RPGs which is our mission. In this article, I will discuss the five aspects, including quality of production, community engagement, iterative development, narrative-driven approach, and post-launch updates. These areas have plenty to pick up for Indie game developers and creators from AAA studios.

1.    Focusing on Production Quality Matters

High production values come by default and are one of the first aspects of AAA games. This involves three main elements that work together: polished graphics and cinematics, strong art direction, and high-quality sound design. These all contribute to the overall presentation, which helps create impactful experiences for gamers. Here are the elements involved in production quality:

Polished Graphics

While AAA titles are known for their visually striking presentations, indie developers can achieve a similar impact by focusing on meticulous attention to detail. The success of Hollow Knight by Team Cherry exemplifies how careful art direction and sound design can result in a visually stunning game, despite the constraints of indie development. Leveraging accessible tools like Unity and Unreal Engine, along with high-quality assets and a memorable style, allows indie teams to maintain high standards without the need for extensive resources.

Image credits: Team Cherry

Art Direction

Rather than aiming for hyper-realistic graphics, which can be resource-intensive both for developers to make and players to run, indie developers can focus on a unique and consistent visual style. Undertale by Toby Fox is a prime example where well-executed pixel art and memorable character design significantly contributed to the game's charm and appeal. By sticking to a consistent and unique visual style, indie games can establish a unique identity in the market.

Sound Design

Investing in solid sound design and a standout soundtrack can make a noticeable impact on the player's experience. Indie developers might consider collaborating with emerging musicians and aspiring talents with a vision to enrich their game's audio landscape.

By honing these elements, indie developers can achieve production values or rather the impact that rivals those of AAA titles, offering players polished and immersive experiences.

2.    Community Engagement is Key

AAA studios invest heavily in marketing and community building long before a game’s launch, creating anticipation and securing a strong player base from day one. While indie developers may have smaller marketing budgets, they can still learn from this approach. Early marketing is crucial. For instance, Eric Barone began building Stardew Valley community through developer blogs and forums years before its release. By sharing development updates, screenshots, and progress reports, he generated significant interest and anticipation among gamers. Here’s how to get your community involved:

Marketing

Regular updates on social media platforms like X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram keep the community informed and excited — especially when they are combined with Steam for developer updates. Discord and Reddit are also helpful for direct interaction with fans, providing valuable insights into their preferences and feedback. For instance, the developers of Among Us by InnerSloth used social media and an active community to keep the game popular long after its release.

Crowdfunding

Kickstarter and Indiegogo can also help build a dedicated fanbase, not just secure crowdfunding. Successful campaigns often include detailed project descriptions, development timelines, and frequent updates to backers, which contribute to creating a dedicated community. Shovel Knight by Yacht Club Games successfully used Kickstarter to raise funds and build a committed fanbase eager to follow the game’s development.

Regular Updates and Feedback

Engaging with players through regular updates and feedback loops is essential. Early access programs, beta testing phases, and demo releases offer valuable insights and help refine the game based on player feedback. Supergiant Games successfully used this approach with Hades, iteratively improving the game based on community feedback during its early access period on Steam.

3.    Iterative Development and Playtesting Pay Off

AAA studios often rely on iterative development processes, where games are refined through cycles of planning, execution, and evaluation, allowing for continuous improvement based on playtesting and feedback. Indie developers can greatly benefit from adopting a similar approach. It can help them to identify and resolve issues early, leading to a more polished and enjoyable final product.

For instance, the indie game Celeste went through several iterations during its development. The developers released early builds and gathered feedback from a select group of gamers, which helped refine the game’s mechanics, difficulty balance, and overall design. By addressing feedback promptly, they ensured that the final release was well-tuned and widely appreciated. So the iterative development process involves:

Early Prototype Releases

Indie developers can begin by releasing early prototypes or alpha versions to a small group of testers. Platforms like itch.io offer one of the venues for this, enabling developers to share early builds or host game jams and receive feedback from a community of passionate gamers. For example, Rogue Legacy by Cellar Door Games benefited from early access and gamer feedback, allowing the developers to fine-tune the game’s procedural generation and difficulty settings.

Playtesting Sessions

Developers can organize playtests at different stages of development to gather diverse feedback, either in-house with friends and family or by engaging online communities. Playtesting not only helps identify bugs and gameplay issues but also provides valuable insights into gamer behavior and preferences. The game Fez by Polytron Corporation underwent extensive playtesting, which was instrumental in perfecting its unique puzzle mechanics and ensuring a smooth experience for gamers.

Beta Testing Platforms

Utilizing beta testing platforms can also provide broader feedback before the official launch. Indie developers can open their games to a wider audience through beta testing, allowing them to gather crucial data on how the game performs across different systems and under various conditions. Motion Twin successfully used this approach with Dead Cells, releasing the game in early access on Steam and continuously updating it based on community feedback.

4.    Strong Narrative and World-Building Make a Difference

AAA games often excel at crafting deep narratives and meticulously detailed worlds that keep players invested and engaged for extended periods. Indie developers can pick up valuable aspects from this by focusing on strong narrative elements and world-building, even when working within the constraints of smaller budgets and teams. A compelling story and a well-crafted game world can significantly affect how a game is received and remembered:

Narrative

A compelling narrative involves a story that resonates with gamers, featuring memorable characters, emotional arcs, and meaningful choices. Creating a cohesive world with consistent lore and visual style enhances immersion and deepens the connection between gamers and the game. Indie titles like Hyper Light Drifter by Heart Machine illustrate the power of effective world-building. Despite its minimalist dialogue, the game conveys a rich, post-apocalyptic world through detailed pixel art, ambient sound design, and environmental storytelling.

Image credits: Heart Machine

Environmental Storytelling

This approach involves using the game’s environment to convey narrative elements without relying solely on dialogue or cutscenes. Games like Inside by Playdead masterfully use environmental cues to deliver its narrative. The game’s eerie, dystopian world is revealed through meticulously designed levels, encouraging gamers to piece together the narrative themselves. Indie developers can leverage this technique to add depth to their games without extensive dialogue or exposition.

Collaboration

Indie developers should not hesitate to bring in external talent of writers and artists if it enhances their game’s storytelling. For example, the indie hit Kena: Bridge of Spirits by Ember Lab relied on external teams like Virtuos for asset creation, level dressing, and visual effects. This collaboration enabled the lead developer to focus on the game's core vision while benefiting from outside expertise.

Prioritizing strong narrative elements, indie games can achieve a level of depth and engagement that rivals even the most polished AAA titles.

5.    Post-Launch Support Ensures Longevity

Post-launch support and ongoing updates are critical strategies employed by AAA studios to maintain gamer engagement and extend the lifecycle of their games. Indie developers can adopt this approach to ensure their games remain relevant and enjoyable long after the initial release. Providing continuous support means:

Post-Launch Updates

Planning for post-launch content needs to start early in the development process. Indie developers can consider future content scenarios, including additional levels, new features, or story expansions. Slay the Spire by MegaCrit regularly received updates and new content, which kept the gamer community engaged and excited about the game. These updates included new characters, cards, and balance adjustments that enriched the overall experience.

Community Feedback

Indie developers can actively engage with their player base through forums, social media, and in-game surveys to gather insights on what players want to see improved or added. Dead Cells by Motion Twin is a prime example, where the developers closely monitored gamer feedback during its early access phase and continued to update the game based on community suggestions after its official release. This approach resulted in a highly polished and well-received game that continued to evolve.

Downloadable Content (DLC)

Indie developers can create meaningful and well-priced DLCs that offer significant content, enhancing the base game. For instance, Hollow Knight by Team Cherry received several free DLC packs that introduced new areas, bosses, and abilities, greatly expanding the game and keeping the gamer community engaged without additional cost. This not only added value for existing players but also attracted new ones, who saw the ongoing support as a testament to the game's quality.

Regular Updates

Regular patches maintain game health. These updates can address bugs, adjust game balance, and resolve performance or compatibility issues that may arise post-launch. Terraria by Re-Logic is well-known for its consistent updates and patches, which improved game mechanics over the years. This dedication to ongoing support has kept the game popular and relevant long after its initial release.

Image credits: Dead Cells

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By embracing these five key takeaways, indie developers can gain valuable insights from the practices of AAA studios, equipping themselves with the approaches needed to craft games that resonate with gamers on multiple levels. Each stage — from improving the impact of production quality to building strong community engagement — contributes to creating a game that not only captivates visually but also offers compelling experience. Having these elements combined, indie creators can ensure their games are enjoyed and appreciated for the stories they tell and the way they’re told.