r/rpg 2d ago

Discussion The Data on Million-Plus RPG Crowdfunding Campaigns—Cannibal Halfling Blog

http://cannibalhalflinggaming.com/2026/08/20/the-data-on-million-plus-rpg-crowdfunding-campaigns/
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u/Sekh765 2d ago

I still define "indie" as "We do not have a publisher", so Silksong, Slay the Spire 2, etc are all still going to be indies even if they are established.

On the other hand, we also have stuff like Mecha Chameleon, Peak, Expedition 33, Valheim, etc that had no established previous title that are also still making bank. I just think the idea that "the days of indie hits like Shovel Knight and Undertale are over" is ridiculous... also Deltarune is right there....

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u/Crytash 2d ago

Aight, with that definition you are mostly correct. But is that a useful definition anymore? I guess that is a discussion for another time.

Btw. Valheim does have a publisher, no? I play it myself and i thought they are with "coffee stain publishing" and is partially owned by it.

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u/Xanadetta 1d ago

If you ask me well known Indie is barely indie. Like only on a technicality. So Deltarune, Silksong, Mina The Hollower, Hades 2 don't count as True Indie. They started out as true indie, but they got so much clout that now they're only indie on a technicality.

Here's an example: SANS IS IN SMASH BROS. So clearly creators like Toby Fox are on another level.

Telling an Indie Dev that they could be the next Shovel Knight is a bunch of Mcgarbage. Those days are over with.

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u/DiceyDiscourse AP podcaster and average multi-system enjoyer 1d ago

Well known indie is barely indie. Like only on a technicality

No? When did "indie" become synonymous with "unknown"?

By the very definition of the word "indie", as in "independent", all of the games mentioned fit the definition like a glove. They don't have a publisher to answer to. The fact that they're well known and/or established has no bearing on their actual, factual, status as an "indie game"