New Indie Distribution Platform Launched
By Kyle Mann | August 5, 2011 | News | No comments | Share
Capsized game designer Lee Vermeulen has just unveiled his indie games distribution channel, dubbed Indievania. While currently in beta, its intent is to provide a platform for indie developers to sell their games and develop relationships with customers. It’s launched with four games on offer: Steel Storm, BEEP, and Vermeulen’s own Nexuiz and Capsized.
After poking about the beta site a bit, I’ve found it’s got a smooth aesthetic and an uncluttered interface. It only accepts PayPal at the moment, but the project’s blog indicates that Google Checkout and Amazon Payments are both scheduled additions for a later date. A planned focus of the site is developer control, allowing a game’s creator to stay in touch with his fans via websites or social networks. This emphasis on control extends to the future bundle system, wherein developers will be able to set their own specials and bundles, with Indievania supporting their efforts with features and advertising. Vermeulen also has Netflix-inspired recommendations chalked up for a future upgrade.
In fact, Indievania holds a ton of appeal for small, independent game developers. Fees are relatively low, taking only a fraction of the standard 30% other game networks apparently charged. The service also promises a “completely open system” that ought to speed up approval times to as quick as a day. Games can also be sold at an early alpha or beta stage, a strategy which has proved extremely successful for games like Minecraft.
There’s a lot of promise here, so hopefully more indie developers will sign on in the coming weeks and months. You can check out the beta right now at the source link below.
