Humble Games

Identifying Indie: A Study of Who Plays What and Why

This study, conducted by Humble Games in partnership with an independent research group, examines the behaviors, motivations, and preferences of modern indie game players.

• Indie gamers are not a niche segment; they are highly active consumers who purchase more AAA and double-A titles than traditional gamers who buy zero indie games.
• The study, which surveyed 4,800 respondents aged 18 to 45 across six countries, identifies that indie players prioritize innovation, unique mechanics, and creative expression over the high-fidelity graphics favored by traditional gamers.
• Indie players prefer single-player modes, stylized art, nonlinear storytelling, and high-quality soundtracks, while de-emphasizing the need for endless content in favor of distinct, high-quality experiences.