The design of indie games, a different paradigm

Title data

Pérez Domínguez, Enrique Alejandro:
The design of indie games, a different paradigm.
Bayreuth , 2019 . - 189 p.
( Doctoral thesis, 2019 , Universität Bayreuth, Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaftliche Fakultät)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15495/EPub_UBT_00004330

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Abstract in another language

This dissertation explores thoroughly the design of the so-called indie games. It portrays in detail the design activities undertaken by indie designers and the design context in which indie games are devised. With this knowledge, a comparison with game design as it has been formulated by academics and game industry veterans is undertaken. This with the purpose of finding out if the design of indie games represents a different paradigm in regard to game design.

This work takes the reader through a series of chapters providing the epistemological context to analyze comparatively the design of indie games and game design. The indie games movement is defined and contextualized within indie cultures and put in perspective in relation with mainstream games. The historical and theoretical foundations of game design are also covered. And to get an understanding around what designing implies, theories from the disciplines of design, engineering, architecture
and product design are explained.

Thirty award-winning designers of indie games at Indiecade and the Independent Games Festivals of the Game Developers Conference participated in this research providing accounts on their repertoire of design activities. These accounts were analyzed using design theoretical standpoints and then composed as a case of study to be compared with game design.

Abstract in another language

Diese Dissertation untersucht das Design von Spielen in der unabhängigen und nichtgewerblichen Kultur der Spielentwicklung, die sogenannte „Indie Game Szene“. Diese Doktorarbeit konzentriert sich auf die Identifizierung, Analyse und Klassifizierung der verschiedenen Designtätigkeiten, Design Methoden und Werkzeuge, die von „Indie“ Spieleentwicklern angewendet werden und den Vergleich mit den bekanntesten wissenschaftlichen Modellen des Spieldesigns. Das Projekt versucht den Arbeitsprozess von „Indie Spieleentwicklern“ zu begreifen und herauszufinden, ob die wissenschaftlichen Prinzipien und Theorien zu Game Design mit dieser Realität übereinstimmen.