The potential markets as far as I can see for indie games are:
1) Casual games. The games that the middle aged women supposedly buy. Match-3 mainly, but also a few other genres. 2D, no scrolling, mouse only.
2) Kids games. The kids won't buy the game, but their parents will. Can be much more varied than casual games - 2D, 3D, scrolling etc. Can also be made with joysticks in mind. My own game fits in this category.
3) Niche games. Can appeal a lot to a certain section of people. You have to make sure that there is no other type of game quite like it. Marketing can be targetted quite effectively. Examples might be a cricket management sim, gardening sim, etc.
4) Adult games. See Love Chess.
I think there's decent money to be made from all of those areas. And the more games you can make the better, one game on its own might not sell brilliantly, but 10 ordinary sellers equates to 1-2 excellent selling games.
Making money from indie games without a doubt has to involve a long-term plan for most people (I'm talking 5+ years), unless you get exceptionally lucky and produce a mega-hit game.
1) Casual games. The games that the middle aged women supposedly buy. Match-3 mainly, but also a few other genres. 2D, no scrolling, mouse only.
2) Kids games. The kids won't buy the game, but their parents will. Can be much more varied than casual games - 2D, 3D, scrolling etc. Can also be made with joysticks in mind. My own game fits in this category.
3) Niche games. Can appeal a lot to a certain section of people. You have to make sure that there is no other type of game quite like it. Marketing can be targetted quite effectively. Examples might be a cricket management sim, gardening sim, etc.
4) Adult games. See Love Chess.
I think there's decent money to be made from all of those areas. And the more games you can make the better, one game on its own might not sell brilliantly, but 10 ordinary sellers equates to 1-2 excellent selling games.
Making money from indie games without a doubt has to involve a long-term plan for most people (I'm talking 5+ years), unless you get exceptionally lucky and produce a mega-hit game.