I do it for many reasons. First and foremost is seeing the joy that someone experiences when you actually make something fun. Making games comes down to that simple emotion and I think the world can use more of it, it's just a plain optimistic pursuit. After that I like the technical/intellectual challenge of it. It's tough to push yourself to learn all that's involved with game development and every now and then as I explain aspects of development to other people I catch a glimpse of how far I've come.
Of course, those are reasons for developing games period. Why do it independently? I think that it's pretty obvious for most of us here. What's better than to be yourself? Well, quite frankly to be yourself and have the rest of the world love what you do. If you make a game independently and it becomes a smash and you control the IP (Worms anyone) then it will keep you going for life. Sure you're odds may not be great, but there is some skill involved. If you stick with it and finally hit the mark you're set in all the best ways possible.
Of course, those are reasons for developing games period. Why do it independently? I think that it's pretty obvious for most of us here. What's better than to be yourself? Well, quite frankly to be yourself and have the rest of the world love what you do. If you make a game independently and it becomes a smash and you control the IP (Worms anyone) then it will keep you going for life. Sure you're odds may not be great, but there is some skill involved. If you stick with it and finally hit the mark you're set in all the best ways possible.