Gamasutra has an interesting article full of tips about making succesfull indie games. It contains nine vital tips. Let’s take closer look at them.

1. Efficiency in design
Gamasutra describes this as “Design around getting the most bang for your buck”. A very obvious option here is multiplayer. A multiplayer FPS doesn’t need gigantic maps, a complex storyline or state of the art AI. Allowing the player to build their own levels is another excellent idea.
Another method is prodecural content, a technique used by, for example, Audio Surf, definitely the most original game I have seen in a very long time. This game takes a song and turns it into a racing track! There’s almost no limit to the possibilities here, while the content is almost entirely user-generated.
Finally, and my personal favorite, is re-exploring the explored with modern technology. Gridblaster is a remake of an old C64 game, and many of the ideas that are currently floating around in my head are directly or indirectly based on or influenced by such games. Remakes of retro games are quite popular now, especially among older gamers (and by “older” I mean everybody who is old enough to know what a C64 is).

2. Utilize existing free, cheap, or open technology
This is something that can’t be said more than enough: don’t try to reïnvent the wheel! Don’t be ashamed to use an existing game engine. When I first started thinking about developing games I thought I could write everything from scratch using C++ and OpenGL. Big mistake! Creating a spinning cube with some textures on it is easy enough. Creating a 3D engine is not, and will probably end in something that’s in beta forever and loaded with bugs. The indie game scene exists because so many cheap or free engines are available, so use them!

3. Distribute digitally
This is a no-brainer. Don’t even think about getting your game on a cd- or dvd-rom and on store shelves. An exception perhaps are discs that come with gaming magazines. Digital distribution is easier, cheaper and a lot more accessible.

4. Develop on open platforms
This means the PC or Mac. Even though consoles are a bit more accessible now, thanks to XBox Live Arcade and (soon to come) Wiiware, and some engines support these platforms, it’s still difficult and expensive to get your games actually published.

5. Collaboration
Artists and developers often offer their services on forums such as Indie Gamer. You can ask for help there, or share your own work.

6. Consider less traditional monetization methods
I’m still a long way from making games that are good enough to sell. Placing ads on your site (no popups, animated banners or, even worse, banners with sound; everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY hates those and it’s the perfect way to drive people away from your website) is a good idea. Most websites have ads anyway and people more or less expect them.

7. Redefine success
Don’t expect to become rich overnight. If a thousand people download my game, I consider it a big succes.

8. Use alternate sources of funding
I’m not too sure about this one. All funding I need is the game engine and perhaps some sound effects, wich I can’t make myself. Most indie developers are low-budget anyway, so funding shouldn’t be a real issue.

9. Get Personal
Listen to ideas and feedback from players, post on forums, leave comments on blogs, you know the drill…

Another article with comments on these tips can be found at Rampant Games.