The Big Indie Pitch: A Rapid-Fire Competition for Indie Developers
The Big Indie Pitch, organized by the creators of PocketGamer.biz, is a highly anticipated event where indie developers compete in a fast-paced pitching competition for recognition and valuable promotional packages.
During the event, indie developers have only four minutes to pitch their games to a panel of press, publishers, and industry experts. They receive invaluable feedback on their pitches before three winners are chosen by the judges.
The Indie View: Insights from Past Contestants
The Big Indie Pitch has gained immense popularity and has been expanded to various locations worldwide. We had the opportunity to speak with Teemu Lyytinen from Latchback Games, the winner of The Very Big Indie Pitch at Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki 2022.
Teemu Lyytinen: A Passionate Indie Studio
Latchback Games is an indie studio from Finland comprising eight passionate individuals. Their primary goal is to create narrative-driven mobile games of the highest quality. The team consists of avid players who have always aspired to enter the gaming industry. Their passion for narrative-focused games is evident in their hobbies, with most team members enjoying role-playing games.
Teemu Lyytinen, a member of the Latchback Games team, personally enjoys playing shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and roguelikes such as Slay the Spire. He appreciates the tactical challenges and fast-paced gameplay offered by these genres.
Break the Beyond: A Fusion of Genres
Teemu pitched their game “Break the Beyond” during the competition. Break the Beyond is a roguelite card game that incorporates merge mechanics. It combines elements from popular games like Slay the Spire and Reigns, designed specifically for mobile platforms. Latchback Games strived to merge the stylistic world of PC games with the intuitive nature of a merge game, making it ideal for mobile gaming.
The development of Break the Beyond began with rapid conceptualization in the summer of 2022. The team created a prototype within a week and continuously refined the concept based on feedback received at various gaming events.
Unique and Engaging Gameplay
Break the Beyond stands out with its unique blend of fantasy roguelite and merge mechanics. Players embark on an immersive adventure, engaging in tactical battles, collecting items, and strategically merging them to enhance their power. The game offers numerous opportunities to merge items, creating a strategic layer and adding excitement to the gameplay.
The Appeal of a Fast-Paced Roguelite Card Game
Choosing to develop a fast-paced roguelite card game was a natural decision for Latchback Games, considering the popularity of both genres. What distinguishes Break the Beyond is the integration of merge mechanics into the roguelite genre, providing players with a fresh and engaging experience.
Selecting the Platform
Latchback Games decided to develop Break the Beyond for mobile platforms based on market research and the desire to release a game more quickly. They realized that their previous PC game project required more resources than they had available. Therefore, opting for a smaller game project that catered to the demands of mobile gamers seemed like the right choice.
Surviving and Thriving as an Indie Developer
Surviving as an indie developer is undoubtedly challenging, but Latchback Games has managed to bootstrap their studio. To sustain the studio while developing their game, they have taken on customer projects alongside their main project. Maintaining a balance between customer projects and game development has been crucial for their success.
Tips for Independent Developers
Teemu emphasizes the importance of effective networking from the outset. Gathering feedback for the game, even in its unfinished state, is essential for continuous refinement. Prioritizing features, game elements, and mechanics is necessary, as is making decisions promptly.
He also advises independent developers to have a backup plan, as the game industry can be financially challenging, especially in the early stages. Additionally, conducting thorough market research before starting game development is highly recommended.
The Big Indie Pitch Experience
Teemu found the Very Big Indie Pitch format, where he could pitch the game to a small group of judges in a relaxed setting, to be highly effective. Presenting the game directly to the judges and showcasing his own personality allowed for a great presentation. Teemu appreciates the opportunity to pitch to professional judges, which was less intimidating compared to pitching on a stage.
Gain and Future Aspirations
The experience of participating in the Big Indie Pitch has been incredible for Teemu. Winning the competition has boosted his confidence and belief in the potential of Break the Beyond. The valuable feedback received during the event has propelled the game forward, and Teemu has also made valuable contacts in the industry.
Although Latchback Games has made significant progress, their primary goal is to find the right publisher who can provide marketing and user acquisition support for Break the Beyond. A partnership with a publisher would enable them to reach a wider audience and maximize the game’s potential.
In terms of future projects, Latchback Games has exciting ideas in the pipeline. They are eager to continue exploring innovative concepts and pushing the boundaries of gameplay. Their ultimate aim is to create memorable and enjoyable experiences for players, building on the lessons learned and successes achieved with Break the Beyond.
Upcoming Big Indie Pitch Events
If you have an exciting new game that you’d like to showcase, be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming Big Indie Pitch events. These events take place throughout the year, and you can find all the details and information on the upcoming events page on BigIndiePitch.com.
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