What’s behind the next hill? Or what is the next big thing in Indie game development.

[Mark_Tempe]

I recently read an article on innovation in general. What it basically suggested was something like this :
What the point in straggling to bit the competition on THIS curve of technology race , example : straggling to bit all of the other mach-3 clones, galangal clones , diner dash clones . When you should be taking the NEXT curve while the competition is duking it out on this one. When I look at the Adventure Quest and Dragon Fable and how kids are addicted to it , I can’t help thinking that was the next step. Platform independent, upgradeable as you go , constantly expending. When I look at games like that , I think browser based games are carving out a peace of downloadable games pay.
Anyway my own thoughts on the next step in game development :

-more user content in MMOGs : imagine a MMOG-RPG with suspended in the air islands you can explore. Where you could create your own island and upload it in to the world.
-Even more interaction in the games. Imbedded in game system like skype enabling use of web cams.

[princec]

If I told you, I'd have to kill you

Cas

[Mark_Tempe]

I will risk it cas , go ahead.

[Game Producer]

In casual game space (like what we see portals) I doubt it's the technology that counts. By looking at the best selling games today, you can see that many of them are technically very simple.

The next big hit will be just like that: something extremely simple and obvious, something that makes people think: "how didn't I figure that out".

[PoV]

Things that are technically more sophisticated, but playably simple. People will continue to find little things, and the odd one will work, but products between the core and casual audience are where the next is.

Core and Casual are not the nostalgic audience.

[Mark_Tempe]

I think we should distinguish between 2 things here:
1. The next fad , like Tamagotchi , Bejeweled , diner dash etc. concepts that can be easily accomplished using very basic technology

And

2. Games that change the rules of engagement so to speak. Like Second Life and Adventure Quest.

I think indies being mostly part timers and having a day job are in the unique position to try more daring concepts in both of above cases then an investor that just put out 20000000 $ in to a game. Unfortunately you just don’t see that happening very often.