Vox Republica 115: What Is Indie?

Vox Republica: Podcast of The Cardboard Republic

Episode 115: What IS Indie?

Length: 59:03

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DESCRIPTION: Indie gaming. Chances are you've heard this term casually mentioned throughout the gaming world. But...what does that mean exactly? Erin and Ryan break down the term “indie.” What qualities does an indie game or company have to have, and when does an indie turn into a small publisher, big publisher, or mega-hit?

GUEST: None

RECENTLY PLAYED GAMES - (01:13):

• Hearts Blazing by Games By Play Date
• Pandemic Legacy by Z-Man Games
• Takenoko by Asmodee Editions
• Quadropolis by Days of Wonder
• Green Deal by Karma Games

QUICK TOPICS - (23:14):

• Privateer Press has announced on the heels of the Asmodee changes to its distribution rules that it too will be limiting distribution to online retailers.
• The CR will be participating in the Home Away Boston gaming charity event being hosted by the gang at The Cardboard Jungle podcast to raise money for cancer patients while undergoing treatment. It's for a good cause and they'll be giving numerous games away as prizes. Best part: you don't have to attend to participate. Consider making a donation today!

FEATURED TOPIC - (30:34):

• The term 'indie' is used pretty freely in board gaming, and the intention is well understood. At least, until you try to define it. So we decided to sit down and hammer out what some of that criteria may be. What IS indie? What is the line between indie and mainstream publisher?
  • We consider some of the following criteria:
    • The size of the publisher
    • How long has the publisher been around
    • The designer of the game
    • Print run size
    • Production model of the game (i.e. factory made, self-publisher, Game Crafter, etc.)
    • Marketability of being indie
    • Cultivation of an 'indie' brand
  • Also, we ponder if the idea of 'indie-ness' is still useful as a term at all.

PLUGS - (58:02):

• As always, Cardboard Republic YouTube videos and the BGG Guild are still ongoing. Subscribe to either - or both if you really love us. You do really love us, right?

We’d love to hear from you! You can send questions or feedback via email at [e-mail]. You can also reach us social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and BoardGameGeek.

Audio Credits: Intro music track is "Swing!" by Bargo!, used under Creative Commons license.