By Editorial Staff
December 20, 2021
In a move that has sent ripples through the independent gaming community, The Indie Game Website (TIGW) announced today that it will cease active operations and enter an indefinite hiatus effective later this week. The publication, which has served as a critical amplifier for developers often overlooked by mainstream gaming media, will keep its archives live, but will cease publishing new content as its parent company, Game If You Are, shifts its strategic focus.
The Core Mandate: Bridging the Visibility Gap
When The Indie Game Website first launched in 2017, its mission statement was both ambitious and necessary. In an increasingly crowded digital marketplace, indie developers—particularly those working in solo capacities or operating outside the traditional, English-centric gaming hubs—faced a daunting uphill battle for visibility.
The site was born out of a clear frustration regarding the existing media landscape. Managing Director Lewis Denby, who oversees the site under the umbrella of his marketing agency, Game If You Are, noted that the site was founded to provide a dedicated space for indie games to shine without the constraints of commercial quotas or budget-driven editorial pressures. By bypassing the traditional metrics that often dictate coverage in larger outlets, TIGW carved out a reputation for highlighting obscure, experimental, and deeply personal projects that might otherwise have vanished into the "noise" of digital storefronts.
A Chronology of Editorial Stewardship
The legacy of the publication is defined not just by the titles it covered, but by the editorial leaders who guided its direction over its four-year lifespan. The site’s editorial evolution was marked by a revolving door of dedicated voices, each bringing their own sensibilities to the indie scene:
- 2017 – The Foundation: The site began its journey with the goal of leveling the playing field for indie creators.
- The Editorial Rotation: Over the years, the publication was helmed by a sequence of editors—Neil, Jon, Jason, and Khee Hoon—before returning to Jason’s leadership. This rotation of editors helped prevent the site from becoming stale, allowing for a diverse array of perspectives to inform the publication’s tone and scope.
- 2021 – The Strategic Pivot: Throughout the latter half of 2021, the leadership team began to weigh the efficacy of the current model against their broader goal of supporting marginalized creators.
- December 20, 2021 – The Hiatus Announcement: The official declaration that the publication would cease daily operations, marking the end of its active publishing cycle.
Supporting Data and Financial Realities
While the news of the hiatus comes as a shock to many, the reality behind the scenes has been one of long-term fiscal sacrifice. The Indie Game Website was, by its own admission, never a profitable venture. From its inception, the site operated at a loss, a condition that Game If You Are was willing to accept as the cost of fostering a healthier indie ecosystem.
However, in business, even altruistic projects must periodically answer to the reality of resource allocation. As the team at Game If You Are looked toward 2022, they were confronted with a pivotal question: How can we best use our limited resources to shine a spotlight on indie developers who would normally struggle to be seen?
The conclusion reached was that the current model of maintaining a high-frequency news and review site was no longer the most efficient way to achieve their core mission. To support the next generation of developers—specifically those from marginalized and minoritised backgrounds—the company decided it needed to redirect its financial and human capital toward new, more targeted initiatives.
Official Response: A Message from Leadership
In an open letter addressed to the community, Lewis Denby reflected on the bittersweet nature of the decision. He emphasized that the move was not an abandonment of the site’s values, but rather a necessary evolution.
"The reality is that we needed to make a decision on where our investment was best spent in order to achieve this goal, and that means The Indie Game Website—for now, at least—needs to be put on the back-burner," Denby wrote.
He highlighted the incredible contributions of the freelance writing staff, whose work was instrumental in documenting the history of indie games during the site’s tenure. Denby specifically lauded the editors for their commitment to expanding the publication’s reach and amplifying voices that are frequently sidelined in larger media outlets.
"I am overwhelmed by the achievements of all of The Indie Game Website’s editors—how they have striven to expand the site’s remit, amplifying important voices—both of people making games, and of people writing about them," Denby added.
Implications for the Future of Indie Media
The departure of a publication like TIGW leaves a distinct void in the gaming journalism landscape. The site’s strength was its ability to act as a curator, often finding the "hidden gems" that the mainstream press ignored.
The Shift Toward Targeted Advocacy
The most significant implication of this news is the stated shift toward "supporting marginalized and minoritised indie developers." While the details remain under wraps until the New Year, this suggests a move away from general-interest coverage toward more direct advocacy or institutional support. By prioritizing specific groups that face systemic barriers, Game If You Are is signaling a shift in the industry’s approach to diversity—moving from mere representation in reviews to structural investment.
The Longevity of Digital Archives
One positive note for the community is the decision to keep the website’s archives live indefinitely. In an age where the internet is prone to "link rot," keeping the site’s back catalog accessible is an act of digital preservation. Researchers, developers, and players will continue to have access to the reviews, interviews, and deep-dive features that defined the site’s identity.
The Potential for "Resurrection"
While the current status is a hiatus, the door has not been firmly closed. Denby’s comments suggest that the project could be "resurrected" if the circumstances are right. For the indie gaming community, this provides a glimmer of hope that the platform might return in a new form, better equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
As the industry prepares for 2022, the loss of The Indie Game Website will be felt by those who relied on it as a compass for the vast, often overwhelming indie landscape. However, the move is indicative of a broader trend: as the indie sector matures, the methods used to support it must also evolve.
The team at Game If You Are has promised to share more details on their upcoming initiatives in the New Year. For now, the site stands as a monument to what a small, dedicated team can achieve when they prioritize artistic integrity over commercial gain.
To the readers and contributors who made the site a sanctuary for independent voices, the message from the leadership is one of gratitude. The hiatus is not a defeat, but a transition—a closing of one chapter to allow for the writing of another. As the industry watches and waits, the focus shifts to how these new, forthcoming initiatives will shape the future of independent game development and the media that covers it.
In the words of Lewis Denby, "Watch this space." The end of the website is not the end of the mission, but rather a pivot toward a more targeted, and perhaps more impactful, future.
