The mobile gaming industry represents an incredibly lucrative market, being the leading gaming platform in terms of both player numbers and revenue generated. However, on the other hand, it is also the most challenging area to invest in as either you can achieve great success or risk a rapid collapse. Nevertheless, the trend is clear: all major publishers want to try their luck and have moved accordingly in recent years.

It is important, therefore, to understand what the mobile market is today. According to the analysis company Newzoo, the mobile segment was worth $92.2 billion in 2022, which is 50% of the overall industry revenue. For comparison, the console market is worth $51.8 billion. Even a national perspective allows us to give more context when we talk about this vast market.

The reason is evident: almost everyone has a smartphone, while far fewer people have a console or a gaming PC. It is not surprising, therefore, that more and more companies are looking at mobile gaming in light of the incredible commercial opportunity. But it would be a serious mistake to believe that the mobile world is easy to explore. "For various reasons, mobile is probably one of the most expensive platforms to develop on today," says Mauro Fanelli, CEO of MixedBag, which has published Forma.8, Futuridium, and, exclusively for Apple Arcade, Secret Oops on Android and iOS. "The cost of mobile development and launch is different. Beyond the quality of the game, there is a matter of maintenance, user acquisition, and how a mobile game works. It requires constant investment."

The mobile market can be divided into two major categories. On one side, there are free-to-play games in constant update, the live services. Here, the difficulty is evident: an entire team of developers must constantly work to produce new content, engage users with events and novelties, and maintain the game's quality. "The whole free-to-play model is based on game-as-a-service: first, launch the game, and then the team must produce content weekly," explains Fanelli. "Constantly balancing, changing the meta to keep users engaged: the game never ends. On mobile, this is extreme, much more than on console. It is continuous development, and the team must always work on the same game. It's a constant investment."

Otherwise, especially for an independent developer, the mobile world is an endless sea but full of sharks. "The number one platform for indie games is still Steam, followed by Switch and other consoles," according to Fanelli. "Then, way down the list, there is mobile. There is always the illusion that it is easy, but then the market is complicated. Even games promoted by platforms may not succeed." This is where the consolidation that many major publishers are carrying out begins.

When entering a market like mobile, which has different dynamics from PC and console, there are two ways to engage: developing an internal specialized department over time or acquiring a consolidated entity with the competencies and technologies needed to create new mobile titles.

We’ve been hard at work improving your experience on indiexpo, and we’re thrilled to share the latest features and updates we’ve recently launched:

Browsing has never been smoother! We’ve added a lazy load system for comments, news, and notifications. Now, when you click “Show More,” additional elements will load instantly. Plus, as you scroll down, more content will load automatically!

We’ve optimized the Advanced Search! Results are now displayed ranked by game ratings, making it easier to find the top-rated titles.

A fun experiment! To explore new ways of promoting indie games, we selected a few titles, wrote some lyrics, generated music, and created videos. A creative test that may bring more surprises in the future!

The Markdown system has been improved for comments and news, especially for managing internal links. Sharing content on the platform has never been easier!

• Optimized the 16:9 aspect ratio for game thumbnails.
• Improved Hindi translations to make the platform more inclusive.

• Fixed a bug with notifications when posting news about your own games.
• Updated the site framework to boost security, performance, and speed.

What’s Next?

Stay tuned! We’ll soon publish a new post with our traditional 2023 vs 2024 comparison, followed by an article detailing the exciting features coming in 2025!

And so, another year has come to an end! It's amazing to see how the site has evolved from just a platform to a kind of ecosystem for indie developers and passionate players of this genre! Things are always buzzing, especially through social media (and Discord)!

The goal remains to strike a balance between being an IGN for smaller creators and a YouTube for video games, aiming to provide visibility and an active community for every great project! The journey still feels long! Thank you, as always, for your support!

In the meantime... here’s the 2024 rewind video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6RV8clbopo

iWe’re excited to announce the latest improvements on indiexpo, designed to make your experience faster, smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s new:

1. Improved Site Speed: Thanks to a server upgrade, the overall loading speed of the site has been significantly enhanced, ensuring a quicker and more responsive browsing experience.
2. Sleek New Slideshow: Our slideshow has been revamped with a modern, animated design. It features quick-slide indicators and is fully optimized for mobile. The games showcased in the slideshow will be updated, as always, weekly, keeping the content fresh and exciting!
3. In-Game Challenges Access: You can now view ongoing challenges directly within a game's page. This update makes it easier to participate in challenges without having to leave the game page you’re interested in.
4. Language and Content Filters: We’ve added a convenient feature in the game description area. By clicking on the language tags, you can instantly search for other games available in that language. The same applies to the “Adult Games” tag, making it simpler to find exactly what you’re looking for.
5. Updated News/Updates Section: The news area in the game pages has been overhauled with a window-style interface that’s faster and easier to scroll through. We’ve removed the old pagination system and introduced a “Show More” button for a smoother, infinite-scrolling experience.
6. Icon Updates: We’ve refreshed several icons across the site, giving them a more modern look and feel.
7. Email Change Bug Fixed: We’ve resolved the issue that was affecting email changes. Updating your contact information is now hassle-free.

In the coming months, we’ll be focusing on improving site security and we’re also planning to introduce a brand-new feature for both players and developers by the end of the year.

Thank you for being a part of the indiexpo community and happy gaming! 

Visit indiexpo.net

RPG Maker is a popular game development software that allows users to easily create their own role-playing games (RPGs). It is popular among game developers, particularly those who are new to game development or who want to create games without having to code. There are several reasons why you might want to use RPG Maker to make your own game.

1. Ease of use: One of the biggest benefits of RPG Maker is that it is very easy to use. The software includes a visual interface that allows you to drag and drop elements onto a grid to create maps and environments. This makes it simple to design levels and create custom assets, such as characters and items. The software also includes a variety of pre-made assets, such as characters, music, and sound effects, which can be used in your game.
2. Customization: While RPG Maker includes a variety of pre-made assets, it also allows you to create your own custom assets. This means you can create unique characters, items, and environments that fit the specific theme and style of your game.
3. Community support: RPG Maker has a large and active community of users who share resources and offer support to each other. This means you can find help and advice on how to use the software, as well as resources such as graphics and music to use in your game.
4. Cross-platform compatibility: RPG Maker allows you to create games that can be played on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. This means you can reach a wider audience with your game.

Overall, RPG Maker is a great tool for anyone looking to create their own RPG. It is user-friendly, customizable, and has a strong community of users who can offer support and resources.

There are several versions of Rpg Maker. It has a very long story! But we suggest to use the latest versions: MV and/or MZ.

Whether you are a seasoned game developer or just starting out, RPG Maker is a great tool to consider for creating your own game.

We are excited to announce a series of updates and improvements on indiexpo! These changes are designed to make the site experience even more enjoyable and functional for both players and game developers. Here are the latest updates:

1. Improved Event/Challenge Pages 🏆

  You can now view the player leaderboard. This allows participants to track their progress and compete to reach the top!

2. New Area for Upcoming Events/Challenges 📅

  We have created a dedicated section for future events and challenges, so you can plan your participation and never miss an opportunity to play.

3. Game Size Visible Before Download 📂

  Before downloading a game, you can now see its size. This helps better manage the available space on your device.

4.New User Medals 🥇

  New medals for users have been introduced. These recognitions make the gaming experience even more rewarding, encouraging participation and interaction.

5. Improved Notifications for Mentions in Comments 🔔

  Notifications when you are mentioned in a comment have been improved, making it easier to follow conversations and respond promptly.

6. Upload Images in WEBP Format 🖼️

  Developers can now upload images in WEBP format for their games. This format offers better compression without losing quality, optimizing site performance.

7. Introduction of ARIA Attributes for Accessibility 🌐

  We are beginning to implement ARIA attributes to improve site accessibility.

8. Improved Site Speed ⚡

  We have worked to improve the site speed, especially in the Levels area, User Pages, and with the use of Caches. Browsing indiexpo is now faster and smoother. There will be future updates to further enhance loading times.

9. Increased Social Media Activity 📱

  Our activity on social media is increasing, with new videos in a new format to engage young gamers more effectively. Don't miss our updates and exclusive content!

These updates are designed to improve the usability and functionality of the site, offering a better experience for everyone. Stay tuned for more news and, as always, enjoy indiexpo! 🌟

Why to use indiexpo? Why I should upload or play a game there and not on other game platforms?

This is a very important question! And it is always in our mind! A lot of our meetings start just with this question!

Here it is the main answer with the unique features of indiexpo website:

• Free Games Only: Unlike other platforms that also sell games, indiexpo exclusively features free games (full or demo). This approach ensures that attention is focused on high-quality games, not driven solely by profit. It makes indiexpo similar to YouTube.
• If the Theaters are for the big Movies and YouTube is for "crazy videos"... Steam is for AAA Games and indiexpo is for "crazy indie games"!
• Multilingual: While other platforms are primarily in English and may only provide translated site text, indiexpo tailors game recommendations based on the user's location and language preferences. Similar to YouTube, personalized homepages are created for each user, accommodating language diversity with translations available in 20 languages.
• Fan base: indiexpo emphasizes building a dedicated fan base for game developers. Through user subscriptions and the ability to send updates via email, the platform fosters direct developer-player relationships. 

• Rankings: Unlike platforms such as Game Jolt, Kongregate, or Itch.io, indiexpo offers comprehensive game rankings based on ratings, followers, and downloads. These rankings are filterable by genre, enabling players to personally select games while providing developers with insights into their competition.
• Marketing: Itch.io and Steam have limited promotion reach within their own domains. In contrast, Indiexpo actively assists developers in promoting their games. The platform regularly publishes videos on YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook and other new and smaller social media, highlights interesting games on game-making and player forums, collaborates with YouTubers, blogs, and gaming websites, all without charging developers.
• Indiepad: indiexpo's Indiepad application has been a source of satisfaction, as it allows for the creation of a completely independent and free virtual console. Many developers have contributed games and coding assistance to this initiative.
• Community: indiexpo fosters a strong sense of community among game developers. They frequently engage in helpful discussions, offering suggestions, commenting on each other's games, and collaborating with site administrators to improve the platform. Interviews with developers and user stories, sharing experiences and advice, are available on the indiexpo blog.
• Volunteers: While other platforms have larger paid teams, Indiexpo compensates through the help of volunteers. The strong sense of community mentioned earlier has led to collaborations with users who have shared ideas and projects. Additionally, YouTubers who analyze and play games from the site, graphic designers, event organizers, and supportive individuals have all contributed. Volunteers have also assisted with translations, allowing the site to be available in various languages. They helped us also to create new API to link the games with the new features of the website!
• Updates: Being the underdog serves as motivation for indiexpo. They constantly seek to make improvements, simplify processes, enhance SEO, and improve site speed. Unlike larger platforms that face challenges with slow updates, Indiexpo is agile and responsive.

• Gamification: indiexpo employs a points (gems) and leveling system that transforms the site into an enjoyable gaming experience. Players can earn medals, unlock achievements, and climb the leaderboard, making interactions more engaging.
• Challenges: While other platforms often focus on game jams and competitions for developers, indiexpo caters more to gamers. The Challenges in the Events section encourage players to complete objectives within specific games to earn extra gems. New challenges are introduced monthly! It is a very new feature!

Start and enjoy your experience on indiexpo website!

Hello everyone, I'm delighted to share with you our plan for 2024 and to outline some of the initiatives we've already undertaken. This year, instead of focusing on comparing the statistics from 2022 and 2023, I want to concentrate on the future and the operational excellence that awaits us.

Our unquestionable priority for 2024 is speed. We must ensure that our website provides a smooth and responsive experience for all our users.

To that end, we're working on several initiatives:

• Improving the mobile-friendliness of the site (which may include launching an app)
• Creating a quicker and more intuitive contact area for our staff (already operational)
• Implementing a new section on the homepage dedicated to online games, optimized for mobile devices.
• Introducing new medals to reward games and players achieving significant milestones.

Additionally, we'll continue to actively engage players through the creation of Challenges and the introduction of new exclusive games, always with the aim of providing them with an unparalleled gaming experience.

I'm confident in what the future holds for us and grateful to have such a talented and dedicated community! Together, we'll accomplish great things!

SeaRing is an indiegame in pixelart, story-driven adventure that will take you on a journey through a world rich in lore, colorful characters, and comical storytelling. In this game, you play as the Sea Princess on a quest to retrieve her mother's lost crown, become queen, and solve the mysteries of a world ruled by fire.What sets SeaRing apart from other adventure games is its unique gameplay mechanic. You don't have a traditional attack button, but instead, you use your Sea Ring to defend yourself from enemy attacks. This twist on traditional gameplay creates a fresh and exciting challenge, as you must use your strategic

In addition to the gameplay, the characters and dialogue in SeaRing are a highlight of the game. With over 50 NPCs, each with their own unique dialogue, you'll find yourself immersed in the world and the story. Some characters are quirky and humorous, while others offer valuable tips and insights into the game's lore.One particularly helpful feature is the Sea Princess's ability to call home. If you're feeling lost, stuck on a puzzle, or just need a break, you can press the 'C' button to call her dad and get some helpful advice.

The pixel art and soundtrack in SeaRing are also impressive. The game's pixel art creates a beautiful and immersive world, while the soundtrack sets the perfect tone for the game's atmosphere. With over 10 unique songs, the soundtrack will keep you engaged and entertained throughout your journey.

Overall, SeaRing is a fantastic adventure game that combines unique gameplay mechanics with engaging characters, dialogue, and art. If you're a fan of action-puzzle games, or just looking for a fun and immersive adventure, SeaRing is definitely worth playing. Plus, with language options in Italian, English, and Portuguese, it's accessible to a wide range of players.

Did you see the official game trailer? Check it here!

Here's the detailed description of indiexpo's statistics for the period from January 2023 to June 2023, along with considerations on how to improve these statistics in the second half of 2023:

During the first half of 2023, indiexpo witnessed significant engagement from young developers and gamers. 42.83% of users fall within the 18-24 age group, clearly demonstrating indiexpo's appeal to young enthusiasts of free indie games. This is a positive sign for the indie developer community, indicating that the games featured on the site are capturing the interest of the younger generation.

An noteworthy point to highlight is the increasing female user base compared to previous years (even if the male user base is still the biggest). But this growing female participation can be seen as the result of inclusivity initiatives and a broader diversity of content offered by indiexpo. This positive trend should be encouraged and promoted in the second half of 2023 to further expand the female user base.

indiexpo is a global platform attracting developers and gamers from around the world. Among the countries significantly contributing to the number of visits, China is in the first place, followed by the United States, Italy, Russia, and Germany. These data reflect the increasing popularity of free indie games on an international scale and the significance of a platform like indiexpo as a promotional platform for indie developers.

To fully grasp the meaning of these data, it's valuable to consider the historical context of the gaming industry. For instance, China has witnessed explosive growth in the gaming sector in recent years, driven by the increasing availability of mobile devices and an evolving gaming culture. This has made China a key market for indiexpo, and it suggests that this trend could continue to grow in the second half of 2023.

The majority of visits (67%) come from direct traffic, indicating that indiexpo has built a strong online presence and a base of loyal developers and gamers who visit the site directly. 

This is a positive sign as direct traffic often indicates a strong and recognizable brand. In the second half of 2023, indiexpo could further focus on retention strategies to maintain and increase the number of direct developers and gamers.

Social media plays a significant role in driving traffic to indiexpo. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Reddit contribute substantially to the traffic, representing 25.52%, 25.16%, and 20.76% of visits from social media, respectively. These social platforms not only provide a channel for promoting indie games but also influence the developer and gamer communities.

It's important to note that these social media platforms have a crucial role in the gaming world, influencing trends, the discovery of new games, and the sharing of gaming experiences. In the second half of 2023, indiexpo could seek to further solidify its partnerships with these social platforms by collaborating with content creators and promoting quality indie games through these channels.

The increase in traffic from mobile devices, constituting 42% of the total, suggests the importance of optimizing the site to provide a seamless user experience on smartphones and tablets. This trend may continue to grow, driven by the increasing adoption of mobile devices worldwide.

An interesting point to note is that many developers are responding to this trend by uploading HTML5 games to indiexpo. These games can be easily played online on mobile devices without the need for downloads or installations. In the second half of 2023, indiexpo could further encourage developers to create mobile-optimized games, thereby enhancing the site's appeal to the growing mobile audience.

indiexpo's statistics for the first half of 2023 indicate positive growth and development opportunities. For the second half, the site could focus on inclusivity strategies, collaborations with major social media platforms, and mobile optimization to continue expanding its user base and supporting the indie game developer community. indiexpo is clearly playing an essential role in promoting and sustaining the free indie game sector.