Preserving the Indie Spirit: A Developer's Hope for the Future
In a recent interview, Jim Ashilevi, the writer and VO director of ZA/UM, shared his heartfelt desire for the studio to remain true to its indie roots. Despite the massive success of Disco Elysium, a game that captivated players worldwide, Ashilevi hopes ZA/UM never transforms into a AAA studio.
"I hope we'll never become a triple-A studio," Ashilevi stated boldly. With a team of just under 100, spread across offices in Tallinn, London, and Porto, ZA/UM maintains its independence and small-scale charm. But here's where it gets controversial: in an industry dominated by massive publishers, can a studio truly thrive while staying true to its indie nature?
Ashilevi believes the indie scene is a wellspring of fresh ideas and avant-garde creativity. He sees ZA/UM as a part of this vibrant community, drawing inspiration from the fringes. "I hope we'll never become a triple-A studio. Even if Zero Parades sells four billion copies, I hope we have the wisdom to stay true to our artistic values," he emphasized.
The gaming landscape, according to Ashilevi, is a mix of challenges and opportunities. "It's grim out there," he said, referring to the industry's rough patch. Yet, creatively, he believes it's thriving. The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a single-player, story-driven game developed outside the mega-publisher realm, proves there's a massive audience for indie narratives.
But this success brings its own set of problems. "How do you promote your game and ensure it reaches its intended audience?" Ashilevi asks. He believes the key lies in staying true to one's vision and voice, a philosophy that has guided ZA/UM's journey.
"Zero Parades has been our 'North Star,'" Ashilevi explains. "I'm proud of what we've achieved. The players' response is a bonus; the real value is in the deeper connections we've made with our colleagues and the insights into their hearts and minds."
For more insights into ZA/UM's world, explore their stance on AI and the reasons behind the similarities between their new RPG and Disco Elysium. And if you're eager to experience Zero Parades, a free demo awaits during Steam Next Fest.
What do you think? Should studios like ZA/UM strive to remain indie, or is growth and transformation an inevitable part of success? Share your thoughts in the comments!
