By Editorial Staff December 20, 2021 In a poignant announcement that marks a significant shift in the landscape of independent games journalism, Lewis Denby, Managing Director of Game If You Are Ltd, has confirmed that The Indie Game Website (TIGW) will cease active operations and enter an indefinite hiatus. The move, effective later this week, brings an end to four years of dedicated coverage that sought to champion the smallest, most marginalized voices within the global game development community. A Mission Born of Necessity: The Genesis of TIGW When The Indie Game Website launched in 2017, it was established with a singular, idealistic objective: to democratize the media landscape for indie developers. As the gaming industry expanded, the "noise" created by AAA marketing budgets threatened to drown out smaller studios, particularly those operated by solo developers or creators working outside the primary English-speaking development hubs. Denby, who also helms the indie-focused marketing agency Game If You Are, noted that the site was intended to act as a counterbalance to traditional media outlets. While marketing agencies focus on the commercial viability of a product, TIGW was designed to be an editorial sanctuary. It provided a platform where the editorial team could spotlight innovative, niche, and experimental titles without the constraints of profitability or mainstream popularity. Throughout its tenure, the site was guided by a succession of influential editors—including Neil, Jon, Jason, and Khee Hoon—who curated a diverse archive of reviews, features, and deep-dive analyses. These contributions served as a vital bridge between experimental developers and an audience hungry for authentic, non-corporate storytelling. Chronology of an Editorial Evolution The trajectory of The Indie Game Website reflects the broader challenges faced by independent media in the digital age. 2017: The Indie Game Website is launched by Game If You Are Ltd to provide a dedicated space for underrepresented indie games. 2018–2020: The site establishes itself as a critical voice, expanding its roster of freelance contributors and focusing on diverse, international developers. 2021: As the year progresses, the leadership team begins a strategic review of their mission to amplify marginalized voices in the face of shifting market dynamics. December 20, 2021: Managing Director Lewis Denby announces the decision to place the site on hiatus to pivot resources toward new initiatives for 2022. The Economics of Advocacy: Why the Site is Hibernating The primary catalyst for the hiatus is the financial reality of running a passion-led publication. Since its inception, TIGW has operated at a consistent loss. For years, the parent company was willing to absorb these costs as a strategic investment in the community and a commitment to editorial integrity. However, as Denby noted in his announcement, the organization reached a pivotal crossroads. The leadership team faced a recurring question: “How can we best shine a spotlight on indie developers who would normally struggle to cut through the noise?” While the website was successful in its mission to highlight these games, the leadership concluded that the capital and labor currently invested in maintaining a news site could be more effectively deployed elsewhere. The decision to "put the site on the back-burner" is framed not as a failure, but as a strategic reallocation of assets. The goal is to move from passive coverage—writing about games—to active support—investing directly in the developers themselves. Official Response: A Bittersweet Transition In his official statement, Lewis Denby expressed both sorrow for the closure and profound optimism for the future. "Today is a difficult day," Denby wrote. "The Indie Game Website has always run at a loss—but we were okay with that, because it has always been very important to us… The reality is that we needed to make a decision on where our investment was best spent in order to achieve this goal." Denby praised the editorial team and the freelance contributors, noting that the site’s value was defined by the unique perspectives brought to every review and editorial. He emphasized that the closure does not mean the erasure of the site’s history; the website will remain live indefinitely as a digital archive of the last four years of indie history. "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 Indie Media and the Future The hiatus of The Indie Game Website highlights a broader trend within the gaming press. As independent publications grapple with the costs of operation, many are being forced to choose between maintaining a traditional news feed and pursuing direct community support. The Shift Toward Direct Support The most significant takeaway from this announcement is the company’s pivot toward supporting "marginalized and minoritised indie developers." While specific details regarding 2022 initiatives remain under wraps, the industry is watching closely. By moving away from the "news cycle" model, the team at Game If You Are is signaling a transition toward a more direct form of advocacy—potentially involving funding, mentorship, or incubator-style support for developers who are typically excluded from traditional media pipelines. The Value of the Archive By keeping the site’s content live, the organization ensures that the record of these indie games remains accessible. In an era where digital content is often deleted or lost to link rot, the preservation of TIGW’s library serves as a testament to the importance of documenting smaller creative works. This archive acts as a historical map for future historians and players interested in the indie landscape of the late 2010s. The Fragility of Independent Journalism The closure of TIGW serves as a reminder of the fragility of the indie games journalism ecosystem. Without the backing of major corporate conglomerates, publications often rely on the goodwill and financial surplus of parent companies. When those parent companies shift their strategy, the publications—no matter their quality or community impact—are often the first to feel the pressure. Moving Forward: The Legacy of TIGW As the site prepares to enter its period of hibernation, the sentiment among its contributors and readership is one of gratitude. The site proved that it is possible to cover gaming through a lens of empathy and inclusivity rather than mere commercial hype. For the developers who were given their first break by a TIGW review, or for the readers who discovered their favorite "hidden gem" through a feature story, the impact of the publication is undeniable. While the editorial team prepares to embark on new ventures in the coming year, the ethos that defined The Indie Game Website—the belief that every developer, regardless of their background or budget, deserves to be heard—is expected to remain a core tenet of whatever initiatives follow. As Denby concluded in his message, the team is "excited about the future" and the potential for these new initiatives to foster a more equitable landscape for game creators. The industry awaits further announcements in the New Year, with the hope that the lessons learned from The Indie Game Website will continue to inform the next chapter of indie advocacy. For now, the site stands as a digital monument to a dedicated team, a vibrant community, and a tireless commitment to the art of independent game development. As Denby put it, "Who knows, maybe one day it’ll be the right time to resurrect it!" Post navigation A Legacy of Passion: Reflecting on the Closure of The Indie Game Website
