Indie, AA, and AAA Games: The Ultimate Guide

In the vast gaming industry landscape, where creativity meets technology, three distinct categories stand out: Indie, AA, and AAA games. The journey through these realms shapes a thriving market that generated nearly $180 billion in 2020. Let's uncover the fascinating details that make each class unique.

Indie, AA, and AAA Games

Unmasking the Game Classes

Indie Games

Definition: Independent video games crafted by small, self-funded studios often comprising fewer than ten individuals.

AAA Games

Definition: Blockbuster-style games developed by large companies with substantial budgets and teams numbering in the hundreds.

AA Games

Definition: Titles created by companies with budgets falling between Indie and AAA, showcasing quality but on a smaller scale.

Indie, AA, and AAA Games in Comparison

Characteristics	Indie	AAA	AA
Development Budget	A few thousand to $1 million.	Over $50 million, sometimes more.	Variable, typically between indie and AAA.
Marketing Push	Relies on word of mouth, social media.	High budgets, extensive marketing efforts.	Between indie and AAA, often less.
Team Size	Small teams, sometimes one person.	Large teams, hundreds of employees.	Usually below 50 people.
Dedicated Publisher	Often lacks a dedicated publisher.	Typically published by established companies.	Backed by a publisher with more creative freedom.
Graphics & Technology	Focus on innovation, less cutting edge.	Cutting-edge technology and graphics.	High-quality, not cutting edge.
Production Values	Smaller scale, emphasis on mechanics.	High production values, famous voice actors.	Good production values, less famous actors.
Franchising	May lead to sequels post-success.	Intended to become franchises post-success.	Likely to become franchises if successful.
Threshold for Success	Low due to lower development budgets.	High, often selling over 2 million copies.	Between AAA and Indie games.
Streaming and Content	Relies on word of mouth, social media.	Streamed on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.	Popular on streaming platforms.
Esports	Not prevalent in esports.	Dominant force in esports industry.	Occasional contributions to esports.

Notable Examples

Indie Games

• Celeste

• Minecraft

• Transistor

• Hades

AAA Games

• Assassin’s Creed

• FIFA

• The Elder Scrolls

• Final Fantasy series

AA Games

• A Plague Tale: Innocence

• It Takes Two

• Life is Strange

• PUBG

FAQs

1. Can indie games be AAA?

No, indie games cannot be AAA. Indie games and AAA games are distinct categories in the gaming industry. Indie games are typically created by small, independent studios with limited budgets, while AAA games are blockbuster titles developed by large companies with substantial budgets, often in the millions.

2. What is an AA game?

An AA game is a category in the gaming industry that falls between indie and AAA games. These games are created by companies with smaller budgets compared to AAA titles but still involve larger development teams and resources than typical indie projects. Examples of AA games include Life is Strange, A Plague Tale: Innocence, and Remember Me.

3. What is AAA AA and a in gaming?

In gaming, AAA refers to blockbuster games developed by large companies with significant budgets. AA represents games that fall between indie and AAA in terms of budget and resources. Indie denotes independent games created by small studios, often with limited funding and resources. These classifications help differentiate games based on their development scale, budget, and market presence.

Conclusion

As the industry continues to evolve, understanding the nuances of Indie, AA, and AAA games adds depth to the gaming experience, unveiling a world where creativity knows no bounds.

HitBerry Games also helps with developing and outsourcing AA, AAA, and other game genres. The HitBerry team provides high-quality game development services and can assist you in all stages of game development.

You can find different project examples in our portfolio, calculate the price of your game with our game cost calculator, or contact us directly. See you soon!

START GAME DEVELOPMENT