The Big Indie Pitch, organized by PocketGamer.biz, is a popular event where indie developers participate in a fast-paced pitching competition to gain recognition and exciting promotional packages.
During the event, indie developers have five minutes to pitch their games to a panel of press, publishers, and industry experts, receiving valuable feedback before the judges select the top three winners.
Insights from the Indie Developers
The Big Indie Pitch continues to grow and expand globally. We’ve had the opportunity to speak with several past participants of the event about their experiences, the attendees, and the games showcased.
Today, we interview Adi Zhavo from Tornado Bear, creator of Kingland, the winning game at The Very Big Indie Pitch during Pocket Gamer Connects London 2024.
Sophia Aubrey Drake: Can you introduce yourself and your indie studio, including team members and inspirations?
Adi Zhavo: I’m Adi, the CEO and founder of Tornado Bear. Currently, it’s mainly me with support from a small team of talented individuals. Our inspiration comes from idle arcade and merge games, aiming to bring innovative and engaging arcade hybrid casual games to the market.
Tell us about Kingland, the game you presented at the competition.
Kingland is an idle arcade game with a unique twist. Players can build and manage their kingdom in a casual and enjoyable setting. It features joystick controller mechanics, a compelling narrative, and thrilling combat elements. Additionally, players encounter quirky companions throughout their journey.
We’re aiming to bring a fresh wave of fun and engaging arcade hybridcasual games to the scene.
Adi Zhavo
What are the distinctive and intriguing aspects of Kingland that gamers may not have seen before?
Kingland stands out due to its diverse gameplay elements. Players can engage in quick sessions to manage their kingdom and harvest resources, or they can delve into dungeons for engaging monster battles. The game also offers humor, well-developed characters, and an immersive narrative.
Kingland is a unique hybrid casual idle arcade game. What led you to develop this type of game, and what do you believe sets your game apart?
We wanted to capture the simplicity of casual gaming while adding depth to the gameplay experience. Our combination of harvesting, upgrading, fighting, and exploration provides players with a fulfilling and enjoyable gaming experience.
How did you decide on the platforms to develop Kingland for?
Mobile platforms were a natural choice considering their widespread usage and suitability for casual gaming experiences.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Learn from your mistakes, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Adi Zhavo
Considering your studio’s journey, how challenging is it to thrive as an indie developer?
As we are in the initial stages of establishing ourselves, with Kingland being one of our first titles, we understand the importance of creativity, resourcefulness, and perseverance in the indie game development landscape.
Do you have any tips for independent developers beginning their journey?
Embrace experimentation, acknowledge and learn from mistakes, and seek assistance when needed. Building connections early on can provide valuable support and guidance.
What was your experience like pitching at the Big Indie Pitch?
Pitching at the Big Indie Pitch was both challenging and rewarding. The feedback received was instrumental in refining our vision for Kingland.
What have you gained from this experience, and what are your future aspirations?
The exposure garnered from the event was exceptional and served to validate our efforts. Moving forward, we aim to capitalize on this momentum within the indie gaming community.
What are your hopes for Kingland in the future, and do you have plans for upcoming projects?
We have ambitious plans for Kingland, including introducing more features and expanding its content. Currently, our focus is on enhancing the existing game to provide players with the best possible gaming experience. As for future projects, we have exciting ideas in the pipeline.
Want to showcase your innovative game? Stay updated on our upcoming Big Indie Pitch events happening throughout the year. Check our events page for details on events near you, including our new Digital pitches.
Find information about all upcoming pitches and how to participate on our upcoming events page on BigIndiePitch.com.
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