The Big Indie Pitch, a recurring event organized by PocketGamer.biz, brings together indie developers in a fast-paced pitching competition for recognition and valuable promotional packages.
During the event, indie developers have five minutes to pitch their games to a panel of press, publishers, and industry experts, receiving crucial feedback before three winners are selected by the judges.
Insights from the Indie Perspective
The Big Indie Pitch continues to grow and expand globally. We have conducted interviews with several past participants to gather their thoughts on the event, its attendees, and the showcased games.
Today, we hear from Ankit Dhillon of BAD Spiele Studio, creator of Last Spartan: Glory Over Madness, the runner-up at The Very Big Indie Pitch during Pocket Gamer Connects London 2024.
Sophia Aubrey Drake: Tell us about yourself and your indie studio. Who is on your team and what drives their creativity?
Ankit Dhillon: I am Ankit Dhillon, known as Kumar due to a mix-up in my birth forms. Raised in diverse cultures, I draw inspiration from the world’s richness. Our upcoming games aim to share unique stories and mythologies from Asia, exploring uncharted gaming territories. My children, Athen and Luv Dhillon, are my motivation. They inspire our studio to create engaging games that blend dark narratives with strategic gameplay, offering players an escape to fantastical worlds.
While based in Berlin, BAD Spiele Studio operates globally, with remote team members and players worldwide.
Tell us about Last Spartan: Glory Over Madness, the game you pitched at the competition.
Last Spartan: Glory Over Madness combines elements from Slay the Spire and Darkest Dungeon, immersing players in a story-driven campaign rooted in Greek mythology and Lovecraftian horror. Players customize their decks using dice, each representing unique abilities, with Greek gods guiding them through a journey of strategic gameplay and compelling storytelling.
“Surviving as an indie developer comes with challenges, but staying true to passion drives us forward, regardless of financial success.” – Ankit Dhillon
Ankit Dhillon
What sets Last Spartan apart from other games in terms of uniqueness and innovation?
Last Spartan introduces innovative dice-building mechanics, offering players endless customization options. The inclusion of Greek gods as allies and the rich storytelling enhance the gaming experience, ensuring it remains memorable and engaging.
Why did you choose to develop a strategy game with rogue-like deck-building gameplay using custom dice mechanics, and what do you offer that’s distinct?
My passion for world-building and game design led to the creation of Last Spartan. Inspired by board games, I sought to blend strategy with narratives, using dice as a medium for deck-building. The fusion of Greek mythology and Lovecraftian themes provides a unique backdrop, setting Last Spartan apart in the gaming landscape.
How did you choose the platforms for Last Spartan: Glory Over Madness?
Considering our indie status, we targeted PC/Mac/Linux platforms, primarily on Steam. We also expanded to Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile platforms to reach a broader audience. The versatility of these platforms enhances player experience and accessibility.
“Iterate, experiment, and fail fast. Building a supportive community and resilience are key to succeeding as an indie developer.” – Ankit Dhillon
Ankit Dhillon
Surviving as an Indie developer can be challenging. How do you navigate this landscape?
Surviving as an indie developer requires realistic expectations and resource management. By maintaining a small team and prudent financial management, we ensure sustainability and creative freedom. Despite industry challenges, our passion for game development propels us forward.
Any advice for aspiring independent developers starting out?
Iterate, experiment, and embrace failure. Test your ideas rigorously, focus on execution, and wear multiple hats during development. Prioritize gameplay and marketability, seek feedback, and cultivate a supportive community to overcome challenges.
How was your experience pitching at the Big Indie Pitch?
Pitching at the Big Indie Pitch was thrilling, providing valuable feedback and networking opportunities. The experience refined our pitch and game concept, contributing to our growth as developers.
What have you gained from this experience, and what are your future aspirations?
Participating in the Big Indie Pitch has offered insights and feedback that have helped us refine our game and pitch. Connecting with industry professionals and receiving constructive criticism has been invaluable for our development journey.
What are your hopes and plans for Last Spartan: Glory Over Madness and any upcoming projects?
Our goal for Last Spartan is to deliver an exceptional gaming experience and maintain player engagement. We aim to continue refining the game, engaging with our community, and exploring new projects that offer unique experiences and storytelling opportunities.
Want to showcase your game? Explore our upcoming Big Indie Pitch events for opportunities near you, including digital pitches.
Stay updated with our upcoming events on BigIndiePitch.com for all the latest news, interviews, and analysis.
