This post is also available in:
Contents
Project Background
I have come to feel that indie games, in particular, lack sufficient spaces where they can be meaningfully discussed.
There are two primary reasons behind this observation.
(1) Based on analytics from this site, approximately 10% of users who read a walkthrough article proceed to read the review of the same game. From a purely rational standpoint, this behavior is unusual. Since the game has already been purchased, there should be little need to read a page intended for purchase decisions.
(2) In conversations with developers, I have heard that some were surprised to receive a large amount of feedback only after release.
From these observations, I arrived at the following hypothesis:
There may be more potential fans of a game than are visibly apparent, and they may be seeking spaces where they can actively engage in discussion and shared enthusiasm.
However, at present, much of this interest seems to remain at the level of “mild curiosity,” without being articulated or preserved in words. As a result, it is neither visualized nor accumulated, and simply fades away.
This project was conceived to address that gap.
By articulating—based on actual play experience and inferred design intent—what a game is, why it is engaging, and who it resonates with, this initiative aims to create an entry point for meaningful discussion around unreleased titles.
By transforming “I was a little curious” into “I now understand,”
this project seeks to:
- Provide readers with a gateway to engage more deeply with a game
- Help developers make latent interest visible
As an independent platform, I believe this site is well-positioned to create such “small entry points for discussion,” which led to the launch of this initiative.
Project Overview
This project focuses on unreleased titles that have demo versions or are available in Early Access.
Each selected title will be played and analyzed, with the following aspects articulated in an article:
- The actual play experience
- How the design intent is perceived from a player’s perspective
- The type of audience the game is likely to resonate with
In addition, an interview with the developer will be conducted and published as part of the series “Visiting Your Origins.”
Rather than functioning as a conventional review or introduction, this project emphasizes connecting play experience with design intent through careful articulation.
Role of the Project
- To serve as a bridge that enhances readers’ understanding of a game
- To foster an environment where people feel encouraged to talk about a game
Target Audience
- Indie game developers (individuals or small teams, with or without a publisher)
- Unreleased titles
- Titles currently in Early Access
Recommended For
- Developers who find it difficult to clearly articulate the appeal of their game
- Developers seeking to build momentum prior to release
- Developers who wish to plant the seeds of a fan community
Process
- Initial inquiry
- Article creation (shared privately during production to align direction and content)
- Publication
Feedback on the project is highly appreciated and will be used to improve future activities.
Project Operation
This project is currently in a trial phase.
Article creation is offered free of charge.
For titles beyond the demo stage (e.g., Early Access content), a game key may be requested.
While view counts cannot be guaranteed, each article will be produced with a focus on depth, readability, and completion.
As this is an independent initiative in its early stage, the project structure remains flexible.
Contact
Initial consultations are welcome.
Please feel free to reach out via the contact form on Kaburanai Games.
You may use a handle name in place of your real name.
Future of the Project
Insights gained through this project will be applied to future articles and interview initiatives.
If you feel that your project could benefit from this initiative, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
