An indie game developer recently expressed frustration after her 10-year project was overshadowed by the surprise release of 11 classic games by major publisher Electronic Arts (EA). EA, known for popular titles like The Sims, Need for Speed, and Apex Legends, launched a series of games including Command and Conquer, Dungeon Keeper, and Sim City 3000 Unlimited.
The developer, Renee Gittens, CEO of Stumbling Cat, had meticulously planned the release of her game, Potions: A Curious Tale, on March 8 via the digital distributor Steam. However, EA's unexpected release disrupted her launch strategy, pushing her game off the 'New and Trending' section despite positive reviews and customer purchases.
In an emotional video shared on social media platforms, Renee highlighted the challenges faced by game developers, emphasizing the impact of such corporate decisions on independent projects. Despite facing backlash, she received significant support from the gaming community, with many encouraging others to try out Potions: A Curious Tale.
Renee also shared insights on Twitter, showcasing the impact of EA's releases on her game's visibility. While some negative comments surfaced, the majority of responses were supportive, with several users expressing interest in purchasing the game.
EA was contacted for comment on the situation, but no response was provided at the time of reporting. The incident sheds light on the challenges indie developers face in a competitive gaming industry dominated by major publishers, where timing and visibility can significantly impact the success of their projects.
