What defines an indie game and how does its development differ?

An indie game is like a toy made by one kid or a small group of friends, not by a big toy factory.

Imagine you and your best friend decide to make a toy car out of cardboard, buttons, and string. You don’t need a huge team or lots of money, just creativity and some simple materials. That's what indie game developers do: they create games using their own ideas and often work alone or with a small group.

In a big toy factory, many people make different parts of the toy, and it takes a long time to finish. But in indie game development, one person might design everything, from the characters to the music, just like you might draw the car, glue the wheels on, and even write the instructions.

Also, indie games often have unique ideas that are different from the big, famous toys you see everywhere. They’re like surprise gifts, not always the same, but full of fun and imagination!