What defines an indie game and how has the genre evolved?

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

Imagine you're playing with building blocks, that's like making a game on your own, using tools like Scratch or Unity. Big companies use lots of money and many people to make games. Indie games are like the cool little creations you make in your room, not the ones you see on TV.

Indie games often have unique ideas, like a puzzle that’s different from all the others, or a story told in a funny way. They might look simple but can be really creative and fun to play.

Long ago, making games was like drawing pictures with crayons, it took time and only big companies could do it. Now, with tools like GameMaker or even just a computer, anyone can make their own game. This means more indie games are being made than ever before, and they’re showing up on phones, computers, and even special gaming consoles.

It's like having a whole toy box full of toys that each kid in your class makes, fun, different, and exciting!