IndieDB our new site powered by ramen noodles has just launched. News, insight and media direct from independent game developers awaits!

Posted by Henley on Jun 19th, 2010

Over the past few months we have been hard at work expanding our community and exploring ways to help game developers reach new fans and interact. First there was Desura our answer to mod and game distribution (which is not far off launching) that removes the need for complicated installations. Now we present a shiny new website that will expand our audience in a very exciting direction. Introducing IndieDB.

Our Aim

IndieDB is dedicated to the communities and developers of independent games and has been designed from the ground up to help dev's promote their hard work to the right people. Just like with ModDB, IndieDB is a user generated database with a heavy focus on community interactions. We give you (fans and game developers) the tools and means to showcase your project however you please, be that through detailed blog posts like the Wolfire crew, as your projects official homepage or even as just another release mirror.

Competitions

We are also running two competitions over the next month. Fans, win cash for yourself and your favorite indie game team by telling us why they are the best. We have $600 to giveaway, read on for details. Developers, we have a Unity Pro and Unity iPhone Pro license (worth a combined total of $3600) to giveaway to the most deserving Unity development teams. So add your Unity game and read the details to find out how you can win this great prize.

FAQ

Some of you die-hard ModDBer's will naturally have some questions, so here is a simple QnA that will hopefully help you out. This post explaining what's new is also a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED read. Otherwise ask a question in the comments, and we shall update this post with answers.

Q: What why?

A: ModDB has always supported all forms of independent game development, so IndieDB is a logical step for us to take. There are not a whole lot of websites out there bringing together indie developers and those that do don't let the teams control the flow of information that most of you have come to love about ModDB.

Q: ModDB has always had Indie games on it... why are you splitting up the site?

A: We aren't changing ModDB at all. All the content, profiles, forums, games and users will remain on ModDB. The difference is that IndieDB will feature ONLY indie related stuff, so treat it as ModDB's little sister only without an over-protective big daddy. You don't need to re-join or re-add your content either, ModDB and IndieDB share the same backend.

Q: Wow IndieDB looks awesome are you guys not going to update ModDB anymore?

A: What? God no, ModDB is our life we would never abandon it for any reason! Modders we heart you... in-fact if you like all of the changes, fixes, design and improvements that IndieDB has, let us know and we shall port all of these updates over to ModDB.

Q: Hey I'm an Indie Developer, how come my profile isn't on IndieDB?

A: That could be answered in a few different ways so the best thing for you to do if you find yourself in this particular pickle is to send me a quick PM letting me know all about your trouble and woes. There is no-need to re-add your game or content, just ask and we shall auth it on IndieDB!

Q: I have customized my profile design on ModDB with fancy colors and a description, what happens on IndieDB?

A: I'm afraid that while the sites are *mostly* compatible, there are a few minor differences (i.e. IndieDB is 20px thinner) so you will need to make sure your profile design suits both sites!

Q: How can I get content on ModDB (i.e. groups, news, files) on IndieDB as well?

A: Any indie related content should automatically appear on IndieDB. If it doesn't don't worry, you don't need to re-add it. Just contact us with urls to the groups, news, downloads etc you want shown on IndieDB as well and we shall auth it for you. You only need to post content ONCE, if you update IndieDB then ModDB will be updated as well and vice-versa.

Add your Game

So if you are developing an indie game for any platform (PC, mobile or console) add it and start sharing content and we shall work tirelessly to help you reach new fans and customers. And if you are here to play games, start browsing the site and spread the indie love via twitter, facebook, digg and your other favorite social sites (handy buttons below). We appreciate the launch assistance!