An
indie game, short for
independent video game, is a
video game created by individuals or smaller development teams without the financial and technical support of a large
game publisher, in contrast to most
"AAA" (triple-A) games. Because of their independence and freedom to develop, indie games often focus on
innovation, experimental gameplay, and taking risks not usually afforded in AAA games. Indie games tend to be sold through
digital distribution channels rather than at retail due to a lack of publisher support. The term is analogous to
independent music or
independent film in those respective mediums.