How can you Recognize the Categories of Downloadable Games?

When someone thinks of "downloadable games," the general picture in mind tends to be either pirated copies of commercial games or those games that non-gamers play to pass the time. Some people might consider downloadable content (DLC) to count under the term, but by their nature, DLC products are merely add-ons to an existing game, rather than independent software. However, most people don’t realize that there are far more downloadable games out there than what would fit into the narrow categories listed above.



Steam and other software download services are slowly changing misconceptions, for starters. True commercial games are available for paid download on these websites. These aren’t the big blockbusters with budgets that rival that of most movies, but are quality downloadable games developed by small-time game studios. These inevitably didn’t want to have to tie up with an established game publisher to get their products out to the market, instead opting to sell somewhat directly to gamers through the Internet. These indie game developers have made more than a few excellent games that can compete with even the best "big name" offerings, including the charmingly cartoonish "Torchlight" and the unusually compelling "Minecraft."



Another kind of game that you can freely download is games created with a commercial design suite. The average person can now design his own game through innovative software like Game Maker and RPG Maker VX without having to develop a game engine. These kinds of games have simpler graphics and don’t have much detail compared to their mainstream counterpart. Also a part of the indie gaming industry are fan-made games that are given away for free. These games can be classified into every possible genre, from simple point-and-click puzzle pieces to 40-hour long RPG epics.



Downloadable games have also become a foundation for independent game developers, giving them a more affordable alternative of getting their games into the market. The Internet has also made it possible for future game designer to contribute to the industry without having to go into the more complex world of game development.



It is difficult to tell whether or not simpler game types, like "Diner Dash" and "Bejeweled," are more numerous than downloadable games from established genres, like "Vacant Sky" or "Dwarf Fortress." What is known, though, is that offering a game for download opens up possibilities for both game designers and game developers - opportunities that bypass the meddling that game publishers are known to dabble in during the game creation process.