"There will be fewer games in the interactive story genre," Dmitry Svetlov from Odd Meter on the results of 2024

We continue to review the results of 2024 with gaming (or gaming business-related) teams. Next in line is an interview with Dmitry Svetlov, head of the studio Odd Meter, which made a mark this year with the adventure game INDIKA.

How did this year turn out for your studio?

The year was insane. INDIKA finally launched and is selling quite well; we have already garnered five nominations across various awards [Including The Game Awards in the "Game for Change" category and the Golden Joystick Awards 2024 for "Best Indie Game." — Ed.]. Hopefully, there will be more to come.

In your view, how has the situation in the gaming market changed?

It seems that it has become more difficult for studios working on mid-scale games to survive. Giants with large service-based games and smaller projects are the ones enduring.

This is evident from trends among publishers and investment funds. It seems that most are looking towards smaller projects with budgets ranging from $3 to $8 million.

INDIKA

How was this year for the genre in which you work?

Narrative-driven games are finding it increasingly difficult to gather a large audience. It is no longer enough to create something beautiful and atmospheric to be successful. Sequels to hits like Alan Wake and Hellblade are now struggling to recoup their budgets.

What strengthening or emergence of trends in your niche do you expect in 2025?

Judging by the market's reaction, unfortunately, we will see fewer interactive story games in the near future. Only Lovers Left Alive.