Indie developers are individuals or small teams who create video games independently, without the financial support of large publishers. They often focus on innovative gameplay, unique art styles, and storytelling, allowing them to explore creative ideas that may not fit mainstream trends. These developers typically rely on digital distribution platforms, such as Steam or itch.io, to reach their audience. Many indie games have gained popularity and critical acclaim, showcasing the potential for small-scale projects to succeed in the competitive gaming industry. Examples of successful indie games include Undertale and Hollow Knight.