An indie game is a video game created by individuals or small teams without the financial support of a large game publisher. These developers often focus on innovative gameplay, unique art styles, and personal storytelling, allowing for creative freedom that larger studios may not pursue. Indie games can be distributed through various platforms, such as Steam or itch.io, making them accessible to a wide audience. Popular examples include Undertale, Hollow Knight, and Celeste, which have gained critical acclaim and commercial success, showcasing the potential of independent game development.