Independent gaming, often referred to as indie gaming, involves video games created by individuals or small teams without the financial support of large publishers. These developers typically focus on creativity and innovation, allowing for unique gameplay experiences and storytelling that may not fit mainstream trends. Indie games often utilize digital distribution platforms like Steam or itch.io to reach players directly. This accessibility enables developers to experiment with new ideas and genres, resulting in a diverse range of games that can appeal to niche audiences. Popular examples of indie games include Celeste and Hollow Knight.