Palworld dev isn’t impressed by "so-called" AAA, prefers indies since they "include the kind of systems you can’t find in other games": "AAA titles are overwhelmingly about graphic quality and fidelity"

Pocketpair's publishing manager, John 'Bucky' Buckley, has discussed his preference for indies over AAA games, saying that big-budget titles are "overwhelmingly about graphic quality and fidelity" and that he doesn't "have much interest in their gameplay mechanics," admitting that he hasn't really touched them.

In an interview with 4gamer about the publishing arm of the Palworld developer, Bucky discusses his gaming preferences, showing a clear inclination for indie games over AAA titles. As translated by GamesRadar+, "I usually play indie games," Bucky says. "I play a lot of different indies, even smaller games, but I haven't really touched so-called AAA titles."

Pocketpair focuses its publishing on small projects like pixel-art, puzzle RPG Cassette Boy, and Game Boy-style horror game Normal Fishing. The publishing arm recently announced Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse at this month's State of Play, a roguelike and metroidvania, which is one of the more ambitious games in its portfolio.

"Indie games have so many interesting mechanics and different styles of gameplay," Bucky says. "I think AAA titles are overwhelmingly about graphic quality and fidelity, and that's great. But I personally don't have much interest in their gameplay mechanics. On the other hand, recent indie games are incredibly unique, and often include the kind of systems you can't find in other games."

Bucky admits that his affection for indie games has a lot to do with his preferred style of play. "The way I like to play games, once I've finished playing something, I want the next game to be something completely different," Bucky explains. "I like to keep jumping between different genres, which means I think indie games make more sense for me."

Variety is the spice of life, but I think the AAA scene has more than a few delightfully unique gems.

This stunning 2D roguelike with Hollow Knight vibes is the latest indie being published by Palworld developer's publishing arm, and it even includes 4-player online co-op.