Do you ever feel like some indie devs are making a mistake when they try to establish their own little franchise by making a direct sequel, instead of moving on to a new idea? Statistically speaking the sales numbers tend to be weaker, as most people seem to have gotten their fill from the first one
Of course I do. Choices that seem sensible on the surface often aren't as solid as you think when you take a closer look. In the case of sequels, the question whether the game 'needs' a sequel is one half, whether it is economically viable is the other half.
Finally, there's the question of expectation. It's extremely hard to make an indie game that stands out enough to warrant a sequel, and unless you are rather certain you can exceed those expectations (with the 'nostalgia goggles bonus' that effectively says a sequel twice as good as the original will be seen as a small improvement), a sequel is an extremely daunting task. You're not just risking a game, you're risking an IP, and fond memories of one game with another.
That being said, sometimes a sequel *is* the right thing. I personally prefer to make games on a company brand, a studio fingerprint, more than in an IP. I always feel Supergiant and Capybara are great examples of that, and I always strive for and hope that Vlambeer evokes a similar ieeling with people.
Finally, there's the question of expectation. It's extremely hard to make an indie game that stands out enough to warrant a sequel, and unless you are rather certain you can exceed those expectations (with the 'nostalgia goggles bonus' that effectively says a sequel twice as good as the original will be seen as a small improvement), a sequel is an extremely daunting task. You're not just risking a game, you're risking an IP, and fond memories of one game with another.
That being said, sometimes a sequel *is* the right thing. I personally prefer to make games on a company brand, a studio fingerprint, more than in an IP. I always feel Supergiant and Capybara are great examples of that, and I always strive for and hope that Vlambeer evokes a similar ieeling with people.