Auteur theory in indie games: An analysis of Lucas Pope games

"Indie", a shorter way of saying "independent", signifies a type of artwork that is rich in diversity, creativity and self-expression. The indie genre in gaming encompasses a diverse range of works characterized by unique storytelling methods and innovative visual approaches. Within this expansive and diverse realm of creative possibilities and artistic exploration, it is possible to encounter numerous instances of original expression. Auteur theory, originating in the cinema industry, suggests that a director's artistic vision shapes the whole final product of a film and leaves unique marks on their work. This theory has been extended to other artistic mediums, and it finds relevance in the domain of indie games, where it manifests through the unique perspectives and innovative approaches of individual developers. The objective of this study is to explain the auteur theory in detail and demonstrate its applicability to video games in general, and elucidates on how it applies to various award-winning indie games, featuring Lucas Pope's Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn. Pope's games contribute to a unique pattern with their distinct visual style, minimalistic interface, thought provoking narrative and dystopian themes. By diving into how auteur theory is seen in indie games, we gain insight of the significance and value of individual creative voices within the video game industry and how this influence shapes the industry's artistic evolution.