What is the Difference Between Indie, AA, and AAA?

In the world of video games, not all titles are created with the same resources, and that’s a good thing! From small indie gems to massive AAA blockbusters, games come in all team sizes, and budgets. But what do terms like indie, AA, and AAA actually mean? In this blog, we’ll break down these classifications, explore their differences, and highlight why each one plays an important role in making creative, and diverse video games.

What Do These Terms Mean?

Indie (Independent)

Independent, or “indie”, games are developed without the financial support of major publishers. These projects are typically created by small teams - sometimes even solo developers - working with limited resources. But what they may lack in funding, they often make up for in creativity and passion. Without a publisher overseeing every decision, indie developers enjoy more creative freedom and are able to take risks, experiment with mechanics, and explore unconventional ideas.

This freedom comes with its own challenges. Indie teams often lack access to marketing, distribution, or technical support, which can make it difficult to reach wider audiences or scale their game. That said, many indie games have found massive success through word-of-mouth, strong community engagement, and digital storefronts like Steam and Itch.io such as Stardew Valley. While indie teams can grow to as many as 30 to 50 people, once they reach that scale, they begin to border on AA territory.

Stardew Valley

AA (Double-A)

AA games represent the middle ground between indie and AAA titles, both in terms of budget and scope. These games are typically developed by mid-sized team - usually between 50 and 100 developers - and often receive funding and support from publishers, though not at the same level as AAA studios. This structure offers a blend of creative freedom and financial backing, allowing developers to take calculated risks while still delivering polished experiences for players.

While AA studios may not have the same budgets as their AAA counterparts, they often produce high-quality visuals and engaging gameplay, thanks to their focused design and efficient pipelines. Unlike AAA games, which may lean on established franchises or trends, AA titles tend to be more willing to experiment while still appealing to a broader audience. A recent example is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by a core team of around 30 people. By leveraging game outsourcing studios to scale their team, it stands as a testament to what a well-organized, passionate team can accomplish within AA constraints

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

AAA (Triple-A)

AAA games are the blockbusters of the gaming world. These titles are created by large studios with massive budgets and extensive publisher backing. AAA teams often include hundreds, if not thousands, of developers, working across various departments from narrative and design to marketing, audio, and quality assurance. These games typically boast cutting-edge graphics, immersive storytelling, and high production values.

Because so much is invested in them, AAA games usually aim for mass appeal and commercial success. Publishers want a return on their investment, which can lead to safer design choices and reliance on familiar franchises. However, the scale and ambition of AAA projects also allow for expansive worlds, cinematic experiences, and technological innovation. Titles like The Last of Us Part, Call of Duty, and the Assassin’s Creed series illustrate the scope and power of AAA development.

These projects usually take three to five years to complete, though development cycles can be longer. For example, Grand Theft Auto 6 is on track for an eight-year development timeline - an extreme, but not unheard-of, example of how complex and resource-intensive AAA development has become.

Assassin's Creed Shadows

Key Differences

Budget and Funding

Perhaps the most obvious difference between these tiers is funding. Indie developers usually rely on personal savings, crowdfunding, or small investments. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter have made it possible for indie teams to secure funding directly from their future players, though this requires developers to have a strong pitch and often some early gameplay footage to share.

AA developers benefit from more consistent funding, usually provided by mid-sized publishers looking to fill the niche between low-budget creativity and blockbuster spectacle. Budgets in this category often range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars, allowing for greater polish and reach without the pressure of matching AAA-level sales.

AAA development, by contrast, is a high-stakes endeavor. Budgets can exceed $100 million, factoring in both development and marketing costs. The success of a single AAA title can impact a publisher’s financial year, making these games some of the most scrutinized and strategically planned products in the entertainment industry.

Team Size

Team sizes vary widely across the three categories. Indie games may be developed by a solo creator or larger indie studios can reach up to 30 staff. AA teams generally include 50 to 100 people, depending on the project’s scale and complexity. AAA studios can employ hundreds or even thousands of developers across multiple locations and departments, due to the vast scope and ambition of their titles.

Risk and Innovation

All game development carries risk, but how that risk is managed differs across the tiers. Indie developers take on personal financial risk and often work without a safety net. However, this independence allows them to break new ground and innovate more freely.

AA development offers a middle path. Developers get access to funding and support from publishers, while still having room to try new ideas. These teams often take creative risks that might not be feasible in a AAA setting, where commercial pressure can limit experimentation.

AAA studios, on the other hand, are generally more risk-averse. With so much money and manpower involved, publishers are more likely to rely on proven formulas and established IPs. Still, some AAA developers do find ways to innovate within their framework, though the margin for failure is much smaller.

Production Time

Production timelines can vary greatly. Indie games might be developed in a year or less, or they might take several years depending on the size of the team and the complexity of the project. For instance, Stardew Valley was developed over four and a half years by a single person.

AA games typically take between two and four years, but there are exceptions - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 took about six years to complete. AAA games usually fall within a three to five-year development cycle, though some titles stretch beyond that due to scope, production challenges, or business strategy. As with budgets, there’s no single rule for production time — only general trends.

Is One Better Than the Other?

Not at all. Each tier of game development brings something valuable to the industry. Indie games are deeply personal, often visionary, and full of experimentation. AA games balance polish with innovation, often surprising players with fresh ideas wrapped in professional production values. AAA games offer scale, spectacle, and immersion on a level that’s difficult to match.

The best part is that players don’t have to choose one over the others. The diversity of the gaming ecosystem is what keeps the medium evolving. Every genre, niche, and style has its place and sometimes, the most unforgettable gaming experiences come from the most unexpected sources.

The Lines Are Blurring

In recent years, the boundaries between indie, AA, and AAA have begun to blur. Thanks to powerful development tools, accessible distribution platforms, and growing online communities, indie and AA games are reaching wider audiences than ever before. Some indie titles, such a R.E.P.O has outsold some major AAA games. This indie game sold 14.4 million copies, generating $110 million in revenue which is a testament to the fact that innovation, and fun gameplay - not just budget and team size - drives success.

Services like Steam, Game Pass, and the Epic Games Store have democratized access to games, helping projects of all sizes find their audience.

R.E.P.O

Final Thoughts

The world of game development is as diverse and dynamic as the players who enjoy the results. From small indie projects to huge AAA launches, every game begins as a creative vision and grows into an experience meant to connect with others.

Whether it’s a solo developer pouring years into a passion project, a small studio experimenting with bold new ideas, or a massive team delivering jaw-dropping spectacle, each tier contributes. What truly matters isn’t the label on the box, but the impact the game leaves behind.

Athena Productions is an experienced concept art studio supporting video game development from early pitches to final marketing art—whether for indie, AA, or AAA titles. From character design and environment concepts to key art, we help your team create visuals that resonate with players. Get in touch today!