How We Work

Game Design Methodology

The principles that guide how we build games — designed to entertain, not exploit.

Design Principles

Six Pillars of Ethical Game Design

01
Entertainment First
Every mechanic must be intrinsically fun. We test ruthlessly: if something is only enjoyable because of a potential reward, it gets redesigned.
02
No Variable Reward Loops
We explicitly avoid slot-machine-style random reward mechanics. Outcomes in our games are driven by player skill and decision-making, not psychological manipulation.
03
Zero Monetary Value
In-game items, scores, and achievements are purely cosmetic or social. Nothing on our platform can be exchanged for real money, and we engineer our systems to make this structurally impossible.
04
Transparent Odds
When randomness is used (e.g., procedural map generation), we document it clearly. Players always know that outcomes are random where applicable, with no hidden weighting.
05
Accessible Design
All games target WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility. We test with keyboard-only navigation, screen readers, and reduced-motion preferences. Gaming should be for everyone.
06
Player Wellbeing
We don't use dark patterns to maximize session length. We encourage healthy play habits and never use guilt or urgency mechanics to pressure engagement.

Our Development Process

Every game on Indigo Etna passes through a structured review before launch. Our process is designed to catch and eliminate any mechanics that could cross into manipulative territory.

Stage 1 — Concept Review

All new game concepts are screened against our ethical design checklist. We ask: Does this game require real money? Does it simulate gambling? Does it use misleading randomness? Any concept that fails these checks is rejected or fundamentally redesigned.

Stage 2 — Mechanics Audit

  • All reward loops are mapped and classified as skill-based, exploration-based, or social.
  • Variable reward schedules are explicitly prohibited in progression systems.
  • Monetization vectors are identified and removed — our games have none.
  • Time-pressure mechanics are evaluated: do they create genuine tension, or false urgency?

Stage 3 — Accessibility Review

Before any game ships to production, it undergoes an accessibility pass covering: keyboard navigation, focus indicators, color contrast ratios (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text), motion reduction support, and screen-reader compatibility for UI elements.

Stage 4 — Community Feedback

Beta versions are tested with volunteer players from our community. We specifically recruit players who have expressed interest in ethical gaming practices. Their feedback shapes the final product.

Stage 5 — Policy Compliance Check

Our legal and compliance team verifies that each game complies with our stated policies, advertising standards, and applicable consumer protection regulations. This includes confirming that no mechanic could be construed as gambling under any relevant jurisdiction.

Ongoing Monitoring

After launch, games are monitored for emergent player behaviors. If a community discovers an unintended mechanic that creates gambling-like behavior, we patch it promptly. Our player support team at [email protected] accepts reports at any time.

Questions?

If you have questions about our methodology or want to report a concern, we'd love to hear from you.

Email [email protected]