SJHYPS
What SJHYPS Covers
SJHYPS is not a gaming portal, store, or download site. It's an editorial project where I write about indie games and the people who make them. Below is a breakdown of the types of content published here, what each involves, and what falls outside our scope.
The three main types of content published on SJHYPS.
Indie Game Features
Long-form writeups on individual games. Each feature includes a detailed description of the gameplay, what makes the project distinctive, observations on art and sound direction, and an honest assessment of what works and what doesn't. These are not press releases or promotional pieces — they're editorial evaluations written after I've played the game for at least three hours.
Who this is for: Players looking for games with original ideas, developers seeking honest feedback on their work, and anyone curious about the Indian indie game scene beyond mainstream mobile titles.
What it includes: Gameplay analysis, art direction commentary, technical observations, developer context, and a clear statement of who would enjoy the game.
Price: Free to read. No paywall, no registration required.
Not suitable for: developers looking for guaranteed positive reviews or paid promotional coverage.
Sample feature layout — in-depth gameplay analysis with annotated screenshots.
Developer Spotlights
Profiles of small studios and solo developers. These pieces focus on the people behind the games — their backgrounds, creative processes, the constraints they work within, and the decisions that shaped their projects. I typically interview the developers via email or video call and supplement with my own playthrough observations.
Who this is for: Anyone interested in how indie games actually get made in India, aspiring developers looking for relatable stories, and players who want to understand the human side of the games they play.
What it includes: Developer background, creative process discussion, challenges and constraints, and contextual commentary from my own perspective.
Price: Free to read. Developers do not pay for spotlights and cannot approve the final text.
Not suitable for: large studios (over 15 people) or publishers seeking coverage of commercial releases.
Editorial Articles
Longer pieces on trends, events, and topics relevant to the Indian indie game scene. These include guides to game jams, analyses of art direction trends, discussions of funding challenges, and reports from local developer meetups. Each article is researched and written by me, with sources cited where applicable.
Who this is for: Game developers, industry observers, students, and anyone who wants context about what's happening in Indian game development beyond the surface level.
What it includes: Research-based analysis, cited sources, first-person observations from events or communities, and practical takeaways where relevant.
Price: Free to read. No sponsored content or paid placements.
Not suitable for: organizations looking for sponsored thought leadership or branded content.
Editorial coverage — research-based articles on trends and events in Indian indie development.
What We Do Not Do
- Real-money gaming, gambling, betting, or wagering mechanics of any kind
- Paid reviews, sponsored features, or guaranteed coverage
- Game distribution, downloads, or hosting of game files
- Scoring systems, star ratings, or numerical verdicts
- Coverage of studios with more than 15 team members or major publisher backing
- Affiliate links or commission-based recommendations
How It Works
The process is straightforward. A game enters my queue either through a developer submission via the contact page or through my own discovery on platforms like itch.io, game jam showcases, or community recommendations.
I play the game for at least three hours, document my observations, and then decide whether there's enough material for a meaningful writeup. If yes, I write and publish it. If no, I move on — I don't publish filler just to maintain a posting schedule.
Developers receive a heads-up before publication so they can correct any factual errors (team size, platform availability, feature descriptions). They do not get to edit or approve my opinions.
All content on SJHYPS is free to access. No registration, no paywall, no email collection for reading articles. If you want updates, you can bookmark the site or check back periodically.