Page 275 . Volume 10, Issue 2 November 2013 Stop just making stuff! Listening, co-creation and sustainability in independent game development Chris Lowthorpe, University of Abertay, Dundee, UK Sean Taylor, Denki Ltd., UK Gregor White, University of Abertay, Dundee, UK Summary: The design, development, and distribution of digital games is undergoing constant and severe disruption. Changing methods of distribution, emerging trends and business models, and an increasingly saturated marketplace are forcing independent developers to re- evaluate and re-imagine internal processes and cultures. As developers adapt by producing services in addition to self-contained products, the locus of value shifts from the product towards the act of user participation. Consequently the viability and development of projects is increasingly decided not by product differentiation but by listening to consumers, mapping their behavior, and co-creating unique and meaningful experiences. . This paper suggests Hills ǀulŶeƌaďilitLJ paƌadodž edžists foƌ iŶdepeŶdeŶt gaŵe developers. Disruption causes vulnerability, but this may be turned into strength by forcing developers to work closely with those they rely upon: their customers. Involving the customer in the design process may be criticized for leading to homogenous and mediocre products or services. However, this paper argues that involving the customer may enable more risks to be taken once initial value propositions are upheld. Keywords: game design, game development, lean startup, co-creation, value, product, service, sustainability