[ajuc]

> Now it becomes way more expensive for small studios to come out with games that have online features.

Good riddance. Online features suck. Make your game multiplayer or make it singleplayer. Don't add pointless online features.

PS all you need to make sure it works is release the server once you stop supporting it yourself.

> They rely on a huge network of interconnected cloud micro services.

Give people the docker file.

> A single match might require separate proprietary systems for matchmaking, player inventories, anti cheat, metrics tracking, and database management. Many of those come with licenses that don't allow you to just give away the code for free.

That's more AAA stuff not indie.

[bethekidyouwant]

Any sufficiently popular multiplayer Indy game gets ruined by cheaters.

[throwaway85825]

Not a problem with private servers and offline reputation management.

[Rohansi]

> That's more AAA stuff not indie.

If they run it themselves, probably. Indies are more likely to use free services like Steamworks and Firebase which can be pulled out from under them for any reason.