It's just a different caliber of game, it's in it's own subgroup and I think that speaks volumes.

Like Pro-football, college football, Highschool football ect.

I know people that would rather watch college football but it's still not in the same caliber of the NFL. No one says, I just want to make it to college and that's it, Hell no, they want the top spot. That's the top spot, same as AAA or games your willing to spend $60 on, however just like a horrible NFL team, it doesn't mean you feel the $60 was worth it, it's still a higher caliber.

That's why it's subgrouped.

All these games are fighting for the top spot of that genre or game.  Weather it be graphics, gameplay, options...  Doesn't mean they will achieve this or come close to that of people's expectations. However that's the goal.

So essenitally indies is the Minor leagues, AAA is the pro's. Just like pro-football, the aim is to be the best, however doesn't always happen.

Why are you waiting? Holiday deals are the best you're probably going to get for a while. + It has 2 of its best games out now, Mk8 and Smash.

I missed this gem. Yeah, I am glad downloadable games and even indies available on PC suddenly count again. They need exposure too. I know I was mocked and told I was wrong last year for pointing out MS was supporting the 360 with games like State of Decay, Battleblock, Skulls of Shogun, etc etc. Those games didn't count. Now they do. It's good news.

The double standard goes both ways. Most who previously claimed indies justified the lack of exclusive AAA titles on the 360 suddenly don't believe they're worth including.

Personally, i'm just baffled as to what the hell MS's 1st party have been doing these last few years. Past Halo, Forza and a few Kinect games, they've done very little of note (AAA wise) in almost 4 years. A handful of indie/mini titles doesn't excuse the lack of everything else. Just like how Resogun and the like don't excuse Sony's lack of AAA titles this year (their 2013 effort is a valid reason, but it's not an excuse).

Currently I have no funds and my fixed term job will be paying me 2 weeks after my initial first week (last week) which leaves me close to Xmas so the majority of my earnings will be going to gifts for family/friends, food and rent.

Yep and you can't create a New Halo with this group unless you got 20 years to do so.  The goal of these companies is not to stay a indie, they want to make it to the big leagues like the rest. You think they want to stay small? Make less money and produce games that most people have no interest in playing.

You just can't escape the restraints of your self imposed prison can you. You're trying to pass your bias view (because you need desperately to reduce the list) off as the 'norm'. You're wrong.