The main reason I even own a controller for my PC is because there are dozens of Steam games I own that are either unplayable (Super Meat Boy, for example) or just not that fun (every other platformer, among plenty others) without one.

FORBES: Why Dark Souls On PC Will Be The Best Version Ever - Eventually

As both developers and game journalists explain, the small and more flexible nature of indie teams lets them delve into game concepts, art and sound that major developers typically avoid -- you probably wouldn't get Bastion, Fez or Super Meat Boy out of a company focused mostly on hitting its quarterly revenue targets.

ENGADGET: PBS mini-documentary explores indie game creation, shows what they do that majors can't (video)