Keys: 0 to 3 shortfall or gimmick, 6 to 9 presentation, letters for areas, Y / M / N verdict, Enter next. Games open in your Steam client as you go; without Steam, set "follow Next in" to web page. Ratings save automatically.
The claim. Good indie games do not flop. If a game is good, players find it.
The test. Every paid indie game on Steam, 2015 to 2025, minus big studios and adult titles. Acclaimed means 95%+ positive from at least 100 player reviews; no critics. Overlooked means acclaimed but only 100 to 400 reviews, about 3K to 12K copies. Breakout means 5K+ reviews.
So far. Rating predicts sales, but about half of the acclaimed games still went nowhere. The claim says they should not exist.
The catch. A 97% score from 200 buyers only proves those 200 loved it. The numbers cannot see whether something visible put everyone else off. You can.
What you rate. Overlooked games: shortfall 0 to 3, a visible weakness that would explain why players passed, and where; presentation 0 to 3, the capsule, trailer, screenshots and store text; then your verdict, Diamond, Maybe or No diamond. Breakouts: gimmick 0 to 3, how much of the success rests on a hook, plus presentation. Gut calls are fine, and several opinions per game are welcome.
What decides it. A diamond is a good game that simply was not found. Every one is evidence against the claim. If nearly every overlooked game has a clear weakness, the claim holds.
Solo or group. Solo hands you games nobody has rated yet. Group puts everyone on the same game at the same time.