I think the most practical way to support indie creators is just by actually using and sharing their work. Buying their games, leaving reviews, or even just recommending them to friends makes a big difference. Financial support helps, of course, but engagement and visibility are just as important. In this economy, small, consistent actions from the community are what keep creators going.
As said above, devs know what they’re getting into when they make a game and most often don’t expect revenue from it. But yeah, we’d be happy with people playing and sharing them. Good to rate, give reviews and spread the word.
But actually, if you do want to put a little more in, perhaps according to cynical metrics, post on Reddit about games you like. Badger YouTubers, commenting on games they should play. Sometimes it’s taken by them in a different way than a developer asking a YouTuber if they’re interested in playing their game. YouTubers may often be doing it for the views and won’t play a game unless there is demand for it. And smaller devs get more exposure if those YouTuber’s audience grows as well, so supporting them is supporting devs slightly.(YouTuber/streamer letsplays, video essayists, top ten lists.) like and reply to comments you see praising games you like and amplify them. It’s derisory but it all contributes to a little wind in the sails on the digital profile etc.
The YouTubers aspect is an idea I didn't think of as much, but perhaps indeed sending games I found as gems to YouTubers could indeed be an idea
For info, since it seems to be unclear, I am asking this as the side of a consumer, not dev. As a consumer is there nothing more I can do is my question. But I start to realize slowly there isn't much more possible. I have perhaps an idea in work but I'm not sure. It would be a indie wallet kind of thing to support devs while also being able to get back from it too, this way maybe it would eliminate some of the weight of supporting people you like and all, but maybe that's silly