Frankly a title like 'Malevolence: the Sword of Ahkranox' doesn't sound like it's going to appeal to a broad demographic.
Even if one is indie it would seem sensible to treat it like a business, and make the ponies-and-handbags games until there's enough cash to make whatever one wants and damn the commercial viability.
Not everyone wants to take that approach (although it is a good one). It's harder to be financially successful making games that don't have mass appeal but it's definitely doable.
Even if one is indie it would seem sensible to treat it like a business, and make the ponies-and-handbags games until there's enough cash to make whatever one wants and damn the commercial viability.