When comparing TIGSource vs IndieDB, the Slant community recommends IndieDB for most people. In the question“What are the best hype-building communities for independent games?” IndieDB is ranked 1st while TIGSource is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose IndieDB is:
IndieDB isn't just a place where you can build hype for your game: it aims to be the definitive place where you should. Everything about the site's features and interface are designed to help devs present themselves, and to kindle user interest in new games.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Great for networking with other indie devs and reviewers
Spontaneous endorsements from bloggers, reviewers and other developers can generate as much or more interest as any direct effort on your part. TIGSource is positioned as a community for indie developers, making it one of the best places to catch the eye of your peers.
Pro TIGSource staff might take interest and feature your game
The contributing editors of TIGSource are free to indulge their personal gaming interests, and frequently promote titles that they feel stand out in some way.
Pro You can engage the community
The TIGSource forums have a lively community of indie game fans and other developers with over 20,000 members. The best way to build support for your game and company is to embrace the community and hear their input.
Pro Explicit site mission is to connect indie devs with players
IndieDB isn't just a place where you can build hype for your game: it aims to be the definitive place where you should. Everything about the site's features and interface are designed to help devs present themselves, and to kindle user interest in new games.
Pro Large overlap with Desura userbase
Desura and IndieDB were initially both operated by Desura Group, and shared a single user database. Linden Labs obtained Desura (only) in January 2014 and the sites' user bases are now split, but extensive crossover remains. Interest built through IndieDB can translate directly to sales on Desura.
Pro Easy for journalists to look up
People from IndieStatik, Kotaku, etc will check IndieDB for info on new games.
Pro Indie cred
Lots of games and developers on here.
Cons
Con Limited control over presentation
TIGSource Forums are designed to support a community of developers, not as an ideal marketing platform. Like most forums, you can start new topics and have limited control over the formatting of your own posts only.
Con Poor metrics for popularity tracking
Your game on IndieDB has a popularity ranking, but it considers only the past 24 hours, making it only good for noticing spikes in attention. Individual pages have hit counters, which can provide a more lasting record of interest but must be tracked and compared manually.