IndieGameBusiness®

In this episode, we chat with Jonathan Concepcion, the Lead Developer and founder of Galactic Slice, about his journey from hobbyist to full-time indie game developer. Jonathan shares the inspiring story of how a simple game, OneBit Adventure, allowed him to turn his passion into a career. He discusses the motivations behind his leap of faith, the impact of choosing a free-to-play model on community growth, and the challenges he faced with burnout and stress. Jonathan also dives into the benefits and challenges of feature creep, explaining how it helped create lifetime players for OneBit Adventure. He reveals why simplicity in game design often gains more traction than complexity and opens up about accepting his weaknesses in marketing as a solo developer. Topics Covered: Why Jonathan chose to pursue full-time indie game development Building a community through a free-to-play model versus premium Overcoming burnout and stress in game development The impact of feature creep on player retention The power of simplicity in game design Embracing weaknesses in marketing as an indie developer Connect with Jonathan Concepcion: Twitter: https://x.com/SpaceKryptonite LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-concepcion-2917096a/ #IndieGameBusiness #GalacticSlice #OneBitAdventure #GameDevelopment #IndieDev #GameDesign #CommunityBuilding #FeatureCreep #MarketingChallenges #IndieGameJourney --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

In this candid and introspective episode, we sit down with Brett Taylor, founder of My Dog Zorro, to explore the personal and professional challenges of building a career in game development. Brett opens up about his journey, sharing insights from his previous roles, the lessons he's learned as a young founder, and how he balances work and life while aiming high and accepting the possibility of failure. Join us as Brett discusses what truly matters to him, the recurring mistakes he strives to overcome, and the ways he’s working on improving himself and his process. We'll also touch on his philosophy of "done is better than perfect," the importance of celebrating small wins, and building self-belief. Plus, Brett shares his favorite books that inspire his journey in both life and game development. Connect with Brett Taylor: Twitter: https://x.com/batzerk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-taylor-13268916/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bretttaylor1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/batzerk/ #IndieGameBusiness #GameDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #MyDogZorro #SelfImprovement #GameIndustry #PersonalGrowth #BelievingInYourself #Entrepreneurship #BrettTaylor --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Mirabello, Founder and Creative Director of Terrible Posture Games, to discuss the landscape of funding for indie game developers in 2023/2024 and the overall stability of the gaming industry. Joe shares insights into his latest project, Battle Train, and its unique journey to securing funding through Kickstarter. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities for indie game developers, what publishers are looking for, and how the PC gaming landscape has evolved over the years. Joe will also reflect on Terrible Posture Games' history and how the indie space has been shaped by PC game saturation. Finally, we look ahead to what 2025 might hold for funding and the future of indie games. Topics: Battle Train and its new Kickstarter campaign The unusual path to funding for Battle Train Indie game funding in 2023/2024 and what publishers are seeking The evolution of PC game development and market saturation Predictions for indie game funding in 2025 The road to launch for Battle Train and lessons learned Connect with Joe Mirabello: Twitter: @blankslatejoe LinkedIn: Joe Mirabello on LinkedIn Facebook: Terrible Posture Games Instagram: Terrible Posture Games #IndieGameBusiness #IndieGameFunding #BattleTrain #TerriblePostureGames #PCGaming #GameDevelopment #Kickstarter #IndieDev #GamingIndustry #GameFunding2024 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

Discover how to understand player preferences and leverage feedback to master game evaluation and scouting for business success. Learn strategies to mitigate bias and present evaluations effectively, bridging the gap between gamers and business development. Gain insights from market research to stay ahead of trends and ensure your game's success in a competitive market. Key takeaways include actionable steps for integrating player feedback, improving game evaluation processes, and aligning business development strategies with market trends. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

Dive into the dynamic world of licensing in video games. Explore strategies for securing and optimizing licensing deals, from iconic characters to innovative technology. Gain insights into key legal considerations and industry trends. Level up your understanding of how licensing shapes the gaming landscape and drives success in this rapidly evolving industry. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

Standing out is a challenge for all developers. While strategies help, a simple approach can amplify awareness efforts and connect with players while achieving remarkable results. This talk explores the common challenges of resonating with players and offers a practical framework that emphasizes treating players as people. By understanding their diverse interests and values, you'll learn to create more engaging and meaningful experiences. Attendees will gain insights into integrating player interests creatively, aligning with in-game experiences, and achieving better engagement and results. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

This program is intended to highlight the legal concerns of indie video game studios including: contracts, copyrights, trademarks, and artificial intelligence. My goal is to provide FREE legal nuggets and gems for attendees and to illustrate how beneficial and cost-effective having outside general counsel can be whether the indie studio is a start-up or is more established. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

The goal of the talk is to provide case study tips regarding the proper execution of documents necessary to efficiently execute a premium Steam game business development analysis, including contemporary methodologies, algorithms and general structure. The attendees will learn how to draw proper conclusions by completing a direct competition analysis, preparing a P&L, sum up competition rev estimates and more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

Safe In Our World and PTW discuss the landscape of online safety, uncovering key elements for supporting players, users, communities, and frontline teams. We highlight critical factors that contribute to constructing and maintaining secure environments where players and teams can thrive without compromising their safety. From privacy concerns to combating toxicity, we explore a comprehensive range of issues. We share insights on successful strategies, innovative approaches, and real-world case studies that have proven effective in mitigating risks and enhancing overall safety. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

Join Manon Salaché as she explores the critical role of market analysis during game development. Learn how an in-depth market study can enhance your marketing strategy, boost user acquisition, and position your game for success before launch. This presentation covers key elements such as competitive analysis, market positioning, and demonstrates how to use these insights to craft effective strategies. Key Takeaways: - Essential elements to structure your market analysis. - Techniques for identifying and analyzing your market. - Optimizing your marketing message for your audience. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

Join us for an insightful conversation with Guy Costantini, the CEO and co-founder of a new, unannounced studio focused on creating PC and console games. Guy shares his expertise on the critical aspects of marketing your indie game, ensuring it's seen by the right audience without breaking the bank. We explore the differences between indie, III, AA, and AAA games, as well as the distinctions among mobile, PC, console, and VR platforms. Guy highlights global marketing and publishing opportunities, diving deep into key marketing categories such as market research, brand strategy, creative services, and physical & digital distribution. Guy also delves into community-driven marketing for GAAS and other games, effective use of social communication channels, PR strategies, and the balance between paid and unpaid media. He discusses partner marketing, the advantages of different game stores (Steam, Epic, GOG, GreenManGaming, Humble, etc.), and how to allocate budgets across these categories effectively. Moreover, Guy addresses the balance between funding development and marketing, the role of transmedia in marketing, and when it can be beneficial versus distracting. Social Media: Twitter: Guy Costantini on Twitter LinkedIn: Guy Costantini on LinkedIn #IndieGameBusiness #GameMarketing #IndieGames #GameDevelopment #MarketingStrategy #CommunityMarketing #PR #PaidMedia #GamePublishing #GamingIndustry #Transmedia #PCGames #ConsoleGames #MarketingBuzzwords --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

Video game publishing agreements can be difficult for indie developers to understand, and even harder to successfully negotiate with the publisher. In this session, join video game lawyer Zachary Strebeck, Matthew Vernace, and Alan Wilson to discuss the major issues that come up with most publishing agreements, what to push back on and what to accept, and other tips and tricks for navigating your publishing deal. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

Join Raven to learn the basics of sales and how to best leverage them for your game. This talk mostly covers Steam with a sprinkle of Xbox, Playstation, and Nintendo, but you will walk away with enough of an action plan to not scream in frustration as you navigate the abundance of sales and discount possibilities out there. This talk is perfect for the indie developer or publisher who wants a primer on discount schedules, sale strategies, and how to best unite marketing and publishing to push your game through the noise of the marketplace. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

Join our engaging roundtable with seasoned industry experts, tailored for new indie developers. This session delves into the essentials of crafting compelling game demos, assembling a skilled team, enhancing your project's visibility, and mastering your inaugural pitch. Explore the core ABC's of indie game startups—Ambition, Building, and Communication. Gain practical strategies to transform your game ideas into thriving ventures and establish a resilient mindset crucial for success in the dynamic world of gaming. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

Just over 10 years ago, Nightdive Studios consisted of three employees; now there are over forty of us at an award-winning studio. Please join us for a talk focused on building your brand and gaining and maintaining consumer trust. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

In the competitive games market, a great idea is just the beginning. To bring your vision to life, you need to convince the right publisher to back your project. This talk will guide you through the essential elements of a winning pitch, from crafting a compelling narrative and showcasing your unique selling points to avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're an indie developer or a seasoned pro, learn the strategies that can turn your pitch into a publisher’s next big deal. Get ready to perfect your pitch and win over publishers! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

Discover budget-friendly playtesting strategies and tools to optimize your game's UX! You'll learn how game studios with limited resources can still benefit from playtesting. Using recent, real-world examples, Pejman will discuss the approaches, methods, and equipment used to build an effective playtesting setup and help game developers enhance the player experience for their titles. Pejman has a track record of playtesting 35+ shipped titles, including award-winning games such as PewDiePie: Legend of the Brofist, Weirdwood Manor, A Fold Apart, and Broken Spectre. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

We will explore the essential strategies indie developers can use to leverage public relations to boost their game's visibility and sales. Attendees will learn how to craft compelling narratives, engage with media, and build a loyal community. Key takeaways include understanding the PR landscape, effective media outreach techniques, and tips for sustaining long-term interest in your game. Join us to discover how PR can be your secret weapon for success in the competitive gaming market. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

Join us for an exclusive episode with Morgan Kane, Founder and CEO, and Joel Balyeat, Chief Product Officer of Marauder Tech Games. Dive deep into the world of game development as these industry leaders share their experiences and insights on building a successful game startup and managing the complex dynamics of game production. Morgan discusses the risks and rewards of funding your own game startup, emphasizing the importance of assembling the right team to convert vision into reality. He explores the potential benefits and pitfalls of building something unprecedented in the gaming world. Joel focuses on the crucial aspects of project scope, advocating for keeping it tight to avoid project failure, and outlines his strategy for building the right team quickly with his "3 Cs" method. Additionally, Joel shares his approach to maintaining a balance between flexibility and decisiveness in game development. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes of creating and leading a game development company, offering valuable lessons on team building, decision-making, and innovation in the gaming industry. Social Media: Morgan Kane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-kane-76b327320/ Joel Balyeat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelbalyeat/ #GameDevelopment #MarauderTechGames #StartupSuccess #TeamBuilding #InnovationInGaming #GamingIndustry #Leadership #ProjectManagement #GameProduction --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support

Join us as we sit down with Anna Moss, a seasoned headhunter at ii Connection, to discuss job hunting in the gaming industry and how to effectively communicate with recruiters in 2024. With a background in the life sciences sector and a deep passion for games, Anna brings a unique perspective to recruiting in the gamedev world. Topics covered in this episode include the key differences between internal recruitment teams and external agency recruiters from a candidate's perspective, and how candidates should approach and communicate with both types of recruiters effectively. Anna shares insights into current trends and the state of the industry job market, highlighting common mistakes candidates make when applying for jobs and offering tips and tricks for standing out in a competitive market. Additionally, Anna emphasizes the importance of networking in securing a job in the industry, drawing from her experience helping individuals find their dream jobs and supporting studios in building strong teams. Social Media: LinkedIn: Anna Moss on LinkedIn #IndieGameBusiness #GameIndustry #JobHunting #Recruitment #CareerAdvice #GamingJobs #Networking #JobMarketTrends #RecruiterTips #Gamedev --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support