The Indie Diarist
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© Anthony L. Wolf
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Video games are made by people – and those people deserve credit. 🎒💛
The Indie Diarist is a podcast on the human stories behind indie game development! Each week, host Anthony L. Wolf welcomes some of the most passionate unsung heroes from the industry to cover game development, creativity, diversity, storytelling and more, in a positive and laid back show.
Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/theindiediarist
Find me everywhere: https://theindiediarist.com
Main theme: Yuri Gore (yurigore.com)
The Indie Diarist is a podcast on the human stories behind indie game development! Each week, host Anthony L. Wolf welcomes some of the most passionate unsung heroes from the industry to cover game development, creativity, diversity, storytelling and more, in a positive and laid back show.
Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/theindiediarist
Find me everywhere: https://theindiediarist.com
Main theme: Yuri Gore (yurigore.com)
88 Episodes
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In this episode, I spent some time with "Simy", a tattoo artist solo dev working on his first roguelike game 03: Hollow Descent. Simy is preparing to launch his Kickstarter campaign soon, and his journey from tattoo artist to game dev is so interesting! Enjoy. 🎒💛------------Support Simy:- Kickstarter (pre-launch): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ta2gamesstudio/03-a-surreal-roguelike-journey-into-the-unknown- Play the Steam demo: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3782050/O3__Hollow_Descent_Alpha_Demo/- Twitter: https://x.com/Ta2GamesStudio- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ta2.game?lang=en- Discord: https://discord.com/invite/GfpChYu3t7-------------Support the show 🎒💛Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvjSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiaristBecome a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediaristFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.socialFollow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediaristFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
In this episode, I spent some time with Outsider Games director Stephen Downey, one of the creative minds behind Tax Force – a game about a tax collector in space. From translating comic books into interactive experiences to the impact of creating worlds for others, this episode is a fun one! Enjoy! 🎒💛---------Support Stephen 🎒💛 Wishlist Tax Force: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2508290/TaxForce/More from Outsider Games: https://store.steampowered.com/search/?developer=Outsider%20GamesDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/outsidergamesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@outsidergames_devInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/outsidergames/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/outsidergames.bsky.social---------Support the show 🎒💛Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvjSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiaristBecome a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediaristFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.socialFollow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediaristFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
In this episode, I spent some time with Ian Lynch, founder of Jaggy Snake Games and an ex developer at CD Projekt RED, Scopely and Donkey Crew – now working on a Pong meets bullet-hell game called Questing. Ian is a writer who's learned to embrace the subjective nature of creative work – and he had so much to share during our chat. Enjoy! 🎒💛 -----------Support Ian 🎒💛Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jaggysnakegames.bsky.socialInsta: https://www.instagram.com/jaggy_snake_games/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jaggysnakegamesQuesting Demo: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3849870/Questing_Demo/--------Support the show 🎒💛Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvjSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiaristBecome a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediaristFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.socialFollow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediaristFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
In this episode, I chatted to David García, responsible for marketing and events at Poison Pill Games - the developers of an adorable roguelike deckbuilder with criminal vegetables. You know I love talking about marketing for indie games, so this one is a must-listen! Enjoy! 🎒💛---------Support David and his team 🎒💛- Check out Vegangsters: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2449390/Vegangsters/?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Influencer&utm_campaign=IndieDiarist- Twitter: https://x.com/PoisonPillGames- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/vegangsters.bsky.social- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegangsters/- David's personal Twitter: https://x.com/devsoulsyre----------Support the show 🎒💛Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvjSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiaristBecome a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediaristFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.socialFollow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediaristFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
In this episode, I spent some time with the Bablabo Games trio, a sweet team of game dev friends from India, creating games with their love and passion for the medium. One of the most wholesome episodes in a while for sure. Enjoy! 🎒💛-----------Support Bablabo Games 🎒💛- Steam Store Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2964000/Hush_Hush_High/- Discord Server: https://discord.gg/BPj9BKznSupport the show 🎒💛Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvjSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiaristBecome a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediaristFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.socialFollow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediaristFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
In this episode, I spent some time with one half of Clumsy Bear Studio, a two-person team based in Poland and working on a delightful little roguelike deckbuilder: Hungry Horrors. Enjoy! 🎒💛--------Support Jerzy 🎒💛 - Try the demo/Wishlist Hungry Horrors: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3048840/Hungry_Horrors/- Itch: https://clumsy-bear-studio.itch.io/hungry-horrors- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/clumsybearstudio.com- Twitter: https://x.com/clumsybeargames- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hungry.horrors.game- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungryhorrorsgame-------Support the show 🎒💛Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvjSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiaristBecome a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediaristFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.socialFollow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediaristFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
In this episode, I spent some time with Lee Sargent, one third of Australia-based Raguthra Studios – a lovely indie house working on narrative adventures. Lee is a huge fan of "space" in all its possible meanings, and together we discussed how to create spaces that make sense, pouring your passion into your projects, and making something you'll be proud of. Enjoy! 🎒💛 --------Support Lee 🎒💛- Wishlist the game: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3513040/The_Curse_of_the_Howling_Woods/- Threads: https://www.threads.com/@leefromraguthra- Raguthra Website: https://raguthrastudios.com- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RaguthraStudios--------Support the show 🎒💛Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvjSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiaristBecome a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediaristFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.socialFollow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediaristFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
In this episode, I spent some time with a friend of a friend: Undergod Games, developer of action RPG KAILA scheduled for release next year. Together we talked about the creative influences that made the game a reality, and the author's path into game dev. Enjoy! 🎒💛-------Support Tomas 🎒💛- Wishlist KAILA: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1827820/Kaila/- https://x.com/Undergod_games- https://youtube.com/@Undergod_games-------Support the show 🎒💛Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvjSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiaristBecome a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediaristFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.socialFollow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediaristFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
Get ready for the *nicest* episode in the history of The Indie Diarist! 🎒💛For episode 69, I invited over Evan Greenwood, founder and creative director of Devolver Digital-published studio Free Lives, to discuss a rather silly game about male genitalia and the role of playfulness in dismantling masculinity tropes. This episode was just as bonkers as you imagine it to be – but it was also packed with great ideas and thoughts around Evan's process! Hope you enjoy – and prepare for the puns!----------Support Evan and his studio 🎒💛- Free Lives website: https://freelives.net/- Genital Jousting: https://store.steampowered.com/app/469820/Genital_Jousting/- Twitter: https://x.com/freelives?s=21&t=BjL3MQs9xlnD2MEgwhndXA- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freelives_official/?hl=en- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freelivesgames-------Support the show 🎒💛Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvjSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiaristBecome a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediaristFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.socialFollow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediaristFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
Another one that makes me proud! In this episode, I spent some time with Jim Griffiths, one of the original minds behind puzzle investigative game The Sexy Brutale – a beautiful and underrated indie gem from 2017 set in a surrealist casino, based on a 12-minute time loop. Enjoy! 🎒💛------------Support Jim 🎒💛- Buy The Sexy Brutale: https://store.steampowered.com/app/552590/The_Sexy_Brutale/- Twitter: https://x.com/JamesRGriffiths-----------Support the show 🎒💛Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvjSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiaristBecome a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediaristFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.socialFollow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediaristFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
Time for new perspectives! In this episode, I hosted Tim Wiseman from Why Not AI, a studio that has recently released an "oversized narrative RPG" called HPL: Nyarlathotep Rising. Tim's background comes from tabletop RPG design, and this was a great chance to explore some crossovers together. Enjoy! 🎒💛 ------Support Tim and Why Not AI 🎒💛- Buy HPL: Nyarlathotep Rising https://store.steampowered.com/app/1759160/HPL_Nyarlathotep_Rising/- Twitter: https://x.com/hpl_thegame-----Support the show 🎒💛Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvjSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiaristBecome a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediaristFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.socialFollow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediaristFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
In this episode, I spent some time with Oli, Rachel and Phil from Kaizen Game Works, an independent studio working on open-world adventure Promise Mascot Agency. From trusting players and audiences to developing games as friends, this is another great and packed episode! Hope you enjoy! 🎒💛------Support the team 🎒💛Website: https://kaizengameworks.comTikTok: tiktok.com/@kaizengameworksPromise Mascot Agency Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/PromiseMascotAgency/X / Twitter: https://x.com/KaizenGameWorksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/KaizenGameWorksBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kaizengameworks.comSteam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2585830/Promise_Mascot_Agency/Epic Game Store: https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/promise-mascot-agency-dd7a9cPlayStation Store: https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10008195Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/promise-mascot-agency/9p6gcj303k9b-----Support the show 🎒💛Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvjSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiaristBecome a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediaristFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.socialFollow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediaristFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
Get ready for one of the top episodes of this year! In this one, I spent some time with Jean Canellas, programmer and lead designer of Death's Gambit – a much beloved metroidvania that came out in 2021. Together, we touched upon some crucial and important topics for the industry, such as burnout, managing your own expectations, and the power of healing through a project's redemption. Truly a wonderful one. Enjoy! 🎒💛 -----Support Jean 🎒💛- Death's Gambit: https://store.steampowered.com/app/356650/Deaths_Gambit_Afterlife/- Deltarune: https://deltarune.com/- Twitter: https://x.com/jeancanellas- Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/jeancanellas.bsky.social----Support the show 🎒💛Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvjSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiaristBecome a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediaristFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.socialFollow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediaristFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
In this episode, I spent some time with Sean Menzies, founder of Golden Horde Studios, who's working on a cosy sim / resource management game called Shoni Island. Our chat covered anything from the state of industry to the legacy of legendary god game Black & White, and I enjoyed every minute of it! Hope you like it! 🎒💛-------Support Sean 🎒💛- Website- Steam- Discord- LinkedIn-------Support the show 🎒💛Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvjSubscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiaristBecome a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediaristFollow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.socialFollow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediaristFollow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
New format, new questions, new show! The first episode I recorded in 2025 had to be something special – so welcome to the official start of Season 3 of The Indie Diarist!
In this one, I welcomed Ahmed from Lunar Games, a good old friend of the show who's working on a puzzle adventure game called My Father Lied.
As we journeyed through a revamped intro section and a whole new set of questions for his Indie Diary, Ahmed discussed his love for storytelling and the importance of creating positive stories for audiences all around the world, chasing his dream to defy misconceptions around his culture – the cradle of civilisation: Iraq and Mesopotamia.
Hope you enjoy! 🎒💛
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Support Ahmed 🎒💛
Wishlist My Father Lied: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2488850/MY_FATHER_LIED/
Twitter: https://x.com/lunargamesUruk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunargames.sumeria/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lunargames.assyria
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lunargamesuruk.bsky.social
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LunarGamesBabylon
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/83DqsNhBE7
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Support the show 🎒💛
Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj
Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiarist
Become a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediarist
Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.social
Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
In this episode, I spent some time with an old friend of the show and someone I've been planning to host for a long time: Stephen from Dire Kitten Games! Stephen is developing Scholomatch, a matching game / visual novel, and he has a lot of advice on how to help games stand out in their niche. Enjoy! 🎒💛
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Support Stephen 🎒💛
- Wishlist the game: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2113350/Scholomatch/
- Threads: https://www.threads.net/@direkittengames
- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/direkittengames.bsky.social
- Website: https://www.scholomatch.com/
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Support the show 🎒💛
Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj
Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiarist
Become a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediarist
Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.social
Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
Welcome to the first Indie Diary of 2025! 🎒💛 In this episode, I spent some time with Alex and Emilee from Inkblack Interactive, a wonderful couple developing a mobile game called Art's Tiles. Enjoy!
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Support Inkblack Interactive 🎒💛
- Art's Tiles (iOS): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/arts-tiles/id6503178934
- Art's Tiles (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inkblackinteractive.artstiles&pli=1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arts.tiles/?hl=en
- Website: https://inkblackinteractive.com
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Support the show 🎒💛
- Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj
- Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiarist
- Become a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediarist
- Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.social
- Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist
- Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
In this episode, I spent some amazing time with a group of three friends from the Czech Republic, developing games under the name of Rocking Toy. Martin, Tom and Ondrej have just released their Beyond The Wall point-and-click narrative adventure, and they have so much to share in this last episode of 2024. Enjoy!
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Support Rocking Toy 🎒💛
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2290010/Beyond_the_Wall
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/beyond-the-wall/id1642146415
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beyondthewall.game
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRmuuHWLpZ1ihjHqbOa1uug
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockingToyGames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocking_toy/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Rocking_Toy
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rocking_toy
Webpage: www.rocking-toy.com
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Support the show 🎒💛
Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj
Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiarist
Become a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediarist
Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theindiediarist.bsky.social
Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
In this episode, I spent some time with an old friend of the show: VCD, tuning in all the way from Nigeria, who's been following The Indie Diarist pretty much since its very early days! From rookie mistakes to dealing with discouragement and building metroidvania worlds, this episode is packed with good times and wholesomeness. Enjoy! 🎒💛
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Support VCD 🎒💛
- Wishlist The InBetween: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3050000/The_InBetween_Demo
- Threads: https://threads.net/vcdgamer12345
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/theinbetweendev
- Donations: https://buymeacoffee.com/vcdgamer/the-inbetween-support
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Support the show 🎒💛
Join the community: https://discord.com/invite/J84aPfSSvj
Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheIndieDiarist
Become a Patron: https://patreon.com/theindiediarist
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theindiediarist
Follow on Threads: https://threads.net/@theindiediarist
In this episode, I spent some time with Trinket, an incredibly passionate and talented horror developer who's working on visual novel Veins Like Tapeworms, scheduled for release in February 2025. Trinket and I ended up discussing stories, creativity, and the secrets to a good horror game, in an episode that's as exciting as it's delightfully short! Enjoy! 🎒💛
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Support Trinket 🎒💛
https://store.steampowered.com/developer/AwesomeTrinket
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3106780/Veins_Like_Tapeworms/
https://bsky.app/profile/awesometrinket.bsky.social
https://trinket-games.tumblr.com/
https://x.com/Trinket_Games
https://awesometrinket.itch.io/
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