IndieGameBusiness®

Join us for an engaging conversation with Jack Pattillo, Community Manager at Channel37, as he shares his journey from content creation to community management. After 15 years at Rooster Teeth, Jack delves into the evolving landscape of gaming, how to foster a thriving community, and his experience working remotely with a company based overseas. In this episode, Jack offers insights into life after Rooster Teeth, discusses the industry’s rapid changes over the decades, and highlights the unique challenges and rewards of building and nurturing a dedicated gaming community.Topics Covered: Transition from Content Creator to Community Manager Building and maintaining an engaged gaming community Life after Rooster Teeth and reflections on a 15-year career Working remotely with an international company Industry changes witnessed over decades in gaming Strategies for successful community building and collaborationConnect with Jack Pattillo: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jackpattillo.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-pattillo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackpattillo/#IndieGameBusiness #JackPattillo #CommunityManagement #GamingIndustry #LifeAfterRoosterTeeth #RemoteWork #ContentCreator #Channel37 #CommunityBuilding #GameDevelopment

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Jennifer Javornik, Chief Partnerships Officer at Filament Games, to explore the impactful and fast-growing world of serious games. Jennifer breaks down what serious games are, who they're for, and why this corner of the industry is gaining serious momentum.We dive into the types of games Filament creates, the company’s main sources of business, and how they successfully connect with clients across industries. Jennifer also highlights emerging markets in serious games, including education, training, health, and workforce development—and explains how developers can tap into this growing space.Whether you're a dev curious about non-entertainment games or just looking to learn more about the intersection of play and purpose, this episode is full of practical knowledge and inspiration.Topics Covered: What exactly are serious games and why do they matter? The types of games Filament Games creates and their impact Filament’s business model and client acquisition strategies Emerging industries and opportunities in serious games Advice for developers interested in this meaningful side of gamingConnect with Jennifer Javornik: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-javornik/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.javornik.5 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msjnnfrj/#IndieGameBusiness #SeriousGames #GameDevelopment #FilamentGames #EducationalGames #TrainingGames #ImpactGames #GameIndustry #GamingWithPurpose #JenniferJavornik

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re cutting through the noise with Pontus Mahler, Managing Director at Agora Gaming Partners, to talk about the real state of the gaming industry—no hype, no fluff, just facts backed by data.Pontus brings a grounded and data-driven perspective to an industry that’s been full of dramatic headlines, speculation, and uncertainty. We dive deep into what the numbers actually say about the market, publishing trends, investment activity, studio closures, and what it all means for indie developers and larger studios alike.Connect with Pontus Mahler: Twitter: https://twitter.com/pontusmahler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pontusmahler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pontus.mahler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pontusmahler/#IndieGameBusiness #GameIndustry2024 #GameDevEconomy #GamingData #GamingInvestment #IndustryTrends #NoBS #GamePublishing #AgoraGamingPartners

In this powerful episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Frederick Brassard, Studio Head at Nesting Games, to talk about the realities of running, losing, and rebuilding a game studio. With a career that began in the early days of Ubisoft Montreal—where he was hired as their 8th employee—Frederick shares an incredible story that spans decades of growth, challenges, and resilience in the game industry.We dive into hard but essential questions: What does it take for a studio to survive in today’s volatile market? What are the common mistakes new founders make when starting a studio? How critical are mental and physical health in leadership? And what should you do when your studio is struggling to stay afloat?Frederick opens up about the painful layoff of 60 employees at Nesting Games, how he and his partner rebuilt from that moment, and what it’s really like to balance production, business development, operations, and finance while trying to create great games in an unpredictable landscape.Whether you're an industry veteran or an aspiring studio founder, this episode is a must-listen.Topics Covered: How a studio can survive and thrive in 2024 What not to do when starting your own game studio Frederick's incredible origin story and his time at Ubisoft Rebuilding Nesting Games after major layoffs Where the game industry is headed—and how to prepare Balancing mental and physical health as a studio leader Real talk about production, partnerships, and perseveranceConnect with Frederick Brassard & Nesting Games: Twitter (X): https://x.com/NestingGames Facebook: https://facebook.com/nestinggames/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playdirectorate/ Game Announcement: https://www.ign.com/articles/the-directorate-novitiate-announced-for-pc#IndieGameBusiness #NestingGames #GameStudioLeadership #GameDev #FrederickBrassard #GameDevelopment #StudioSurvival #IndieDev #MentalHealthInGames #GameIndustry

In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking is both a challenge and an opportunity. This session explores cutting-edge strategies to enhance productivity, maintain focus, and reduce burnout while juggling multiple priorities. Learn how to harness the power of intentional multitasking to achieve your goals without compromising quality.Key Takeaways:Mastering techniques for efficient multitaskingBalancing focus and flexibilityReducing stress while improving resultsJoin us to discover a smarter approach to multitasking!

In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Garrity, the Head Game Scout at Secret Mode, to uncover the keys to getting your game signed in today's competitive publishing landscape. Joshua shares expert insights on pitching, the ideal budget ranges for different types of projects, and what publishers are really looking for in new games.We also discuss common mistakes that developers should avoid, red flags in potential publishing partners, and how to position your game for the best possible chance of success. Whether you're an indie developer looking for your first publishing deal or an industry veteran refining your approach, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate the world of game pitching and publishing.Topics Covered: The current state of the game pitching and publishing landscape What budget ranges developers should realistically aim for What makes a game more likely to get signed by a publisher Mistakes developers make when pitching their games Red flags to watch out for when choosing a publishing partner Tips for refining your pitch and getting publishers interestedConnect with Joshua Garrity: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-garrity-261a6148/#IndieGameBusiness #GamePublishing #PitchingYourGame #GameDevelopment #SecretMode #GameFunding #IndieDev #GameIndustry #PublishingSuccess #GameScouting

Master the essentials of Business Development with this practical guide tailored for indie game studios. Learn budget-friendly strategies to build partnerships, pitch your game effectively, and unlock growth opportunities - all while juggling multiple roles in your team.Key Takeaways:- Develop cost-effective BD strategies.- Build and maintain impactful partnerships.- Learn to pitch your game with confidence.- Integrate BD into a busy indie dev workflow.

We will go through some points on how your budget can be your best friend in managing your studio and not something to moan about. A good budget can be a great friend to rely upon when you need to make the difficult decisions and plans to ensure the health of your team and your product.

In multiplayer games, tanks lead the charge, absorb damage, manage threats, and keep their group pressing forward. Leadership in game development can similarly empower their teams—navigating challenges, shielding your team, and owning the path forward. This talk explores how leaders can use a “tank” mindset to absorb the emotional impact of failures and quickly invigorate their team to develop solutions and press forward collaboratively. Learn about strategies for evaluating issues, maintaining safety for team members, and fostering a mindset of 'us vs the problem'.

Did you know 80% of team conflict stems from unclear goals and expectations? In game development, differing perspectives on risk, decision-making, and team dynamics can present both challenges and opportunities. This session introduces the Cultural Intelligence (CQ) framework—a proven approach for inclusive leadership. By fostering CQ, leaders can empower their teams to overcome unconscious bias, embrace diversity, and drive innovation, building a more resilient and representative industry. Learn how CQ can help us ''level up'' and create workplaces where everyone can thrive.

As per XDS report 2024, 28% of gamedev service providers are developing their own IP, an added 22% want to do in the future. Transitioning from work for hire studio to creating your own titles and IPs is an exciting yet challenging journey. This session will explore key insights and strategies for managing the shift, including team management, balancing client work with in-house projects, recruiting the right talent, and navigating investor expectations. Drawing from my experience, it will highlight the dos and don'ts of building your own IP while ensuring patience and long-term success.

This talk will delve into the essential efforts needed to build a strong team. It will cover the obstacles faced, potential solutions, and the rationale behind these solutions. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, the talk will highlight the need for connecting and integrating diverse minds towards a common goal. Understanding team composition and leveraging this valuable human resource will be key themes. By the end of the talk, viewers will gain various tools to enhance their team's cohesion and productivity.

Zero to Studio in Ten 'Easy' Steps is a practical and inspiring talk for aspiring game developers navigating the challenges of building a studio during industry upheaval. The discussion unpacks ten critical steps, from crafting a clear vision and securing funding to assembling a resilient team and embracing agile workflows. It highlights lessons from missteps, the importance of adaptability, and strategies for staying innovative in a competitive market. Attendees will gain insights and a roadmap to transform their passion into a thriving game studio.

Discover the power of App Store Optimization (ASO) in this practical session designed for indie developers. Learn what ASO is, how it works, and why it’s essential for boosting your app’s visibility and downloads. I’ll walk you through actionable strategies to optimize keywords, visuals, and A/B testing, so you can implement ASO for your games with confidence. Whether you're just starting or looking to improve, this session will help you take your app to the next level.

Developing a high quality game as a solo game developer is challenging. This session will focus on overcoming obstacles that you will face when trying to complete a full game production, building your reputation as a professional/expert in the industry, establishing your brand, networking with relevant experts/business associates and marketing/self publishing your game. I share my journey and lessons I learned as an African game developer pursuing a full-time career as a solo game developer.

So, you've polished your pitch deck and vertical slice. You've discussed terms and inked the deal with the publisher of your dreams! What comes next? Join us for a developer's perspective on what you might expect for the process of working with your publisher on milestone requirements, monthly meetings, requesting extensions, and marketing your game.

Join us for a deep dive into the world of physical game publishing and distribution with JRod Gingerich, CEO & Physical Game Liaison at Fresh Brewed Games. In this episode, JRod discusses his recent foray into the physical game space, providing insights into how his label differentiates itself among the many limited print publishers. We’ll explore the intricacies of Steelbook game releases, the unique items included in these premium bundles, and why console ports are still so important in today’s market.JRod also opens up about the types of developers and projects Fresh Brewed Games seeks to partner with, as well as the team’s plans for upcoming releases. Reflecting on his journey, from learning DarkBasic Professional at a young age to working on titles like LittleBigPlanet Karting, JRod explains how these experiences ignited his passion for video game development—and ultimately led him to focus on physical publishing. Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with tips and trends for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of physical game distribution.Connect with JRod Gingerich & Fresh Brewed Games: Twitter (X): https://x.com/Gingerichjrod LinkedIn: Fresh Brewed Games Facebook: Fresh Brewed Games#IndieGameBusiness #PhysicalGameDistribution #SteelbookEditions #ConsolePorts #FreshBrewedGames #GamePublishing #IndieDev #VideoGameIndustry

This panel will delve into the vibrant world of indie game development communities. We'll explore the unique challenges faced by these communities, such as navigating competition, fostering inclusivity, and finding sustainable models for collaboration. We'll also discuss the incredible opportunities that arise from strong community bonds, including increased visibility, shared resources, and the power of collective creativity. Finally, we'll look to the future of indie game communities, examining emerging trends, and the role of community in shaping the future of indie game development.

Happy people, great teams and sustainable processes make awesome games for players. In this talk, Regö presents the six principles of his sustainable game development process which was originally his MSc thesis and since have been applied, tested, refined and improved in the past 5 years. The six principles are: 1. Build Trust & Facilitate Cooperation2. Align Vision & Communicate Direction3. Nourish Motivation & Protect Health4. Create Structure & Make Work Visible5. Drive Coordination & Facilitate Alignment6. Adapt to Change & Embrace Growth

This session offers a comprehensive overview of mergers, acquisitions (M&A), and fundraising. It covers the M&A process with a clear, step-by-step guide, discusses common pitfalls with real-world examples, and explores company valuation principles, including the time value of money. Additionally, it introduces core negotiation principles, equipping participants with crucial deal-making skills. By the end, attendees will understand M&A, fundraising processes, valuation, and negotiation techniques, enabling them to execute successful business deals and growth strategies.

Discover how to kickstart your game development journey in Japan with a roadmap to success. This talk explores essential resources—financial and community based — while diving into Japan’s game dev scenes in Tokyo and Osaka. Learn about grants, accelerators, and incubator programs for overseas developers, plus insights into Japan’s business structures. Whether you're dreaming of working in Japan or building a studio, this session will equip you with the tools to make it happen.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jim Hudson, a seasoned Freelance Producer with 30 years of experience in the gaming industry. Jim shares his personal journey, the highs and lows of game development, and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.In this episode, Jim reflects on his aspirations before entering the gaming world, the greatest gifts the industry has given him, and the challenges he’s faced throughout his career. While he remains reserved about his most recent project, Stormgate, he shares fascinating anecdotes from his long career, including his favorite projects, biggest heartbreaks, and what he would do differently if he had to start over.Topics Covered: Lessons learned from a decades-long career in game development Jim’s journey into the industry and how it shaped his career The highs and lows of working in game production The most rewarding and challenging aspects of the job Career reflections: What Jim would do differently in hindsight The game he enjoyed working on the most and the biggest project heartbreakConnect with Jim Hudson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdhudson3/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdhudson3/#IndieGameBusiness #GameDevelopment #GamingIndustry #GameProducer #CareerReflections #GameProduction #Stormgate #JimHudson #IndustryLessons

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Kvalo, Founder & CEO of Midwest Games, to discuss the journey of building an indie game company from the ground up. Ben shares valuable insights on what his team has learned, where they currently stand, and what’s next for Midwest Games. Ben also opens up about the growth of the company, his favorite moments, and the biggest challenges they’ve faced along the way. This episode is filled with inspiring stories and lessons for aspiring game developers and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the industry. Connect with Ben Kvalo: Twitter: www.x.com/benkvalo LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/benkvalo #IndieGameBusiness #MidwestGames #GameDevelopment #StartupJourney #BenKvalo #GameIndustry #Entrepreneurship #IndieGames #GrowthAndChallenges #GamingCompany

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Stephan Bugaj, Chief Creative Officer of Genvid Entertainment, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of interactive narrative and transmedia storytelling. Stephan discusses how audiences today crave more agency and authenticity in the stories they love, highlighting the ways in which meaningful interaction stands out in a media-saturated world. We delve into questions of how an audience can truly impact a story, what it means for a narrative to resonate across different mediums, and why cross-media “story living” can be both thrilling when done right—and off-putting when done wrong. Stephan also shares his perspective on how traditional storytelling methods are being upended and why we’re still finding the new ways forward. Connect with Stephan Bugaj: X (Twitter): https://x.com/stephanbugaj LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bugaj/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lhooqtius.ov.borg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanbugaj/ #IndieGameBusiness #InteractiveNarrative #Transmedia #SocialStorytelling #AudienceEngagement

In "Unlocking Me / We / Us: Every Challenge is an Opportunity", Juney runs the audience through a vulnerable series of personal unlocks that have proven to be catalysts for her career, her teams & organisations, and the game industry at large. She hopes to inspire the realisation that every time a challenge feels intimidating or overwhelming, it's a signal of a high likelihood of personal growth & development!

This talk challenges traditional notions of leadership, emphasising that true leadership is defined by skills and mindset and not just hierarchical status. Whether you are new to a leadership role or who have been in a senior positions for a long time, the session delves into the essential qualities that constitute effective leadership. Andy explores the concept that everyone, regardless of their job title, has the potential to be a leader. He focuses on the importance of developing core leadership skills like communication, empathy, resilience, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams. These skills are crucial in adapting to and thriving in today's fast-paced work environments. Participants will gain insight into how leadership is not confined to those at the top of an organisational chart. Instead, it's about influencing and guiding others, making strategic decisions, and fostering a positive, productive workplace culture. Andy's talk promises to be interactive and thought-provoking, providing attendees with practical strategies to enhance their leadership capabilities.

In this interactive session titled "Communicate to Elevate," we'll focus on practical techniques for enhancing communication within your team. This talk will cover effective methods for setting clear expectations and delivering constructive feedback that fosters a culture of growth and collaboration. You'll learn specific strategies for setting goals and deadlines, framing feedback positively, and encouraging open dialogue. Whether you're in a leadership role or a team member, this session will equip you with actionable tools to improve your communication skills and strengthen team dynamics.

Explore the unique challenges and strengths of being neurodivergent in the games industry with Ash, Monica, Steph and Adam. This session covers key topics, including disclosing neurodivergence at work, identifying neurodivergent-friendly companies, navigating workplace dynamics and more. Gain insights on embracing your neurodivergent identity, advocating for yourself, and finding environments where you can truly thrive.

This talk will explore how game jams serve as an ideal starting point for discovering and nurturing talent. We’ll explain how developers can grow through mentorship, focusing on practical and communicative skills that prepare them to create valuable, commercially viable intellectual properties (IPs). These IPs can develop into studios or be acquired by established studios and accelerators. We'll also review key programs that can support this growth trajectory, helping emerging developers realize their potential.

In this presentation, you'll learn how to optimize your relationship with your PR firm by fostering clear and consistent communication. Discover the key information your PR team needs from you to craft impactful campaigns, and understand how to define and articulate your own expectations. We will explore how to set measurable goals, align on shared objectives, and ensure that everyone involved understands their role in the partnership, ultimately driving success and mutual satisfaction.

Making games is hard! How do Developers do it? Where are the resources? How do I make a living? In this lecture, we're going to dive in to some ways you can set realistic expectations and goals for game development. In particular, we'll hone in on ways you can protect your mental health and be good to yourself during Game Development. With Game Development getting more uncertain and difficult, we'll focus on sustainable practices, setting boundaries and keeping yourself afloat.

Join indie developer Carlos as they share insights on leading Eternal Guardian: Forbidden Portals from concept to AAA-quality development. This session covers strategies for building a clear vision, effective team communication, and overcoming indie-specific challenges.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Cord Smith, Studio Head at Inevitable Studios, who brings over 25 years of experience across publishers, developers, and a game-centric creative agency. In this episode, Cord shares his unique perspective on the current climate of the game industry for indie developers, the importance of seeking meaningful partnerships and funding, and why he's betting on substance over trends and gimmicks. We'll explore a variety of thought-provoking topics, including whether or not to use Kickstarter, the advantages of remote work and having an international team, and the differences in game development between Canada and the U.S. Cord also provides insights into the Unity versus Unreal debate, working with an agent versus going solo, and how to effectively cut through the noise on crowded platforms like Steam. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone in the indie game industry looking to navigate its challenges and opportunities. Connect with Cord Smith: Twitter: twitter.com/inevitablegood LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cordsmith Facebook: facebook.com/inevitablegamestudios Instagram: instagram.com/inevitablegamestudios #IndieGameBusiness #GameIndustryInsights #CordSmith #InevitableStudios #GameDevelopment #IndieGames #RemoteWork #Kickstarter #UnityVsUnreal #GameFunding #IndustryTrends

Join us for an exciting conversation with Michael Yum, CEO of PM Studios, Inc., as he shares his incredible journey from starting in QA testing to founding his own company. With over 30 games produced and a passion for both game development and game collecting, Michael offers unique insights into the gaming industry and his experiences. In this episode, Michael talks about his career progression, his love for video games, and what it's like to work on so many titles. He also shares stories about his massive game collection, how many games he's completed, and his thoughts on the state of the industry after decades of experience. Whether you're an aspiring game developer or a seasoned industry veteran, this episode is packed with valuable advice and entertaining anecdotes. Topics Covered: Why indie devs should do a physical release for their game Michael's career journey: From QA tester to CEO Producing over 30 games and lessons learned The passion behind building a game collection Thoughts on the state of the game industry Balancing a career in games with a love for gaming Reflections on decades of experience in game development Connect with Michael Yum: Twitter: https://x.com/balbnis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-yum-a400726/ #IndieGameBusiness #GameDevelopment #GameIndustry #PMStudios #MichaelYum #GameCollecting #GameProduction #CareerInGames #VideoGames #GamingInsights

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!