
IndieGameBusiness®
By Jay Powell
IndieGameBusiness® is produced by The Powell Group, a video game consulting firm specializing in business development, marketing, and licensing. Our CEO has been in the industry for 20 years and closed countless publishing and licensing deals. The Powell Group monitors over 3,500 game developers and 750+ publishers.


How to Make Game Trailers to Hook and Excite Your Audience
Learn what it takes to make a standout trailer from four game trailer makers who come from the craft from different angles and work experience. The panel combines their experience in: AAA game trailers, indie game trailers, cinematic short films of VR games, and games journalism.
You will learn how and why certain game trailers grab the eyeballs of customers, press, influencers by clearly showing what the game is. Also, where is the line between authentically depicting the game as it is, and making custom footage that evokes the game experience in a more emotionally affecting way?

How to Get Content Creators to Play and Promote Your Game
Most gamers discover new titles through YouTube, Twitch and other social media platforms, but how do you get creators to talk about your game? This session breaks down actionable strategies for identifying the right influencers, reaching out effectively, and building lasting relationships. Learn how to time your efforts around key milestones to boost visibility and get noticed by the Steam algorithm.

Marketing Secrets of Steam Next Fest
Marketing agency founder Michael Brown discusses the best way to optimize your marketing to ensure you get the maximum return on Steam Next Fest and the tips and tricks Vicarious uses to ensure momentum for their games.

Indie Game Marketing Fundamentals
Professor Jim Huntley of USC Games will present fundamental marketing
strategies for interactive games, with a focus on indie games with limited budget sand resources, including some recommended tools and best practices.

Playing the Wishlist Game
Steam wishlists are one of the most powerful tools available to game developers. This session, we'll break down everything you need to know about wishlists: what they are, why they matter, and how to effectively grow them before launch. You'll learn practical strategies for increasing your wishlist count, how wishlists signal interest to the Steam algorithm, and how they translate into actual sales.

Going Rogue: How Community & Connections Can Stealth Market Your Projects
Going Rogue dives into the power of throwing what you know out the window and focusing on the organic opportunities that come with community management to drive your marketing. Learn tactics to building these connections, how to explore new ways to think of community management, and how it can create a buzz around your project. Smashing skulls with overt marketing is no longer the way - it's time to get stealthy about how we approach it so that it doesn't give players the ick.

Ready, Set, Launch: Building a Go-to-Market Plan for Your Game
Great marketing doesn't happen by accident—it starts with a solid plan. In this final session, Alyssa will outline how to craft a go-to-market strategy that aligns with your game, goals, and resources.

From Content Creator to Community Manager | Jack Pattillo
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 collaboration
Connect 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

Serious Games, Real Impact | Jennifer Javornik
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 gaming
Connect 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

The State of the Industry: Data-Driven & Unfiltered | Pontus Mahler
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

How to Survive, Rebuild, and Lead a Game Studio | Frederick Brassard
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 perseverance
Connect 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

The Multitasking Way Forward: Strategies for Success
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 multitasking
Balancing focus and flexibility
Reducing stress while improving results
Join us to discover a smarter approach to multitasking!

The Secrets to Pitching and Publishing Success | Joshua Garrity
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 interested
Connect with Joshua Garrity:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-garrity-261a6148/
#IndieGameBusiness #GamePublishing #PitchingYourGame #GameDevelopment #SecretMode #GameFunding #IndieDev #GameIndustry #PublishingSuccess #GameScouting

Indie Survival Guide: Mastering Business Development on a Budget
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.

Why Your Budget is Your BFF
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.

Responsible Leadership: Lead Like a Tank
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'.

Level Up Your Leadership: Embracing Inclusion for a Stronger Game Industry
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.

Breaking the Chains: Building Your IP From a Work-For-Hire Legacy
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.

My Team is a Brick Wall
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
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.

Boost Your Organic Downloads with App Store Optimization
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.

Surviving the Solo Game Developer Journey
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.

Congrats! You've been signed! Now what?
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.

Physical Game Publishing and Distribution | Jrod Gingerich
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

Indie Game Communities: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Future
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.

Sustainable Game Development from a Game Producer's Perspective
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 Cooperation
2. Align Vision & Communicate Direction
3. Nourish Motivation & Protect Health
4. Create Structure & Make Work Visible
5. Drive Coordination & Facilitate Alignment
6. Adapt to Change & Embrace Growth

Finance and Deal Making
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.

Creating in Japan: Grants, Communities, and Business Made Simple
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.

30 Years in the Game Industry: Stories & Lessons | Jim Hudson
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 heartbreak
Connect 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

From Startup to Success: The Midwest Games Story | Ben Kvalo
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

The Future of Interactive Narrative and Social Storytelling | Stephan Bugaj
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

Unlocking Me / We / Us: Every Challenge is an Opportunity
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!

Leadership is a Skill, NOT a Position
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.

Communicate to Elevate: Setting Expectations & Providing Effective Feedback
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.

Thriving as a Neurodivergent Professional in the Games Industry
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.

From Jams to IPs: Mentorship and the Cultivation of Talent
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.

Making the Most of Your PR Partnership Through Effective Communication
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.

Protecting Your Pixel Heart: Making Games with Empathy
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.

Leadership and Communication for Indie Developers: Building Impactful Teams and Vision
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.

Substance Over Gimmicks: Indie Game Industry Insights | Cord Smith
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

Why Indie Developers Should Consider Physical Releases for Their Game | Michael Yum
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

From Simple Game to Full-Time Indie Developer | Jonathan Concepcion of Galactic Slice
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

Work, Life, and Self-Improvement in Game Development | Brett Taylor
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

Indie Game Funding and Industry Stability | Joe Mirabello
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

Game Evaluation and Scouting: Connecting Gamers with Business Strategies
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.

Game On: Mastering Licensing in the Gaming Sphere
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.

How to Resonate with Your Audience and Get Remarkable Results
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.

Play To Win: Exploring The Legal Aspects Indie Studios Need To Succeed
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.

Premium Steam Game Biz Dev Evaluation – A Proper Execution
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 Spaces: Factors to consider in online safety for communities and teams
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.