Indie Game Business

You'll discover essential strategies for successfully navigating the funding landscape. Learn how to craft compelling pitches tailored for government bodies and private investors, ensuring your project stands out. We'll explore networking techniques to build lasting relationships and share real-world case studies showcasing successful collaborations. Key takeaways include actionable insights on pitching dynamics, effective communication, and overcoming challenges, empowering you to secure vital support for your game development ventures.

All the time and effort spent honing your pitch has paid off and now a publisher has agreed to publish your game. Congratulations!! However, the next morning you receive an email with a PDF publishing agreement full of unnecessarily cumbersome phrasing and legal language. What does it all mean and how can you tell if it is a good deal? In this hour-long presentation, video game and entertainment lawyer Andrew Thomas will cover the basic contract terms every developer should know about when entering into a publishing agreement as well as some common pitfalls.

Join Ash and Indie as they break down everything that happened at the recent IndieGameBusiness® Sessions: From Pitch to Partnership. In this post-event discussion, they'll recap key moments, standout conversations, and the biggest takeaways from speakers and attendees. Ash and Indie will also talk about what worked, what surprised them, and what these insights mean for indie developers moving forward. If you missed the event or want a deeper look at the lessons learned around pitching, partnerships, and business growth, this stream will get you fully up to speed. They'll also share what's coming next for IndieGameBusiness and how future events and sessions are evolving based on community feedback. #IndieGameBusiness #IGBSessions #IndieDev #GameBusiness #PostEvent

How do you pitch a culturally grounded game without getting pushed into clichés or “folklore tourism”? In this session I share practical ways to communicate the heart of your game, explain your cultural influences, and keep control of your narrative while still giving publishers what they need. You will learn simple tactics to frame your fantasy, highlight your team's strengths, and pitch your world with honesty and confidence.

Join Jay Powell and Omar Khalil for a live pitch review session, where they'll evaluate a game pitch in real time and share practical feedback, insights, and best practices.

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we're joined by Jade King, Lead Features Editor at TheGamer, to talk about what every indie developer should understand about working with the gaming press in 2026. Jade breaks down what an indie game really means in today's landscape, how journalists approach covering indie releases, and what developers can do to get noticed by traditional press without burning bridges. We'll also discuss why forcing pitches hurts coverage, how indie press coverage is changing, and how developers and journalists both need to adapt moving forward. This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how coverage actually happens, how to make journalists' lives easier, and why doing so makes indie games more fun to cover again. If you want smarter press outreach and better long-term relationships with media, this episode is essential. Follow Jade King: X: https://x.com/KonaYMA6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jade-king-292a12101/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jade_king23/ #IndieGameBusiness #GamePress #IndieDev #TheGamer #GameJournalism

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we're joined by Vadim Andreev, CEO and Co-Founder of Rokky, a PC game distribution platform focused on expanding how and where games reach players. Vadim breaks down the current state of PC gaming distribution and what it means for indie developers today. We'll discuss whether Steam is truly a monopoly, the risks of relying on a single platform, and what alternative marketplaces and e-stores developers should be considering. Vadim also explains how non-traditional markets like MENA, LATAM, and China fit into the global PC distribution landscape, plus what the grey market is and whether it poses a real threat to developers. Finally, we explore the advantages of diversifying your distribution mix and how doing so can help protect your game, reach new audiences, and increase long-term revenue. Follow Vadim Andreev: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vadim-andreev/ #IndieGameBusiness #PCGaming #GameDistribution #Rokky #IndieDev

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we're joined by Kyle Blessing, Brand Manager at Apogee Entertainment. Kyle shares how his background as a content creator shaped his approach to game marketing, from understanding algorithms and audiences to building campaigns rooted in authenticity. We'll talk about why indie games are often harder to market than AAA titles, how deep product understanding leads to better messaging, and why creator-led marketing consistently outperforms traditional influencer spend. Kyle also walks through real case studies from Apogee launches like Bread & Fred, Total Chaos, and Turbo Overkill, breaking down what worked and why. This conversation also covers the strategic role of trailers, demos, and key moments, plus practical advice for indie developers who don't have the budget or margin for error. If you're trying to get your game noticed without burning money, this episode is packed with actionable insight. Follow Kyle Blessing: Twitter: https://twitter.com/KyleBlessing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleblessingvo/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/blessiousplays #IndieGameBusiness #GameMarketing #ApogeeEntertainment #IndieDev #CreatorMarketing

In this special live episode of IndieGameBusiness, Jay Powell, Founder and CEO of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness, is joined by Ash Cason to talk about what 2026 holds for both organizations. Jay and Ash will break down what's been happening behind the scenes, what's coming next, and how IndieGameBusiness is evolving to better serve indie developers and the games industry as a whole. They'll also be fielding live questions from the stream, so this is your chance to hear directly from the people shaping the future of IGB. If you want to know what's coming next and hear about some big upcoming changes, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Follow IndieGameBusiness and The Powell Group: Discord: https://discord.com/invite/indiegamebusiness Website: https://indiegamebusiness.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indiegamebusiness Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2RJj7I87MsmEKInqFvSZRy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiegamebusiness/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiegamebusiness Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/indiegamebusiness The Powell Group: https://powellgroupconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-powell-group-consulting/posts/?feedView=all #IndieGameBusiness #ThePowellGroup #GameIndustry #IndieDev #LiveQnA

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we're joined by Nate Purkeypile, solo indie developer at Just Purkey Games. Nate shares what it's really like to leave the AAA world and build games completely on your own. We'll talk about why he shifted from major studios to solo development, why he chose not to start a small company, and how he stays on track without a team. Nate breaks down what solo devs should outsource, how to properly scope a project, and how to manage both marketing and development at the same time. He also gives us a look at what's coming next from Just Purkey Games. If you're considering going solo or want a realistic look at the challenges and freedoms of one-person development, this episode is packed with insight. Follow Nate Purkeypile: X: https://x.com/NPurkeypile LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-purkeypile-6030141/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justpurkeygames/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/npurkeypile.bsky.social #IndieGameBusiness #IndieDev #SoloDev #JustPurkeyGames #GameDevelopment

Most developer-publisher relationships don't turn sour because of money; they suffer from miscommunication, misaligned expectations, or ignored crises. In this talk, we break down your responsibilities as a developer, what to do when things go really wrong, and how to tell if your publisher producer isn't doing their job. Packed with practical advice and real-world examples, this session helps you navigate publisher relationships with accountability on both sides - so you get the support you deserve.

I run x2line, a lean studio with 50M+ downloads across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android (including TV form factors), and the web. I'm the only full-time developer. I manage production, ship updates, and coordinate long-term art and animation contractors instead of an in-house team. I'll cover: how to scope version 1 vs later updates, how to get usable assets from contractors, and how to choose the next feature or fix so the game stays alive for years.

When game projects start slipping with missed milestones, scope creep, and fading morale, how do you get things back on track? This session presents a production first aid kit with tools to diagnose problems, triage scope, rebuild schedules, and communicate changes clearly to your teams.Key takeaways: Spot early warning signs, apply a lightweight triage framework, and stabilize delivery without burning out your team.

Playtesting doesn't need to be expensive or overwhelming. This talk shares a simple process any small team can use to run regular 1 on 1 playtesting sessions. Learn how to find testers outside your immediate circle, prepare stable builds, guide productive sessions, and turn feedback into meaningful improvements. You'll leave with clear, repeatable steps to make playtesting a natural and empowering part of development.

Successful games not only have a strong creative vision but are also highly acclaimed by players; this integration of player insights occurs throughout the entire development cycle and takes different forms.In this talk, we map out lightweight, well-timed user experience research (UXR) activities into a production pipeline that doesn't slow things down, and in fact de-risks development and improves outcomes.

Game projects don't get made in a straight line. In this session, we'll explore how the producer's role shifts across art, features, publishing, and external development—and why producers are essential to each. Our panelists will compare what their day-to-day looks like, the backgrounds that help most, how success is measured, and where the biggest challenges lie. Whether you're curious about indie projects or AAA blockbusters, get ready for an honest, side-by-side look at what it really takes to keep teams—and games—moving forward.

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we're joined by Jess Feidt, Owner of Underwater Fire Games. Jess shares his journey from working on massive AAA franchises like Call of Duty to building his own indie studio from the ground up. We'll talk about why he decided to leave AAA, how he transitioned into running his own team, and how his experience at Treyarch and Sony shaped the decisions behind his first indie game. Jess also breaks down what he learned about the business side of starting a studio, how his opinions evolved throughout development, and what leading a small indie team has taught him. This is a must-watch for anyone thinking about going indie or starting their own studio. Follow Jess Feidt and Underwater Fire Games: X: https://x.com/UFireGames LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-feidt-0233842/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UFireGames Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ufiregames/ #IndieGameBusiness #IndieDev #UnderwaterFireGames #AAAtoIndie #GameDevelopment

Let's learn about game production tools! There are a lot of them out there, but which ones are right for my team size, game scope, and budget? We'll discuss industry standards, the pros and cons of several tools, and their applicability to different production methods such as Scrum and Kanban.

Most teams skip design documentation and pay for it later, in miscommunication, scope creep, and wasted development time. This session reveals how proper design docs streamline your entire pipeline. Learn the MDA framework for evaluating features, documentation techniques that actually help your team build faster, and how to communicate design decisions that reduce rework. Whether you're solo or managing a studio, discover why thinking like an architect (not just a builder) prevents bottlenecks and keeps production on track. Includes real templates and workflows used in professional studios.

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we're joined by Peter Kojesta, Founder of Exis Games. Peter shares how the publishing and funding landscape is evolving for indie developers and what studios need to know to successfully launch games in 2025 and beyond. We'll explore the new requirements for getting a game published, the different types of publishers—from service-based to VC-backed—and what venture capital firms are really looking for in game investments. Peter also walks us through the development journey of *Dragonhold* and the lessons Exis Games learned along the way. If you're an indie dev looking to secure funding, find the right publishing partner, or understand the business side of modern game launches, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Follow Peter Kojesta and Exis Games: X: https://x.com/Exisinteractive LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkojesta/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExisInteractive/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exisinteractive/ #IndieGameBusiness #ExisGames #IndieDev #GamePublishing #GameFunding #Dragonhold

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we're joined by April Stallings, Charitable Gaming Program Manager at Make-A-Wish International. April shares how the power of games is helping grant life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses around the world. Founded in 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 615,000 wishes in nearly 50 countries. Every 25 seconds a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, and a wish provides hope, joy, and resilience—helping kids face their toughest battles. Gaming is often a vital lifeline for wish children, keeping them connected to friends and family while offering distraction and relief during hospital stays. With gaming-related wishes growing, Make-A-Wish is launching the Infinite Wishes program to give the games industry a unique way to support children when they need it most. Follow Make-A-Wish International and April Stallings: X: https://x.com/MakeAWishIntl LinkedIn (April Stallings): https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilstallings/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/makeawishintl Instagram: https://instagram.com/makeawishintl #IndieGameBusiness #MakeAWish #GamingForGood #GameIndustry #Charity

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we're joined by Brad Hendricks, Founder and CEO of Blind Squirrel Games. Brad shares why globally distributed development is the foundation for scalability, sustainability, and long-term success in today's turbulent industry. We'll discuss how Blind Squirrel positioned itself to thrive during industry shifts, how distributed development helps prevent burnout, and how they balance client work with original IP creation. Brad also explains the challenges of unifying studio culture across regions like New Zealand and Colombia while celebrating each location's unique strengths. With 15 years of experience, Brad brings actionable insights for both indies and large studios looking to adapt, scale, and sustain creative excellence. Follow Brad Hendricks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradhendricks/ #IndieGameBusiness #GameDevelopment #BlindSquirrelGames #DistributedDevelopment #GameIndustry

Join attorney and game developer Veda Cruz for an interactive session where legal pitfalls take center stage—in bingo form! Each square represents a sketchy but all-too-common scenario that devs run into, like forgotten contracts, fuzzy ownership, or fan content gone rogue. As we play through the card, you'll learn how to spot these legal traps early and handle them like a pro. Whether you're a solo dev or part of a growing team, this session will help you stay out of trouble and keep your game on track with way fewer headaches.

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we're joined by Alex Seropian, CEO and Founder of Look North World. Alex shares lessons learned from launching UEFN experiences with Hasbro, Harmonix, Bandai Namco, and Twitch, and unpacks why the idea of games as platforms is more than just a passing trend. We'll dive into the growing influence of Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha, the race to turn popular games into open platforms, and what success will look like in this new era. From cost scaling measures to optimal testing and release cadences, Alex explains why developers now have just 6 seconds to capture player attention. If you want to understand the gaming industry's shift toward a platform economy—and how to adapt for a world where gamers choose games within games—this is a must-watch. Follow Alex Seropian and Look North World: X: https://x.com/steakbacon?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderseropian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/looknorthworld/ #IndieGameBusiness #GamingIndustry #GamesAsPlatforms #GameDevelopment #UEFN

It's time to ask traditional video game publishing - are you ok? While the rest of the industry seems to evolve overnight, publishing remains the same, despite clear areas of concern. In this session, we'll examine the state of publishing today, areas of risk and opportunity, and options available to developers and publishers alike.

Juan Pablo Guzmán Fernández, CEO of Infinite Thread Games, shares his ongoing experience leading an indie studio. In this talk, he walks through the development of the games Hitori Kakurenbo Online and Hidalgo, covering production, marketing, funding, and team building. He discusses remote workflows, incubation programs, and the importance of early playtesting and market-driven design. The session includes practical advice for entering the games industry and highlights the value of a strong professional network and well-defined development processes.

Dan is a co-founder of award-winning 'The Detective Society', a board games company based in London, UK. In this talk, hear about how his small side project has survived 5-years without investment, and grown to be a leader in the innovative world of digital-hybrid gaming (part-board game, part video game)! Dan will talk about his experience raising money on Kickstarter (over £300k so far), loans, grants and even an appearance on the BBCs Dragons Den (Shark Tank for USA folks).

Game development costs are soaring to unprecedented heights, driven by the proliferation of new platforms, pandemic-fueled salary surges, shifting business models, and diverse expectations from different generations of gamers. In an industry where every new release is held to increasingly higher standards, players are paradoxically playing fewer games and for less hours. The challenge to create a hit game has never been more daunting. Join us for a conversation on the forces driving up game development costs and strategies studios are leveraging to ensure profitability.

Unlock the true power of a remote studio! Learn how to build strong teams, streamline workflows, and tackle challenges head-on. Through expert strategies and real lessons from Noname Studios, discover what it takes to thrive and innovate—no matter where you are.

Securing a publishing deal takes more than a 'cool' game idea. It requires evidence of a marketable game, an engaged audience, and a capable team. This talk explores how data-driven development can support these three pillars: improving game quality through player data and player-centered design; using data to build and engage your player community early; and demonstrating team readiness through informed decision-making. Attendees will gain practical strategies for aligning development with publishing expectations.

This session will include a wealth of trademark, copyright, and contract law basics that every indie developer or studio needs to know PLUS relevant legal updates affecting the gaming industry, Artificial Intelligence legal aspects, and more! The “Play to Win” presentation last year in 2024 was loaded with information but this year's DLC edition will include all the necessary updates that indie studios need to succeed! Come ready to upgrade your legal knowledge!

It's never too late to follow your passion but real life doesn't hit pause. This is the story of building our first indie game while juggling a full-time job, family life, and all the responsibilities that come with adulthood. From finding a partner who shared the dream, to navigating burnout, budget limits, and baby naps, we learned that progress is possible even if it's slow. If you're trying to balance creativity with real-world commitments, this talk is for you.

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness we're joined by Julian Rice, Founder and CEO of Rice Games Inc, to talk about the long, challenging, and inspiring journey of bringing Shujinkou to life. From showing the game at Tokyo Game Show in 2019 to navigating a failed Kickstarter, Julian shares how his team overcame obstacles and kept pushing forward.We dive into the decision to shift from a 2D platformer to a 3D first-person dungeon crawler with integrated language learning mechanics, and what sets this apart from traditional educational or “edutainment” titles. Julian explains how the team managed development across seven time zones with over 20 part-time teammates, secured Sony and Nintendo development kits without publisher backing, and grabbed enough attention from critics to land Metacritic and OpenCritic scores — a rare feat for self-published indies.We also talk about the biggest operational challenges, the future of the Shujinkou trilogy, and Julian's advice for aspiring developers on both the creative and logistical sides of indie development. If you've ever dreamed of building and shipping your own game from the ground up, this episode is full of insights and lessons you won't want to miss.https://x.com/ricegameshttp://linkedin.com/in/julian-m-ricehttps://www.facebook.com/projectshujinkouhttps://instagram.com/rice.gameshttps://bsky.app/profile/shujinkou.com#IndieGameBusiness #GameDevelopment #Shujinkou #IndieDev #Kickstarter #GameIndustry #SelfPublishing #RiceGames #GameLocalization #DungeonCrawler #TokyoGameShow

In the world of Free and Open Source Software, you don't owe any subscription fees, your work isn't fed into an AI, and your money can go where it matters - to your team and your games. But is anything ever TRULY free? Well, it turns out, sometimes yes. In this presentation, we'll go over some incredible products in the FOSS ecosystem that you can and should adopt into your tech stack, what the expectations are for being a part of an open source community, and what risks and benefits are involved with abandoning big tech subscriptions in favor of open source.

Retention and productivity aren't luck - they're built. In this session, I'll break down how MLC Studio keeps a 98%+ retention rate and an award-winning team that's highly productive and engaged. Learn how to nurture culture, motivate your team, set boundaries, and give feedback that drives real results. Backed by data and experience, this talk will give you practical strategies to keep your team engaged, performing, and thriving.

Pendragon Wachtel is an experience indie developer, publisher, and team founder. He has built titles from the ground up both with and without funding. In this session, we will overview how to get from zero to funding, but most importantly, how to survive the time between the two. We'll cover how to avoid high turnover, how to maintain structure, and how to deliver a build to investors that can really impress them.

Join Deloryan Hommers, CEO and founder of Studio Deloryan, as she shares how a personal hobby grew into an award-winning game studio. What started as a solo project, Horse Reality, is now a thriving browser game with over 430.000 players worldwide and a dedicated international team behind it.In this talk, Deloryan opens up about the challenges and breakthroughs she faced while shifting from hobbyist to studio leader. She highlights why understanding the business side of game development is just as important as the creative process, and what lessons she learned along the way.Whether you are an indie developer, student, or creative professional, you'll walk away with practical insights (and maybe some inspiration) on how to turn a passion project into a sustainable business.

It's 2025 and people are still trying to crowdfund their game? Yes, they are! The landscape has changed, along with an ever-changing social media space, so how important is growing a community to fund your project? What does the big crowdfunding boom of 2015 teach us a decade later, if anything? We will explore how building a community has changed the last 10 years and what you need to have a successful crowdfunding campaign.

Game development is tough, but shipping games can be tougher. These days, having a polished release with lots of options is bare minimum. If a game has obvious technical hiccups, they can easily hurt player perception, & possibly tank a game launch. Yet, time & time again many developers launch their games that despite being technically *done*, feel rushed & incomplete, sinkings like a brick in the ocean. But do not despair! This talk will give you the details you need to make your game feel as finished as possible.

In this episode, we're joined by Fieldman Robinson, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner at Vertical Voyage, to explore the intersection of games and transmedia storytelling. We break down what transmedia really is, why games are uniquely positioned to lead these experiences, and the common challenges studios face when expanding their IP across formats.Fieldman also shares practical strategies for adapting games into other media and vice versa, tips for navigating rights and licensing, and how to unlock long-term monetization across platforms. Whether you're a developer, producer, or IP owner, this conversation offers a wealth of insight into building and sustaining transmedia franchises.https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldmanr/#Transmedia #GameDev #Licensing #IPDevelopment #Storytelling #IndieGameBusiness #VerticalVoyage #GameIndustry #CreativeStrategy #CrossMedia

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Larry Kuperman, VP of Business Development at Nightdive Studios, to explore what it takes to survive and thrive in the ever-changing games industry. Larry shares his insight on developing your personal brand, how it can complement your studio's identity, and why visibility and authenticity matter more than ever.We'll also discuss the role of reputation in business development, how to position yourself as a trusted industry voice, and what lessons Larry has learned from his years working with classic IPs at Nightdive. If you're a developer, marketer, or business lead looking to strengthen your presence in the space, this conversation is packed with practical advice.https://x.com/LarryNightDivehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/larrykuperman/https://bsky.app/profile/larrynightdive.bsky.social

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Sam Striker, Co-Founder and CEO of Native Darkness, to unpack the journey of building immersive audio-first games and what makes sound such a powerful force in storytelling.Sam walks us through the origin story of Native Darkness and their partnership with Ovani Sound. We explore the value of interactive audio, the differences between working with a dedicated audio studio versus an in-house team, and why custom sound design can make or break a game experience.We also dive into broader trends in game audio, the role of royalty-free vs. bespoke audio, and the importance of networking in the indie dev space. Whether you're a solo developer or a growing team, Sam's insights into building relationships, creating immersive worlds, and staying ahead in audio innovation will leave you inspired.#IndieGameBusiness #GameAudio #InteractiveSound #GameDev #NetworkingForDevshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/samstriker/https://www.instagram.com/samstrikerdotcom

In this episode we're joined by Yves Le Yaouanq, Chief Content Officer at Focus Entertainment, for a deep dive into the current state of pitching, publishing, and investment in the games industry. Yves shares his perspective on how the landscape has evolved in 2025, what publishers are really looking for, and how developers can set themselves apart.We explore the art and science of pitching in today's market—what works, what doesn't, and how developers can improve their odds of success. Whether you're new to pitching or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers an inside look into how major publishers think and operate in a rapidly changing environment.#IndieGameBusiness #GamePublishing #GamePitching #GameDevAdvice #FocusEntertainmenthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/yves-le-yaouanq-b6539420https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:f5kqvujnbmuyzvjxx7f5x54b

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we're joined by Mike Gallagher, Founder of Untitled Advertising Lab, to talk about the evolving marketing landscape for indie studios. Mike shares how his team helps game developers unlock incremental revenue from older titles and support self-publishing efforts when traditional publishing and VC routes fall short.We dive into what “doing more with less” really means in the current market, why marketing paralysis is so common, and how studios can overcome it without a massive budget. Mike also explains why chasing virality can backfire, and why marginal gains and meaningful engagement drive long-term success.We also explore key metrics that matter when playing the long game, the broken parts of the launch model, and what he's learned from working with titles like Slugterra, AdCom, and Bulletstorm. This is a must-listen for studios looking to build sustainable momentum in today's crowded industry.https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbriangallagher/#GameMarketing #IndieGameBusiness #SelfPublishing #GameDevAdvice #MeaningfulEngagement

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Joanie Kraut, CEO of Women in Games International (WIGI), to explore how the organization is building a more equitable and inclusive gaming industry. Joanie shares the mission behind WIGI, the impact of their initiatives, and what the future looks like as they approach their 20th anniversary in 2025.We also discuss how WIGI actively supports women and marginalized genders, key programs and partnerships, and what allies in the industry can do to contribute meaningfully. Whether you're a developer, publisher, or player, this episode is packed with insight on how the community can create lasting change.Socials:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanie-kraut/Facebook: http://facebook.com/getwigiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getwigi/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joanie-kraut.bsky.social#WomenInGames #EquityInGaming #GameDevCommunity #WIGI #IndieGameBusiness

Join Omar for a presentation covering the essentials of pitching your video game to publishers. From structure and flow to the must-have elements of a winning pitch, this session is all about showcasing your game's potential and getting publishers excited to support it!

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?

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 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.

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

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.