Indie Game Business

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.

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.

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.

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! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indiegamebusiness/support