A weekly show all about indie games! Jill (The Indie Informer), Mike (Six One Indie), Janet (Gameonysus), and Jenny (Kimchica) are our resident indie experts, and they can't wait to delve into what makes this part of the industry so special. Expect news, game recommendations, and deeper dives into aspects of the game industry from these four folks who range from PR, marketing, influencer work, development, community management, content creation, and beyond!
We recap our PAX East memories and best of shows, and get ready for the absolute DOOZY that will be SGF!Official show notes: https://bit.ly/TheIndieCouncil-ShowNotesFind The Podcast On:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70IeWKJBCSvtvDWH6JIBDZ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indie-council-podcast/id1700898215 Follow everyone at:@miketowndrow.bsky.social@gameonysus.bsky.social@kimchica.bsky.social@theindieinformer.bsky.social@theindiecouncil.com
The Indie Council is now in session! Today, we're talking game genres. How useful are they as a tool, how many is too many, and why aren't some taken seriously? Let's get into it!Official show notes: https://bit.ly/TheIndieCouncil-ShowNotesFind The Podcast On:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70IeWKJBCSvtvDWH6JIBDZ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indie-council-podcast/id1700898215 Follow everyone at:@miketowndrow.bsky.social@gameonysus.bsky.social@kimchica.bsky.social@theindieinformer.bsky.social@theindiecouncil.com
The council takes some time today to go over the best indies of Q1, both according to Metacritic score as well as personal standouts! Let us know what your favorites have been so far in the comments. Follow everyone at:@miketowndrow.bsky.social@gameonysus.bsky.social@kimchica.bsky.social@theindieinformer.bsky.social@theindiecouncil.com
The Council has convened to discussed the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and it's indie features! What did we think? We also dive into BAFTA winners, Blue Prince hype, and what we've been playing.
The post-event energy is real in today's episode of The Indie Council. We rally to share our experiences and the games that caught our eye across GDC's various showcases, events, and talks. Of course, indies never stop so we have plenty of games we've been playing to shout from the rooftops as well.
A new member of The Council steps forward in this week's episode: Haley MacLean! She's ready to object to our bad indie takes and walk us through what a publishing agreement looks like in 2025. Then we make Jenny blush with our thoughts on Wanderstop.Find The Podcast On:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70IeWKJ... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow everyone at:@haleyfax.bsky.social@miketowndrow.bsky.social@gameonysus.bsky.social@kimchica.bsky.social@theindieinformer.bsky.social@theindiecouncil.com
The Council convenes to talk all about the Steam Next Fest and the kick off to event season!Find The Podcast On:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70IeWKJBCSvtvDWH6JIBDZ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indie-council-podcast/id1700898215 Follow everyone at:@miketowndrow.bsky.social@gameonysus.bsky.social@kimchica.bsky.social@theindieinformer.bsky.social@theindiecouncil.com
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, The Council gathers to suggest some love-themed indies for all occasions. We've got games for falling in love, for getting spicy, for heartbreak, for crying your heart out, and some extra special titles for the sickos out there.Follow everyone at:@miketowndrow.bsky.social@gameonysus.bsky.social@kimchica.bsky.social@theindieinformer.bsky.social@theindiecouncil.com
Today, The Council convenes to talk about the problem of indie game imitators before brightening up the conversation with a slew of fantastic titles we've been playing.
For our 50th council session (already?!) it's a doozy! We've got news of the Earthblade game cancelation and we also take time to answer some questions about best practices for media and press outreach.
Welcome back to a bright new year of indies! In this first episode of 2025, we get the train going off the rails. The Council weighs in on Award nominees and game news to kick things off. Then we plummet into an unhinged list of 2025 predictions for a nigh-unwinnable game of bingo. Follow everyone at: @miketowndrow.bsky.social @gameonysus.bsky.social @kimchica.bsky.social @theindieinformer.bsky.social @theindiecouncil.com
The final verdit for 2024 is here: what games made the official Indie Council top 10, and who will win our custom accolades (like The Kool-Aid Man award and May 9th Game of the Year)?
The Council shares their indie canon stories: the first games that got them into indies! Then, we get into what we think should be in every indie gamer's starter pack: the best of the best, the games everyone should consider playing, especially if they're wanting to get up to speed on indie game legacies and influence.
After a flurry of game show nominations and announcements, the Indie Council is now in session to chat about their personal 10/10, 7/10's — games that've captured our hearts, even if they haven't gotten perfect reviewed scores.
The sweet spiced scent of indies is in the air, let's talk about our personal favorite season-inspired games from this year people should be playing to get the most out of fall! 00:00 Start 01:04 Indie News 34:15 Topic of the Show 1:06:03 Games We've Been Playing
Happy Halloween! The Council comes to you during the spookiest day of the year fully prepared. We couldn't possibly appear before you on this day without the most appropriate garb and bearing the most horrifying of tales. So, delight in our costumes as we break Mouthwashing down to its core. Follow everyone at: @miketowndrow.bsky.social @gameonysus.bsky.social @kimchica.bsky.social @theindieinformer.bsky.social @theindiecouncil.bsky.social 00:00 Start 03:13 Indie News 09:35 Mouthwashing Non-Spoilers 28:51 Mouthwashing Full Spoilers 1:00:14 Narrative Jump: The News 1:38:39 Back To The Beginning 2:06:03 The Ending
The Indie Council is now in session, and we've got to get our backlogs in order ahead of GOTY discussions! We chat about the games we still need to get through, as well as recommend titles we think you need to play before the year is out!
BOO! The Indie Council is in session and we bring Steam Next Fest tidings your way! With over 2700 demos available to try in just one week (ahh!), we'll help point you in the direction of a few early highlights and frontrunners. We also chat about releases Neva, Grunn, and Europa, among other indies we've checked out this week!
The full Indie Council is in session! It's time to go over indie news (more Palword speculation as well as a new Devolver announcement), and the council discusses a recent question posted on Twitter: what's YOUR preferred way to request (and distribute) keys?
The Indie Council is now in session! After a few weeks away, the council has reconvened to talk about PAX West highlights, Palworld litigation, and plenty of other industry news that's been keeping us on our toes. Official show notes: https://bit.ly/TheIndieCouncil-ShowNotes Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_
The three Js of the council, left to their own devices, seize this chance to dive into a game they all can't stop playing - Fields of Mistria. Of course, the discussion isn't complete without a nod to the bevy of August 15 releases and the Wholesome Games Steam Celebration. Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_
Which indie games would make for good television? The Indie Council is in session and debating that in today's episode! Additional topics discussed: SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike, indie game launch date announcement trends, Fantastic Fest 2024 - Austin, and more. Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_
The Beacon of Light (aka Janet and Jenny) is taking over for this episode of the Indie Council! They delve into the Humble Games layoffs, how to best find indie games, and what they're currently playing. Enjoy!
Soar through the skies with the Indie Council as we try something new today: play a game while recording our podcast! Today, we're enjoying the recently released Flock as a part of the Council as we discuss the latest news, launches, and titles from the indie side of the industry. Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_
It's easy to get so excited looking at the amazing indie games ahead that we forget to look back at the experiences we could be having right now. So, The Council has convened to present cases for this year's games that deserve way more love. Be sure to check them out before next week and July 16's avalanche of indies crashes into us! Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_
The Indie Council puts an umbrella in their summer of gaming drinks with discussions on Summer Game Fest, Summer Trips, and Steam Next Fest. The greatest hits of this party include Strange Scaffold, July 16 coming for you, and (as always) so many great indies to play. Follow everyone on Twitter at: / itsmiketown / gameonysus / kimchica25 / indie_informer / indiecouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
Showcases! Directs! Broadcasts, oh my! The Indie Council is at Summer Game Fest ready to distill their favorite demos, dish on the most notable announcements, and celebrate one of the busiest weeks of the year. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
Need some indie recommendations for a road trip / sick day / while listening to this podcast? The Council recommends some of our fave indies in a variety of scenarios. We also talk through the recent IGN acquisition and it's potential ripples throughout the industry and how SGF is on the horizon. Official show notes: https://bit.ly/TheIndieCouncil-ShowNotes Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
A new member of The Indie Council has stepped out of the shadows! Giovanni Colantonio is here to endure a tell-all rapid-fire interview and sing the praises of Lorelei and the Laser Eyes. We also all reveal our mid-year top ten indies list and unleash our experiences playing the big May 9 games. It's a fully packed show. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
What are the gaming stigmas we're still holding onto as an industry (or as Indie Council members?) -- Janet, Jenny, Jill, and Mike explore gaming stigmas as well as the recent ID@Xbox Showcase and Tribeca line-up. Official show notes: https://bit.ly/TheIndieCouncil-ShowNotes Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
Are Steam Playtests the new hotness? We shall see what happens on the heels of the Hades 2 playtest! The Council also shares the impact and purpose of playtests across different parts of the industry! Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ Show Notes: https://plump-goldenrod-77e.notion.site/Steam-Playtests-45f1d3b654c4475b98e2f9ff6843b271?pvs=74 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
This week, the Council shares highlights from the Nintendo Indie Showcase, Mike's Hades II access, and discusses the recent Gamergate 2.0 events. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/TheIndieCouncil-ShowNotes Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
The Triple-I Showcase has landed, and while it showed off plenty of news to get excited about, it also got the Council debating, once again, exactly what constitutes an 'indie' (and what does 'Triple-I' mean?) Show Notes: https://bit.ly/TheIndieCouncil-ShowNotes Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
The council is together after a week of whirlwind travel, and they come with favorite selections from both PAX East and GDC! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
The results are in (Denny's or IHOP?) and in addition to revealing the TRUE diner winner, we highlight a few platforms where you can find indie games! Show notes: https://bit.ly/TheIndieCouncil-ShowNotes Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
We have a special guest member of the Council today: Xalavier Nelson Jr! Not only do we celebrate his incredible news, but we get to duke it out in a events battle of the century: PAX East? Or GDC? You get to determine the victor! Show Notes: https://bit.ly/TheIndieCouncil-ShowNotes Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
What makes for a perfect indie storm? The Council discusses latest hit, Balatro, reminisce about previous successes... and see if they can predict the next indie wonder! Find The Podcast On: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70IeWKJBCSvtvDWH6JIBDZ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indie-council-podcast/id1700898215 Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9lNjIxZjhmNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
The Dark Pedestal (Mike and Janet) are holding down the Indie Council this week! They talk burnout, the Indie Direct roundup, and the latest update from Little Devil Inside! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
The council highlights standout Steam Next Fest demos and share more personal stories and perspectives surrounding the continuing industry layoffs. Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
Watch out: the Indie Council is watching the Sony State of Play LIVE! This is an experimental episode of our first ever live-react to a showcase (and a non-indie centric one at that!) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
We dig into the monster-catching craze taking over the internet: Palworld! Love it, hate it, worried about what it means -- we discuss all that and more. Remember folks: be the Pal you want to see. Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
What's that? You need games to wishlist? We've got you! The Council unites to discuss their most anticipated indies for 2024. ======== Follow everyone at -- Mike: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown Janet: https://twitter.com/Gameonysus Jenny: https://twitter.com/kimchica25 Jill: https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer The Podcast: https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
It's time! The final verdicts are here, and the most chaotic awards show has begun! Welcome to the last episode of The Indie Council for 2023! Find The Podcast On: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70IeWKJBCSvtvDWH6JIBDZ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indie-council-podcast/id1700898215 Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9lNjIxZjhmNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
It's been a week of Discourse, but we're hoping to take a spin and use this as a learning opportunity to share some common misconceptions about working in the game industry. Fortunately, we've got rabble-rouser Greg Miller here to share some of his takes, including what HE counts as an indie game! Thanks for listening! Find The Podcast On: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70IeWKJBCSvtvDWH6JIBDZ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indie-council-podcast/id1700898215 Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9lNjIxZjhmNC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
It's time, we start to draw the lines in the sand for the titles we're staking out as TGA winners: do you agree? Listen in, and let us know! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
Janet and Mike take the stage and start talking about Game Awards nominations as the official 'dark pedestal' of the Council! Follow everyone at: https://www.twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://www.twitter.com/Gameonysus https://www.twitter.com/kimchica25 https://www.twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://www.twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
With so many landmark games, it seems like this is a banner year for the industry... but the Council will discuss the darker side of this "greatest year in games" this week. Follow everyone at: https://www.twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://www.twitter.com/Gameonysus https://www.twitter.com/kimchica25 https://www.twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://www.twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
As one of our members valiantly fights off the spider scourge, the remaining representatives of The Indie Council rule on which of Steam's Next Fest demos were the best in show. We also break down the best ways to help out your favorite indie titles in these volatile times. Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer https://twitter.com/IndieCouncil_ Links for further reading and playing: Spirittea: https://store.steampowered.com/app/19... The Indie Horror Showcase: https://store.steampowered.com/publis... Another Crab's Treasure: https://store.steampowered.com/app/18... American Arcadia: https://store.steampowered.com/app/12... Claw Machine Sim: https://store.steampowered.com/app/24... Wild Country: https://store.steampowered.com/app/15... Go Mecha Ball: https://store.steampowered.com/app/20... Lucky Hero: https://store.steampowered.com/app/24... Kristala: https://store.steampowered.com/app/12... Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom: https://store.steampowered.com/app/20... Honked: a clown noir: https://store.steampowered.com/app/26... Laika: Aged Through Blood: https://store.steampowered.com/app/17... Slay the Princess: https://store.steampowered.com/app/19... Bramble: The Mountain King: https://store.steampowered.com/app/16... COCOON: https://store.steampowered.com/app/14... Lake: Season's Greetings: https://store.steampowered.com/app/24... Moonstone Island: https://store.steampowered.com/app/16... The Magnus Archives: https://jonathan-sims.com/magnus/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
The Council comes together to recommend some of highlights of October's Steam Next Fest as well as dig into the world of indie game Kickstarters!
All rise for the presiding members of The Indie Council! Today, we testify the busy season is in full swing, and examine what that means for indie creators. We also can't let the gaming glut end without a heaping helping of our favorite fall indies, and polishing off the Unity news. Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message
What happens to the show when its usual master of ceremonies falls ill for the week? Well, according to an apologetic social post from the acting host, Mike Towndrow, everything goes off the rails. Welcome to the rise of the Goobies Gang. 00:00 Start 05:51 Indie News 23:46 Topic of the Show 1:17:31 What We've Been Playing Follow everyone at: https://twitter.com/itsMikeTown https://twitter.com/Gameonysus https://twitter.com/kimchica25 https://twitter.com/Indie_Informer Links for further reading and playing: Goobies: https://store.steampowered.com/app/22... Moonstone Island: https://store.steampowered.com/app/16... Paquerette Down the Bunburrows: https://store.steampowered.com/app/16... Ghostlore: https://store.steampowered.com/app/17... The Many Pieces of Mr. Coo: https://store.steampowered.com/app/16... Loop Hero: https://store.steampowered.com/app/12... Magical Delicacy: https://store.steampowered.com/app/22... AK-xolotl: https://store.steampowered.com/app/14... Goobies: https://store.steampowered.com/app/22... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-windom/message