Podcasts about Gamedev

In episode 561 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers dig into Mewgenics, exploring its development history, gameplay quirks, and the ways players actually engage with it. The game becomes a springboard for a broader look at how UI, quality-of-life choices, and genre-blending shape player trust and expectations. The conversation closes on the realities of indie launch windows, where timing can matter just as much as design when it comes to standing out.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:25 Introduction and Welcome01:13 Exploring Mewgenics: A Game Overview02:58 Nailed It or Whiffed It: Game Critique06:29 Player Engagement and Game Longevity10:18 Quality of Life Issues in Gameplay12:23 User Experience vs. Developer Intent15:28 Cognitive Load and Player Frustration18:34 The Role of UI in Game Design26:32 Humor and Theme in Game Design30:17 Developer Insights and Future Improvements39:27 The Disconnect in Game Development Quality41:57 Trust and Player Expectations in Game Design46:02 The Balance of Jank and Fun in Multiplayer Games51:26 The Impact of UI on Game Accessibility57:25 Launch Strategies and Market Timing for Indie GamesTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Is your "culture fit" interview actually just a trap for hiring clones? We tackle the paradox of culture in game development. While many studios are abandoning "culture fit" to avoid echo chambers and bias, ignoring it entirely can lead to toxic hires that destroy trust and decision-making. Ben breaks down the two distinct types of culture—Taste vs. Operating System—so you can hire for high-stakes collaboration without sacrificing diversity of thought. In this episode, you'll learn: Why hiring "clones" feels good short-term, but creates blind spots that stall real problem-solving How to separate Taste Culture (optional vibes) from Operating System Culture (non-negotiables that ship work) How different decision-making and feedback models work, and how to choose the right one for your studio If you're a lead or founder torn between team diversity and everyone "just getting it," this episode gives you a clear framework to balance both—protecting your team's operating system without creating an echo chamber. Connect with us:  

Jesse and Dodger are joined by video game legend Bill Roper who brings his wisdom from Blizzard and beyond to discuss the modern state of game development and what the current space is actually like. Of course we also talk games we played and all the nerdy stuff you're used to!Are you ready to geek out this weekend? Join Jesse and Dodger on the Geekenders podcast as they bring you the ultimate dose of geekiness. From their hilarious banter to their in-depth discussions, this is the podcast you've been waiting for. Follow them now and discover why they are the number one geek podcast without a doubt. Subscribe and let the geeking begin!Theme by: MegaRanAnimated Intro by: JulesDrawzWant to watch live, tune in to Dodgers twitch every Friday at 11am est/8am pst : https://www.twitch.tv/dexbonusHosted on Audioboom. See https://audioboom.com/about/privacy for more information.

Send a textBriz joins the show to talk about his experience in developing a fully realized 3D video game starting from zero and he and Trav reflect on a few of the horror games they've played together on the couch.Alex will be back soon!Briz on YouTube and BlueSkySupport the show Find links for all things network related here: https://linktr.ee/polymedianetwork Find Travis on BlueSky Find Alex on BlueSky Send us an email drunkfriendpodcast@gmail.com Visit our Subreddit reddit.com/r/polymedia

Support us on Patreon here! Every Friday, the finest degenerate journalists on the internet serve up loud, irreverent, hilarious takes on gaming, drinking, pop culture, and everything in between. In this episode: Dom, Tiggy, and Bob touch on a variety of topics in the gaming and esports world, including: League of Legends is getting voice chat Viral modern game dev parodies Silent Hill F impressions Your voicemails ...And more! 

Dobbel Dungeon is als tactische RPG met een vriendelijk, Play-Doh-achtig uiterlijk deze week gelanceerd op Steam. Deze game combineert elementen uit Baldur's Gate 3 en Dicey Dungeons, en is gemaakt door Jim Sanders en Michelle Mud - die ook privé een koppel vormen - van ontwikkelstudio Gamepie. Reden genoeg voor Joe van Burik en Laura van der Lubbe om ze over dit alles te spreken in deze aflevering van All in the Game. Vragen of opmerkingen? Mail ons! Op allinthegame@bnr.nl Over All in the GameAll in the Game is de podcast over games voor iedereen. Wanneer er iets speelt in de wereld van games, hoor je dat hier: spannende ontwikkelingen, boeiende onderzoeken en natuurlijk de nieuwste releases om te spelen op je PlayStation, Xbox, pc of welk platform dan ook. Onder leiding van BNR's techredacteur Joe van Burik hoor je gesprekken met andere gamekenners, zoals beursnerd Jochem Visser, techredacteurs Niels Kooloos en Daniël Mol én popcultuurkenners Donner Bakker en Sam van Zuilen. Ook hoogleraar computerwetenschappen Felienne Hermans en universiteit docent Laura van der Lubbe schuiven geregeld aan, en je hoort bijdragen van audioproducers André Dortmont, Ivo Klokman en Jeanne Heeremans. Elke week zijn er minimaal twee afleveringen van All in the Game. Of nog meer, wanneer er veel speelt in de wereld van games. Soms met impressies en analyses over actuele ontwikkelingen en nieuwe games. Andere keren kun je luisteren naar interviews met makers van bijzondere games, van Grand Theft Auto (GTA) tot Baldur's Gate 3 - zowel Nederlandse als internationale ontwikkelaars. Of we praten met e-sport-atleten, onderzoekers en andere experts in de wereld van videogames, in onze rubriek Main Game. En regelmatig laten we iemand van BNR Nieuwsradio aanschuiven om te vertelen over diens favoriete game van vroeger in de Retro-rubriek. In deze podcast kijken we verder dan alleen wat een game leuk maakt: we bespreken juist ook in de culturele, maatschappelijke, economische en technologische impact ervan. Jaarlijks gaat er immers zo'n 200 miljard euro om in de wereldwijde game-industrie, dat is al (vele jaren zelfs) daadwerkelijk meer dan de muziek- en filmindustrie bij elkaar opgeteld. Zo hoor je bij All in the Game niet alleen wat je moet spelen - en op welk nieuwe (game)platform - maar kun je daar nog bewuster mee bezig zijn, over praten en natuurlijk van genieten. Of het nou gaat om Super Mario of Sonic the Hedgehog, Fortnite of Roblox, voetbalgames van EA Sports FC of de FIFA, Call of Duty of Battlefield, League of Legends of Dota,of goude oude titels zoals Tetris, Rollercoaster Tycoon, The Sims of zelfs Snake. En we hebben ook aandacht voor liefhebberijen die dicht op games zitten, zoals Dungeons & Dragons, Lego en de films, series en strips rond reeksen zoals Star Wars en Marvel. Het komt allemaal aan bod in All in the Game. All in the Game werd als podcast al in 2022 opgenomen in het archief van Het Nederlands instituut voor Beeld & Geluid in Hilversum - als eerste podcast van BNR Nieuwsradio en één van de eerste gamepodcasts van allemaal. Gezamenlijk met talloze Nederlandse televisieprogramma’s, radioshows, games, websites, webvideo’s en podcast vormt dit materiaal de Nederlandse mediageschiedenis. Over Joe van BurikJoe van Burik is presentator, podcastmaker en techredacteur bij BNR Nieuwsradio. Je hoort hem bijna dagelijks in de Tech Update met het laatste nieuws over digitale technologie, en gaat daar in De Grote Tech Show (samen met Ben van der Burg) elke woensdag dieper op in met gasten uit de techwereld. Daarnaast maakt hij onder meer de podcast All in the Game, voor iedereen die meer wil horen over videogames.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 560 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers check in on demo performance, wishlist growth, and what live events are actually doing for visibility. By comparing what has actually generated traction with what just sounds exciting, they unpack what real leverage looks like for an indie studio and contrast it with the current AI hype cycle, where convenience, cost, and risk do not always align.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:31 Introduction and Welcome02:14 Demo Performance and Wishlist Growth05:47 Event Participation and Marketing Strategies08:43 Game Development Updates and New Characters14:40 Discussion on Mewgenics and Industry Insights17:24 Game Popularity and Player Retention19:58 The Impact of AI on the Gaming Industry31:10 AI's Role in Software Development and Personalization43:52 Challenges in Open Source Maintenance46:15 The Impact of AI on Bug Bounty Programs49:24 Autonomous Agents and Their Consequences52:19 The Reverse Centaur Concept56:10 The Dangers of Autonomous AI AgentsTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, Anya Combs joins us to break down what real community building looks like in the games industry. Drawing from her time at AddictingGames, Nickelodeon, and as Director of Games at Kickstarter, Anya shares practical insights on crowdfunding, developer relations, and turning an audience into a lasting community. If you are about sustainable growth—not just launch-day hype—this one's for you.Learn more about AnyaLearn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Guildhall LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

Carina sits down to talk to Conway Sutton about his Freelance Game Writer journey. They also talk about his passion for modding, as he began modding the game Monster Prom quite obsessively and ended up freelance writing form Monster Con, which is their 4th installment in the series. Conway also talks about accessibility in the gaming industry, not only as representation in games but also how one can adapt to make games playable and interactable by people with disabilities; as well as making events more accessible by considering neurodiversity and how to make them LGBTQ+ family friendly.

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, able to spot problems but struggling to make a real difference, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Stop treating your game dev estimates like a prophecy; you aren't a prophet. If your estimates keep failing, it's not because your team is bad at math; it's because you're using estimation as a fortune-telling machine instead of a decision-making tool. In this episode, Ben breaks down why "perfect" plans are a trap in the high-uncertainty world of game dev. He introduces a four-level framework—from "Priorities First" to "Relative Sizing"—to help you gain predictability, set external expectations, and find shared understanding across disciplines without killing your team's soul in meetings. What you'll learn in this episode: Why estimation isn't really about being accurate — and why predictability and velocity are only part of the picture. Why estimating work without clear priorities can actually slow teams down and lead to worse decisions How simple throughput tracking can outperform detailed estimates for forecasting — with less friction from the team When fast "blink" estimates are more useful than detailed sizing, and how they help Design, QA, and Engineering spot risk early Why the Fibonacci sequence exists in estimation — and how to avoid wasting time debating tiny differences that don't matter How to recognize when estimation isn't worth the cost, and when time-boxing is the smarter move If you're a producer or lead tired of watching your team polish a "beautiful plan" while the actual game feels like it's missing the mark, this episode is for you. Connect with us:

(Videoda adı geçen Bogos Binted?, GameDev.ist yayıncılığı bünyesindedir.)Bugün State of Play duyurularını konuşmak üzere kadim sarı koltuğa oturduk. Bir süre sonra kendimizi yine Resident Evil'dan bahsederken bulsak da, bu işin tadı tuzu da budur. Kısacası biz bu oyunları bekleyeceğiz arkadaş! Bizimle birlikte bu beklemeye katılmak isteyenleri de abone olmaya ve Disket Kutusu'nun bir parçası olmaya davet ediyoruz.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ogrady/ - my linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/qdrant/ - company linkedin https://qdrant.tech/contact-us - contact us https://github.com/qdrant/qdrant/ - Qdrant GH https://github.com/qdrant/qdrant-edge-demo - Qdrant Edge running on smart glasses Mike on LinkedIn Coder Radio on Discord Mike's Oryx Review Alice Alice Jumpstart Offer Vorpal Mike in USA Today

In episode 559 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers explore how memes shape durable game ideas, why performance work becomes its own kind of design problem, and how staying fed and functional matters just as much as clean code. They dig into the flexible strengths of GameMaker, the realities of handling thousands of on-screen dudes, and the surprising ways personal life and development collide. It's a mix of practical insight, odd tangents, and classic Bscotch brain-noodling for anyone making games.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:18 Introduction and Welcome01:21 (Listener Question) Exploring the Meme Concept in Game Design08:10 The Nature of Memes and Their Longevity16:33 (Listener Question) Game Mechanics and Performance Optimization 28:35 (Listener Question) Nutrition and Energy Management for Game Developers43:53 (Listener Question) GameMaker's Underrated FeaturesTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In episode 558 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers dig into how community engagement is shaping the ongoing development of How Many Dudes, from reacting to feedback to refining what players latch onto. They talk about the role luck plays in getting eyes on a game, and how fast iteration helps them adapt when discovery, localization, or influencer interest suddenly spikes. The conversation centers on staying nimble, listening closely, and adjusting strategy as the game and the audience keeps evolving.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:26 Introduction and Welcome02:05 Demo Update for 'How Many Dudes'05:29 Analyzing Player Engagement and Discovery Queue06:51 Localization Strategies for the Chinese Market09:43 Cost Implications of Localization13:50 Reflections on Game Development Philosophy17:45 Execution vs. Concept in Game Design22:05 Iterative Development and Player Feedback29:47 Strategic Shifts in Game Development Approach30:54 Navigating Game Development Constraints33:27 Marketing Strategies and Market Gaps36:12 The Unpredictability of Entertainment Products40:17 Designing for Marketability and Engagement44:58 Adapting to Market Changes and Direct Sales49:15 The Role of Luck in Game Success54:21 Building a Resilient Game Development StudioTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this community episode, Willem and Tim break down portfolio best practices. What to include, what to leave out, and how to present your work with clarity and intention. They share practical insights and real-world examples to help portfolios communicate skill, growth, and focus without unnecessary noise.Learn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode of the Game Dev Local Podcast, host and GDL CEO Stuart De Ville sits down with Lauran Carter, a driving force behind Guildford Games and Liquid Crimson, the creative force helping studios tell their stories and connect with players in powerful ways, to unpack an unconventional path into the games industry and how it almost didn't happen!Lauran shares how her journey into games took shape, the transferable skills that mattered more than any job title, and the realities of building a career outside the traditional routes. Together, they explore the myths that still trip up aspiring developers, the importance of local game communities, and what sustainable success actually looks like in today's industry.This episode digs into honest lessons, hard-earned perspective, and practical insight for anyone trying to break into games, stay in games, or build something that lasts.Perfect for: - Aspiring game develoeprs- Indie studio founders- Community builders- Anyone curious about non-linear careers in games

I sit down with game dev David Szymanski to talk about his game IRON LUNG and DUSK.

Bogos Binted? GameDev.ist yayıncılığı bünyesindedir. Bu videoda 2025'te en sevdiğimiz oyunları listeliyor, bireysel favorilerimizi tekrar övüyor, beklenmedik sürprizleri ve hayal kırıklıklarını masaya yatırıyoruz. Clair Obscur'den The Precinct'e, Silent Hill f'ten Blue Prince'e kadar bağımlı, bağımsız ne varsa konuştuk. Gelin, 2025'in en iyi oyunlarını konuşalım.

In episode 557 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers share updates on How Many Dudes, touching on the demo's strong performance, upcoming localization, and ongoing community management. They dig into the feedback they're getting, how it shapes balance and feature decisions, and what they're preparing for as Steam Next Fest approaches. The focus is on understanding what players are asking for and charting the path toward a solid full launch.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:38 Introduction and Welcome02:04 Demo Performance and Player Engagement04:52 Localization and Language Expansion08:37 Upcoming Features and Game Modes12:00 Promotional Strategies and Events15:43 Looking Ahead: Next Fest and Future Plans17:48 The Power of Demos in Game Promotion19:31 Balancing Game Mechanics and Player Experience24:24 Navigating Player Feedback and Expectations27:49 Understanding Player Perspectives and Feedback31:38 The Challenge of Expertise in Game Development36:30 Managing Community Reactions and Expectations37:44 Navigating Player Emotions in Game Development40:28 Building a Positive Community Culture42:19 Managing Feedback and Expectations45:56 The Evolution of Early Access and Player Interaction49:49 The Ongoing Conversation Between Developers and PlayersTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In episode 556 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers talk about How Many Dudes riding the waves of Steam discovery and what they've learned about keeping that Wishlist train rolling. From premium price woes to free to try realities, they explore what it takes to bring one game to two very different worlds without losing their minds or the vibe.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:26 Introduction and Welcome00:55 Discussing How Many Dudes and Marketing Strategies04:15 Insights on Game Discovery and Visibility06:40 Launch Strategy and Expectations09:36 Exploring Mobile Platforms and Monetization19:20 Challenges of Premium Games on Mobile24:40 Cross-Platform Challenges26:47 User Data Management Issues29:36 Monetization Strategies35:48 Free-to-Try Model Discussion39:56 Final Thoughts and Community EngagementTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

RubyLLM (https://rubyllm.com/) Carmine (https://paolino.me/) Chat With Work (https://chatwithwork.com/) Carmine on X (https://x.com/paolino) Mike on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominucco/) Coder Radio on Discord (https://discord.gg/WnumdsfhYB) Alice (https://alice.dev/looking-glass/) Mike's 2026 Predictions Post (https://dominickm.com/set-a-course-for-2026/) Alice Jumpstart Offer (https://go.alice.dev/alice-azure-blob-to-snowflake-js)

Today on Bud's #WeeklyGeekOut . . . a young game developer is choosing to delete his game after he learned the evils of the AI used to generate its assets. =) webmeister Bud Listen and get more details at TheZone.fm/geekout

What happens when someone who grew up in the Lucasfilm Games golden era decides that today's AI tools are failing creatives? Mike Levine has spent more than 30 years building at the intersection of games, XR, VFX, and interactive storytelling—and his verdict is clear: the current AI stack is a fragmented, overcomplicated mess that turns directors into prompt engineers.Mike started as a tester at Lucasfilm Games (later LucasArts), working his way into the art department on titles like Sam & Max and The Dig before helping ship live-action Star Wars games such as Rebel Assault and Jedi Knight II. He later built rotoscoping tools used across the VFX industry, collaborated with ILM and Pixar, experimented with mobile AR games for Hasbro and HoloLens, and dipped into crypto gaming—before finally co-founding MovieFlow (now FilmSpark), an AI-native production platform designed so that filmmakers, agencies, and showrunners can move from script to screen without needing a computer science degree.The AI XR news you should know: Apple taps Google Gemini to power Siri, acknowledging that building world-class LLMs in-house makes little financial sense. Meta cuts 10% of Reality Labs, right-sizing its VR bets while pivoting toward wearables. Xreal raises another $100M amid questions about Chinese state influence and data flows. Higgs Field lands $80M at a $1.3B valuation for AI cinematography tools that many filmmakers still find unreliable. Wikipedia signs licensing deals with major AI companies after years of being scraped for free. OpenAI invests $252M in Sam Altman–backed Merge Labs, raising fresh conflict-of-interest questions.Key Moments Timestamps:[00:23:02] From Boston journalist-to-be to accidental hire at Lucasfilm Games[00:26:24] The “test pit” culture at Lucas and how Nintendo experience got Mike in the door[00:28:45] Moving into the art department, learning Photoshop from early legends, and shipping Sam & Max[00:31:15] Live-action Star Wars games: Rebel Assault, Jedi Knight II, and convincing George Lucas[00:34:38] Visiting Pixar with new VFX tools and recognizing the same creative “magic” as LucasArts[00:36:24] Doug Trumbull's influence on Mike's sense of cinematic possibility and immersion[00:43:27] The urinal meeting at Magic Leap and what early spatial computing got right (and wrong)[00:49:00] Why most AI tools are “dark ages” for filmmakers: node graphs, 10+ subscriptions, no story view[00:51:00] Building MovieFlow/FilmSpark: story-first, timeline-based AI production for long-form and vertical shows[00:53:00] The Neighborhood Podcast: a 90-second vertical murder mystery as proof-of-concept for AI-native seriesWhen humans can generate shots, scenes, and even entire episodes in minutes, the bottleneck shifts from production to vision. Mike argues that the winning AI tools will be the ones that let directors see their whole story, maintain continuity, and iterate fast—without ever feeling like they left the edit bay for a dev console. His vertical drama collaboration with Charlie, The Neighborhood Podcast, is an early look at what happens when narrative craft meets AI-native pipelines instead of fighting them.This episode is brought to you by Zapar creators of Mattercraft—the leading visual development environment for building immersive 3D web experiences. Build smarter at mattercraft.io.Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe to the AI XR Podcast for weekly conversations with the people building the future of AI, XR, and interactive media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're back to start the year with a very special live interview with Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan, which we taped in front of a terrific audience at Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas during CES. At this year's show, Razer made headlines for something it calls Project Ava, an AI companion that has a physical presence in the real world, as an anime hologram that sits in a jar on your desk. It's powered by, you guessed it, Elon Musk's Grok.  There are a whole lot of choices bundled up in all of that, as well as Razer's decision to go all-in on AI at a moment when the gaming community is outright rejecting it. So Min and I really got into it. I think you'll have a lot to think about with this one.  Links:  Razer is making an AI anime waifu hologram for your desk | The Verge Razer thinks you'd rather have AI headphones instead of glasses | The Verge Baldur's Gate 3 studio says it won't use AI for concept art or writing | The Verge In 2025, AI became a lightning rod for gamers and devs | The Verge Razer plans $600M push to capture 'untapped' AI gaming demand | Bloomberg Replika CEO says it's okay if we end up marrying AI chatbots | Decoder Lawsuits blame ChatGPT for suicides and harmful delusions | NYT Inside three longterm relationships with AI chatbots | NYT Torment Nexus | Know Your Meme The future of gaming is AI | Razer (Instagram) Subscribe to The Verge to access the ad-free version of Decoder! Credits: Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Decoder is produced by Kate Cox and Nick Statt and edited by Ursa Wright. Our editorial director is Kevin McShane.  The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LTS celebrates 10 years of educating young minds to create, code and pitch ideas directly to business. Dr. Sergio Coronado is a man with a very busy day job, as CIO of NSPA. Perhaps he is in that position due to the chance he got as a 12 year old to learn to code plus a great mentor. Sergio showed a natural affinity in the after school club, which was noticed by the trainer, who took it upon himself to give Sergio extra time between the youth and adult lessons. Sergio then stayed through the adult lessons and the trainer even drove him home. It is this giving-back mentality and mentorship that Sergio and his team bring to the Luxembourg Tech School. Sergio's life is an example of constant growth through learning and contribution - giving back to society. Perhaps this is the combination to lead a deeply fulfilling life. Sergio's continual learning is particularly apt now, in a time when we simply cannot keep pace fully with the speed of change of AI. Nonetheless he encourages us all to keep learn, build the habit of making informed decisions, and accepting that experience comes from making choices and living with consequences. He adds “If you think you can do something, then try. Don't sit there. Just try.” The Luxembourg Tech School (LTS) started a decade ago with Sergio Coronado alongside Ralph Marschall, Anush Manukyan and Christophe Tréfois. Since then it has grown into a nationwide, after-school, non-profit programme for 12–19-year-olds. Their training model is project driven, tackling some of the most important tech issues of our times, and those most closely connected to the economy of Luxembourg: cybersecurity, AI, fintech, emerging tech, space resources and Game Dev. LTS also flips the traditional classroom model, so that teams work on projects over the term or through weekend hackathons to deliver projects to deadlines, and then pitch their designs to business leaders directly connected to industry. Even when things don't go perfectly, that becomes part of the lesson. Even when a project isn't finished, the success is still getting up there and explaining why. In other words: real deadlines, real pressure, real communication, which is really the full 360 of modern life. Over the past decade, LTS has grown to deliver a three year programme, with early years added in addition. There are over 20 partner schools, 18 groups per year, and more than 200 annual students. They also work with refugee communities in societal inclusion programmes, plus students who have special needs through Digital Inclusion programmes, notably the autism community. Sergio and his team have noticed that the confidence of the autistic children grew when they could show what they had built. This whole programme is entirely free for students. This depends on donorship from ministries, institutions and companies, and they're always happy to receive more! Find out more and get involved: LTS is open to students aged 12–19, and supporters can help as partners, mentors or sponsors. www.techschool.lu | info@techschool.lu

In episode 555 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers unpack what the How Many Dudes demo is teaching them about speed, feedback, and player expectations. They talk about influencer momentum, the challenges of balancing once players latch onto specific builds, and why moving fast matters more than ever. The episode closes with 2026 predictions, touching on AI, platform shifts, and why focused indie teams may thrive in the noise.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:35 Introduction and Welcome10:49 The Success of How Many Dudes Demo24:45 Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement25:42 Demo Development and Market Positioning29:00 Localization and International Reach31:52 Balancing Game Mechanics and Player Expectations40:19 Feedback and Iteration in Game Development45:15 Predictions for the Future of Gaming50:46 The Hardware Crisis: RAM and GPUs in the AI Era53:35 AI's Limitations: The Reality of Digital Assistants56:21 The Rise of Indie Games Amidst AI Slop01:00:29 The Search for Authenticity in Gaming Experiences01:07:51 The Future of Game Distribution: Predictions for Major PlatformsTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Dalio, CEO & Co-Founder of Endless, whose work sets the standard for using game creation as a serious learning tool. Matt breaks down how building games sharpens strategy, teamwork, feedback loops, and storytelling; and why these skills translate directly to the real world. Drawing from years at the intersection of gaming and education, he shows how players can become creators who actively shape technology rather than just consume it.Learn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

ThousandEyes (https://www.thousandeyes.com/) Murtaza on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdoctor/) Internet Outages Map (https://www.thousandeyes.com/outages/) ThousandEyesJob Openings (https://careers.cisco.com/global/en/thousandeyes) Mike on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominucco/) Coder Radio on Discord (https://discord.gg/WnumdsfhYB) Alice (https://alice.dev/looking-glass/) Mike's 2026 Predictions Post (https://dominickm.com/set-a-course-for-2026/) Alice Jumpstart Offer (https://go.alice.dev/alice-azure-blob-to-snowflake-js)

In episode 554 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers celebrate the launch of the How Many Dudes demo and the surprise explosion past 50,000 wishlists. They break down what worked, from shipping the demo during the Steam winter sale to leaning hard into YouTube Shorts, influencers, and community momentum. he episode wraps with reflections on resilience, creative momentum, and why 2026 just might be the Year of the Dude.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:33 Introduction and Welcome01:52 The Launch Strategy for 'How Many Dudes'05:44 Initial Reception and Growth of the Demo11:38 Influencer Impact and Community Engagement17:34 Viral Success and Peak Player Engagement23:50 The Power of Community Influence26:49 Tracking Player Engagement and Growth30:32 Comparing Demo Performance and Market Trends31:50 Understanding Wishlist Dynamics35:37 Designing an Engaging Demo Experience40:05 Exploring Game Mechanics and Combinatorial Play45:38 Seasonal Models and Game Dynamics47:00 Naming the Year: 202647:43 Creative Year Themes and Predictions54:18 Reflections on Resilience and Moving ForwardTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 30,000 Layoffs. Solid prototypes can't get funding. Western Game Dev Is Breaking. In this episode, Rich Vogel explains why Western game development isn't in a downturn, it's in a reset. Fresh off fundraising conversations in 2025-2026, Rich breaks down why funding for large-budget games has nearly disappeared, why publishers and VCs are pulling back from North American teams, and how leadership decisions, not creativity, are sinking studios. Rich is a 30-year industry veteran who's founded and led four major studios, including BioWare Austin and Sony Online Entertainment Austin, which have generated over $3B in revenue. As producer on Ultima Online, Star Wars Galaxies, and Star Wars: The Old Republic, he's seen every cycle, and knows exactly why this one is different. We cover: Why investors see Western studios as high-risk How salary inflation and entitlement narratives are reshaping where games get made Why unproven big bets are no longer survivable How small, shippable wins are the new path to scale This episode is a wake-up call for studio heads, producers, and game leaders still playing by outdated rules. Learn more about our guest:

In episode 553 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers  take stock of a wild year at Butterscotch Shenanigans, starting with the launch of Crashlands 2 and everything that came after it. They talk about testing woes, localization headaches, and the emotional rollercoaster of reading reviews. From there, the conversation turns forward-looking, unpacking why the team is shifting toward smaller, faster projects, what they learned from early experiments with How Many Dudes, and how tools like Ludokit fit into their next chapter.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:42 Introduction and Welcome02:44 Crashlands 2 Development Challenges05:41 Launch Day Success and Initial Reception08:45 Content Updates and Player Feedback11:46 Navigating Reviews and Player Expectations14:46 Post-Launch Reflections and Future Directions17:49 Introducing Ludokid: A New Tool for Game Development25:06 Casual Conversations and Game Development Insights25:42 Achievements and Game Mechanics26:38 Ludo Kit and Development Planning28:33 Pivoting to 'How Many Dudes'30:05 Shifting Game Development Strategies31:35 Changing Perceptions of Indie Games34:36 Market Trends and Player Expectations37:54 The Evolution of Game Design40:40 Game Jams and Rapid Prototyping44:49 Demo Development and Market Testing47:54 Future Plans and Community EngagementTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

I chat with the legendary Jonathan Blow about how indies can make games in 2026.► Wishlist Order of the Sinking Star► Get 50% off Full Time Game Dev► Watch the reveal trailer

In episode 552 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers celebrate a big personal milestone before diving into why demos matter more than ever for indie games. They break down how demos drive visibility on Steam, why they work best as hype-builders rather than pure conversion tools, and how thoughtful demo timing can spark organic player engagement. The conversation looks at demos as living marketing tools that fuel wishlists, feedback, and long-term momentum.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:29 Introduction and Welcome03:02 Celebrating Milestones: 10 Years Cancer-Free09:49 The Importance of Demos in Game Development14:01 Navigating Game Releases During Holidays14:51 The Purpose of Demos in Game Marketing18:36 Understanding Player Engagement Metrics20:24 The Role of Demos in Driving Wishlists22:37 Optimizing Demos for Next Fest Success24:27 Using Demos Beyond Next Fest26:03 Case Study: The Success of Bellatro36:27 Strategizing Demo Releases for Market Impact37:01 The Power of Demos in Game Marketing39:25 Leveraging Community Feedback for Game Development41:10 Creating Organic Buzz Through Accessibility44:08 The Risks and Rewards of Demo Releases49:32 Incremental Development and Localization Strategies51:34 The Purpose of Demos: Marketing vs. ConversionTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Jacob Kuchinsky shares lessons from building his first game, Constellar, after two years of hands-on development. He dives into why backups matter, what can go wrong without them, and practical habits every developer—new or seasoned—should adopt. A grounded, useful listen for anyone making games.Learn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

Mike's Year End Post (https://dominickm.com/2025-year-end-retrospective/) Mike on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominucco/) Mike's Blog (https://dominickm.com) Show on Discord (https://discord.com/invite/k8e7gKUpEp) Alice Promo (https://go.alice.dev/data-migration-offer-hands-on) Dreamcast assorted references: Dreamcast overview https://sega.fandom.com/wiki/Dreamcast History of Dreamcast development https://segaretro.org/HistoryoftheSegaDreamcast/Development The Rise and Fall of the Dreamcast: A Legend Gone Too Soon (Simon Jenner) https://sabukaru.online/articles/he-rise-and-fall-of-the-dreamcast-a-legend-gone-too-soon The Legacy of the Sega Dreamcast | 20 Years Later https://medium.com/@Amerinofu/the-legacy-of-the-sega-dreamcast-20-years-later-d6f3d2f7351c Socials & Plugs The R Podcast https://r-podcast.org/ R Weekly Highlights https://serve.podhome.fm/r-weekly-highlights Shiny Developer Series https://shinydevseries.com/ Eric on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/rpodcast.bsky.social Eric on Mastodon https://podcastindex.social/@rpodcast Eric on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-nantz-6621617/

In episode 551 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers talk about why flailing is not a failure mode, it's the strategy. They unpack how progress in game development, marketing, and life often comes from trying lots of things without knowing which will work, then slowing down as signals start to appear. It's a look at uncertainty, experimentation, and why nobody really knows the answer, but everyone figures out a small piece by doing.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:25 Introduction and Welcome02:41 Navigating YouTube and Game Development Insights05:40 The Indie Game Developer Experience08:43 Flailing Towards Success: The Random Walk11:43 Exploring New Strategies and Marketing Approaches14:37 The Importance of Experimentation in Game Development17:43 R&D and the Value of Unpredictability20:40 Closing Thoughts on Research and Development21:38 The ROI of Science in Game Development22:17 Designing Game Mechanics: Chaos vs. Structure23:36 Iterative Design: Balancing Planning and Flexibility24:55 Class Systems and Game Evolution27:28 High-Level Planning vs. Low-Level Details30:18 Scaffolding for Game Development34:38 The Challenge of Crafting Systems36:33 Navigating Constraints in Game Design40:13 The Importance of User Feedback42:41 The Role of Humor in Game DevelopmentTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we sit down with Fernando Dominguez Sarmiento, the creative force behind Super Farming Boy, to unpack how world-class developers use data to sharpen decisions without draining a game of its heart. Drawing on accolades from the Apple App Store Awards and a career spanning games, film, and companies like PepperMelon, Nando shares a rare, practical perspective on balancing instinct with insight. If you want to learn from one of the most versatile minds in indie development today, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Learn more about Fernando SarmientoLearn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In episode 550 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers take a hard look at online ads and why they rarely deliver the wishlist conversions indie devs hope for. They break down misleading metrics, misclicks, and the high cost of chasing visibility through paid channels. The conversation also gets into conventions and showcases, exploring why in-person events are great for networking and playtesting but often fall short as direct sales drivers. It's a grounded look at where marketing effort actually pays off and where it evaporates into thin air.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:12 Introduction and Welcome02:48 The Role of YouTube Shorts in Game Promotion05:32 Understanding Steam's Algorithm and Wishlist Dynamics08:44 Challenges of Scaling Marketing Efforts11:27 Exploring YouTube Ads and Their Effectiveness14:31 Evaluating the Impact of Advertising on Game Visibility19:54 Navigating Google Ads for Game Promotion22:51 Analyzing Click-Through Rates and Conversions26:07 The Efficacy of YouTube Ads29:45 The Illusion of Effective Advertising34:47 The Uncertainty of Marketing Outcomes41:47 Evaluating Events and Conventions43:09 Digital Events and Showcases45:39 The Challenge of Exclusivity in Marketing49:09 Understanding Randomness in Game Promotion51:45 The Cost-Effectiveness of Marketing Approaches55:02 Balancing Development and Marketing EffortsTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In episode 549 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers dig into how short-form video fits into indie game marketing and why it should be part of development from the start. They talk about tools, storytelling, and the strange logic of YouTube Shorts and TikTok, then get into what engagement metrics actually mean and how to use them without overthinking it. The conversation focuses on experimenting, learning from the data, and using community feedback to shape both your game and your marketing.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:25 Introduction and Welcome02:47 Creating Engaging Short-Form Content05:34 Tools and Techniques for Video Editing08:39 Understanding YouTube Shorts11:50 Crafting Compelling Stories in Shorts14:39 Experimentation and Iteration in Content Creation21:19 Engagement Strategies for Video Launches26:21 Understanding Video Performance Metrics28:38 The Importance of Stick Rate32:14 Algorithm Behavior and Video Longevity40:31 Translating Engagement into Sales44:38 Engagement Challenges with YouTube Shorts46:49 Analyzing Video Performance and Viewer Retention49:07 Understanding YouTube's Algorithm and Game Discovery54:11 The Importance of Video Structure and Viewer Engagement59:44 Identifying Signals of Success in Game Development01:03:46 Community Insights and Sharing Data for GrowthTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

If you're a leader in game dev who feels stuck, there is a path forward that levels up your leadership and accelerates your team, game, and career. Sign up here to learn more: https://forms.gle/nqRTUvgFrtdYuCbr6 Leadership in game dev is hard, but choosing to ignore the biggest technological shift of our generation is a high-stakes gamble. In this episode, we talk with Benjamin Chevalier, Chief AI Officer at Mighty Bear Games, who has a uniquely informed perspective as an Art Director turned tech leader who has spent two decades building games for Ubisoft, Disney, LucasArts, and King. Ben Chevalier outlines his pragmatic, principled approach to embracing AI: using it to cut through market saturation, accelerate team output, and manage risk without compromising creative integrity. From the moral and legal controversies surrounding AI training data to the cultural shifts required for engineers and artists to build their own tools, this conversation reveals the mindset and strategies a leadership team needs to not just survive but thrive in the new AI-accelerated development landscape. What You'll Learn In This Episode: Why AI may be an existential business decision Why governments won't halt AI development How "agentic" tools are reshaping studio culture How game dev leaders can get team buy-in on AI What others might think of you just for using AI If you're a game dev leader thinking about how AI might help your team, this episode gives you a pragmatic playbook for adopting AI. Ben Chevalier lays down clear ethical guardrails and shows how AI can speed up prototyping, live ops, and decision-making—so you can level up your leadership and accelerate your team, game, and career. Connect & learn more about Ben Chevalier: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminchevalier/ Medium: https://medium.com/@benjamin.chevalier Studio Website: https://www.mightybeargames.com/ GOAT Gaming Platform Website: https://goatgaming.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mightybeargames Connect with us:

In episode 548 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers talk about what it means to market an indie game from the start of development instead of treating it as an end-of-project task. They cover the four P's, the rise of short-form content, and how paying attention to your audience can guide both marketing and design. It's a straightforward look at why indie teams can experiment, move quickly, and build direct connections with players.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:16 Introduction and Welcome01:46 Understanding the Four P's of Marketing09:27 The Integration of Marketing and Game Development08:34 The Role of Audience in Game Design11:46 Short-Form Video Content and Marketability17:32 Lessons Learned and Future Directions25:17 Game Development Insights from Game Jams30:38 Leveraging YouTube Shorts for Marketing39:20 Market Testing During Development43:43 The Importance of Engaging ContentTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

Loren Weng is one of the sharpest minds in modern rogue-like design, known for redefining how systems, mechanics, and progression shape a player's experience. From leading the spellcasting and combat systems in Harry Potter: Wizards Unite to pushing new boundaries in game design, Loren brings a master-level perspective on what it takes to evolve an entire genre. This episode is a deep dive into how the best designers think, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve.Learn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In episode 547 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers dig into Valve's new Steam Machine and how it stacks up against Xbox's push toward an “everywhere” platform. They explore why Steam slipping into the console space feels natural while Xbox showing up on PC and mobile still raises eyebrows, and what that says about each company's strategy. The discussion also touches on potential pricing for the Steam Machine and where it might land in the living-room battle for players' attention.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:25 Introduction and Welcome02:35 The Evolution of Valve's Hardware Strategy05:49 Design and Aesthetics of the Game Cube08:40 Comparing Steam and Xbox Strategies11:40 The Cultural Shift in Gaming Platforms14:37 Developer Experiences on Steam vs. Xbox17:36 The Future of Gaming Platforms25:10 Steam's Developer-Friendly Approach28:22 The Cost of Innovation35:26 Target Audience and Market Positioning42:12 The Future of Couch GamingTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, indie developer Omar shares why games built from genuine passion resonate more deeply than those made in reaction to industry trends. He reflects on leading Super Buff HD, writing for multiple horror titles, and shaping the upcoming Cairo: Otherscape, a project that raised over $300,000 on Kickstarter. Omar breaks down how creators can stay grounded in what they love, even in a crowded and competitive industry.Learn more about OmarLearn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In episode 546 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers talk about the power of in-person events like PAX East to recharge creativity and connect indie developers. They share insights from Google Play Pass and how subscription models have reshaped the indie ecosystem. It's a deep dive into how indies stay inventive, connected and just unhinged enough to keep making games people love.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:31 Introduction and Welcome01:59 The Importance of In-Person Events for Game Developers04:45 Planning for PAX East and Team Dynamics07:52 Insights from Past Events and Industry Trends10:46 Game Development Updates and New Features16:06 (Listener Question) Exploring the Impact of Subscription Services on Game Sales20:09 Forecasting Sales and Market Dynamics24:22 Navigating Platform Challenges: Apple Arcade vs. Google Play Pass27:22 The Shifting Landscape of Game Development and Distribution30:52 (Listener Question) The Role of Subscription Services in Indie Game Success43:17 Overcoming Bottlenecks in Game Production45:06 Balancing Customization and Standardization49:25 The Evolution of Development Tools58:59 Lessons Learned from Crashlands 2To stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In episode 545 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers discuss GDC's rebrand into the “Festival of Gaming” and what the changes mean for indie developers considering the 2026 event. They break down the new pricing tiers, rising travel costs, and the shift toward business-focused networking, then share thoughts on how to prepare for conferences to make the most of the experience. The conversation also explores whether GDC still offers meaningful opportunities for learning and connection, and how alternative events like PAX, DICE, or regional gatherings might better serve indie teams.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:15 Introduction and Welcome02:07 GDC: A Historical Perspective05:37 GDC's Rebranding and Marketing Missteps09:53 New Passes and Pricing Structure18:29 Indie Developer Perspectives on GDC22:36 Networking Opportunities and Industry Stratification36:20 Challenges for Indie Developers at GDC41:19 Networking at GDC: A Double-Edged Sword45:13 The Cost of GDC: Is It Worth It?49:07 Making Connections: The Value of Preparation52:21 Alternative Events: Finding Value Beyond GDCTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In episode 544 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers jump from sinus surgery to sales strategy, unpacking how pricing, perception, and player psychology shape the success of indie games. They share updates on How Many Dudes and explore how sales culture drives decisions that don't always make financial sense. The conversation then zooms out to the booming AI bubble, comparing it to the dot-com era and questioning whether circular investments and energy limits might burst it all over again.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:25 Introduction and Welcome02:18 Health Updates and Personal Anecdotes05:46 Game Sales and Marketing Strategies11:44 Pricing Strategies and Market Dynamics17:52 Development of 'How Many Dudes'21:35 Game Mechanics and Balancing Challenges22:04 Scaling Combat Scenarios34:12 Understanding the AI Bubble47:34 The Financial Landscape of AI Commitments50:37 The Illusion of Profitability and Market Dynamics53:31 The Physical Constraints of AI Infrastructure57:32 The Ethics of AI Investment and Corporate Responsibility01:00:15 The Bubble Economy: Predictions and ConsequencesTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In episode 543 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers reflect on how the internet evolved from the community driven days of Web 1.0 to today's centralized, convenience first platforms. They explore what was lost in that shift, then pivot to the realities of burnout and growth in game development, introducing LudoKit, a new tool designed to help indie teams manage production and marketing without losing their spark.Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib7fzLf59voSteam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1401730/Crashlands2/Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bscotch.crashlands2Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/crashlands-2/id1528199331Things Mentioned: Ludokit: https://ludokit.com/00:00 Cold Open00:30 Introduction and Welcome02:06 (Listener Question) The State of Online Forums06:22 The Centralization of the Internet10:26 The Loss of Open Information13:44 The Charm of Early Internet Experiences18:59 The Modern Web Experience: A Double-Edged Sword20:18 The Evolution of Design and Dark Patterns22:04 The Internet's Golden Age: A Personal Reflection24:17 The Trade-offs of Freedom in Digital Spaces28:11 The Consequences of Trust in Software Distribution30:06 The Decline of Unique Online Experiences32:16  (Listener Question) Navigating Burnout in Game Development45:33 Navigating Technical Challenges in Game Development48:11 The Stress of Game Launches and Burnout50:01 The Importance of Minimizing Peripheral Nonsense51:59 The Complexity of Game Marketing and Visibility55:06 Shifting Focus: From Game Development to Tool Creation01:00:06 Building LudoKit: A Developer's CompanionTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In episode 542 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers discuss their evolving game development strategies in response to market dynamics and industry trends. They explore the importance of creating smaller, more marketable indie games, the challenges of streaming game development, and the cultural shifts influencing gaming consumption. The conversation highlights the need for effective marketing and the changing landscape of indie games post-COVID, emphasizing gameplay over graphical fidelity.Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib7fzLf59voSteam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1401730/Crashlands2/Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bscotch.crashlands2Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/crashlands-2/id152819933100:00 Cold Open00:37 Introduction and Welcome02:31 Game Development Strategies and Industry Trends05:18 Shifts in Game Design Philosophy08:30 Marketability and Game Launch Strategies11:27 The Evolution of Indie Games14:20 Conclusion and Future Directions18:41 The Joy of Indie Games19:34 Cultural Shifts in Content Consumption22:08 The Experience of Gaming vs. Marketing23:45 The Rise of Authenticity in Indie Games24:38 Finding the Hook in Game Development27:44 The Challenge of Following Trends28:41 Streaming Game Development: Pros and Cons34:27 The Future of Game Development StreamingTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★