Podcasts about game development

In episode 538 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers unpack the chaos of a rogue translator derailing Silksong's Chinese localization, the rollercoaster of post-launch game reviews, and the uphill climb of making sequels. They also share tips for finding trustworthy news, and drop the Overflow Update for Crashlands 2, pack with fresh content.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 Introduction and Welcome01:03 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:11 Silksong Hype and Indie Game Success05:25 Localization Challenges and Translation Issues12:15 Game Launch Challenges and Community Feedback26:02 Review Scores and Post-Launch Adjustments29:40 Navigating Player Reactions to Game Sequels31:02 Balancing Expectations in Game Development32:43 The Challenge of Innovating While Retaining Core Fans35:08 Crashlands 2: Expanding and Innovating36:07 The Overflow Update: New Features and Enhancements38:27 Engaging with the Community and Gathering Feedback39:22 (Listener Question) Finding Reliable News Sources in a Click-Driven World46:48 The Importance of Expertise and Avoiding Misinformation01:01:23 Conclusion 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 ★

Achieving LTV greater than CPI is the foundation of success in mobile growth ... obviously.But how do you consistently achieve that?With a full app lifecycle strategy.In this episode of Growth Masterminds, host John Koetsier speaks with Roberto Sbrolla, Head of Growth at AppAgent, about the critical importance of maintaining a higher Lifetime Value (LTV) than Cost Per Install (CPI) in mobile gaming. Roberto, a 15-year veteran in digital marketing, outlines key strategies and tactics to achieve this balance consistently. From understanding market positioning and leveraging creative strategies to optimizing user acquisition and monetization, this podcast delves into various levers that can be pulled to maintain a sustainable and profitable mobile game business. Whether you're looking to compete head-to-head with industry giants, find your niche, or innovate and create a new market, this episode offers valuable insights into making it happen.00:00 Introduction to Growth Masterminds00:51 The Importance of LTV and CPI in Mobile Games02:24 Strategies for Achieving Higher LTV than CPI02:41 Competitive Positioning in the Mobile Game Market04:22 The Role of Funding in Strategy Execution04:47 Niche Markets and Innovation13:55 The Importance of Market Research15:44 Leveraging CPI for Competitive Advantage17:18 Understanding Market Response and CPI17:54 The Role of Mini Games in CPI and Retention19:17 Monetization Strategies and Hybrid Models21:03 Campaign Types and Their Impact on ROAS24:55 Importance of Retention and Early User Experience31:57 Social Features and Their Impact on Retention33:31 Strategy vs. Luck in Game Development

Most developers see their Steam page as a way to describe their game. And while that's true, its real purpose goes deeper: capturing a player's limited attention and showing them, in seconds, that your game is for them. In this episode, I share lessons from my own posts and conversations on why the purpose of your Steam page goes beyond text, features, or trailers. We'll explore how every element — from messaging to visuals to community — needs to align. Because your Steam page isn't just a page. It's the anchor: the place where consistency shows, and where everything starts and ends for players deciding if your game deserves their time. Episode Shownotes Link: 

In episode 537 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers look into the buzz around Hollow Knight: Silksong, exploring how it's reshaping release calendars and why the original Hollow Knight became an indie legend. Crashland 2 game dev stories, QA chaos, and Levelhead updates round out the episode.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 Introduction and Welcome00:59 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:12 Crashlands 2 Update 1.3 Overview02:02 New Bosses and Challenges in Crashlands 206:39 Introducing Strange Creatures and New Play Styles17:23 Levelhead: The Underrated Gem22:36 The Hype Around Silksong38:40 The Rush for Game Coverage39:10 Competing for Press and Streamer Attention40:26 Timing Your Game Launch41:56 The Impact of Surprise Game Releases50:46 The Role of Automated Testing in Game Development (Listener Question)54:49 Challenges in QA Testing01:08:23 The Importance of Smart Testing01:09:40 Conclusion 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 ★

Finding the right teammates isn't about checking boxes or broadcasting open roles. It's about creating the kind of opportunity people want to be part of. Today, we're digging into what actually draws people to a project by looking at how we communicate it, which is often in subtle ways we don't even notice. We'll explore how aligning your message with your mission can shape the future of your team. Whether you're bringing on your first collaborator or growing a small team, you'll walk away ready to connect with new talent with more clarity, empathy, and intent. Episode Shownotes Link:   

In episode 536 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers dig into the misconception that Steam wishlists lose value over time and what that really means for indie game developers. They also explore the risks and rewards of licensed games, share thoughts on keeping life and work in balance, and answer listener questions ranging from preserving online games to the chances of a Quadropus Rampage sequel.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 Introduction and Welcome00:46 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:06 The Value of Wishlists (Listener Question)02:39 Debunking Wishlist Decay05:24 Analyzing Steam Data on Wishlists07:10 The Impact of Influencers on Game Development14:14 Thoughts on Stop Killing Games (Listener Question)18:52 Skepticism on YouTuber Game Publishers (Listener Question)29:15 The Challenges of Licensed Games38:20 Work for Hire and Studio Valuation (Listener Question)39:04 Quadropus Rampage: A Retrospective (Listener Question)41:07 Challenges of Free-to-Play Games49:34 Holistic Approach to Life and Work (Listener Question)01:02:54 The Importance of Health and Exercise01:11:29 Closing Remarks 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 ★

Web3 in games is loud, controversial, and often feels far removed from indie realities or vision, but is it possible that there are lessons from this space worth paying attention to? So today, we're going to explore what Web3 really means for indie developers: how accessible (or inaccessible) the tech actually is, the unique player dynamics it introduces, and what indies can learn from both the successes and missteps in the space. Even if you never touch blockchain, you're still going to get valuable insights about trust, players, and reflecting on what matters most to you. Episode Shownotes Link: 

Hey friends, welcome to this milestone episode! This week, Spaz, Julie, Thorston, and I look back at the seminal games of the last twelve years — since we began the podcast — and talk about how special they, and their developers, are to us. We covered a lot of games, and had a lot of... The post SGJ Podcast #500 – A Celebration of Space Game Development appeared first on Space Game Junkie.

In the 21st episode of the AnsweRED Podcast, our hosts, Paweł Burza and Sebastian Kalemba are joined by Ari Arnbjörnsson, Senior Software Engineer, Developer Relations at Epic Games, known for his boundless energy and ability to connect complex technology with everyday creative challenges.

In episode 535 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers dive into the complexities and pitfalls of live service games, highlighting recent industry trends and discussing how giant corporations handle their gaming acquisitions. They also reveal their next exciting indie project, 'How Many Dudes?', and share insights on open development and community engagementSupport 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 Introduction and Welcome00:53 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:39 Naming the New Service: Ludo Kit06:04 Video Podcast Transition09:55 How Many Dudes: Game Development Insights11:46 Success on GX.games and Future Plans18:39 Soft Announcement: How Many Dudes as Next Game25:13 Sony's Live Service Games (Listener Question)30:29 Challenges in AAA Game Development34:27 The Roblox Generation37:01 Indie Games vs. Big Studios43:15 The Complexity of Live Service Games49:07 The Role of Beta Testing (Listener Question)56:21 Open Development and Community Engagement01:00:43 Conclusion To 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 ★

Today's episode features Lara Guzelsoy, a standout emerging Environment Artist whose work fuses history, culture, and storytelling into unforgettable game worlds. From her acclaimed thesis project Lex Talionis to her current work with WAI Studios, Lara shows how every prop and detail can carry meaning.Learn more about LaraLearn 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.

Global success in games requires more than just translating text. It demands building localization into the DNA of development. But too often, devs wait until the last minute, only to find that the process is more involved than they anticipated. So in this episode, we'll explore effective strategies for planning localization early, how to avoid common traps that can limit reach and secrets to keeping things budget friendly so your localization efforts work for you, not against you. Episode Shownotes Link: 

AI is transforming game development, with 87% of developers seeing positive impacts, despite concerns over data rights. Plus, discover Nintendo's latest racer, Kirby Air Riders, set to expand multiplayer racing in November. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Neste NerdTech, vamos falar sobre Game Development, a tecnologia em volta do desenvolvimento para produzir um jogo e o impacto da IA no futuro da profissão. Aproveite o Intel Gamer Days de 20/08 a 31/08 no Magalu e Kabum! Dê um upgrade na sua máquina com os Processadores Intel® Core™ Ultra e ganhe um Battlefield 6 no Kabum: https://jovemnerd.short.gy/Intel_Gamer_Days_Kabum Aproveite seleção de ofertas de máquinas com os Processadores Intel® Core™ Ultra: https://jovemnerd.short.gy/Magalu_Intel_Gamer_Days ESTE NERDCAST É UM OFERECIMENTO DE INTEL Siga as redes sociais da Intel Brasil: Instagram: https://jovemnerd.page.link/Intel_Brasil_Instagram_NerdTech Facebook: https://jovemnerd.page.link/Intel_Brasil_Facebook_NerdCast Twitter: https://jovemnerd.page.link/Intel_Brasil_X_NerdTech Youtube: https://jovemnerd.page.link/Intel_Brasil_Youtube_NerdCast OUÇA TAMBÉM  Ouça a playlist completa Nerdtech: https://bit.ly/3IoSB8Z Playlist completa Nerdtech no Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3rr7zUA Mande e-mails pra gente com suas críticas, elogios, sugestões e caneladas para nerdcast@jovemnerd.com.br ARTE DA VITRINE: Randall Random EDIÇÃO COMPLETA POR RADIOFOBIA PODCAST E MULTIMÍDIA' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 534 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers discuss their internal project management tool, Blork, and the complexities of making it scalable for public use. They dive into the challenges of work dependency trees, the potential of Blork as a software service, and their current efforts on the Butterscotch Game Service. The episode also touches on the role of their podcast in connecting with fans, analytics, and potential growth strategies, without losing sight of what makes it a fun and grounding part of their week.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 Introduction and Welcome00:34 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)00:53 Project Management System (Listener Question)02:11 Challenges with Blork's Scalability05:07 Current State and Future Plans for Blork11:42 Game Services and Administrative Tools19:12 User Management and Security Concerns22:30 Future Plans for BGS and Blork23:23 Podcast Statistics and Listener Engagement (Listener Question)25:50 Challenges in Podcast Analytics32:31 Potential Growth Strategies for the Podcast41:54 Concluding 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 ★

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Valencia Coleman, a standout Gameplay Engineer at Owlchemy Labs and a recognized leader in the game industry. From IGDA-F Scholar to The Game Awards Future Class honoree, Valencia shares how her education and experiences opened the door to a thriving career. Hear her powerful story and insights on paving the way for more diversity in games.Learn more about ValenciaLearn 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.

What happens when you combine addictive gameplay with blockchain technology? According to Rick Johanson and Dan Peng, Founding Partners at Arbitrum Gaming Ventures, the answer isn't simply "add a token and hope for the best." Their refreshing approach prioritizes the core gameplay experience first, with blockchain features thoughtfully layered in only when they truly enhance the player experience.The gaming landscape is undergoing a profound transformation at the intersection of Web3 and artificial intelligence. As Dan Peng explains, "The core loop is ultimately what matters about a game, and then features built on top that offer benefits attached to crypto could make sense." This player-centric philosophy marks an evolution from earlier crypto gaming efforts that often prioritized tokenomics over fun.Where blockchain truly shines is in enabling verifiable user-created content, cross-game asset ownership, and new collaborative models between publishers and players. Meanwhile, AI tools are dramatically accelerating development cycles—what once took months or years can now be prototyped in days or even hours. Alex shares his experience vibe-coding an entire game prototype and viral marketing system in mere days using tools like Codex, demonstrating how these technologies are democratizing game development.This technological democratization creates what Rick Johanson calls "a window of opportunity where anyone, regardless of their technical proficiency, can turn ideas into action." Yet with this new power comes a surprising shift in competitive dynamics: "It's all go-to-market," Alex Kehaya notes, "Distribution is really the only thing that matters." As creation barriers fall, reaching and engaging users becomes the primary challenge.Arbitrum Gaming is addressing these evolving needs through their "Project Easy Mode" initiative, providing tailored support to different developer personas. Whether you're an established Web2 developer exploring blockchain or an indie creator pushing boundaries, their unconventional venture model offers flexibility and resources beyond mere funding.Curious about the future of gaming, AI, and blockchain? This conversation offers valuable insights for developers, investors, and players navigating this rapidly evolving landscape. The winners of tomorrow will be those who can harness these powerful tools while staying laser-focused on creating genuinely compelling player experiences.Arbitrum Gaming: https://arbitrum.io/X; https://x.com/arbitrumShow LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

You can have a great game idea, but if no one knows about it… who's going to care? When it comes to funding, most devs focus on the pitch deck, but often ignore what matters just as much. How they're building traction with their marketing. In this episode, we're going to explore how early-stage marketing builds confidence, community and momentum that makes funding more attainable. From signaling traction to reducing risk for investors, we'll break down how visibility equals viability when it comes to your funding strategy. Episode Shownotes Link:   

Israel's prime minister accuses his Australian counterpart of betraying Australia's Jewish community, The federal government will spend $1.3 billion on new counter-drone measures, The AFL launches a new Cultural Diversity Action Plan for Game Development.

Fancy setting us a gaming challenge? Get in touch here!This week we talk a little about the impacts of delays on video games in tribute to Football Manager 2026. From there Scott gets his wish and we do make a Space game. This one has to have sporty and crafting element though so we have our work cut out for us...Thanks for listening and please leave us a review and subscribe if you enjoyed it. It really helps us out. Also please get in touch with us at @gamingblendpod or thegamingblenderpod@gmail.com with your ideas for new games and challenges.Keep blending!

Shawn Layden drops a bomb on Game Pass, calling it “bad for business” and saying it turns developers into “wage slaves.” Is he right, or is Xbox's subscription service still a win for gamers?We also cover:

Kirk, Jason, and Maddy open up the mailbag to answer some of your questions! What's the ideal skill level for a video game reviewer? What's the funniest made-up video game word? And where's the line when it comes to the use of generative AI in game development? One More Thing:Kirk: The Words of Radiance (Brandon Sanderson)Maddy: Enemy Feminisms: TERFs, Policewomen, and Girlbosses Against Liberation (Sophie Lewis)Jason: Six of Crows (Leigh Bardugo)LINKS:Kirk's new Strong Songs episode about his dad: https://strongsongspodcast.com/blogs/episodes/s07-bonus-a-song-for-my-fatherBrian Merchant's Blood In The Machine blog post: https://www.bloodinthemachine.com/p/how-ai-is-killing-jobs-in-the-tech-f39Kirk's guest spot on A Grain of Sanderson talking about The Emperor's Soul: https://agrainofsanderson.buzzsprout.com/2312274/episodes/17601676-the-emperor-s-soul-legion-episode-17-w-kirk-hamiltonSupport Triple Click: http://maximumfun.org/joinAll-New Triple Click Merch!! https://maxfunstore.com/search?q=triple+click&options%5Bprefix%5D=lastJoin the Triple Click Discord: http://discord.gg/tripleclickpodTriple Click Ethics Policy: https://maximumfun.org/triple-click-ethics-policy/

This week, we talk about game jams, brands, and networking. Work the room, shake hands, and collect stories. The most valuable connections are the genuine ones — people who share your context and get what you're doing. The open doors are a bonus.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/id152819933100:25 Intro01:27 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:47 GameMakers Toolkit Jam09:45 Kevin: What are your thoughts on the concept of auteurs in game developmentThings Mentioned:  How Many Dudes? (https://bscotch.itch.io/how-many-dudes)To 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 ★

Indie studios face tight budgets, small teams, and pressure to deliver big ideas with limited resources. Meanwhile, AI in game development sparks fears of job loss and soulless design. How can small teams stay human-centered while competing at scale? In this episode, we'll explore how generative AI can be an ally instead of a threat by discussing practical ways to speed up preproduction, validate concepts and even reduce burnout, all while staying creative, human-centered, and true to their vision. Episode Shownotes Link:   

What do video games and world-building have in common? Everything. Lou reconnects with Cheryl Platz—author, designer, and creative director—to explore the evolving world of video game development. Cheryl shares what drew her back to the gaming industry after years in enterprise UX and voice design, and how her new book, The Game Development Strategy Guide, distills insights across disciplines to help teams build modern games that truly thrive. The conversation ranges from the power of cross-functional collaboration to the benefits UX skills bring to game development to the monetization models shaping today's games. Cheryl reflects on the challenges facing the industry—massive layoffs, misaligned incentives, and a lack of shared understanding—and how a more human-centered, sustainable approach could be a game changer. Whether you're a UX professional, game developer, or just curious about what makes great video games tick, this episode offers a sharp, wide-angle view of where the field is headed.

In this episode, we discuss alignment, process shifts, and the power of a good hook. A good idea alone isn't enough to stop the scroll, but an absurd twist on the familiar might do the trick! How do you turn a question like “how many dudes does it take to fight a gorilla?” into an irresistible design foundation?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/id152819933100:29 Intro00:46 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)03:24 Team environment10:44 GameMakers Toolkit Jam34:27 How Many Dudes? (https://bscotch.itch.io/how-many-dudes)To 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 ★

Bringing a game to life means more than writing great code or creating stunning art, it requires harmony between both. But technical collaboration between developers and artists often hits snags, from miscommunication to mismatched expectations. In this episode our guest explores how to build workflows that support both sides of the pipeline, drawing from their own experience as a Unity developer and project coordinator for creative and educational game projects. Episode Shownotes Link:

In this episode, we unpack how today's biggest mobile publishers are ditching segmentation in favor of experimentation at scale, what Apple's privacy-first approach means to running LTV-focused live ops, and why personalization is no longer a “nice to have” but a competitive weapon.Who better to answer the questions than the founding team of Metica, Phil Mohr, Puli Liyanagama, and Justin Stolzenberg?These aren't your average startup bros. We're talking about the same crew that built Comify (acquired by King), then DataTiger (acquired by Apple), and now they're back with a third act: Metica, a machine learning-powered platform tackling LiveOps personalization, blended ROAS optimization, and bid floor automation.Check out the STATE OF CREATIVES: https://tinyurl.com/393d9rum03:27 The Evolution of Data Analytics in Gaming 11:00 Metica and Its Purpose15:24 The Growth Loop24:44 Personalization at Scale: The Future of Gaming 33:21 Practical Applications in Game Development 43:08 Timing and Strategy 44:53 Future Roadmap

Can a puzzle platformer with a unique mechanic, a resilient protagonist, and a gorgeous synth and cello soundtrack empower you to be a force for good in the world? Creator Kip Henderson thinks so, recounting the story of the game's development, and how the idea for Taria and Como evolved over the years, and tossing a slipper into the air led to the game's fun and challenging grapple mechanic! Plus, composer Jesse Haugen joins us to talk about why he had to rethink his original soundtrack due to Playdate's specific audio quirks.

This week, we talk about webcams, worldbuilding, and wrist savers. When your camera starts following you around and your keyboard looks like a boomerang, you know you've crossed into true ergonomics. Every set up tells a story, mostly about pain, preference, and the art of getting things done!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/id152819933100:29 Intro00:47 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:14 Gimbal cam15:53 Coobra Nookrag: How much of Crashlands 2 lore was storyboarded/built upon the snippets that were established in Levelhead?23:24 Jumpylumpa Leapylow: What about mice? Favorite functions, shapes, styles? Back on keyboards, have you ever thought about designing your own?To 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 ★

Today we're joined by the incredible Osama Dorias! Game designer, educator, and all-around industry force! From working on hits like Gotham Knights and For Honor to building programs and platforms that uplift marginalized voices, Osama is doing game dev with heart. This convo is packed with passion, purpose, and serious design wisdom.Learn more about OsamaLearn 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.

If you ever had issues or concerns about why your players leave, well... it's not because your game is bad, they leave because you stop giving them reasons to stay. So today, we tackle how effective Live Ops strategy builds real player loyalty, exploring event design, personalization, and content cadence that turn casual players into regulars. The amazing thing is, this doesn't just apply to Live Ops either. Learn how to balance monetization with trust, avoid common retention pitfalls, and create a sustainable approach that keeps your players coming back for more.   Episode Shownotes Link: 

How did a shared love of Puzzle Bobble and a question about Pulp lead to a Cosmic connection? Drew Loebach, Antony Saillard, and Karim Chair talk about how they teamed up to make Black Hole Havoc a fun and challenging action puzzle game filled with goofy jokes, silly surprises, and glorious animated cutscenes.

In this episode, we discuss talks, toys, and templates. A checklist may look like busywork, but a well aimed set of questions is often the only thing standing between smooth handoffs and a never ending game of creative telephone. Sometimes slowing down is how you skip the detours.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/id152819933100:27 Intro00:50 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)03:13 GDC Talks22:10 Studio News58:02 Belkmaster5000: I want to play the 20 question art game mentioned in episode 475. Will you please share them? The 20 questions to guide them allTo 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 of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we dive into the emotional rollercoaster of learning game development—especially when progress feels frustratingly slow. We'll talk about how the more you learn, the more you feel like a beginner again. You'll hear honest stories about "nightmare dev days," when nothing seems to work—yet those are the days where you grow the most. We also explore why tutorials can only take you so far, and how real learning happens through applying knowledge to solve your own problems.   Dunning-Kruger Effect: https://expertprogrammanagement.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/The-Dunning-Kruger-Curve.png

Indie devs juggle tons of different task and responsibilites, and in that chaos do everything they can to maintain productivity. However, regardless of their effort to stay efficient and on task, most don't realize they're ignoring one of the most powerful tools for clarity, creativity, and decision-making: sleep.  That's why today we're going to go deep into valuable insights on how healthy sleep habits not only protect your mental health but also amplify your creative output, maintain efficiency and improve productivity for years to come.    Episode Shownotes Link: 

Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.comHoldCo Bros are back! In this episode, Nik and I dive into the power of zigging while everyone else zags. We break down the business behind The Flower Letters, a low churn $300K+ per month subscription built around physical mail and why this old school model is winning big. Then we riff on spin off ideas like analog pen pal chess games, choose your own adventure letters for kids, and using AI to co-write and print custom children's stories. We also brainstorm a niche wedding vendor directory, a Vibe coded video game builder for fantasy nerds, and how white label AI wrappers can unlock passive income. This one's full of business models, AI ideas, and real examples of how to create scalable products around connection and creativity. Learn more about Nik here: http://linktr.ee/cofoundersnikShare your ideas with us:Nik@cofounders.comChris@cofounders.comTimestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 The Flower Letters Business Model02:54 Exploring the Concept of Analog Communication05:47 Innovative Business Ideas Inspired by Nostalgia09:05 The Role of AI in Personal Storytelling11:57 Creating Interactive Experiences for Kids14:51 The Future of AI and Human Connection17:45 Niche Market Opportunities in Wedding Services21:06 The Potential of Vibe Coding for Game Development

Has luck finally run out for the world's luckiest dog? Chance's Lucky Escape creators Yann Margan and Julia Minamata talk about the game's origins, using ALL of Playdate's controls, inspirations from retro cartoons and films, and the fun of subverting expectations.

This week, we talk about decades, board games, and labor capture. First they said AI would save you time. Now it just bills you for every second it spends doing your job worse than you could. Ah yes, classic late stage capitalism.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/id152819933100:19 Intro00:40 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)00:56 Crashlands 2 Update 1.301:45 AI space31:14 Jumpylumpa Leapylow: what are you most thankful for?41:40 WhileifAndorelse: Was there an intentional design decision behind epic level creatures in Crashlands having blood shot eyes?48:36 Challosis: Have you ever made a physical game?To 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 ★

TCW Podcast Episode 238 - Quake   We dive into the development of Quake, the ambitious and turbulent follow-up to Doom from ID Software. John Carmack set out to build a groundbreaking engine featuring full 3D rendering, dynamic lighting, and client-server multiplayer. This pushed the technical boundaries in a pre-GPU world. To achieve this, he brought in legendary programmer Michael Abrash from Microsoft, selling him on the vision of Quake as a step toward the metaverse as imagined in Snow Crash. Meanwhile, John Romero envisioned Quake as a fantasy RPG inspired by a character from his D&D campaign, but lack of direction and his growing obsession with Deathmatch led to team frustration and eventual fallout. The result was a game that redefined first-person shooters and laid the groundwork for decades of engine development. It also marked the end of an era at ID with the ouster of John Romero.   TCW 030 - DOOM!: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/doom-1479057917/ TCW 197 - The ID of Game Development: https://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/the-id-of-game-development/ Doom States and DeHackEd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTa3diypjv4 P2P vs Dedicated Servers?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt3ZLHKcP2U Token Ring - The Betamax of Networking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjLctlmZSp4 Artie - The Strongest Man In the World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6Bh3LskNbs Space Strike (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtDdEuKFQps Cosmic Crusader (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKOTa5iQAw8 Big Top (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXUCacgF72M Snack Attack II (DOS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu-SEjcnnjo So You Haven't Read "Snow Crash": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO64ZhBYy9E Ramblings in Realtime by Michael Abrash: https://www.bluesnews.com/abrash/ QuakeWorld Launch Event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXw6BkZ-gdY Quake (DOS 6.22): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyLC1vR9oGk Quake Longplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7GagGXXUtI Excerpt Quake Postmortem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2OE-74bTQw   New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com  Twitter: @tcwpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1     Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Between making a great game and having the drive to do it, it's still only half the battle. Indie studios love chasing creativity, but often struggle to establish core business fundamentals that can turn passion into profit. That's why today we're going to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to stand out and succeed in games. From funding pitfalls to publishing strategies, we'll unpack the often-overlooked realities of running a successful studio, what founders often get wrong, and how to de-risk and shift toward smarter stainability  Episode Shownotes Link: 

Veteran game designer and author Lawrence Schick shares stories from his early 80's work with the ColecoVision, Atari 2600, and Intellivision. With over four decades of experience in the industry, Schick details how he helped pioneer a multi-discipline, team-based approach to game development designing games like Smurf: Rescue and Tarzan while pulling from a wealth of experience in pen-and-paper RPGs.You can listen to the Video Game History Hour every other Wednesday on Patreon (one day early at the $5 tier and above), on Spotify, or on our website.See more from Lawrence Schick:Website: https://swashbucklingadventure.net/Video Game History Foundation:Email: podcast@gamehistory.orgWebsite: gamehistory.orgSupport us on Patreon: /gamehistoryorg

In this episode, we discuss cuts, cuts, and more cuts. Cutting features is a critical part of shaping a game. Before launch, when you're free from player expectations, you can step back and think about what's working and what's just in the way. It's all part of iterating toward something better.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/id152819933100:29 Intro00:45 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:04 Steam Summer Sale02:30 Industry News08:01 Ronniethebear: Can you think of any features you've nixed to make way for better ones?24:34 Mimmabip Gourkee: What are your thoughts on releasing a free mobile game that has just one IAP which unlocks some small parts of the game that isn't essential for $7?To 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, Squinky and Jess from Soft Chaos dive into the world of worker co-ops and how collective ownership fuels their bold, genre-defying work. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how they create deeply personal, experimental games and interactive art that push the boundaries of play.Learn more about SoftChaos GamesLearn 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.

Fancy setting us a gaming challenge? Get in touch here!Sorry we've been away but we're back! This week our return coincides with one of the best games we've ever created. Combining realistic simulation with a hero shooter (and a dash of absurd humour) results in the most wonderful battle of the trades. We do hope you enjoy! Thanks for listening and please leave us a review and subscribe if you enjoyed it. It really helps us out. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gaming-blender/id1597738101Also please get in touch with us at @gamingblendpod or thegamingblenderpod@gmail.com with your ideas for new games and challenges.We have begun to update our YouTube channel with video playthroughs and we hope to put more up there soon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZTPuScm5BTf8DdwvaCj0jQKeep blending!

Sony is bringing one of its exclusive titles to the Xbox Series X|S for the first time, and Dr. Niki talks about why we should welcome biodegradable robot overlords. Starring Jason Howell, Huyen Tue Dao, Tom Merritt and Dr. Niki.Show notes can be found here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we talk about game updates, publishing pain points, and shifting expectations. For a small indie, launching a game feels like a wild experiment. But with a bigger team, it's a high-stakes balancing act, with company costs and momentum on the line. Still, with every launch, if you play your cards right, you just might hit the jackpot.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/id152819933100:38 Intro00:56 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:17 Update 1.2 Release09:02 Industry Update20:24 Achievements41:19 Calzoncillos: How does the Crashlands 2 launch feel compared to Crashlands 1?To 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 ★

Send us a textTrav and Steve get together and talk about the most unnecessary mechanics in video games.Games this episodeDeath Stranding 2: On The Beach (PlayStation 5) – June 26Ruffy and the Riverside (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC) – June 26Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One) – June 24Diddy Kong Racing DSBilly the WizardWolfenstein: The New OrderPursuit ForceGround Zero: Texas428 Shibuya ScrambleDragon Quest VIIICastlevania: Lords of Shadow: Mirror of FateWild Arms 3Trav's comedy travterry.comFind more shows at polymedianetwork.com, BlueSky: Trav, Steve, Polykill, Polymedia twitch.tv/blinkoom, Send us an email polykillpodcast@gmail.com, Check out our patreon at Patreon.com/polykill How to be a Polykiller: Beat a game, take a screenshot, post it on BlueSky or Polymedia Discord, use #justbeatit, write a review and be sure to include @Polykill. Beat the most, become Polykiller. Beat any, have your Skeet potentially read on the show! Check out the Bonus Beats episodes on Patreon for more beat-skeet coverage!

In this episode, we discuss the Crashlands 2 Update and the visibility tax. Marketing sounds easy: cut a trailer, toss up a post, and call it a day. But it's more like lining up dominoes; the trailer, localized assets, subtitles, blog posts, platform timings all have to be stacked just right. Miss the timing and it all topples over. It's not exactly chaos, it just feels like it.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/id152819933100:33 Intro00:50 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)03:20 Crashlands 2 Patch 1.2 Hardcore Scramble08:02 Trailer30:04 LocalizationTo 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, we talk about Crashlands 2 patch 1.2, the Switch 2, and the Bscotch universe. Some game worlds begin with lore, maps, and timelines. Others emerge backwards, stitched together from mechanics, vibes, and the weird joy of making things work. Where gameplay leads, the universe follows.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/id152819933100:22 Intro00:47 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)04:51 Crashlands 2 Patch 1.2 Update27:25 Industry News42:08 PureKnix: What components of a setting make a good backdrop for video games?To 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 ★