Podcasts about game development

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 ★

Indie devs often wear too many hats, making it hard to give each area, like production, marketing, and community the attention it deserves. But what happens when you're stretched too thin? How does that affect your game, your message, and the trust you've built with players? In today's discussion, we'll look at the real-world challenges of running indie projects balancing chaos and creativity by exploring how teams can better align development and communication using practical systems that support both teammates and players. Episode Shownotes Link: 

"We need to think about responsible uses of AI."

In this episode, we discuss game libraries, game mods, and the point. Doing this podcast every week doesn't come anywhere close to paying the bills, but that's not why we do it. A studio isn't a content machine chasing dollars; it's a bunch of people passionate about making cool stuff! It's good to have that reminder every once in a while.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/id152819933100:24 Intro00:42 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)02:19 Switch 231:19 Jumpylumpa Leapylow: AKA Dageki - What are you brothers getting from these podcasts? 48:27 ButterMilkLoveNugget: If and when crashlands 2 becomes a blockbuster hit, do you think anyone will be making any mods to the game to further enhance or change the experienceTo 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 ★

Many developers dream of going viral, but few understand what it actually takes to get there. While focusing on virality isn't everything, it can help build momentum. So today, we're going to talk about how to identify, shape, and publish games with viral potential, all without chasing trends or sacrificing originality, by learning what early signals to look for and how smart marketing can fuel breakout momentum. Episode Shownotes Link: 

You'll flip for Wheelsprung, a platformer with nutty physics! Award-winning Playdate developers Nino van Hooff and Julie Bjørnskov have teamed up to create 34 levels of spring-loaded fun, where you play as a squirrel on a dirt bike. The duo discuss their collaboration on a game full of fun mechanics and detailed, hand-drawn art—and how they approached development challenges like difficulty balancing and sound design.

Steve Chipman, whose Playdate games have been featured on Engadget's "Best Of" lists and nominated for Playdate Community Awards, talks about his love of adventure games, their unique design challenges, and how he wanted to create something unlike anything he'd done before with his dark and brooding narrative adventure, The Whiteout.

This week, we talk about studio hats, game dev tools, and learning new languages.Wearing multiple hats isn't just a metaphor—it's the daily reality of a small studio. When roles shift and responsibilities blur, the real challenge is keeping things aligned without dropping the whole juggling act.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/id152819933100:23 Intro00:38 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:01 Studio Shuffle18:00 Industry News32:30 Challosis: Have you tried learning a new language as an adult? How did it go?50:34 ButterMilkLoveNugget: Do you guys think you will ever do a VR 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 ★

Join us for a conversation with Sydney, the unparalleled force behind some of the most compelling horror and sci-fi storytelling in games and film. An award-winning filmmaker, game dev, streamer, and horror ambassador, Sydney channels a uniquely digital soul into creations like QUALIA—a striking exploration of robots, identity, and what it means to be alive.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.

The publishing model most indie devs face is outdated and often stacked against them. Rigid contracts, hidden expectations, and a lack of real partnership force devs to choose between full independence or giving up too much. But thankfully, a new approach is emerging. In this episode, we explore what a modern publishing model looks like, one that's flexible, transparent, and built around developers' long-term success. We unpack the rise of shadow publishing, the value of regional talent, and what meaningful support really looks like in today's industry. Episode Shownotes Link:   

How long will you last in Fulcrum Defender? Find your optimal build and perfect your aiming skills to survive in this crank-powered, arcade action game! Jay Ma of Subset Games talks about what makes a great action game, getting back into game development after years of struggling with Long Covid, and how her game became part of Playdate Season Two!

Join a crew of paleontologists and dig up some mysteries in action-puzzle game Dig! Dig! Dino!, part of Playdate Season Two! Creators Antonio Uribe (aka Fáyer) and Dominique Ferland (aka Dom2D) talk about creating a gameplay loop that feels good, weighting and balancing to make sessions feel light and finish-able, and adding poop to the game!

SummaryIn this GZ Chop Shop gaming podcast episode, hosts Gregory and Daniel welcome Elizabeth Howard, the Chief Advisor of Services for Midwest Games. With over 20 years of experience in the gaming industry, including roles at Bungie and 2K Games, Elizabeth shares her journey into gaming, insights on the evolution of game development, and the challenges faced by developers today. The conversation covers the importance of understanding business models, the role of shadow publishing in supporting indie developers, and the complexities of IP rights. Elizabeth also offers valuable advice for aspiring game developers and discusses the impact of financial trends on the gaming industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Gaming Industry Journey03:51 Elizabeth Howard's Career Path and Insights08:05 The Evolution of Game Development and Publishing10:25 Shadow Publishing: Supporting Indie Developers13:18 The Importance of IP Rights in Game Development15:30 Advice for Aspiring Game Developers18:54 Navigating Market Changes in Game Development21:38 Building a Sustainable Gaming Industry23:27 Understanding Game Failures26:15 The Impact of Success on Game Development27:48 Balancing Personal Life and Gaming30:26 Insights from Working at Bungie32:25 The Role of Shareholders in Game Development34:31 The Shift Towards Live Service Games36:23 The Rise of Story-Driven Games37:49 Connecting with Developers at Midwest GamesSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/gzchopshop. Support us by becoming a GZ Chop Shop member at https://plus.acast.com/s/gzchopshop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our special The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt 10th anniversary episode of AnsweRED Podcast, our hosts Sebastian Kalemba and Paweł Burza are joined by Marcin Iwiński, co-founder of CD PROJEKT RED and Adam Badowski, Joint CEO and long-time creative force behind our games. On a sentimental journey back to the Continent, they discuss the most challenging aspects of production, how The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt inspired future projects, the make-or-break moments, what makes Adam and Marcin proud 10 years after the premiere, and much more!

In this episode, we discuss generated faces, internet noise, and brotherly dynamics. A strong sibling bond doesn't mean zero conflict. It means noticing drift before you're miles apart and trusting each other enough to realign. There's no such thing as flawless communication, so you learn to navigate the friction with a mix of clarity, respect, and well-timed eyebrow raises.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 Intro00:44 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:22 AI45:24 Jumpylumpa Leapylow: What would you say has been/is your key to getting along?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 ★

Fancy setting us a gaming challenge? Get in touch here!Time for an RTS RPG! A wonderful combination of dark souls difficulty and rpg makes our tactical game one for the ages. We also discuss graphics cards and is the Oblivion Remake really worth buying...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!

Many indie studios feel locked out of traditional PR, feeling like you need an agency and big budget just to get noticed. In this episode, we break down how to earn meaningful media coverage with a story worth telling and how to create a system to share it. Learn how a strategic approach to visibility can build credibility, attract players, and drive momentum, all without gatekeepers or expensive retainers. Episode Shownotes Link:

We're crawling on all fours back into the void, where we discuss whatever topics manifest into our brains. Aaron and Gerry are joined by Twitch streamer Sl0nk0b0mb to discuss things like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, bad experiences in movie theaters, and lots and lots of SNES nostalgia. This Podcast Is Super Scope-Compatible. Batteries not included.Cool Things Discussed: Star Wars, Bluesky vs X, Tetris Attack, Mega Man, Kirby, Earthbound, Secret of Mana, Louvre Guide on Nintendo 3DS, horror movies, Mega Man X, Kirby Super Star, Trials of Mana.

This week, we talk about patch 1.2, Steam Deck verification, and code comments. Writing code is one thing; leaving behind notes future you can understand is a whole other game. Whether it's chaos in the comments or silence in the source, every line is a choice between clarity and future confusion.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)01:20 Studio News16:40 Patch 1.243:27 Jumpylumpa Leapylow: What do your programming notes look like? Are they strictly functional/informational or do you sprinkle in some of your trademark studio humor?Other things mentioned: Levelhead Community Spotlight #150: (https://www.bscotch.net/post/levelhead-community-spotlight-150)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 ★

Attribution often feels like a black box for indie devs, but ignoring it can cost you time, money, and momentum.  In this episode, we break down what attribution really is, why it matters, and how small teams can start tracking what counts while learning how to avoid misleading metrics, balance data with creative instincts, and make smarter marketing decisions that actually move the needle.    Episode Shownotes Link:  

In this episode, we discuss plushies, player feedback, and patch 1.1. Not all feedback is easy to digest. Sometimes it's sour, spicy, and hard to swallow. But when it's rooted in genuine player experience, rather than gripes aimed at the devs, player feedback can reveal exactly what a game needs to grow.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/id1528199331Flux Plushies: https://www.makeship.com/products/flux-juicebox-plushie00:33 Intro00:51 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:09 Ten Years03:01 Studio News06:46 Patch 1.127:36 Difficulty Modes53:15 Co-pilotOther things mentioned: Game Maker's Notebook Podcast: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5MU_Hled44)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, we sit down with the trio behind Future Suit Games, Abram, Adam, and Kristi, to talk about their journey building an indie studio from the ground up. We dive into their upcoming debut title Daughter of the Rift, a narrative-rich card battler that fuses emotional storytelling with deep strategy.Learn more about Future Suit 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.

When it comes to game jams, too many projects get shelved before they reach their full potential. In this episode, we're going to explore how jams and small projects can become launchpads for long-term opportunity with the right support. From mentorship and incubation to funding access and marketing guidance, learn how structured programs are helping developers turn prototypes into business-ready games and how you can do that too. Episode Shownotes Link:  

In this episode, the 2.5 Gamers crew — Matej, Felix, and Jakub — dissect the top mobile ad creative trends spotted across platforms in April 2025.From AI-generated hooks dominating 5-second ad intros, to IP-mirroring creatives, TikTok-style POV playables, and Freezing Families never going away — this is a masterclass in what's hot (and not) in mobile game UA right now.You'll see:⚙️ The rise of AI-generated 5-second hooks — and how top studios use them

This week, we talk about verification woes, platform power, and the price of play. When a few platforms control all access to players, even the smallest speed bumps can become brick walls. The rules aren't always clear, and when they are, they aren't always evenly applied. Turns out, the real chokepoint in game dev isn't creativity, it's 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/id1528199331Flux Plushies: https://www.makeship.com/products/flux-juicebox-plushie00:24 Intro00:51 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:44 Bones to pick22:23 Game Prices35:21 AppleTo 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 ★

There are many questions that we ask ourselves throughout our lives—one of which is "do games need remakes?". This week, Aaron and Gerry are joined by Joe (formerly of Mega Boobs) to not only answer that question, but also to chat about some good remakes, some bad remakes, and ones that were totally unecessary. Plop them buds into your ears and get ready to rumble. 

In this interview, veteran game designer Stuart Maine shares his 28-year journey in the gaming industry, detailing his humble beginnings in a cyber café to becoming a senior designer at Two Desperados, a mobile games company in Serbia. Stuart recounts his early days at Bullfrog and his time at renowned companies like Acclaim and Blitz, working on notable projects such Warhammer Combat Cards, Epic Mickey 2, and Angry Birds Transformers. He offers insights on remote work, the importance of team dynamics, and the lessons he has learned about people skills and communication. Stuart also discusses his latest venture, a book titled 'Designing Video Games,' which aims to guide newcomers through the complexities of the industry. Alongside this, he has authored two books on the history of first-person shooters, 'I'm Too Young to Die' and 'Hurt Me Plenty,' with a third in the works. He touches on the challenges and rewards of game development, reflecting on the necessity of taking risks, the difficulties of maintaining work-life balance, and the evolving landscape influenced by technological advancements like AI. The conversation wraps up with Stuart sharing anecdotes from his career, advice for aspiring developers, and his excitement for current gaming projects, highlighting his ongoing passion for the industry. Bio: Stuart Maine has been a game designer and writer for 28 years across console, PC, and mobile. He's worked on licensed titles at studios large and small, and co-founded and later sold the indie studio Well Played Games. Stuart also writes books, including two on the history of first-person shooters (I'm Too Young To Die, 2022, and Hurt Me Plenty, 2025, with Bitmap Books) and Designing Video Games (2025, with White Owl), a guide for breaking into the industry. He also tutors on John Yorke's Story for Video Games course. Show Links: * Two Desperados: https://twodesperados.com * Well Played Games: https://www.wellplayed.games * John Yorke's Story for Video Games course (Stu's a tutor): https://www.johnyorkestory.com/course/story-for-video-games/  * White Owl Books: https://www.whiteowlbooks.co.uk/  * Designing Video Games: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1399038664 or https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Designing-Video-Games-Hardback/p/52503  * Bitmap Books: https://www.bitmapbooks.com * I'm Too Young to Die: https://www.bitmapbooks.com/collections/video-game-history/products/i-m-too-young-to-die-the-ultimate-guide-to-first-person-shooters-1992-2002  * Hurt Me Plenty: https://www.bitmapbooks.com/collections/video-game-history/products/hurt-me-plenty-the-ultimate-guide-to-first-person-shooters-2003-2010  * Warhammer Combat Cards: https://www.combatcards.com * Atomfall: https://store.steampowered.com/app/801800/Atomfall/  * Love & Pies: https://www.loveandpies.com * G-Police: Weapons of Justice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-Police:_Weapons_of_Justice * Epic Mickey 2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_Mickey_2:_The_Power_of_Two * Blitz Games: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blitz_Games_Studios * Bullfrog Productions: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullfrog_Productions Connect With Links: * Stuart Maine on Twitter/X: https://x.com/maine_stuart * Stuart Maine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-m-280155205/  Game Dev Advice Links:  * Website: show notes, links, stuff - https://www.gamedevadvice.com  * Patreon: career coaching through the Gain Wisdom membership - https://www.patreon.com/gamedevadvice  * YouTube: main channel link - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvkY8LxjGyOPqlQKuRlObhg    * Game Dev Advice hotline: (224) 484-7733* Email: reach out - info@gamedevadvice.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss plushies, shadow drops, and patch philosophy. Launch day sets the stage, but the first big update shapes how the game truly lands with its audience. Early feedback and thoughtful iteration helps a game become what it was always meant to be.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/id1528199331Flux Plushies: https://www.makeship.com/products/flux-juicebox-plushie00:28 Intro00:51 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)02:01 Interviews06:49 Flux Plush08:14 Gloopy's CL2 knowledge notes22:45 Patch 1.1 Update46:42 Oblivion RemasteredOther Things Mentioned:Core Special: Crashlands 2 Interview(CORE SPECIAL: Crashlands 2 and Seth Coster interview)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 ★

A lot of developers dream of starting their own studio, but the reality is far from glamorous. In this episode, we dive deep with our guest to unpack the overlooked, gritty, and often emotional process of building a studio from scratch. From pitching to production pipelines, they're going to share what aspiring founders need to prepare for, emotionally and operationally. Episode Shownotes Link:   

In this fortnights episode we take a look at the latest from Warcradle including Dystopian Wars 2nd edition, a new release from Games Workshop that none of us seem to like, we also take a big look at the huge announcement from Cmon who have put a pause on all new game development for now, some new exciting Conquest minis and much much more. In Game Talk we discuss the parts of the hobby that we dont enjoy and even struggle with and during Hobby Time we discuss Company of Heroes 2nd Edition, Moonstone and much more. ------------------------- Sponsored by Valhalla Hobby Use code “tabled” at checkout to get 5% off your first order over $100 ------------------------- Patreon: www.patreon.com/gettingtabled Facebook: www.facebook.com/gettingtabled Website: www.gettingtabled.com Email: GettingTabled@gmail.com Discord: / discord Twitter: @gettingtabled Instagram: @gettingtabled Threads: @gettingtabled Blusky: @gettingtabled.bsky.social Twitch: www.twitch.tv/jasonthebruce Toyreel: www.youtube.com/toyreel Entropy City: www.entropycitygame.com Music created by Eric Matyas of Soundimage.org

Amber Johnson is an Associate Professor of Simulation and Game Development at Wake Tech Community College. She has worked in the game industry as an artist and level designer since 2007. She began teaching at Wake Tech in 2014, developing a curriculum that utilizes modern game asset creation techniques. She currently teaches courses in digital art, game programming, photogrammetry, tech art, and VR. On top of teaching, she does freelance work in photogrammetry and 3d renderings. At SONA, Amber presented her project “Crafting the Unreal”, which reimagines Edgar Allan Poe's Ligeia as an immersive surrealist stop-motion VR experience by combining the tactile, dreamlike aesthetics of traditional stop-motion animation with the interactivity of VR.  see more at amt-lab.org

This week, we talk about soundtracks, review scores, and mysterious absences. Reviews don't just highlight flaws; they can reveal the gap between expectations and reality. Even the smallest systems can leave a large impact.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/id1528199331Flux Plushies: https://www.makeship.com/products/flux-juicebox-plushie00:22 Intro00:43 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)03:52 Crashlands 2 Launch Week12:53 Review Scores23:10 Sequel's Audience49:46 Post- Launch FeedbackTo 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 ★

One of the best in the business, Michael has voiced, cast, and directed unforgettable performances in over 100 games—including Zenless Zone Zero—and he's here to blow the lid off what voice acting can do for your game. Whether you're an indie underdog or a AAA juggernaut, this episode is your all-access pass to making voice work unforgettable.Learn more about MichaelLearn 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!This week Matt and Scott create a truly unique game. One on One fighting mechanics with procedural generation and physics? No problem at all! Have a listen and enjoy the two of them mashing these mechanics and genre together to make something quite wonderful. 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!

The game industry is full of risks, IP disputes, cyberattacks, contract issues, even failed crowdfunding campaigns. And while we never anticipate these things happening to us...sometimes, they surface when we least expect it, inviting all sorts of chaos. So today, we explore how devs can avoid the hassle of the unknown by understanding how insurance can help developers avoid disaster, stay protected, and keep projects moving, no matter the studio size. Episode Shownotes Link:  

How would you know if your studio's culture is toxic—before it's too late? In this exclusive conversation, we talk with Charlie Sull, co-founder of CultureX and researcher with MIT, about how to spot, measure, and fix toxic workplace culture—especially in the high-stakes world of game development. Forget ping pong tables and free snacks. Culture is your operating system, and if leaders don't prioritize it, dysfunction spreads fast. We break down: What creates a toxic culture The Toxic Five behaviors that damage morale and hurt retention Why standard employee surveys fail—and what to do instead How AI and Glassdoor data can tell you some hard truths about your company Real stats on game studios vs. other industries—who's getting it right? If you're a studio head, team lead, or future cultural change-maker, this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you new tools to build a better workplace. What You'll Learn: Why culture is more than perks—it's your company's operating system The Toxic Five traits that silently destroy trust and retention How Glassdoor + AI reveal the truth about your team's culture Why top leadership, not HR, is key to lasting culture change What game dev studios like EA and Blizzard can teach us about reform How to apply the Will + Knowledge formula to lead cultural transformation Books & Authors Mentioned (and Must-Reads!) from This Episode The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni        - Focuses on the "heart" vs. "science" sides of business—emphasizing the value of culture Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni        - Referenced for understanding team behavior and dysfunction Works by Charles O'Reilly        - Recommended by Charlie Sull for understanding organizational culture and leadership        - Notable titles include Winning Through Innovation and Lead and Disrupt Research & insights from CultureX (Charlie Sull's organization)        - Practical tools and AI-driven metrics for measuring and improving workplace culture

In this episode, we discuss launch stats, slippery servers, and squishy plushies. Crashlands 2 hit the ground running with five times the sales of the original and a tidal wave of new players! Steam charts lit up, bugs stayed quiet, and the community showed up in force. This one's for you, Shenanites — thanks for showing up and making the launch unforgettable

In this episode, we chat with Ami Cai—a visual narrator, freelance illustrator, and graphic designer whose work spans from indie projects to the role of Art Director on the Kickstarter-backed Cartomancy Anthology. Ami shares insights into balancing creative careers with casual VTubing and gameplay content, and how storytelling threads through everything she does.Links shared during the live episode:https://dev.twitch.tv/code/ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1490340/We_Are_OFK/ https://bsky.app/profile/alpineshowtime.bsky.social/post/3lk3hu5t5js2f https://x.com/chocovania/status/1696200897028911216 https://x.com/shindags/status/1898662259372781667 https://x.com/binoftweets/status/1865035587587117400 https://x.com/shindags/status/1730408283826266297 https://x.com/nme64_u/status/1893784752240390199 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s7a1TSeF-3g?si=skKn15VBbIqBqyEB https://x.com/mdxcai/status/1891983292968178000 https://x.com/shindags/status/1771258712377758129Learn more about AmiLearn 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.

Episode SummaryShaun Laker joins Greg to discuss his journey in the gaming industry, from breaking into QA at EA to leading major AAA projects. They dive into the evolution of producers in game development, the importance of community management, and how Game Guardians is using AI to revolutionize QA testing. Shaun also shares his entrepreneurial challenges and insights into the future of game development.Key Takeaways & Timestamps1. Breaking Into the Gaming Industry03:27 – A high school gym teacher introduced Shaun to EA, setting him on his career path. 04:26 – Started in QA at EA, working on games like James Bond: Everything or Nothing and NBA Street. 05:41 – Early QA days felt like Grandma's Boy—pizza, long hours, and tight-knit teams.2. Lessons from AAA Studios07:33 – Every studio operates differently, but profitability often dictates creative freedom. 08:17 – Studios like Respawn thrived due to strong leadership and a focus on quality. 17:48 – Key lessons: Avoid crunch, communicate clearly, and establish strong development pillars.3. The Role of Community & Engagement14:18 – Community management varies—Plants vs. Zombies had a supportive fanbase, while Gears of War was more intense. 16:36 – Community managers are the frontline of player feedback, taking in both praise and criticism. 17:03 – A strong community presence can make or break a game's long-term success.4. Game Guardians & AI in QA21:26 – Game Guardians was founded to tackle inefficiencies in game QA. 22:51 – AI-driven automation solves major QA challenges: reducing repetitive testing, supporting live-service games, and catching hard-to-find bugs. 24:13 – AI isn't replacing QA testers but augmenting their capabilities, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks.5. Entrepreneurship & Personal Growth26:38 – The idea for Game Guardians took shape after Shaun's layoff from Respawn. 30:51 – The biggest struggle as a founder: learning to unplug and avoid burnout. 50:20 – Advice to his younger self: Pick battles wisely and set better boundaries to maintain mental health.

Steam's algorithm is the engine that powers visibility on the platform, but understanding how it works is often a big mystery.  So today, we're going to bust some of the most common and persistent myths indie developers believe about how the algorithm functions, getting to the bottom of which signals actually matter, so you can stop worrying and focus on what really does. Episode Shownotes Link:  

On this special bonus episode of Coffee with Bscotch, we celebrate the launch of Crashlands 2! We talk about the studio's journey and reflect on a decade of shenanigans, butterscotch-flavored and otherwise. If you're new around here, welcome! And if you've been with us for a while, thanks for sticking by us on this wild ride! We're thrilled that Crashlands 2 is finally out in the world, and we can't wait for y'all to dive in and see what five years of charming handcrafted chaos looks like.Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib7fzLf59voSteam Wishlist: 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 Intro00:50 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)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, we discuss comfort systems, progression maps, and pre-launch vibes. Everything's ready, the fuse is lit, and now it's the final countdown. Crashlands 2 launches tomorrow! Are you ready?Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib7fzLf59voSteam Wishlist: 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)01:47 The vibe21:19 Which gameplay feature required the most unexpected amount of work to implement?35:48 What is the gameplay purpose of the buildings?45:44 If you can change only one thing about the original Crashlands what would it be?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 ★

This week, we talk about golden builds, crabs, and slippery fish. Some weapons in Crashlands 2 have a catch, literally. If you manage to hook one of these powerful items, you might find that they're hard to hang on to. Every so often they'll slip out of your grip mid-swing, and if you don't snatch them out of the air, they'll vanish! It's part combat, part slapstick chaos, and entirely on brand.Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib7fzLf59voSteam Wishlist: 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/id152819933100:23 Intro00:44 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)01:14 Preview embargo04:32 Golden Build08:48 Community Questions09:19 Are you going to pull an Epic?24:02 Will there be a sufficient amount of crabs?29:05 Why did you decide to give Crashlands 1 for free on Epic Games?37:28 Features or items you are excited for players to try?48:23 Juice Mancy? 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, we discuss development time, co-op, and sequel iterations. Turns out, building a sequel is less about stacking on new features and more about wrestling the original into shape. Sometimes you circle all the way back to where you started, just with fewer regrets and better tools.Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib7fzLf59voSteam Wishlist: 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 Intro00:44 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)00:49 Power of 210:07 Community Questions10:12 Co-Op24:14 Aliens and robots37:09 Crashlands 2 Innovations 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 ★

Fancy setting us a gaming challenge? Get in touch here!Have you ever wondered what it would be like to play as the blocks in Tetris? Now you don't have to as Scott and Matt explore turning one of the most popular games of all time into a Puzzle Survival game. There's also a well deserved chat about the 20th anniversary of God of War and the upcoming TV series too for good measure.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!

The Game Developers Conference has come and gone for another year, and this week we have a potpourri mostly focused on our experiences at the show, with a particular focus on some emerging dev tools like Nvidia's AI-driven text-to-animation system and how they relate to current labor and economic issues in the industry, some of the cool maker-esque projects Will saw at alt.ctrl.GDC, and more.Videos to all the alt.ctrl.GDC projects we discussed: https://gdconf.com/alt-ctrl-gdcThe blog post referenced later in the episode: https://www.joewintergreen.com/if-you-want-shorter-games-with-worse-graphics-made-by-people-who-are-paid-more-to-work-less-graphics-tech-advancements-should-please-you/ Support the Pod! Contribute to the Tech Pod Patreon and get access to our booming Discord, a monthly bonus episode, your name in the credits, and other great benefits! You can support the show at: https://patreon.com/techpod

This week, we talk about the beta wrap-up, player stats, and endgame design. The end of a game is where things get weird. Players want closure, but they also want more to do. There's a fine line between sticking the landing and overstaying your welcome.Support Crashlands 2!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/crashlands-2/Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib7fzLf59voSteam Wishlist: 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/id152819933100:30 Intro00:58 Thanks to our supporters! (https://moneygrab.bscotch.net)05:35 Crashlands 2 Beta Done13:30 Beta Stats39:33 Nailed it or Whiffed itThings Mentioned: Making of Crashlands Documentary (https://youtu.be/EmovB_cmMOY)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 of Tech Talks, CEO David Baszucki is joined by Kiran Bhat and Nishchaie Khanna to discuss the rapid evolution of AI and its impact on game development. They explore the journey from classical AI to today's generative AI, the challenges of 3D object generation, and how AI is shaping the future of interactive experiences.