Podcasts about games industry

In episode 574 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers check in on the new How Many Dudes box art with some real click-through numbers, then dive into Far Far West, a co-op shooter where you're a robot cowboy fighting skeletons and it somehow all works. They dig into what makes it click, why the Joker system is smart, and whether it can stay fun as the min-maxers inevitably show up.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:28 Introduction and Welcome01:16 How Many Dudes Box Art11:26 Far Far West Nail or Whiff25:05 Exploring the Game Mechanics29:36 Rogue-like Elements and Progression35:17 Design Aspects and Player Experience40:10 Balancing Fun and Challenge47:53 Overall Impressions and RecommendationsTo 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. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In episode 573 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers walk through the evolution of the How Many Dudes box art and what YouTube thumbnails taught them about what actually resonates with players. Turns out the answer wasn't to make something epic but to make something gloriously dumb. They close out with a look at trademarks, what they actually protect, and why registering one might matter more than you'd think.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:20 Introduction and Welcome05:45 The Challenges of Building a Game Studio Reputation08:46 Player Expectations and Game Content11:46 Steam Controller's Scream15:25 The Fragility of Gaming Hardware17:22 Creating Effective Promo Art22:00 The Evolution of Game Marketing34:47 Learning from Community Engagement39:31 (Listener Question) HaoteeHatooie: Do you trademark your game names? 42:50 The Importance of Consumer Protection in Trademarks45:46 Navigating Trademark Applications and Challenges49:46 The Role of Trademarks in Game Development54:49 The Legal Landscape of Copyright and TrademarkTo 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. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!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 ★

Sega are pivoting away from free to play games after poor performance. They're also pivoting away from AAA games after unrelated poor performance. What's left in the middle?Why are crickets born, just to suffer? Turns out they feel pain and karma may be coming for you for stepping on an ant.Recent anime trends indicate that fans are going for anime without violence and battles, and darker anime. Again, what's left in the middle?***We enjoyed a nice drink of Rez which you can get a 10% discount when you type NERDS at the checkout from the Rez website at www.drinkrez.com ***Resources MentionedFive Years, One Billion Dollars, Zero Games: The Rise and Fall of Sega's Super Game (Sega reports $31.6m net loss during FY26, cancels 'Super Game' project amid strategic pivot | GamesIndustry.biz, Sega says its ‘Super Game' plan is multiple games, and may use NFTs | VGC )370 Billion Crickets Are Farmed Every Year. New Research Suggests They Can Feel Pain. (Don't reach for the bug spray: scientists find insects may feel pain after crickets nurse sore antennae | Animal behaviour | The Guardian, Flexible self-protection as evidence of pain-like states in house crickets | Proceedings B | The Royal Society)Battle Fatigue and Body Horror: Why Dark Shonen Anime Has Officially Replaced Hollywood Horror for Western Audiences (Bleach Studio's New Series Bans Anime Fights: 'I'm So Tired of Battles', Dark Shonen Anime Appeals to Western Audiences for 1 Simple Reason)Full Show Notes : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-312i9UUeeQw9YfaRW0HyVZ0foawwP46PHyiAdnb8q4/edit?usp=sharing***If you'd like to be featured on the show, send us an email: Nerds.Amalgamated@gmail.comFollow us on: Facebook || Twitter || TwitchJoin the Community on Discord: https://discord.gg/m6G5n8XQ8PAnd watch us on YouTube: Nerds Amalgamated - YouTube

Episode Notes This week, Joseph and Luke sit down and breakdown their thoughts on the state of the games industry in 2026. From what publishers are making the biggest impact to their thoughts on the importance of the indie scene, this is a wide ranging fireside chat ahead of the summer showcase season.  Episode Resources: Joseph's Mixtape Article on CantPause MinnMax Spotlight - Virtue and a Sledgehammer Find Timestamps for this Episode Below: 0:00 - Intro 1:30 - Icebreaker: Who is your favorite publisher in gaming currently? 7:44 - How do you feel about the industry as a whole right now? 38:27 - Are AAA vital to the games industry? 57:16 - What's your most anticipated first-party and indie games for the reminder of 2026? 1:01:45 - Outro Find us on BlueSky for show updates and more: Podcast: @crossplayconvos.bsky.social Podcast on Instagram: @crossplayconvos Jacob: @jacob.bsky.social Luke: @lukewarmlewis.bsky.social Claire: @clairebearrose.bsky.social Joseph: @th3hoopman.bsky.social CantPause on Instagram Check out our other shows: Player Player Podcast   Left Behind Game Club The LukeWarmGames Podcast   Cutscenes: A Video Game Movie Podcast Video Game Trivia **

In episode 572 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers check in on their Steam tag experiments before diving into the tricky problem of designing boss fights. They get into why bosses are less about difficulty and more about spectacle, and what it actually takes to make a culmination moment feel earned.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:20 Introduction and Welcome03:12 Listener Feedback and Game Updates08:58 Steam Tagging Experiments and Game Discovery12:04 The Impact of Tags on Game Visibility15:05 The Challenge of Boss Fights in Game Development20:10 Designing Boss Fights: The Challenge of Custom Code22:04 Creating Memorable Boss Encounters25:41 Balancing Difficulty: The Art of Boss Design28:48 The Kilipede: A New Tier of Challenge39:07 The Complexity of Boss Mechanics49:43 Balancing Fun and ChallengeTo 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. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!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 bite sized episode, Josh looks at a marketing report from IGN Entertainment that addresses the way that different generations play video games. What does this mean for the future of gaming and how companies will decide to target the audiences that are spending money on video games? And what ways do YOU play? The Games Industry article, with links to the report, can be found here: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ign-entertainment-releases-internal-data-as-public-report-developed-by-kantar-and-uc-berkeley We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our social media by checking out our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebacklogbreakdown And check out our newsletter on Substack: https://thebacklogbreakdown.substack.com And if you'd like to support us, you can visit our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebacklogbreakdown The Backlog Breakdown is a proud member of the Play Well Network, a network of podcasts that seek to approach recreation in a more thoughtful manner. Until there is a rabbit trail to follow. Check out all of the other amazing Play Well podcasts at playwellnetwork.com. Get PWNed, scrubs.

In episode 571 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers dig into whether Steam has quietly become the discovery engine that keeps mobile gaming afloat and what that means for indie devs trying to build a cross-platform strategy. They walk through the realities of mobile pricing, broken app store algorithms, and why chasing discoverability on Google Play or the App Store often feels like shouting into a void.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:21 Introduction and Welcome01:40 Achievements Development and Ludokit Overview13:40 Mobile Strategy and Pricing Decisions27:45 The State of Mobile Gaming Discoverability29:49 The Role of Steam in Game Success32:48 Cross-Platform Strategies and Pricing38:57 The Impact of Subscription Services on Game Sales43:49 Algorithmic Challenges in Mobile Game Marketing51:50 Final Thoughts on the Future of Indie GamesTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!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 ★

Hollywood have been trying to make video game movies a thing for decades. Finally, they're actually good. Why?Beer has some nutritional value. But science is easy to misrepresent, so is it actually good for you?Crunchyroll came out on top in the anime streaming wars. But they have a dark secret in their history. Did they actually earn their position or did they get there by making choices others were too scared to?***We enjoyed a nice drink of Rez which you can get a 10% discount when you type NERDS at the checkout from the Rez website at www.drinkrez.com ***Resources MentionedHollywood's new trend….video game movies ( "There was that period in time, pre-Sonic, where it was, 'You're so lucky that Hollywood is even looking at you'" | GamesIndustry.biz )Does beer have any health benefits? (Does Beer Have a 'Surprising Health Benefit'? Here's What The Science Says, Quantitation of Vitamin B6 Vitamers and Glycosides in German Alcohol-Free and Full-Strength Beer by a Stable Isotope Dilution LC–MS/MS Method | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry )How did Crunchyroll became the king of the anime streaming war? (Crunchyroll Won the Anime Streaming War by 'Not Following the Rules,' Former Exec Says)Full Show Notes : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qF1wE92QMDyVpTQLwyWg8m92JZIEuAX3xsKfSG2c6Zc/edit?usp=sharing***If you'd like to be featured on the show, send us an email: Nerds.Amalgamated@gmail.comFollow us on: Facebook || Twitter || TwitchJoin the Community on Discord: https://discord.gg/VqdBVH5aAnd watch us on YouTube: Nerds Amalgamated - YouTube

In episode 570 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers get into the messy final stretch of shipping How Many Dudes, where winding down development and winding up publishing have to happen at the same time. They break down why localization turns a simple task like screenshots into a sprawling multi-platform nightmare, and what it actually takes to coordinate QA, store pages, and platform partners when the clock is ticking. It's a look at why the last 97 days before launch can feel just as chaotic as the first.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:16 Introduction and Welcome01:50 Navigating Game Development and Marketing04:38 The Final Push to Launch07:57 Balancing Development and Publishing10:47 The Complexities of Localization and Platform Integration16:41 The Complexity of Screenshot Requirements19:21 Parallel Development Challenges22:29 Automating Screenshot Processes26:34 The Role of Publishers in Development30:26 Navigating Platform-Specific Requirements36:55 The Challenges of Marketing and Publishing42:54 Lessons from Larger Organizations46:40 The Risks of Outsourcing and Finding the Right Partners53:58 Balancing Internal and External Resources59:51 Looking Ahead to Launch and Final PreparationsOther things mentioned:Sam giving a talk in Chris Zukowski's “How to Market a Game” conference on Thursday, April 30th, at 10am EST:https://howtomarketagame.com/inside/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. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!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 ★

The entire theory of games is underpinned by this one theory, but how far can it's explanitory power be pushed? Phillip Black, Christopher Kaczmarczyk-Smith, and Eric Guan talk cozy Pokemon habitats, merge-game economics multipliers, AI labor-market irony, and Edward Castronova's foundational work on virtual worlds. We talk: Pokopia as the Pokemon cozy game: short production chains daily-quest systems without free-to-play monetization pressure Multipliers as the key merge-game innovation: a gas pedal on spend per hour faster energy drain faster story progression a new way to price acceleration Narrative as reward subsidy or tax: story can make the next meta milestone worth chasing story can also break flow for players who just want the core loop AI and the game-industry labor market: layoffs look more like a post-2021 correction longer unemployment spells in information work may be the cleaner AI signal AI may suppress hiring before it shows up as direct separations Castronova's virtual-world economics: challenge labor-leisure tradeoffs property rights platform dictatorships price controls why MMOs looked like the future in 2003 The player contract: games rarely grant formal property rights players still behave as if they own skins, items, and progress developers often compensate players even when the legal right is weak Chapters (00:00:00) - Game of Thrones Cast Episode 50(00:00:39) - Coming soon: The Quantitative Bar(00:01:01) - Game Economist: Jobs to AI, Episode 49(00:02:16) - Pocopia: The Pokemon Cozy Game(00:05:03) - How Does Pokepoea Work?(00:08:42) - GTA 6 vs Breath of the Wild: Why They're Both(00:11:19) - The Economics of Merge 2(00:18:33) - How to Boost the Economy of 'League of Legends'(00:20:27) - On Buying Meta-Progression(00:22:09) - Candy Crush: The Match 3 Revenue(00:23:18) - Mixed Effects of More Narrative in Merge(00:27:39) - The Problem With Non-Traditional Gamers(00:29:36) - AI and the Game Industry Labor Market(00:35:39) - The Unemployment gap between Information and Non-Information(00:44:19) - Will AI Impact Workers' Jobs?(00:48:02) - Better Employment Data for the Games Industry(00:49:53) - Vinod's Virtual Economy(00:55:00) - Bradley on Work vs Leisure(00:58:12) - On Maximalization in MMOs(01:03:58) - No Property Rights in Magic The Gathering(01:05:43) - Game Developers: Property Rights in the Blockchain(01:10:03) - Game economies vs Real-Life(01:12:58) - Paul Krugman: The optimal level of challenge

In episode 569 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers dig into how Steam tags actually drive discoverability for indie games, and what tools like GameDiscover.co reveal about whether the right players are finding your game. The conversation turns on a deceptively simple question: not what your game is, but who it's actually for.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:36 Introduction and Welcome01:58 Understanding Steam Tags and Discoverability04:55 The Importance of Accurate Tagging07:58 Identifying Target Audiences10:43 Navigating Game Genres and Expectations13:54 The Challenge of Marketing Complex Games16:59 Using Data to Inform Tagging Strategies23:45 Defining Game Genres and Tags25:58 Balancing Primary and Secondary Game Features29:19 The Complexity of Game Genres31:33 The Evolution of Game Genres and Language34:12 Platform-Specific Audience Differences38:09 Refining Game Tags for Better Audience Reach45:46 The Challenge of Game Development and Audience Understanding50:57 Adjusting Game Pricing and Expectations57:33 The Role of Randomness in SuccessTo 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. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In episode 568 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers announce How Many Dudes Launch Date! They share their insights on game release strategies, balancing game mechanics, and upcoming features. They discuss the importance of timing, marketing, and player agency in creating a successful indie game launch.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:22 Introduction and Welcome01:16 How Many Dudes? Launch Date Announcement04:36 The Role of Demos in Game Marketing08:05 The Impact of Trailers and Marketing Efforts10:52 Timing and Competitor Analysis for Launch15:51 Scope and Content of 'How Many Dudes'22:10 Innovative Game Mechanics and Character Synergies28:42 Progression, Tiers, and Boss Fights36:02 Adding Variety and Player Agency with Systems and Trinkets48:51 Balancing Fun, Challenge, and Player Choice54:35 Upcoming Features and 'Ludo Kit' Developer ToolsTo 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. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In episode 567 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers discuss their recent experiences at PAX East, the state of game engines like Godot, Unity, and Unreal, and the evolving landscape of game marketing and platform ecosystems. They explore the costs and benefits of conventions, the impact of platform policies, and the future of indie game development.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:31 Introduction and Welcome01:09 Reflections on PAX East and Industry Presence03:48 LudoKit: A Developer Tool for Publishing08:47 The Value and Cost of Conventions for Indie Developers11:56 Platform Ecosystems: Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and More20:01 The Rise of Godot and Decline of Unity in Indie Development29:41 Challenges of Platform Certification and Closed Ecosystems39:52 Marketing Strategies: Wishlists, Pre-orders, and Visibility48:06 The Evolving Landscape of Game Publishing and Industry TrendsTo 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. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!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 year's GDC Special is a big one. So big that this episode is over 2 hours long... and it's only part 1 (but your nice hosts don't know that yet)!0:15:49GDC 2026 - Monday GDC Encounters: Speed Networking Day 1Game Developer ConferenceThe Tension: Designing for Discomfort in 'Wanderstop'Steven MargolinGame Developer ConferenceThe Black Designers' Dilemma"Carl Varnado, Jabari Ali, Jarory DeJesus, Evan Narcisse"Game Developer ConferenceThe Games Industry Social (aka: GIG IRL)Media Indie Exchange (aka: The MIX)DogpileToot GamesGame Funding: Lessons from Outersloth"Victoria Tran, Forest Willard"Game Developer ConferenceOutersloth reveals its game funding agreement with developersAlex Forbes-CalvinGamesIndustry.bizFrom Beautiful to Playable: Texture Compression Secrets Every Game Artist Shoul…Jad DeebGame Developer ConferenceFour Artists Use Substance 3D to Texture 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33'"Alan Reynaud, Mathieu Costat"Game Developer ConferenceGDC 101"Sam Warnke, Natalie Sam"Game Developer ConferenceFrom Reliable to Respected: Breaking Free of the Good Job TrapCecile HemeryGame Developer ConferenceEstablishing the Standards and Practices of Game Preservation"Garrett Fredley, Andrew Borman"Game Developer ConferenceFresh Grad to Art Director: My Journey at 'Love and Deepspace'Xianzi FengGame Developer ConferenceCutscene Pipeline in 'Love and Deepspace'"Xianyu Wang, Ji Zhang"Game Developer Conference1:06:09GDC 2026 - TuesdayGame Education Roundtable Day 1Game Developer ConferencePraise the Architect and Pass the Ammunition: Health & Damage in 'The Outer Wor…Game Developer Conference'Civilization VII': Impactful UI Sound Design at ScaleKadet KuhneGame Developer ConferenceWhy We Still Believe: A Conversation with Amir SatvatAmir SatvatGame Developer ConferenceAlways Supporting (the) Games CommunityAmir Satvat3rd Annual Game Developer's ConcertAustin WintoryGame Developer ConferenceTechnical Artists Roundtable (20th Year)!!! Day 1Jeff HannaGame Developer ConferenceThe Modular and Expressive World Art of 'Keeper'Nick MaksimGame Developer ConferenceLocal Game Community Organizers ForumMarlena Abraham, Michael Lee, Daniel Lin, Laia BeeGame Developer ConferenceTiny ConSociety of PlayBlack in GamingSo Your Game Got Cancelled: Navigating Personal Development and Career OutcomesMark LaCroixGame Developer ConferenceSince we recorded this episode, a major South Korean gaming website wrote up a very detailed recap of Mark's roundtable. [English Machine Translation]MAR10 Day returns with festivities for fans of all ages in honor of the Super M…NintendoWhy Good Games Fail: The Startup Audit Every Studio NeedsLucien ParsonsGame Developer Conference'despelote': Capturing the Feeling of 2001 Quito, EcuadorJulian CorderoGame Developer Conference

In episode 566 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers delve into the complexities of implementing effective tooltips in video games. They explore technical challenges, design principles, and the importance of clear, consistent communication to enhance player experience..Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:25 Introduction and Welcome02:57 The Importance of Tooltips in Game Development11:04 Creating Effective Tooltips: Clarity and Consistency25:31 Technical Challenges in Tooltip Implementation29:16 Navigating Game Development Challenges32:01 The Importance of UI Design40:57 Dynamic Text Scaling and Challenges45:04 The Unseen Work Behind Game Development51:03 Quality of Life Improvements in GamesTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!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 ★

With Epic laying off 1,000 people, the game industry job market has gone from "extremely chilly" to "nearing absolute zero." Also: a recap of GDC's challenged year, Circana Report on U.S spending for February 2026, some interesting new investments, NetEase divestments, and a heckin' FAFO. You can support Virtual Economy's growth via our Ko-Fi and also purchase Virtual Economy merchandise! TIME STAMPS [00:00:50] - GDC 2026 Recap [00:25:51] - Circana Report on US Video Game Spending for February 2026 [00:35:02] - Nintendo Sues US Government Over Tariffs [00:36:55] - Pokemon Company v. US Government [00:38:24] - Update on the Intrepid Studios Implosion [00:45:02] - Investment Interlude [01:05:45] - Quick Hits [01:12:42] - Labor Report [01:39:27] - FAFO Award SOURCES Nintendo Suing U.S. Government Over Tariffs | Aftermath Pokémon rebukes White House's use of its IP in a social media post | NBC News MMO Ashes of Creation spirals into a legal dumpster fire, as investor claims creative director Steven Sharif siphoned millions away from the company while it was drowning in debt | PC Gamer CEO Behind Kickstarter MMO That Ran Out Of Money Breaks His Silence And Claims First Legal Victory | Kotaku Krafton loses lawsuit, is ordered to reinstate ousted Unknown Worlds CEO | Game Developer Unknown Worlds co-founders' lawyers accuse Krafton of "intentionally leaking" Subnautica 2 release date | GamesIndustry INVESTMENT INTERLUDE Netflix Declines to Raise Offer for Warner Bros. | Netflix Netflix boss says Paramount acquisition of Warner Bros will result in "cuts in excess of $16 billion" within "18 months or so" | Games Industry Warner Bros Montréal reportedly hit with staff cuts | GamesIndustry Pacific Drive developer Ironwood Studios raises $4 million in seed funding | Game Developer Good Games Group Launches New Publishing Label Balor Games, Following Acquisition of Humble Games and Firestoke Catalogs | Games Press Velan Studios expands into Canada to build 'breakthrough games' | Game Developer NCsoft acquires 70% stake in mobile developer JustPlay | GamesIndustry BEHAVIOUR INTERACTIVE PARTNERS WITH THE FUN PIMPS, CREATORS OF 7 DAYS TO DIE | Behaviour Interactive Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's EGDC firm has acquired 5% of Capcom | VGC Savvy Games Group to acquire Moonton Games for $6 billion | Game Developer Evo is dead': Major fighting game tournament is now wholly owned by Saudi megaproject Qiddiya, promises 'traditions, values, and identity will remain unchanged' | PC Gamer Yet another NetEase studio is going independent | Game Developer Nagoshi's Gang of Dragon May Never Come Out After NetEase Cut Funding When It Realized an Extra $44M Was Needed to Finish the Game Amazon abandons upcoming racing game from former Forza devs, as its departure from triple-A publishing continues | Eurogamer LABOR REPORT Today's layoffs | Epic Games Ubisoft Toronto lays off 40 employees, Splinter Cell remake still in development | Mobile Syrup Ubisoft ends game development at Red Storm and lays off 105 workers | Game Developer skate.'s Next Chapter - An Update from Full Circle | Full Circle (EA) Battlefield developers laid off by EA months after Battlefield 6 'shatters records' | Game Developer Riot Games confirms layoffs within publishing division | Game Developer Riot Games lays off roughly 80 employees from 2XKO team | Game Developer Report: NetEase is cutting jobs at internal studio Spliced Inc | Game Developer Den of Wolves studio 10 Chambers announces 'significant restructuring' and layoffs, 'including several of the studio's co-founders' | PC Gamer Highguard Studio Wildlight Lays Off Most Staff | Alex Graner on LinkedIn Highguard In Trouble After Most Of The Studio Laid Off Just Weeks After Launch | Kotaku Tencent's TiMi Studio Group reportedly funded Highguard dev Wildlight Entertainment | GamesIndustry via GameFile Halfbrick Studios is cutting jobs in Australia | Game Developer Killing Floor dev Tripwire Interactive lays off 23 employees | Games industry G.I. Joe Snake Eyes game not cancelled following reported Atomic Arcade studio closure, but its ultimate fate remains unclear | Eurogamer XCOM designer Jake Solomon announces surprise closure of his studio alongside a first look at its canceled life sim, 'the game we poured our hearts into' | PC Gamer Build a Rocket Boy confirms more layoffs amid further claims of "organized espionage and corporate sabotage" | Games Industry Until Dawn remake dev Ballistic Moon has closed | GamesIndustry

In episode 565 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers dig into Nvidia's DLSS 5 and what AI-driven graphics enhancements actually mean for developers and players alike, then turn a critical eye on who the AI hype cycle is really serving, players and devs, or the tech companies and C-suites pushing it. The conversation closes on whether the push for realism is starting to cost games their authenticity.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:42 Introduction and Welcome01:42 PAX East updates05:42 How Many Dudes: Game Development Insights14:25 DLSS 5: Understanding New Technology21:45 Generative AI in Gaming: A New Era29:07 The Backlash Against AI-Driven Graphics34:41 Authenticity vs. Inauthenticity in Gaming42:29 The Diminishing Returns of Realism in Games44:21 The Balance of Visual Fidelity and Gameplay48:18 Creative Bankruptcy in the Tech Industry51:14 The Dangers of Dependency on Technology59:04 The Consequences of Automation on Personal GrowthTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!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 ★

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with Actor Ben Starr. Together they discuss his role in the multi-D.I.C.E. Award winning game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33; balancing authenticity and restraint in the public sphere; voice acting in a game filled with intimacy in Date Everything!; and his observations on the difficulties many developers face today. This episode is supported by  Xsolla iam8bit Episode Host: Alexa Ray Corriea Producers: Claudio Tapia and Josh Chu, The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing and leaving us a rating and review. Follow us: linktr.ee/AIAS Please consider supporting game dev students with: AIAS Foundation

In episode 564 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers get into the real friction behind self-publishing on Steam and how they're building their way out of it. They introduce LudoKit, a tool designed to wrangle store pages, localization, and credits management without losing your mind, drawing on lessons from shipping Crashlands 2. The conversation then shifts to How Many Dudes, where meta progression, ensemble mechanics, and balancing randomness with player control are all on the table.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:42 Introduction and Welcome01:57 The Need for Efficient Game Release Management07:46 Navigating the Complexities of Game Launch09:49 LudoKit: A Tool for Streamlining Game Publishing12:35 The Importance of Credits Management in Game Development17:39 Challenges in Collecting and Managing Game Credits24:11 Technical Challenges in Game Development29:33 Streamlining the Credits Process33:40 The Importance of Accurate Credits39:32 LudoKit: A Game Development Tool47:22 Future Plans for LudoKit49:53 Meta Progression and Player Engagement53:39 Balancing Exploration and Strategy59:29 Innovations in Gameplay Mechanics01:09:19 Final Thoughts on Game DevelopmentTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

Valve are being sued by everyone, for different reasons, some reasonable and some not so reasonable. Let's hope the reasonable cases get applied to the entire industry.Stars might be making it hard to hear ET phoning home because of their effect on deep space radio waves. I guess SETI will have to start looking again.Samurai Champloo is becoming a live action show. Only time will tell if it succeeds or joins the pile of terrible adaptations.***We enjoyed a nice drink of Rez which you can get a 10% discount when you type NERDS at the checkout from the Rez website at www.drinkrez.com ***Resources MentionedValve vs The World (Games with loot boxes will be rated PEGI 16 from June, as part of sweeping changes to the age-rating system | GamesIndustry.biz, Valve sued by The Performing Right Society for allegedly using its members' musical works "without permission" | GamesIndustry.biz )Lost in Space Weather (Stormy space weather may be garbling messages from aliens, new research suggests)Coming soon a live action Samurai Champloo (‘One Piece' Producers Tomorrow Studios to Adapt ‘Samurai Champloo' With Creator Shinichirō Watanabe (EXCLUSIVE))Full Show Notes : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KVdcDeqUu_K_weO2eyf6zhncVw-DYO7D3m8IHGOI_Lo/edit?usp=sharing***If you'd like to be featured on the show, send us an email: Nerds.Amalgamated@gmail.comFollow us on: Facebook || Twitter || TwitchJoin the Community on Discord: https://discord.gg/VqdBVH5aAnd watch us on YouTube: Nerds Amalgamated - YouTube

-To capitalize on Claude's recent spike in popularity, Anthropic is offering a limited-time promotion that doubles usage limits for anyone using its AI chatbot during off-peak hours. The promotion started last Friday and runs until March 27, users on Free, Pro, Max, and Team plans will get double the usage limits in a five-hour window when using Claude outside weekday hours between 8 AM and 2 PM ET. -A month after Seedance 2.0's launch in China sparked cease-and-desist letters from Disney and Paramount Skydance over its use of copyrighted materials, its developer ByteDance has reportedly hit pause on the release of the AI video tool in other regions. -Humans have taken some jobs back from AI. Embark Studios' CEO Patrick Söderlund recently told GamesIndustry.biz that the studio "re-recorded" some of the AI-generated voice lines in Arc Raiders with human voices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In episode 563 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers discuss indie game success of Slay the Spire 2, Next Fest postmortem and launch strategies. They explore the evolving landscape of platform support, control schemes, platform creep in the gaming industry, and strategic platform choices for indie game success..Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:24 Introduction and Welcome08:10 Next Fest Insights and Indie Game Dynamics21:46 Navigating Game Launch Strategies Across Platforms22:33 The Dominance of Steam in Game Development29:39 Google's Push for Premium Experiences38:32 The Creep of Platforms and Cross-Compatibility46:22 Summarizing the Landscape for Developers49:18 The Challenges of Controller Support in Game Design52:06 Understanding Platform Dynamics and Opportunities54:19 Creepers vs. Retreaters: Analyzing Platform Strategies59:22 Cross-Platform User Management and Future ImplicationsTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

In episode 562 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers talk through the leadership shakeup at Xbox and how shifting platform priorities ripple out to indie studios. From there, they share details from their own Steam Next Fest experience, breaking down the wishlist spikes, traffic patterns, and player engagement numbers they hit during the event. It's a look at how timing, momentum, and community energy actually play out in practice when an indie team pushes a game into one of Steam's Next Fest Events.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:34 Introduction and Welcome01:13 Xbox update05:36 Introducing Asha Sharma11:36 The Gamer Identity and Leadership24:30 The Impact of Cloud Gaming34:18 Next Fest Insights and ExpectationsTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. Finally, if you'd like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★

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

New pixel phone. A bunch of new AI models including Gemini's entry into the music AI space. Everybody is trying to make AI fetch happen in India. And Matthew Ball's state of the gaming industry report doesn't paint as gloomy a picture as our own headlines might have suggested this year. The Pixel 10A is a little too much like last year's phone (The Verge) Anthropic releases Sonnet 4.6 (TechCrunch) Google's AI music maker is coming to the Gemini app (The Verge) Adani bets $100 billion on data centres to power India's AI ambitions (Reuters) Nvidia secures multibillion-dollar Meta deal as it battles chip rivals (FT) Global game content sales rose 5.3% to $195.6bn in 2025 (GamesIndustry.biz) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

SUBSCRIBE NOW!!!! on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher & Audible. Did Call of Duty Black Ops 7 beat COD Modern Warfare 3 as the worst-selling COD game? Xbox is getting even MORE expensive, and Where Winds Meet is big, weird, and filled with stuff to do!  All this and more on this episode of #PressXtoStart Gamer's Digest  Gaming News: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 EU Launch Sales Fall Short of Battlefield 6's Launch by 63%  Battlefield 6 Just Had the Best Month of Sales in the U.S. of Any Game in the Last Three Years - IGN  ‘They didn't plan at all': Xbox reportedly warning of yet another potential price increase | VGC - Subscribe to the Channel - Tides of Annihilation: Extended Cut of the New Boss Fight Trailer + New Screenshots - IGN  PlayStation Has Made Over $1 Billion On Steam, Firm Claims | Insider Gaming Ubisoft's Tencent deal goes through | GamesIndustry.biz  Ubisoft Reveals 'Teammates' Playable GenAI Experience as Its CEO Says GenAI Will Transform the Industry Like 3D - WccfTech Quick Hits EXCLUSIVE: Assassin's Creed Black Flag Remake Set to Launch Before March 31 | Insider Gaming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Demo Now Available At Switch 2 Kiosks (US) | Nintendo Life Naughty Dog's Intergalactic is reportedly skipping The Game Awards and won't release next year | VGC  Ghost of Yotei New Game + mode is live!  What We Been Playing: Sean - BF6 Dj - BF6, Where Winds Meet is big and weird    If you're enjoying the show, please take a moment to rate/review it on whatever service you're using. Every little bit helps!  Want to ask a question, ask us at PressX2start.com/Questions Join/Follow Us: Youtube: Press X To Start TV Twitch: pressxtostarttv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pressx2start Twitter: @PressX2S  Instagram: @PressX2Start TikTok: @pressx2start You can find more info about the Press X and who we are at www.PressX2start.com. If you have any questions or just want to tell us how great (or just slightly okay) we're doing or how we can be better, be a friend and reach out and email us at pressxtostartpodcast@gmail.com End music by @MarcoMavy on IG & Twitter Be good to each other, Peace!

SUBSCRIBE NOW!!!! on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher & Audible. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and all of the above, we are ending the year with talking about our Favorite 5 of 2025 (Games that is), but unfortunately, not all is good, the industry got hit with some terribly sad news. All this and more on this episode of Press X to Start Gamer's Digest  Gaming News:  Vince Zampella, video game developer behind 'Call of Duty,' killed in Ferrari crash  Video Game Physical Software and Hardware Sales Just Had the Worst November in the U.S. Since 1995 - IGN Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Hit by 41% Price Jump in DRAM, NAND Up 8% | TechPowerUp Subscribe to the Channel Sucker Punch Productions Co-Founder Brian Fleming Passes the Reins to the Next Chapter of Creative Leadership Report claims Naughty Dog recently ordered employees take on "mandatory" overtime | GamesIndustry.biz  Zoë Quinn and multiple game writers come forward about Larian's hiring practices ("unpaid writing tests you have to make playable") News | ResetEra Quick Hits Sony's legal battle against Tencent's Horizon ‘clone' is already over | The Verge Bethesda reportedly held a secret Starfield event to showcase an upcoming update that will add faster loading times and technical improvements to the Creation Engine, along with a PS5 port that will be announced in 2026 | TechRadar  What We Been Playing: Sean - Battlefield 6 Dj - Returnal, Battlefield 6, Where WInds Meet Favorite 5 of 2025: DJ: Expedition 33 Ghost of Yotei Battlefield 6 Dispatch Monster Hunter Wilds Sean: Expedition 33 Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Ghost of Yotei Battlefield 6   If you're enjoying the show, please take a moment to rate/review it on whatever service you're using. Every little bit helps!  Want to ask a question, ask us at PressX2start.com/Questions Join/Follow Us: Youtube: Press X To Start TV Twitch: pressxtostarttv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pressx2start Twitter: @PressX2S  Instagram: @PressX2Start TikTok: @pressx2start You can find more info about the Press X and who we are at www.PressX2start.com. If you have any questions or just want to tell us how great (or just slightly okay) we're doing or how we can be better, be a friend and reach out and email us at pressxtostartpodcast@gmail.com End music by @MarcoMavy on IG & Twitter Be good to each other, Peace!

SUBSCRIBE NOW!!!! on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher & Audible. RedSec Battlefield 6's battle royale mode is making me feel things, Animal Crossing New Horizon is coming to the Switch 2 as an update…, and a new leak has a big update coming to PS Portal! All this and more on this episode of #PressXtoStart Gamer's Digest. Gaming News: Battlefield 6 RedSec Review Bombing Makes No Sense | The Gamer Rumored RedSec hit around 20 million players  Casual Mode Added to Battlefield 6 with 32 Bots in Each Match | Insider Gaming  Battlefield 6 Reaches 10 Million Copies Sold, But Won't Be Enough To Topple Call Of Duty, Analyst Says - GameSpot  Animal Crossing: New Horizons is getting a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and a huge free update | VGC  PS Portal Adding Highly Demanded Game Streaming Feature, Leak Suggests | PlayStation LifeStyle  Former Sony boss says the industry's obsession with the 'mirage' of live service games is futile: 'The highway is littered with people wanting to take on Fortnite' | PC Gamer Reason: Former Bends Studios employee said the live service project was canceled | Reddit    'It's Funny That People Think About the Console-PC as Two Different Things' — Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Drops Biggest Hint Yet That the Next Xbox Is Basically a PC | IGN Quick Hits: Japan Patent Office rejects Nintendo patent for its Pokémon capture mechanic | GamesIndustry.biz US patent office director orders re-examination of Nintendo's patent on summoning characters to make them battle | VGC Monster Hunter Wilds' post-launch sales continue decline in latest Capcom results | VGC Amazon making ‘significant' cuts to games business, moving away from MMOs | VGC  What We Been Playing: Sean - Ghost of Yotei (finished), BF6, Dispatch Dj - Ghost of Yotei 100% completed, BF6 RedSec   If you're enjoying the show, please take a moment to rate/review it on whatever service you're using. Every little bit helps!  Want to ask a question, ask us at PressX2start.com/Questions Join/Follow Us: Youtube: Press X To Start TV Twitch: pressxtostarttv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pressx2start Twitter: @PressX2S  Instagram: @PressX2Start TikTok: @pressx2start You can find more info about the Press X and who we are at www.PressX2start.com. If you have any questions or just want to tell us how great (or just slightly okay) we're doing or how we can be better, be a friend and reach out and email us at pressxtostartpodcast@gmail.com End music by @MarcoMavy on IG & Twitter Be good to each other, Peace!

Episode SummaryHow do you break into the games industry later in your career? And once you're in, how do you build a meaningful life and community without burning out? In this episode, Greg is joined by Amir Satvat, a Business Development leader at Tencent and the winner of the "Game Changers" award. Amir is one of the industry's most important connectors, having built a community that has helped thousands find jobs and opportunities.Amir shares his incredible journey from finance at Goldman Sachs to gaming in his late 30s, offering a practical playbook for career pivots. He breaks down his disciplined, non-negotiable approach to balancing a high-stakes job with being a present father and husband, and reveals why true networking is a 12-month game of building relationships, not a last-minute job hunt. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to build a sustainable and impactful career in games.Timestamps(01:55) The Pivot: Amir details his unconventional path from banking and healthcare into the games industry.(11:00) The Non-Negotiable Framework: How Amir uses rigorous time-blocking to protect family time and avoid burnout.(25:49) Confronting Ageism: Amir discusses the industry's challenge with retaining and valuing older talent.(32:25) The #1 Networking Mistake: Why you need to build relationships long before you need them.(39:40) The Financial Modeling Trap: How a finance-first mindset can be both a powerful tool and a creativity killer in game development.Guest BioAmir Satvat is a leader in Business Development and Strategy at Tencent and the founder of a professional gaming community that has helped thousands of people. Known as one of the industry's most important connectors, his work is driven by a deep passion for helping others succeed.LinkedIn: Amir SatvatCommunity Hub: ASGC's Games Jobs Resources | WELCOMEKey TopicsBreaking into the games industry mid-careerEffective networking strategies for long-term successBalancing a demanding career with fatherhood and family lifeTransferable skills from other industries (finance, tech, healthcare)Community building and the power of trustContinuing education and staying relevantIndustry challenges: ageism, the future of consoles, and business models

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

UK courts have determined that stealing in game gold is a real world crime. That wasn't on my bingo card, and it has some interesting implications for other games like EVE Online.Would you recreate the smell of ancient times to find out what it was like? Some scientists are trying. Professor is really not convinced though.Markiplier released his Iron Lung film. Is this the new rise of indie films?***We enjoyed a nice drink of Rez which you can get a 10% discount when you type NERDS at the checkout from the Rez website at www.drinkrez.com ***Resources MentionedYou Can Go to Jail for Stealing RuneScape Gold Now (Specialist media lawyer outlines why UK Court of Appeals' judgment on RuneScape's Gold theft is so "significant for the games industry" | GamesIndustry.biz)The Smell of history (Can scientists recreate history with smells? - ABC listen, Recreating the smells of history )Markipiler vs Hollywood (How Markiplier's ‘Iron Lung' Proved the Studios Wrong: “There Is Still a Stigma Against YouTube”, Markiplier's ‘Iron Lung' Removed From Box Office Charts, Returns Making 7x Its Budget )Full Show Notes : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1myDrgf-PyvNQuW44mwKy1MCijKATqfTPUqy1r4nbry0/edit?usp=sharing***If you'd like to be featured on the show, send us an email: Nerds.Amalgamated@gmail.comFollow us on: Facebook || Twitter || TwitchJoin the Community on Discord: https://discord.gg/VqdBVH5aAnd watch us on YouTube: Nerds Amalgamated - YouTube

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

Check out our Patreon for a daily Lawrence Select™ Meme: https://www.patreon.com/insidegamesYTJoin the Inside Games notification Discord server for alerts when we publish new videos: http://discord.gg/ArvphbMPFJHosted by:Lawrence: http://twitch.tv/sirlarr | Bruce: http://twitch.tv/brucegreene Edited by: Shooklyn: https://linktr.ee/ShooklynSources --https://variety.com/2026/gaming/news/one-third-video-game-workers-laid-off-2025-1236644512/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/director-assures-ubisoft-remains-committed-to-beyond-good-evil-2-despite-recent-upheaval/https://twistedvoxel.com/sony-sending-message-to-ps4-users-asking-to-upgrade-to-ps5/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/twice-as-many-developers-surveyed-by-gdc-say-they-want-to-make-games-on-ps5-or-switch-2-than-on-xbox/Music —Switch It Up - Silent Partner https://youtu.be/r_HRbXhOir8Funk Down - MK2 https://youtu.be/SPN_Ssgqlzc

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

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

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

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

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

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

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