Podcasts about indie games

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 ★

Welcome back to IndieQuest, a celebration of the indie and obscure! Today we have special guest Max, also know as Potomax, on the show to talk about his FREE indie game -- The Joy of Putting! Then we all bring games to our list of indie game recommendations - The Quest Log. The games are pretty obscure this go around with lots of variety!Then we take some listener comments and suggestions in the campfire chat segment which leads into us assigning Second Opinion picks for a future episode to close out the show!PLAY THE JOY OF PUTTING HERE: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4168430/The_Joy_of_Putting/Find Max's other games here: https://potomax.itch.io/Find Max's bi-weekly gaming podcast here: https://thetrashstation.buzzsprout.com/------------------------------------------Games talked about in the show (contains spoilers for the episode):----------------------------The Joy of Putting, Hypogea, Berry Bury Berry, Goliath Depot, Big HopsSend a text---------------------------------------------Leave us questions, comments, concerns, or feedback of any kind at our email indiequestpod@gmail.com or follow us on BlueSky @indiequestpod! Send us emails with topics, questions, suggestions, or indie game recommendations at indiequestpod@gmail.com! If you want to see the Quest Log go to indiequestpod.com! This will be updated as episodes are released, be wary though because it may contain spoilers for the episode! Follow our Hosts here:Steve on twitch - twitch.tv/BlinkoomJosh on BlueSky - @JoshLeslieSeth on BlueSky - @captaindrachmaYou want to comment on something we talk about on a podcast?! Check out the network's reddit!https://www.reddit.com/r/polymedia/Special thanks to the intro music artist CrossFrog and the cover artist for the show @d3ltari on Instagram.Support the show - We're a proud part of the Polymedia Network!www.polymedianetwork.com

In dieser Folge sprechen Wibke und Florian über Dogpile, Celestial Empire und Dead Pets.

In this episode, we're breaking down a week that has fundamentally shifted the tectonic plates of the gaming industry. First, we tackle the "Dream Team" success of Edmund McMillen's Mewgenics—a 14-year labor of love that proves deep, uncompromising design still wins. We also check in on the "Indie Renaissance" with the undercover alien chaos of Roadside Research and the friendship-ending, $8 orbital-laser mayhem of Super Battle Golf. Then, we shift to the "Big Two" and the strange decisions coming out of the corporate boardrooms. With Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond departing Xbox and Bluepoint Games officially shuttered by Sony, the leadership of console gaming is in a total state of flux. Why is PlayStation pivoting to a stylized Horizon live-service game that fans didn't ask for? Can the "New Guard" at Microsoft find a soul for Xbox? It's a discussion about creative risks, corporate safe-bets, and why the most exciting things in gaming right now aren't coming from the names you expect. Show Notes: 0:46 - Housekeeping 2:51 - 14 Years to Success: Why Mewgenics Matters 42:41 - Super Battle Golf: 8 Players, 0 Rules, Pure Chaos. 1:04:54 - Paper Masks & Profit: Why Indie Sims are Saving Gaming 1:21:04 - PlayStation is Closing Studios. Phil Spencer is Out. Is Console Gaming Dying? 1:58:53 - Upcoming Video Game Releases   Become a part of the conversation! If you donate $1 or more on Patreon you can get exclusive access to the Patreon-only chat and channels on the server. Visit our website to find our social channels, check past podcasts and donate to the show.Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our latest videos as they drop. Credits:"Blue Groove Deluxe" by BlueFoxMusic on audiojungle.netWoman Announcer - Ariana Guerra; Actress"Wisdom" by Super Nostalgia 64

Puntata del 20/02/202600:00 Brano di apertura e intro08:05 La prova di Reanimal23:49 Annunci improbabili32:51 La prova di Nioh 3 con Alessandra Borgonovo45:01 News della settimana01:33:36 Anteprima di Denshattack!01:41:42 Breaking News: Phil Spencer lascia Xbox01:53:06 Kojima Inutility02:00:48 Resident Evil curiosity02:04:01 Brano di chiusura ed extraConsole Generation è la trasmissione radiofonica settimanale dedicata ai videogiochi, condotta da Andrea Facchinetti e Raffaele Cinquegrana. In diretta dal 2011 tutti i venerdì alle 22:30 su YouTube e Twitch e in podcast su tutte le piattafome.Su Console Generation trovi:* Le prove e le anteprime degli ultimi giochi in uscita* I commenti sulle principali news della settimana* Interviste e ospiti in diretta* Gli "Annunci improbabili", ovvero gli annunci dal vendo / compro / scambio più assurdi del web* La "Kojima Inutility", la rubrica inutile dedicata al maestro Kojima* La "Resident Evil Curiosity", una rubrica fissa dedicata al survival horror più famoso del mondo.Seguici su:* Sito internet: www.consolegeneration.it * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OBAlgJ948DFRPqlrFm803* Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/console-generation/id527727573?uo=4* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9b878aa-9b23-43d1-9d3b-5c679ca744bf/console-generation* Spreaker: http://www.spreaker.com/show/lo_show_di_console_generation* Instagram: consolegeneration* Facebook: @consolegeneration* YouTube: ConsoleGenerationIT* Twitch: Console Generation* Twitter: ConsoleGenerati* Telegram: https://t.me/consolegeneration* Gruppo Telegram: https://t.me/joinchat/OfXomETzwwIVeU9zObjDTw* Email: raffaele.cinquegrana@consolegeneration.it

Being firmly children of the '90s, all three hosts of Indieventure are at least passingly familiar with Blind Date, the British dating game show that ran from 1985 to 2003 which was iconically hosted by Cilla Black and Paul O'Grady. Look, I promise this is relevant. When we realised we couldn't do our originally planned topic for this episode and needed to come up with something else at short-notice, and also that the release date fell right around Valentine's Day, we threw around some ideas and eventually realised we'd just re-invented Blind Date with extra steps. Such is the millennial curse, I suppose (one of many). So yes, this is one for the bit-o'-bullshit fans, as we trot out indie gaming's most eligible batches (I'm told that this is the gender-neutral term for bachelors and bachelorettes – I'm personally a proponent of bachelandorette but fine, it's fine) for a dating game panel show type arrangement. We each attempt to embody our chosen singletons (and a few that we thought just ought to dump their canonical partners); ask some off-the-wall questions of one another; get briefly weirded out because as long-time friends playing a dating game together is a surprisingly odd experience; and generally attempt to do improv despite none of us being trained in the art. It goes surprisingly well! We had a lot of fun, hopefully you will too. I won't spoil the surprise by revealing the dates right here, but suffice to say if you've ever wondered which character from another game should be the next addition to Melinoë's polycule, or whether Chef Fujimoto from Octodad has healed enough to move on with his life and find love… well, the answers are all in this episode. Allegedly. I cannot stress enough that none of this is canon, and for legal reasons we don't claim that it is. We finish, as ever, on our hyperfixations, and it says a lot about the vibes of this episode that they're comparatively quite hinged this week. In preparation for the imminent release of Resi 9, Liam has been addressing the sole gap in his Resident Evil franchise knowledge by finally playing RE6 to see if it's as bad as he remembers from when he played half an hour at launch and then dropped off it. Rachel continues her commitment to playing fewer games slower with shout-outs to upcoming Paranormasight sequel The Mermaid's Curse, Cairn, and hidden gem of the farming/social sim genre Before The Green Moon. Rebecca, meanwhile, has been tempted back into the MCU by the word-of-mouth reputation of Wonder Man – an honestly brilliant buddy dramedy about the vicious world of Hollywood that just happens to feature some superheroes occasionally – and can't believe that Disney isn't doing more to promote their best Marvel offering in years that just happens to feature two men of colour as the leads, hmmm how strange, GO WATCH WONDER MAN while you ponder that one everybody. Our music was written and performed by Ollie Newbury! Find him on Instagram at @newbsmusic. Meanwhile, you can find us at indieventurepodcast.co.uk or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget that you can now join our dedicated Discord too, and be sure to check out our new Steam Curator page if you simply still can't get enough of us!

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

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

How the hell do you make a product called Tony's Chocolonely and not do a special Valentine's Day bar with a fentanyl center and a little space on the wrapper to write a suicide haiku.Games of the Week (3:14)• I'm giving away creations from The Seahorse and The Hummingbird, Grumpy Spider Games, Long Tail Games and Ada Press. Listen for how to win the whole pile.• The Fantasy Flight Games golden age retrospective continues with a look at Tannhäuser, an ambitious, glossy FFG rework of an existing alternate-universe squad skirmish game that went for it all. It won us over, at least. Track of the Week (23:29)An irresistible internally rhymed hip hop vocal sample leads us from 1997's “Dirt” by Death in Vegas back to Hip Hop First Lady Roxanne Shanté in her late-career attempt to declare war with every female rapper.Don't forget to listen for contest clues in both Games of the Week and Track of the Week in this episode.

Puntata del 13/02/2026- Carmageddon: Rogue Shift: intervista a Giuseppe Enrico Franchi (game director)- Le novità dal PlayStation State of Play- La prova di Aces of Thunder VR- La prova di Alien: Rogue IncursionConsole Generation è la trasmissione radiofonica settimanale dedicata ai videogiochi, condotta da Andrea Facchinetti e Raffaele Cinquegrana. In diretta dal 2011 tutti i venerdì alle 22:30 su YouTube e Twitch e in podcast su tutte le piattafome.Su Console Generation trovi:* Le prove e le anteprime degli ultimi giochi in uscita* I commenti sulle principali news della settimana* Interviste e ospiti in diretta* Gli "Annunci improbabili", ovvero gli annunci dal vendo / compro / scambio più assurdi del web* La "Kojima Inutility", la rubrica inutile dedicata al maestro Kojima* La "Resident Evil Curiosity", una rubrica fissa dedicata al survival horror più famoso del mondo.Seguici su:* Sito internet: www.consolegeneration.it * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OBAlgJ948DFRPqlrFm803* Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/it/podcast/console-generation/id527727573?uo=4* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c9b878aa-9b23-43d1-9d3b-5c679ca744bf/console-generation* Spreaker: http://www.spreaker.com/show/lo_show_di_console_generation* Instagram: consolegeneration* Facebook: @consolegeneration* YouTube: ConsoleGenerationIT* Twitch: Console Generation* Twitter: ConsoleGenerati* Telegram: https://t.me/consolegeneration* Gruppo Telegram: https://t.me/joinchat/OfXomETzwwIVeU9zObjDTw* Email: raffaele.cinquegrana@consolegeneration.it

「インディーゲームの祭典「TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2026」出展タイトル第1弾や協賛・協力企業が公開！」　Phoenixxは、3月20日・21日に東京・IMAGINUSで開催されるインディーゲームイベント「TOKYO INDIE GAMES SUMMIT 2026」について、出展タイトル第1弾および協賛・協力企業の情報を公開した。

Wie fühlt sich Hightech-Produktion in China wirklich an? Wie gefährlich sind OpenClaws KI-Agenten, die plötzlich selbstständig handeln? Und was passiert, wenn Chatbots irgendwann Werbung verkaufen müssen, um zu überleben? Dazu: moralische Grauzonen im Netflix-Film «The Rip» und zwei ungewöhnliche Indie-Games, die zeigen, wie kreativ Gaming gerade sein kann. Das und mehr besprechen wir in dieser Folge.

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 ★

After Matt and Roses dive into the lore of “Bawitiba”, they come in hot with some exciting gaming news, then have a charming little conversation about a game on their ranking list!Games Mentioned: Paranomasight: The Mermaid's Curse Perfect Tides: Station to Station Mio: Memories in Orbit TR-49 Danganronpa Strange Horticulture/Antiquities Astrologaster Orion Burger Pine Hearts WavetaleEmail us! mattandroses@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/fPv7hRgTeVFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/saveyourgamepodcast

Welcome back to IndieQuest, a celebration of the indie and obscure! We're back with another episode focused on affordable indies -- Bargain Quest! Each game we bring to the Quest Log today is under $5. This one is a ton of fun, it's a once in a lifetime episode. ENJOY!------------------------------------------Games talked about in the show (contains spoilers for the episode):----------------------------Hermit and Pig, Lovish, Linelith, Strange Jigsaws, Junkyard FurySend a text---------------------------------------------Leave us questions, comments, concerns, or feedback of any kind at our email indiequestpod@gmail.com or follow us on BlueSky @indiequestpod! Send us emails with topics, questions, suggestions, or indie game recommendations at indiequestpod@gmail.com! If you want to see the Quest Log go to indiequestpod.com! This will be updated as episodes are released, be wary though because it may contain spoilers for the episode! Follow our Hosts here:Steve on twitch - twitch.tv/BlinkoomJosh on BlueSky - @JoshLeslieSeth on BlueSky - @captaindrachmaYou want to comment on something we talk about on a podcast?! Check out the network's reddit!https://www.reddit.com/r/polymedia/Special thanks to the intro music artist CrossFrog and the cover artist for the show @d3ltari on Instagram.Support the show - We're a proud part of the Polymedia Network!www.polymedianetwork.com

Diese Episode von Pixelburg Savegame steht ganz im Zeichen der Retro-Liebe. Dome und René zocken Gameboy, N64 und Co. auf dem Analogue Pocket, dem Analogue 3D und dem Anbernic RG34XX. Von Metroid über Zool bis zu Pokémon ist alles dabei.René hat sich außerdem in die Vollversion von Dragon Quest VII Reimagined gestürzt und berichtet, warum das Remake sowohl für Veteranen als auch für Neueinsteiger ein echtes Rollenspiel-Highlight ist.Dome gibt Vollgas das der PS5: Im Power Pack von Gran Turismo 7 dreht er seine Runden und schwärmt vom tollen Renngefühl.Außerdem: René zockt den Playtest von Restory: Chill Electronics Repairs und die Jungs werfen einen Ausblick auf Mario Tennis Fever.Viel Spaß beim Hören!Pixelburg Savegame auf Instagram, YouTube und TikTokDominik Ollmann auf InstagramRené Deutschmann auf Instagram (00:00) - In dieser Folge... (04:19) - Domes Geburtstag! (09:47) - Metroid II und Monster AG (13:39) - Zool: Ninja of the Nth Dimension (16:24) - Dragon Ball Z: Legacy of Goku (20:20) - Retro Gaming und Nostalgie (25:35) - Metroid Fusion (34:13) - Anbernic RG34XX (50:36) - Gran Turismo 7 Power Pack DLC (58:43) - ReStory: Chill Electronics Repair (01:18:14) - Dragon Quest 7: Das beste aus alt und neu? (01:21:44) - Mario Tennis Fever (01:28:27) - Pokémon Jubiläum (01:30:19) - Analogue 3D Multiplayer Session

In dieser Folge sprechen Christina und Florian über Bladesong, Tabulo und Confidential Killings.

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

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

Send us a textWelcome to another episode of The Gamerheads Podcast! This week, we dig into two very different conversations. First up: Dispatch and why Nintendo's handling of content moderation can feel wildly inconsistent, especially when you compare what gets flagged versus what quietly slips through the eShop.Then we shift to our main topic: Highguard and the reality of launching a free-to-play team shooter in a crowded space. We break down the big player-count drop, why 3v3 on oversized maps is rubbing people the wrong way, and whether games like this can still find a long-term audience (or if the first couple weeks decide everything). Finally we cover the games we've been playing: Star Rupture, Project Zomboid, Death Stranding 2, and a whole lot of Animal Crossing.Support the showHere are a few ways you can support Gamerheads!Leave us a review!Not only does your review help fellow gamers discover our podcast, but it also provides valuable insights for us as content creators. Your feedback serves as a compass, guiding us in crafting episodes that cater to your interests, addressing topics that matter to you, and enhancing your overall listening experience. Your words have the power to influence the direction of future episodes and ensure that we continue delivering content that captivates and engages. Review us on Goodpods! Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Join our Discord!In The Gamerheads Podcast Discord, you'll find a haven for lively discussions, where you can chat about the latest releases and share your gaming experiences with fellow gamers.Join our Patreon today https://www.patreon.com/gamerheadsFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/gamerheadspodcast.comMusic: Jeff Dasler - Recus...

In this episode of The Corner of Story and Game, returning guest Willem Delventhal joins us for our year-end conversation, looking back on what 2025 taught us and looking ahead to what it will take to thrive in 2026 as indie creators.Quick note up front: this episode was recorded at the start of the new year, and it's coming out later than planned. That one is on us. Life got loud, timelines got messy, and this finale slipped. Thanks for sticking with me!In the conversation, Willem and I dig into what actually moves the needle for small teams. Discipline, deadlines, and building systems that help you ship. We talk about the difference between being inspired and being consistent, why indie work often lives or dies on follow-through, and how to keep making games when the industry feels shaky.

Welcome back to the NSG Indie Game Roundup, our monthly series featuring indie games news, plus game demos and new release discussions. Not to startle anyone, but we're officially one month into 2026, and the indie hits keep on coming! This roundup is absolutely packed with demos for upcoming games in 2026 that you'll want to keep your eye on. Prepare your wishlists, folks! We also have a ton of new releases to discuss, including both high profile and under-the-radar titles. But first, we have big news: the No Small Games girlies have been officially inducted into two Fantasy Critic leagues for their first season. We're talking draft results and strats! Also, huge thanks to our newest Patreon supporters! In addition to other fun perks, members on Patreon get early access to all of the Indie Game Roundup episodes. If you love No Small Games and would like to support us in growing the show, while also unlocking fun, exclusive content, you can check out our Patreon page. You can find our full show notes, including links and shoutouts, on the No Small Games site: Indie Game Roundup - January 2026 Show Notes Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:07:02 - Icebreaker Question 00:16:53 - Indie Game News 00:32:13 - Demos 01:14:45 - Marble Odyssey Sandbox 01:20:52 - THE SPIRIT LIFT 01:30:44 - The Artful Escape 01:37:20 - DEAD LETTER DEPT. 01:42:35 - Winter Burrow 01:49:20 - Skate Story 01:55:35 - The Roottrees are Dead Keep in touch with us on social media: Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social  Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social  No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social  No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames  Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

Gaming hosts Josh, Ryan and Ace are rolling back the clock from 2008 to today looking at the Indie Game of the Year—and to ask a bigger question: at what point did indie games stop being “impressive for indies” and just become impressive, period? From early breakout hits to modern GOTY contenders, we trace the moments that reshaped expectations, budgets, and creative freedom, while digging into the video games history that forced the mainstream to pay attention. Along the way, we debate which releases truly changed the conversation, how scope and polish evolved, and whether the indie label even means the same thing anymore. This is a thoughtful, opinionated deep dive packed with context, hot takes, and a few friendly arguments. If you love gaming conversations that challenge old assumptions and celebrate great video games no matter where they come from, this episode is for you—and a must-listen for anyone who cares about how gaming has changed forever.   Thanks to our MYTHIC Supporters: Redletter, Disratory, Ol' Jake, Gaius, Jigglepuf, Phelps and NorwegianGreaser, and Dettmarp   Thanks to our Legendary Supporters: HypnoticPyro, PeopleWonder, Bobby S.   2025: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1903340/Clair_Obscur_Expedition_33/   Connect with the show: Support us on Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/videogamerspod⁠ Join our Gaming Community: https://discord.gg/kKA7EMyM Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/videogamerspod/⁠  Follow us on X:⁠ https://twitter.com/VideoGamersPod⁠  Subscribe to us on YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VideoGamersPod?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Visit us on the web:⁠https://videogamerspod.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 ★

Matt gets revenge on Roses for grilling him on Monkey Island by giving her a hard-AF King's Quest Quiz! After she does mildly okay, they get back to ranking every adventure game ever.Games Mentioned: Hollow Knight: Silksong Kingdoms of the Dump Foolish Mortals Coven of the Chicken Foot Twenty Small Mazes Constance King's Quest 1-7 Ranked: Ben Jordan Paranormal Investigator Case 6 Am I? Whateverland Cosmology of Kyoto Nauticrawl Delores: A Thumbleweed Park mini adventure The Black Cauldron Room 208 Solaria Moon As Dusk FallsEmail us! mattandroses@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/fPv7hRgTeVFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/saveyourgamepodcast

Welcome back to IndieQuest, a celebration of the indie and obscure! We start off the episode chatting about some games we're playing, including "The Joy of Putting," by our friend Potomax (check it out here!) Then we each bring a new game to our ever-growing list of Indie Game recommendations, the Quest Log. A lot of variety this episode with 3 titles that may peak your interest!!!Thanks for listening and supporting the show!------------------------------------------Games talked about in the show (contains spoilers for the episode):----------------------------Babushka's Glitch Dungeon, Cassette Boy, Cat Quest 3Send us a text---------------------------------------------Leave us questions, comments, concerns, or feedback of any kind at our email indiequestpod@gmail.com or follow us on BlueSky @indiequestpod! Send us emails with topics, questions, suggestions, or indie game recommendations at indiequestpod@gmail.com! If you want to see the Quest Log go to indiequestpod.com! This will be updated as episodes are released, be wary though because it may contain spoilers for the episode! Follow our Hosts here:Steve on twitch - twitch.tv/BlinkoomJosh on BlueSky - @JoshLeslieSeth on BlueSky - @captaindrachmaYou want to comment on something we talk about on a podcast?! Check out the network's reddit!https://www.reddit.com/r/polymedia/Special thanks to the intro music artist CrossFrog and the cover artist for the show @d3ltari on Instagram.Support the show - We're a proud part of the Polymedia Network!www.polymedianetwork.com

Before the start of My Perfect Console's fourth season, we revisit a classic early episode with the reclusive game designer, Phil Fish.Phil studied game design in Montreal and, after a brief stint working at Ubisoft, left to begin work on a game of his own, a platformer that combined the art style of the Super Nintendo classics of his youth, with perspective-shifting innovations of his own.Six years in the making, Fez launched in 2012 to near universal acclaim, part of the first wave of so-called indie games. After featuring heavily in the film documentary Indie Game: the Movie, my guest, who is passionately outspoken, became the subject of co-ordinated online attacks, which culminated in his retreat from public platforms, nearly a decade ago.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsoleTake the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We kick things off by mapping out the 2026 gaming calendar—not with rankings, but with a realistic survival guide. From early-year sequel grinds like Nioh 3 and Resident Evil Requiem, to spring's speed-and-stealth energy with Forza Horizon 6 and 007 First Light, and all the way to an end-of-year showdown between Fable and Grand Theft Auto VI, we talk through when these games hit, which ones demand your time, and where busy gamers might actually squeeze them in. Along the way, we call out wildcards, potential shadow drops, and the titles we're most excited—and most scared—to make room for.From there, we pivot into a deep-dive discussion on South of Midnight, a game with one of the most striking art styles and soundtracks in recent memory, but a gameplay loop that struggles to keep up with its ambition. We debate whether incredible vibes, music, and world-building can carry a repetitive “walk, fight, repeat” structure, and ask the tough question: would this experience have been better as a short animated series than a full-length game?We close the episode with two heavy conversations: first, a brutally honest look at Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and whether hyper-realism has crossed the line from immersive to exhausting, especially for players with limited time. Then we zoom out to the industry level, breaking down Ubisoft's massive shakeup—cancelled games, creative restructuring, controversial AI initiatives, and a stock crash that raises real concerns about the publisher's future. Is this a painful but necessary reset, or the beginning of the end? As always, we leave it to you: which games define your 2026, how much realism is too much, and is Ubisoft still worth believing in?Show Notes:0:46 - Housekeeping2:36 - GTA VI, Fable, and the 2026 Games We Can't Miss59:31 - South of Midnight: A 10/10 World in a 6/10 Game1:26:09 - Is Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 TOO Realistic to Be Fun?1:45:36 - Ubisoft at the Crossroads — Can They Still Win?2:09:35 - Upcoming Video Game Releases Become a part of the conversation! If you donate $1 or more on Patreon you can get exclusive access to the Patreon-only chat and channels on the server. Visit our website to find our social channels, check past podcasts and donate to the show.Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all of our latest videos as they drop. Credits:"Blue Groove Deluxe" by BlueFoxMusic on audiojungle.netWoman Announcer - Ariana Guerra; Actress"Wisdom" by Super Nostalgia 64

Happy New Year, Indieventurers, welcome to 2026! What's new, what's good? Well that's what we're here to tell you of course! Last year may have been a bit of a washout for AAAs, but the indie game scene is still going strong, despite the many obstacles presented by the modern games industry and… our contemporary world in general. Happily, this year looks set to continue the indie gem trend; even though the calendar is so far looking pretty empty of firm release dates as every game developer and their mum attempts to edge away from the all-consuming spectre of GTA6, there's already plenty on the horizon for us to get excited about all the same. Join us as we evangelise on our upcoming highlights (plus way more bonus honourable mentions than we'd planned) including, in no particular order (just kidding I'm alphabetising them like always): Beware of the Cartographer, Cairn, Denshattack!, Dosa Divas, Find Your Words, Hellmart, inKONBINI, Mandrake, Masters of Albion, The Mermaid Mask, Mixtape, Moonlight Peaks, Orbitals, Paralives, Peace Island, Penguin Colony, A Planet Full of Cats, Raccoin: Coin Pusher Roguelike, ReAnimal, Roman Sands RE:Build, Servant of the Lake, Starsand Island, and – maybe the best-named game ever – Virtue and a Sledgehammer. Our first hyperfixations of the year are here too, and you may not be surprised to learn that over the Christmas break Rachel has been enjoying the latest series of The Traitors, while Liam has been equally diverted by the surprisingly excellent Scooby-Doo licensed DLC for House Flipper 2. Rebecca, meanwhile, thinks that 2026 may have peaked already as far as AAA gaming goes with the release of Heartopia – an Animal Crossing inspired "slow life sim" that somehow also encompasses all of the other trends she's associated with (a mobile live-service game possessed of the world's most useless and forgettable gacha). Also, if you ever read a novel called The Mouse Butcher, can you please let Rebecca know? It'd be a great opportunity to head on over to our Discord if you haven't already, just saying. Our music was written and performed by Ollie Newbury! Find him on Instagram at @newbsmusic. Meanwhile, you can find us at indieventurepodcast.co.uk or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget that you can now join our dedicated Discord too, and be sure to check out our new Steam Curator page if you simply still can't get enough of us!

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 ★

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2 Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson Very few games have ever had the hype cycle that Hollow Knight: Silksong (Team Cherry, 2025) had, so the question remained once the game was finally released- did it live up to the hype? Clown masks and Nintendo Direct comment section explosions quickly gave way to Discourse surrounding Silksong's difficulty and sometimes anti-QoL approach. So was the juice worth the squeeze? Listen in to find out. Guest info: Jenny Windom (she/her) Check out Geeks & Grounds podcast https://www.geeksandgrounds.com/ Check out Jenny's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/kimchica TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Title Card 0:13 Introductions 9:06 Our Histories with Hollow Knight and Silksong 12:45 Opening Thoughts about Silksong 18:26 Difficulty and Accessibility 23:19 Story Setup and Visuals 27:31 The Pilgrimage, Characters and Voice Acting 36:25 The Pilgrimage and Anti-QoL Design 48:29 Challenge Ramp-Up and Difficulty Curve 57:53 Silksong- A Good Teacher & Overcoming Challenge 1:05:47 Metroidvania Design, Visuals and Music 1:14:18 Boss Fights, Combat Challenges and Runbacks 1:33:42 Crests, Tools, Customization 1:40:40 Closing Thoughts/Recommendations 1:45:54 Geeks & Grounds and Jenny's Other Work 1:51:22 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous 1:53:13 Spoiler Section- Favorite Boss Fights 2:18:22 Spoiler Section- The Citadel and Faith 2:27:46 Spoiler Section- Hornet's Growth, Sherma and Community 2:45:23 Spoiler Section- Motherhood and Endings Music used in the episode is credited to Christopher Larkin. Tracks used: Silksong, Bone Bottom, Trobbio, Cogwork Dancers, Bilewater, Far Fields, Lost Lace, Fleatopia Social Media: BlueSky- https://bsky.app/profile/tftblpod.bsky.social Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/ Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

This week on AwesomeCast 764, cohosts Michael Sorg, Dave Podnar, and Katie Dudas dive into the week's biggest tech and creator stories—plus a special Animal Crossing 3.0 update field report from Charlotte. Katie checks in with her Animal Crossing–obsessed niece Charlotte to break down what's new, what's addictive, and how “slumber islands” change the way you build and share your island adventures.  Then the crew hits a surprisingly heartfelt app story with “Are You Dead?”, a daily check-in safety app built for modern life when friends and family live far apart.  We also get into the rise of cozy “chore games” like PowerWash Simulator and other satisfyingly organized gaming obsessions.  On the creator side, we break down Apple's new Creator Studio approach—what it could mean for Final Cut, Logic, Motion, and Compressor—and why AI-assisted editing features are starting to matter for everyday workflows.  Plus: OpenAI's push toward age prediction and the complications that come with automated verification.  Show notes + links: (include the link list above) Animal Crossing • Animal Crossing video (Katie segment) (no URL listed in the sheet row; included as an on-show segment) “Chore games” / cozy games • A Game About Digging a Hole (Xbox): https://www.xbox.com/en-US/play/games/a-game-about-digging-a-hole/9NGLST31DG26 • A Game About Digging a Hole (Nintendo): https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/a-game-about-digging-a-hole-switch/ • PowerWash Simulator (Apple App Store): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/powerwash-simulator/id6477445344 “Are You Dead?” app • BGR story: https://www.bgr.com/2074610/are-you-dead-top-paid-iphone-app-china/ • DeMumu app listing: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/demumu/id6745099872 ChachiSays Video Game Minute items (from the sheet) • David Rosen / Sega co-founder (Tom's Hardware): https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/sega-co-founder-david-r…d-former-us-airman-set-up-sega-after-his-service-ended-in-japan • Assassin's Creed Netflix casting (Deadline): https://deadline.com/2026/01/assassins-creed-tanzyn-crawford-cast-netflix-series-1236658813/ • John Wick universe AAA game (Tech4Gamers): https://tech4gamers.com/aaa-john-wick-game-development/ AI / OpenAI / Sora • Mattel on Sora profile: https://sora.chatgpt.com/profile/mattel • OpenAI age prediction (Engadget): https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-is-launching-age-prediction-for-chatgpt-accounts-222650340.html • ChatGPT Health page: https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-health/ Creator tools • Apple Creator Studio (Apple Newsroom): https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/01/introducing-apple-creator-studio-an-inspiring-collection-of-creative-apps/ • Adobe Premiere AI updates (Engadget): https://www.engadget.com/ai/adobe-unveils-new-ai-powered-vide…vlq1gStDzB9i-clNMdAMo4O0o4ro8ohtbVXETV41pRXvEFAQZh6nDH-1vO91dYLO

This week on AwesomeCast 764, cohosts Michael Sorg, Dave Podnar, and Katie Dudas dive into the week's biggest tech and creator stories—plus a special Animal Crossing 3.0 update field report from Charlotte. Katie checks in with her Animal Crossing–obsessed niece Charlotte to break down what's new, what's addictive, and how “slumber islands” change the way you build and share your island adventures.  Then the crew hits a surprisingly heartfelt app story with “Are You Dead?”, a daily check-in safety app built for modern life when friends and family live far apart.  We also get into the rise of cozy “chore games” like PowerWash Simulator and other satisfyingly organized gaming obsessions.  On the creator side, we break down Apple's new Creator Studio approach—what it could mean for Final Cut, Logic, Motion, and Compressor—and why AI-assisted editing features are starting to matter for everyday workflows.  Plus: OpenAI's push toward age prediction and the complications that come with automated verification.  Show notes + links: (include the link list above) Animal Crossing • Animal Crossing video (Katie segment) (no URL listed in the sheet row; included as an on-show segment) “Chore games” / cozy games • A Game About Digging a Hole (Xbox): https://www.xbox.com/en-US/play/games/a-game-about-digging-a-hole/9NGLST31DG26 • A Game About Digging a Hole (Nintendo): https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/a-game-about-digging-a-hole-switch/ • PowerWash Simulator (Apple App Store): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/powerwash-simulator/id6477445344 “Are You Dead?” app • BGR story: https://www.bgr.com/2074610/are-you-dead-top-paid-iphone-app-china/ • DeMumu app listing: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/demumu/id6745099872 ChachiSays Video Game Minute items (from the sheet) • David Rosen / Sega co-founder (Tom's Hardware): https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/sega-co-founder-david-r…d-former-us-airman-set-up-sega-after-his-service-ended-in-japan • Assassin's Creed Netflix casting (Deadline): https://deadline.com/2026/01/assassins-creed-tanzyn-crawford-cast-netflix-series-1236658813/ • John Wick universe AAA game (Tech4Gamers): https://tech4gamers.com/aaa-john-wick-game-development/ AI / OpenAI / Sora • Mattel on Sora profile: https://sora.chatgpt.com/profile/mattel • OpenAI age prediction (Engadget): https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-is-launching-age-prediction-for-chatgpt-accounts-222650340.html • ChatGPT Health page: https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-health/ Creator tools • Apple Creator Studio (Apple Newsroom): https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/01/introducing-apple-creator-studio-an-inspiring-collection-of-creative-apps/ • Adobe Premiere AI updates (Engadget): https://www.engadget.com/ai/adobe-unveils-new-ai-powered-vide…vlq1gStDzB9i-clNMdAMo4O0o4ro8ohtbVXETV41pRXvEFAQZh6nDH-1vO91dYLO

Send us a textWelcome to another episode of The Gamerheads Podcast! 2026 marks ten years of the show, and what better way to kick off the year than to invite our friend Jill Grodt from The Indie Informer to talk about the indie games we're most excited for in 2026. Support the showHere are a few ways you can support Gamerheads!Leave us a review!Not only does your review help fellow gamers discover our podcast, but it also provides valuable insights for us as content creators. Your feedback serves as a compass, guiding us in crafting episodes that cater to your interests, addressing topics that matter to you, and enhancing your overall listening experience. Your words have the power to influence the direction of future episodes and ensure that we continue delivering content that captivates and engages. Review us on Goodpods! Review us on Apple Podcasts! Review us on Spotify! Join our Discord!In The Gamerheads Podcast Discord, you'll find a haven for lively discussions, where you can chat about the latest releases and share your gaming experiences with fellow gamers.Join our Patreon today https://www.patreon.com/gamerheadsFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/gamerheadspodcast.comMusic: Jeff Dasler - Recus...

For years, indie games were treated as alternatives to the mainstream. But more recently, that narrative started to fall apart. The games shaping player expectations and influencing industry direction aren't just succeeding, they're forcing the rest of the market to respond. In this episode, we explore why indie games are driving the industry forward. We reflect on what made 2025 a turning point, how player expectations around scope and ambition have shifted, and how publishing models are evolving in response. So rather than chasing hype, we're going to focus on the forces behind this change and where the industry is headed next. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/437

SummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss the recent announcement of Discord going public and the implications it has for the gaming community. They delve into potential changes in pricing and advertising, the impact of AI on gaming, and the introduction of AI companions, such as Ava. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the gaming industry, the rise of indie games, and the future of AI technology in gaming. The hosts express concerns about the direction of the sector and the potential loss of the human experience in gaming due to AI advancements.Chapters00:00 Discord's Public Move: A New Era Begins09:01 The Impact of AI on Gaming18:33 The Future of Gaming: Exosuits and AI Companions27:48 The Gaming Industry's Evolution and Challenges37:06 The Rise of Indie Games and Market Dynamics46:33 The Future of AI and Gaming: A Cautionary TaleJoin the newsletterSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/gzchopshop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get to know Daniel Newman, board game designer and owner of New Mill Industries. We discuss the indie game markets that have been popping up at conventions over the last couple of years. They are a wonderful place to find unique games that only have very small print runs. And you get some insights on what the Tokyo Game market is like. We then talk about trick taking games that stood out to us from Japan and America. Some games might be hard to get but they might be interesting enough to you that you will want to hunt down. Then we talk about the mahjong resurgence and how Daniel connects to his son through Pokemon.00:00:00 Intro00:00:23 Getting to know Daniel Newman00:02:27 The Journey of a Game Designer00:04:35 The Indie Game Market Phenomenon00:09:25 Defining Indie Games and Their Market00:12:08 Criteria for Indie Game Market Participation00:19:45 5 Trick Takers that Stood out to usSkull King and Mythical Dice baseline00:24:01 Where to buy Japanese Games       https://trickyimports.com/       Tanoki games       UK - travel-games.co.uk      Amazon.jp      booth.jp      Consolidation services: Buyee00:28:58 Bid Coin00:32:09 No Loose Ends00:34:45 Karaoke Trick00:36:50 Cat in the Box00:39:08 Recurrring00:41:21 Mu and More      Zoo and More - Taylor Reiner - Seers catalog00:45:47 Sumida River00:48:04 Mystery Tricks00:53:24 I'm the CEO00:56:41 The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Trick-Taking Game00:58:56 Vegeterrors01:00:12 Tezuma Trick      The Six of VIII01:03:36 Honorable Mentions01:03:54 Rebel Princess (Zombie Princess)      Spring Cleaning / Haunted Mouse01:05:02 Rascally Rabbits01:08:07 Moment of Positivity: The Resurgence of Mahjong01:12:07 Connecting Generations Through Pokemon01:13:38 Where to find Daniel & New Mill Industries      Daniel Newman on Bluesky     New Mill Industries Website01:14:58 Outro(Please note that these time stamps might not be accurate due to the use of dynamic ads.) BGG Store: https://boardgamegeekstore.com/ Web: https://boardgamegeek.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boardgamegeekTwitter: https://twitter.com/BoardGameGeekEmail: podcast@boardgamegeek.com

In this episode, the hosts reflect on the year 2025 in VR gaming, discussing standout titles. Concluding with a positive outlook for the future of VR gaming. In this episode, the hosts discuss various new and upcoming VR games, including Dread Meridian, Catana, and Trenches VR. They also address the recent layoffs in the gaming industry, particularly at Cloudhead Games, and share their thoughts on the impact of these changes. The conversation shifts to upcoming releases in January, highlighting titles like Umami Grove and Orcs Must Die: By The Blade. The hosts also delve into their experiences with Stranger Things VR, offering a critical perspective on its gameplay and narrative.-Meta Quest Affiliate: 10% off all Quest Games Here - https://tinyurl.com/39mxmkcv - or use code CBVR on the Meta store for a discountAll links, including Discord: https://linktr.ee/crossbuttonvr-Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:37 Reflections on 2025 and Gaming Plans05:42 Game of the Year Discussion: Memoriam08:31 Jump Scares and Game Mechanics11:21 Atmosphere in Horror Games14:11 Game of the Year Discussion: Into Black17:09 Game of the Year Discussion: Forefront25:29 Honorable Mentions and Closing Thoughts28:34 Exploring VR Game Development and Community Engagement34:49 Diving into Game Mechanics and Player Experience38:12 The Impact of Indie Games in the VR Landscape43:37 Honorable Mentions: Celebrating Unique Game Experiences49:39 The Future of VR Gaming: Trends and Innovations01:00:26 Nostalgia in Gaming: The Appeal of Tower Defense01:01:18 Industry Challenges: Cloudhead's Layoffs01:04:12 Upcoming Releases: January Game Highlights01:06:01 Exploring New Titles: Dread Meridian and Fixer Undercover01:08:29 Innovative Gameplay: Sky Leap VR and Catana01:12:16 Horror Elements: Dread Meridian's Survival Mechanics01:19:09 Cozy Gaming: Umami Grove and Relaxation in VR01:24:14 Behind the Scenes: Orcs Must Die! VR Development01:28:40 Expectations vs. Reality in Gaming01:32:33 Diving into Stranger Things VR01:39:36 Gameplay Mechanics and Immersion01:44:39 The Importance of Meaningful Content01:50:36 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

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 ★

WOW! Can you believe it, folks? 2025 is over, and we're on to a new year. But wait! We have some unfinished business! We can't move on to 2026 until we RANK THE BEST GAMES OF 2025!To help us in this endeavor, we bring along content creator and game curator CASEY EXPLOSION! Casey brings all their expertise and charm along to help us figure out our TOP TENs (or TOP SIXes, for some of us).Come learn about all the best games of 2025 with your pals Matt, PushingUpRoses, and Casey Explosion!2025 Games Mentioned: Asylum Bye Sweet Carole Easy Delivery Company Duskpunk CARIMARA: Between the forlorn pines Demon School The Séance of Blake Manor Guns of Fury Cabernet Promise Mascot Agency Dark Queen of Mortholme Dispatch Power Wash Simulator 2 Silent Hill F KINGDOMS OF THE DUMP STRANGE JIGSAWS PIPISTRELLO AND THE CURSED YOYO ROSEWATER BLUE PRINCE STRANGE ANTIQUITIES THE DRIFTER CITIZEN SLEEPER II: STARWARD VECTOR DUCK DETECTIVE 2: THE GHOST OF GLAMPING ABSOLUM HOLLOW KNIGHT: SILKSONG ÖOO NO, I'M NOT A HUMAN OLD SKIES CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33 LOOK OUTSIDEOther Games Mentioned: Scratches Snowrunner Citizen Sleeper Frog Detective Small Saga Paradise Killer Styx: Blades of Greed The Darkside Detective: Backside of the Moon Perfect Tides: Station to Station Esoteric EbbEmail us! mattandroses@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/fPv7hRgTeVFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/saveyourgamepodcast

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

This week's episode is a quieter one on the news front - but a big one for reflections.We look at the latest signals from the React Native ecosystem, then zoom out into what I've been building lately, why I can't stop thinking about my game project, and how AI has quietly become one of the most useful tools in my daily workflow.⚛️ React Native RadarState of React Native 2025 survey: early impressions & what stands outJavaScript Rising Stars 2025: what's gaining traction (and what isn't)

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 ★

EPISODE 304We are kicking off the year with a look back at 2025 as we celebrate the Best Indie/Small games of the year AND the Best Visuals by debating and ranking those 2 categories. We also make some personal picks for our favorite Action Games, favorite gaming platform, Best DLC, and then we listen to some of the best gaming music of the year to close things out. Thanks for watching & listening!VIDEO Podcast: YouTube or SpotifyAUDIO Podcast: Apple or search for us wherever you like to listen!

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 ★

Support my work on Patreon- https://patreon.com/realdavejackson Join the Tales from the Backlog Discord server- https://discord.gg/kAqSBb6jH2 Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi- https://ko-fi.com/realdavejackson All paid patrons can listen to a bonus episode about our favorite non-2025 games that we played this year! https://www.patreon.com/posts/our-favorite-non-146887020 It's that time! End of the year time! Games of the year time! This year I polled Discord and Patreon members on their favorites of the year, tallied them up, and here are the results! Then, I close out the show with my own top 10 and some other thoughts as we bring the 2025th year to a close. Please enjoy! TIMESTAMPS * 0:00 Title Card and Introduction * 4:50 Community Honorable Mentions * 10:10 Community Top 10 * 28:31 Dave's Honorable Mentions * 30:02 Dave's #10 * 32:14 Dave's #9 * 35:06 Dave's #8 * 38:21 Dave's #7 * 41:43 Dave's #6 * 46:05 Dave's #5 * 49:12 Dave's #4 * 54:18 Dave's #3 * 57:58 Dave's #2 * 1:04:27 Dave's #1 * 1:14:34 Closing Thoughts * 1:21:50 Patron Thank-Yous Music used in the episode: * Your Host for Tonight (Chipzel- Dicey Dungeons OST) * Beginner's Luck (Chipzel- Dicey Dungeons OST) * Polarity (Francisco Javier Pérez- Bionic Bay OST) * Monoco (Lorien Testard- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 OST) * Gestral Beach- Is It a Gestral or a Volleyball (Lorien Testard- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 OST) * Lumiose City (Day) (Shota Kageyama, Carlos Eiene- Pokemon Legends Z-A OST) * Story of All Manor (Trigg & Gusset- Blue Prince OST) * Manor- Our Painted Home (Lorien Testard- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 OST) * Lumiose City (Night) (Shota Kageyama, Carlos Eiene- Pokemon Legends Z-A OST) * The Storm (Olivier Deriviere- South of Midnight OST) * Mysterious Swamps (Olivier Deriviere- South of Midnight OST) * Enter Sektori (Tommy Baynen- Sektori OST) * The Beauty of Nature (Miwako Chinone- Monster Hunter Wilds OST) * Many Nights a Whisper (fingerspit- Many Nights a Whisper OST) * Ten Years Ago You Were Chosen (fingerspit- Many Nights a Whisper OST) * Signalchaser (Amos Roddy- Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector OST) * Suncatchers (Amos Roddy- Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector OST) * Introduction (C418- Wanderstop OST) * Simon's Theme (Trigg & Gusset- Blue Prince OST) * Bilewater (Christopher Larkin- Hollow Knight: Silksong OST) * Bellhart (Christopher Larkin- Hollow Knight: Silksong OST) * Une vie à t'aimer (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier, Victor Borba- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 OST) * Gestral Beach- I'd Rather Play Petanque (Lorien Testard, Alice Duport-Percier, Victor Borba- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 OST) * Battle Theme No. 1 (Toma Otowa- Ghost of Yotei OST) * Raise the Sails (Saori Yoshida- Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii OST) Social Media: BlueSky- https://bsky.app/profile/tftblpod.bsky.social Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthebacklog/ Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Rocky (12) and Mickey (10) are back with Eric Kress and Jen Donahoe for the annual TWIG Jr segment, bringing unfiltered Gen Alpha opinions on everything from Roblox to the Switch 2. The kids don't hold back: hypercasual games are "mindless slop," Steal a Brain Rot is "ruining America," and Fortnite is running out of collabs. They break down what's actually hot at school (Clash Royale in the carpool line), why Grow a Garden faded, and make predictions for 2026.The conversation takes a sharp turn when Eric asks if they've heard of PrizePicks. Turns out, after watching four football games in a day, these kids can rattle off gambling brands like pros. They don't know what the apps actually do, but they've definitely seen the ads. A revealing look at what sports media saturation looks like through younger eyes.00:00 Welcome to Twig Junior Awards01:30 Meet the Junior Hosts: Rocky and Mickey02:57 Opinions on Gaming Industry04:24 Twig Junior Awards: Disappointing Games07:07 Twig Junior Awards: Talk of the Year12:00 Roblox and Social Gaming16:24 Console Gaming and Preferences17:00 Fortnite and Minecraft Discussions18:23 Minecraft Education vs. Switch18:43 Gaming Predictions for the Future19:04 Fortnite and Platform Preferences20:08 Clash Royale Craze21:32 Discovering New Games22:27 Indie Games and PC Gaming23:38 Social Media and Gaming24:44 Predictions for 202626:46 Sibling Dynamics and Gaming28:39 Sports and Betting Ads30:14 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes

Welcome back to the NSG Indie Game Roundup, our monthly series featuring indie games news, plus game demos and new release discussions. We've officially made it through 2025, both the longest and shortest year of all time. And we are so grateful to everyone who has listened to No Small Games, come to guest on the show, engaged with us on socials and supported us in any way. Thank you! This episode we have some awards show news to discuss, plus more new releases. The year might be over, but the indie game bangers just keep on coming, and some new releases might just be sneaking their way into our top 10 lists for the year. Also, huge thanks to our newest Patreon supporters! In addition to other fun perks, members on Patreon get early access to all of the Indie Game Roundup episodes. If you love No Small Games and would like to support us in growing the show, while also unlocking fun, exclusive content, you can check out our Patreon page. You can find our full show notes, including links and shoutouts, on the No Small Games site: Indie Game Roundup - December 2025 Show Notes Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:20 - Icebreaker Question 00:14:28 - Indie Game News 00:43:37 - Demos 00:50:58 - despelote 00:54:05 - Death Howl 00:59:55 - Cast n Chill 01:03:48 - Dispatch 01:11:06 - CorgiSpace 01:21:49 - I'm on Observation Duty 8 Keep in touch with us on social media: Kate's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/katerblossom.bsky.social  Emily's Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/aspecificegg.bsky.social  No Small Games Bluesky ✦ https://bsky.app/profile/nosmallgames.bsky.social  No Small Games Instagram ✦ https://www.instagram.com/nosmallgames  Want to learn more and weigh in on what games we should play in future episodes? Check us out and leave a game suggestion at nosmallgames.com

2025 was an absolutely stacked year for indie games...so we brought friends.This week on JK! Games, we're joined by Emily and Kate from No Small Games to break down our Top 3 Indie Games of 2025. Each of us brings three picks, we go around the horn from third to first, and talk about why these games stood out in 2025.

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 ★