Indie Game Studio Productivity – Your Studio Is Busy But Is Anything Getting Done: Everyone on the team is working. Deadlines are being hit. Tasks are getting checked off. And somehow the game feels no closer to being finished than it did three months ago.
Raising Money. Here Is What Nobody Told Us: Rob Carroll on Funding Rollcraft Through WeFunder – Raising money for an indie game studio sounds like the hard part. Rob Carroll, CEO of Rollcraft, is here to tell you that raising the money is actually the
Latin America Indie Game Development- How Hugo Castro Is Building the LATAM Industry From the Ground Up: Hugo Castro has spent eighteen years building something the Mexican games industry did not have when he was growing up: a genuine on-ramp for developers who want to
First time indie game developer – Lessons From Georgina Ovassapian of Winter Schloss Studios: Most first-time indie game developers are told to start small, play it safe, and build something they can finish quickly. Georgina Ovassapian did not ignore that advice exactly, but she also
How to Start an Indie Game Studio – Lessons From Joe Dietsch, Director Turned Wolf Haus Games Founder: Figuring out how to start an indie game studio is not a question most people answer the same way twice. Joe Dietsch answered it by directing two
Indie Game Publishing Latin America – How Indie Hero Is Building a Global Indie Game Ecosystem From Brazil: Juliana Brito runs more businesses than most people have projects on their backlog. As co-founder of Indie Hero, Game Jam Plus, Plugin Plus, and a growing indie
Quit Your Job to Make Games? – What Charlie Brandick Learned Going From Teacher to Valorant Game Director to Indie Founder: A lot of people want to quit their job and make games. Fewer people think carefully about what that actually requires before they do
Why indie games fail – The Marketing Framework Every Indie Developer Needs to Understand: Bayonetta launched in January 2010 with a Metacritic score of ninety percent, a five-and-a-half-million-dollar marketing budget, and the backing of a legendary developer in Platinum Games. It sold three hundred and
How to Start an Indie Game Studio the Right Way: Figuring out how to start an indie game studio is one thing. Doing it without repeating the mistakes that sink most first attempts is something else entirely. Rob Carroll, CEO of Rollcraft, came to game
Why Indies Should Care About Web Gaming: Most indie developers think about Steam. Some think about mobile. Very few think about the web, and that gap represents a real missed opportunity that Romy Halfweeg, a developer relations specialist at Poki, laid out clearly on the
A Game Launch Is Not the End of the Story: Many indie developers assume that a game’s fate is decided during launch week. If sales are slow or wishlists do not convert, the common belief is that the game is finished. Developers move on to
Why Indie Game Community Marketing Is the Foundation of Indie Game Success: Indie developers often focus most of their time on building the game itself. Mechanics, art direction, performance, and polish usually dominate the development process. While those elements are critical, they are only part
Why Games Fail (And Why It’s Usually Not the Idea): When indie developers ask why some games fail while others succeed, the conversation often drifts toward marketing budgets, genre trends, or bad luck. In this candid fireside chat, Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell
Why PC Game Distribution Needs a Broader Strategy: For many indie developers, PC game distribution begins and ends with Steam. While Steam remains the dominant platform in the PC ecosystem, relying on a single storefront introduces real business risk, especially in an increasingly global and
Indie game marketing: Breaking through the noise in today’s crowded games market is one of the hardest challenges indie developers face. Great games fail every year—not because they lack quality, but because players never hear about them. In an episode of the IndieGameBusiness® podcast, host
The IndieGameBusiness® 2026 Battle Pass gives you access to the remaining 2026 lineup at a reduced price that continues to decrease as each event takes place. As each event passes, the cost adjusts so you are only paying for what is left. Grab your ticket for just $88
A New Chapter for IndieGameBusiness®: The IndieGameBusiness® community is entering its next phase, focused on deeper education, broader access, and long-term sustainability for indie developers worldwide. In the first podcast episode of the year, Jay Powell sat down with Ash Cason to outline what’s next
Podcast Recap – From Call of Duty to Indie Dev : In this episode of the IndieGameBusiness® podcast, host Dan Long sits down with Jess Feidt, Owner of Underwater Fire Games and creator of Particle Hearts. Jess shares an unfiltered look at what it truly
Building Global Teams Without Losing Heart: As indie studios continue to evolve and expand, many are learning that growth doesn’t always mean opening another local office—it can mean going global. In a recent IndieGameBusiness® podcast, Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness®, sat down
Games as Platforms: The Future of Player-Created Worlds – Insights from Alex Seropian of Look North World : As game development continues to evolve, the concept of games as platforms is reshaping how creators build, players engage, and studios sustain their futures. In a recent
The Growing Role of Games in Expanding Story Universes: As the entertainment industry looks for new ways to expand stories across multiple mediums, games are increasingly becoming the foundation of transmedia strategies. In a recent IndieGameBusiness® podcast, Dan Long sat down with Fieldman Robinson, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner
Preserving Gaming History with GOG – Insights from Piotr Gnyp and Marcin Paczynski : As the conversation around game preservation grows louder, platforms like GOG.com are stepping up to ensure classic titles remain accessible to new generations of players. In a recent IndieGameBusiness® podcast, Jay Powell,
In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Sam Striker, Co-Founder and CEO of Native Darkness, to unpack the journey of building immersive audio-first games and what makes sound such a powerful force in storytelling. Sam walks us through the origin story of Native
Indie Game Sound Design and Immersive Worlds – Insights from Sam Striker of Native Darkness: As game development continues to push creative and technical boundaries, sound design plays a crucial role in building immersive worlds. In a recent IndieGameBusiness® podcast, Jay Powell, CEO and Founder
The State of Pitching in 2025 – Insights from Yves Le Yaouanq: As the gaming industry evolves, so too does the state of pitching games in 2025 to publishers. In a recent IndieGameBusiness® podcast, Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness® sat down with
Introduction – A Shift from Content Creation to Community Management: In the gaming industry, community management plays a crucial role in a game’s success, from fan engagement to brand loyalty. In a recent IndieGameBusiness podcast episode, Jack Pattillo, the Community Manager at Channel37, shared his
Serious Games, Real Impact – Insights from Jennifer Javornik at Filament Games: The gaming industry is vast, and while most of us associate games with entertainment, there is a growing sector focused on creating games that have a meaningful impact beyond fun. Jennifer Javornik, Chief
The State of the Gaming Industry, Data-Driven Insights with Pontus Mahler: Investment in the gaming industry is constantly evolving, making it crucial for developers, investors, and publishers to stay informed. In a recent conversation with Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness® , Pontus Mahler, Managing
In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re cutting through the noise with Pontus Mahler, Managing Director at Agora Gaming Partners, to talk about the real state of the gaming industry—no hype, no fluff, just facts backed by data. Pontus brings a grounded and data-driven perspective to
Game Studio Management – How to Survive, Rebuild, and Lead a Game Studio: Running a game studio is no easy feat. From handling the challenges of self-publishing to managing a team through tough financial situations, studio heads face a constant balancing act. Frederick Brassard, the
In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Garrity, the Head Game Scout at Secret Mode, to uncover the keys to getting your game signed in today’s competitive publishing landscape. Joshua shares expert insights on pitching, the ideal budget ranges for different types of projects,
Introduction: The world of physical game publishing has seen numerous changes in the last few years, with independent companies making a significant impact. JRod Gingerich, the CEO and Physical Game Liaison at Fresh Brewed Games, brings a unique perspective to the industry, especially considering the
In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Stephan Bugaj, Chief Creative Officer of Genvid Entertainment, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of interactive narrative and transmedia storytelling. Stephan discusses how audiences today crave more agency and authenticity in the stories they love, highlighting
Join us for an insightful conversation with Jim Hudson, a seasoned Freelance Producer with 30 years of experience in the gaming industry. Jim shares his personal journey, the highs and lows of game development, and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way. In this
Introduction: The gaming industry has seen dramatic changes over the last few decades, but few individuals have experienced as much of its evolution as Jim Hudson. With 30 years of experience, Jim has worked across major studios, from Activision and EA to Microsoft, and even
Introduction: In a recent episode of the IndieGameBusiness® podcast, Dan Long, hosted a fascinating conversation with Ben Kvalo, the Founder and CEO of Midwest Games. Titled “From Startup to Success: The Midwest Games Story,” the podcast took a deep dive into the origins of Midwest
Introduction: Interactive storytelling is revolutionizing the gaming industry, bringing traditional narratives to life through cutting-edge technology and player-driven experiences. These innovative formats blend creativity and interactivity, offering immersive journeys that captivate audiences like never before. In a thought-provoking episode of the IndieGameBusiness® podcast, host Jay Powell,
Introduction: In a riveting episode of the IndieGameBusiness® podcast, host Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness® sits down with Cord Smith, the Studio Head at Inevitable Studios. The discussion revolved around Smith’s remarkable journey from freelancing for gaming magazines to launching his indie studio, the
Introduction: Physical Game Releases: In the latest episode of the IndieGameBusiness® podcast, host Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness® sits down with Michael Yum, CEO of PM Studios. They explore the significance of physical releases for indie games, debunking the common notion that
Introduction: Indie game development has always been the dream of many aspiring creators, but the journey is far from simple. On the latest episode of IndieGameBusiness®, Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness®, speaks with Jonathan Concepcion, lead developer and founder of Galactic Slice, about
Introduction: In a recent IndieGameBusiness® podcast episode, Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness®, hosted Brett Taylor, the founder of My Dog Zorro, to explore the unique challenges and opportunities in indie game development. Brett shares his journey, discussing the pivotal career moves, personal
Introduction: Game Marketing: In a recent episode of the IndieGameBusiness® podcast, Dan Long, the host, interviewed Guy Costantini, CEO and co-founder of an as-yet-unannounced studio, to discuss the crucial aspects of marketing within the game industry. With years of experience across major game studios, including
Introduction: Game Startup launching a game development studio is no easy feat, especially in a rapidly evolving industry. In this episode of the IndieGameBusiness® podcast, Dan Long hosts Morgan Kane, Founder and CEO of Marauder Tech, and Joel Balyeat, Chief Product Officer. The discussion dives
Introduction: Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are complex transactions that can make or break companies. To shed light on this intricate process, Dan Long and Ash Pletcher, hosts of IndieGameBusiness®, interviewed Jacques Benchetrit, a leading expert from Agora Gaming Partners. In this episode, Jacques shares his
Introduction: In a recent episode of IndieGameBusiness®, Dan Long sat down with Max Louis, the Founder and Studio Director at Magna Ludum Creatives (MLC). With extensive experience in the gaming industry, Max shares valuable insights on how to excel in providing services for games. This
Introduction: In the latest episode of the IndieGameBusiness® podcast, Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness®, interviews Chris Zukowski, Creative Director of How To Market A Game. Chris shares invaluable insights into common mistakes indie game developers make and how to avoid them to
Introduction: In a recent episode of IndieGameBusiness®, Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness®, had an engaging conversation with Juliana Brito, CEO of Indie Hero. The podcast titled “Self Publishing, Management, LATAM Game Market, and Investment” provided a wealth of insights for indie game
Introduction: In a recent episode of IndieGameBusiness®, host Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness®, sat down with Alan Wilson, Co-Founder of Tripwire Interactive, to discuss crucial aspects of indie game funding and publishing. This insightful conversation shed light on the evolving landscape of
Introduction: In the ever-evolving world of indie game development, gaining insights from industry veterans is invaluable. In a recent podcast, Dan Long, host of IndieGameBusiness® Podcast, sat down with Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness®. Powell’s journey from a college student in need
Introduction: Indie game development is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. In a recent podcast episode titled “Surviving and Thriving in Indie Game Development,” Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness®, sat down with Derrick Fields, Founder and Game Director at Waking
Introduction Unionization in the video game industry has been a topic of intense discussion and debate over recent years. As more companies and employees recognize the benefits and challenges of unionizing, the industry is gradually shifting towards a more structured and supportive work environment. This
Enhancing Indie Game Experiences Voiceovers play a crucial role in enhancing the player experience in video games. They add depth to characters, convey emotions effectively, and bring the game world to life. In this blog post, we will explore the insights shared by Michael Schwalbe,
Exploring Discord Games with ExJin Studios In this episode of our podcast series, “The Future of the Video Game Industry,” we dive deep into the world of Discord games with Timothy Johnson, Founder and Principal Engineer of ExJin Studios. Joining us as our podcast host
Podcast Recap: “An Indie Game: From Conception to Completion” Indie game development: In this episode of our podcast series, “An Indie Game: From Conception to Completion,” we had the pleasure of hosting Renee Gittins, the studio head of Stumbling Cat and the brilliant mind behind
Unveiling Success: Journeys of Game Development Pioneers: Welcome to our latest podcast recap, “Building and Growing a Game Development Studio,” where we embark on a journey with industry veterans Paxton Galvanek, CEO & Co-Founder of Studio Hermitage and Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The
In the fast-paced realm of gaming, where innovation and creativity reign supreme, the investment landscape has witnessed a notable shift in recent times. Justin Berenbaum, VP Strategy & GM at Xsolla Funding Club and Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and Founder of IndieGameBusiness® delve into
Offering a free demo of a game can be an effective method for developers to use in order to increase their visibility and capture the interest and engagement of players for their Indie Game. Mastering Demo Design: Insider Tips and Data-Driven Strategies from Chris Zukowski
Learn strategies that can help you effectively research and analyze your competitors in order to build a successful marketing plan for indie games. Unlock Success: Spy on Your Indie Game Competition with Expert Insights from Chris Zukowski! Marketing strategist Chris Zukowski is renowned for his
We were delighted to have Otis Rachtman from Mind Your Music, to share insights on “Make Your Video Game Soundtrack AWESOME!” In this highlight, Otis explores his thoughts about how game soundtracks will expand and evolve in the future. Listen Now
This week’s episode of IndieGameBusiness™ features long time industry veteran Damon Slye from Mad Otter Studios and Dynamix to talk to us about game development and what it is like running a game studio. The first part of the podcast truly focuses on Damon’s experience
