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Indie Game Press Coverage: 5 Critical Mistakes That Kill Your Chances With Journalists
Indie Game Press Coverage Getting Indie Game Press Coverage is one of the most common pain points for indie game developers. You’ve spent months or years building something you believe in, you send out press kits, and then nothing. No reviews, no previews, no mentions.
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Spellmasons: 5 Strategies That Helped This Indie Game Succeed Years After Launch
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
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Indie Game Community Marketing: How Developers Build Loyal Players Before Launch in 2026
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
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Production Secrets: Why Some Games Fail and How to Avoid the Same Mistakes in 2026
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
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Indie game press: The Essential Honest Guide to Working with Games Media in 2026
Why Indie Game Press Still Matters in 2026: In 2026, getting Indie Game Press coverage as an indie developer is harder than it has ever been. Thousands of games launch each year across Steam, console storefronts, and emerging platforms, while media teams shrink, attention spans
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PC Game Distribution Beyond Steam: A Bold New Path for Indie Developers in 2026
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
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Indie game marketing: 5 Powerful Ways Games Successfully Break Through the Noise
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
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IndieGameBusiness® 2026 Battle Pass: One Pass. One Year. Real Industry Growth
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. Originally, the pass covered four events and two Masterclasses for $189 USD, which was a 30% savings off the full $276
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IndieGameBusiness 2026: Driving a Stronger, Smarter Future for Indie Developers
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
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AAA to Indie: A Powerful Journey from Call of Duty to Independent Game Development in 2026
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
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Global Teams in Indie Development: 5 Inspiring Insights on Scaling Sustainably
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
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Games as Platforms: 5 Inspiring Lessons from Look North World’s Alex Seropian
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
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Transmedia and Games: 5 Powerful Insights from Fieldman Robinson
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
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GOG on Preserving Classics: How the Platform Keeps Gaming History Alive in 2025
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,
Podcasts
Doing More with Less: Sustainable Indie Marketing Strategies | Mike Gallagher
In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Mike Gallagher, Founder of Untitled Advertising Lab, to talk about the evolving marketing landscape for indie studios. Mike shares how his team helps game developers unlock incremental revenue from older titles and support self-publishing efforts when traditional
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The State of Pitching in 2025: Proven Strategies to Pitch a Stand-Out Game
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
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Indie Game Marketing Strategies: How to Effectively Do More with Less in 2025 and Crush Your Launch
How Indie Devs Can Do More With Less: In the ever-changing world of indie game development, one thing remains constant: limited budgets and endless ambition. In the latest episode of the IndieGameBusiness® podcast, Jay Powell, CEO and Founder of The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness® sits down with Mike
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Community Management in Gaming: 7 Powerful Strategies for Building a Thriving Community
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
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Investment in the Gaming Industry: 5 Key Insights from Pontus Mahler on Trends and Opportunities
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
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Game Pitching Strategies: 5 Insights from Joshua Garrity on Successful Publishing
The Secrets to Pitching and Publishing Success – Insights from Joshua Garrity: The process of game pitching and publishing a game can often feel like a complex and daunting task, especially for indie developers looking to stand out in a crowded market. Joshua Garrity, Head
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Physical Game Publishing: the Rise of Steelbook Editions for Indie Games in 2025
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
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Jim Hudson: Reflecting on 30 Years of Growth and Challenges in the Game Industry
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
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Midwest Games: 5 Inspiring Secrets to Rapid Startup Success
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
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Marketing Substance Over Gimmicks: 5 Essential Insights for Indie Game Success
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
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Physical Game Releases: Transformative Strategies for Success in 2024
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
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Indie Game Development Success: 5 Powerful Steps to Turn a Simple Game into a Full-Time Career
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
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Indie Game Development Success: 3 Powerful Ways to Balance Work, Life, and Self-Improvement
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
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Game Marketing: Proven Strategies for 10X Success from Guy Costantini
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
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Game Startup Secrets: 3 Powerful Insights to Overcome Challenges from Marauder Tech’s Founders
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
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Game Scouting Secrets: 5 Powerful Strategies for Indie Success
Introduction: In the ever-evolving world of video games, the role of a game scout has emerged as a crucial link between developers and publishers. This blog post delves into the intriguing world of game scouting, featuring insights from Meg Clarke, Senior Game Scout at Team17,
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Mergers and Acquisitions: Mastering 5 Key Principles for Successful Gaming Industry Deals
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
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Game Services Mastery: Essential Strategies for Indie Developers’ Success in 2024
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
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Marketing Mastery: Proven Strategies and Tips for Indie Game Success in 2024
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
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Self-publishing Secrets: Unlocking Massive Success in the LATAM Indie Game Market in 2024
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
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Funding Secrets: 5 Proven Strategies for Indie Game Development Success
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
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The Genesis of Discord Games 101
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
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Empowering Growth: Navigating the Indie Game Development Journey from Resilience to Influencer
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
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2 thumbs-up for Physical Games in a Digital Age: Insights from Industry Leaders
The Significance of Physical Games in Today’s Digital Landscape In an era dominated by digital downloads and online marketplaces, the role of physical games might seem diminished. However, industry veterans Josh Fairhurst, CEO at Limited Run Games & Mighty Rabbit Studios and Jay Powell, CEO
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Unleash Your Indie Game’s Potential: Harnessing the Power of Free Demos for Maximum Visibility!
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
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Level Up Your Indie Game Marketing Strategy: Practical Tips for Indie Game Developers!
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
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So you made a game jam game, now what…
IndieGameBusiness® recently hosted its highly anticipated event, ‘So You Made a Game, Now What? The Next Steps to Getting Your Game Pitched, Made, and Published,’ which successfully took place from February 5th to 9th. This event came on the heels of the game jam that
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IndieGameBusiness® and Global Game Jam® Collaborate to Help Current and Aspiring Developers Level Up For Free
IndieGameBusiness and Global Game Jam are offering free sessions to developers who want to continuing building their indie games and pitch them to publishers in the future.
Podcasts
How to Make the Perfect Pitch Deck for Your Indie Game
We were delighted to have Chris White, SVP of Business Development and Content Acquisitions at Green Man Gaming, sharing insights on “How to Make the Perfect Pitch Deck for Your Indie Game.” In this highlight, Chris shares his expertise on how pitch decks differ when
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Retail Loyalty Programs and Their Benefits
A Blueprint for the Gaming Industry On this week’s episode of IndieGameBusiness™ podcast Jim Mulford from acQyr eXchange was on the show to discuss the rising prominence of loyalty programs within the video game industry. In this short summary we’ll be going over the topics
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Free Demos: The Secret to Instant Visibility
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. Clever developers have unlocked the secret to instant visibility for their
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Marketing A Game: The AMA
Maximizing Marketing Visibility and Engagement: Key Strategies for Indie Game Promotion Summary: Game marketing expert Chris Zukowski, a regular guest on IndieGameBusiness, shifts gears to focus solely on audience questions. If you’ve ever wondered about indie game marketing strategies, optimizing Steam pages, interpreting stats, or
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Curved Space’s Marketing Journey from Self-Published to Signing with Maximum Games
On this week’s episode of IndieGameBusiness™ special guest Andrew Czarnietzki from Only By Midnight came on the podcast to discuss his own personal journey into the world of publishing. Self publishing can be a daunting task for an indie developer and as Andrew explains in
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How to Spy on Your Competition to Build Your Marketing Plan
Marketing strategist Chris Zukowski shares valuable insights on how to spy on your competition in order to build a successful marketing plan for an indie game. Through his website and consulting work, Zukowski has gained valuable experience in the industry and offers practical tips for
