Listen to this BEFORE you start an indie publishing company | John de Campos
Nov 14, 2023
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Exploring the highs and lows of starting an indie publishing company in the board game industry, from navigating conventions to finding success through innovative partnerships and artistic vision. Delve into the challenges of game design, showcasing Valka, a strategic card battling game, and learn about creative constraints with mint tin games as examples.
Standing out in a crowded market is crucial for indie publishing success.
Balancing artistic passion with commercial success is essential in game design.
Conventions provide valuable exposure despite financial risks and logistical challenges.
Maintaining focus and productivity is a constant struggle in the world of indie publishing.
Deep dives
The Complexities of Indie Publishing and Business Ventures
Navigating the world of indie publishing and entrepreneurship, the podcast delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals like John DeCampos in bringing games to life. Discussions cover the intricacies of starting a business in this realm, including standing out in a crowded market full of big companies and million-dollar campaigns on crowdfunding platforms. The conversation highlights the dedication required to succeed in game publishing, regardless of whether one seeks commercial success or aims to make a mark on the industry with unique creations.
Motivations and Creative Outlets in Game Development
John DeCampos shares his deeper reasons for engaging in indie publishing, pointing to the allure of game design as a creative outlet. His quest for control over the creative process drives him to see quirky ideas come to fruition and leave a lasting impact on the gaming community. Balancing a love for unique, offbeat creations with the desire for commercial success, John's journey reflects a blend of artistic passion and business acumen.
Challenges and Realities of Independent Publishing
Exploring the highs and lows of indie publishing, the podcast candidly discusses the practicalities and financial implications of participating in conventions. Delving into the logistics of booth setup, costs, and varying returns on investment from different types of events, the episode sheds light on the unpredictable nature of convention participation. Despite the financial risks and logistical challenges, the value of face-to-face interactions, potential business relationships, and the exposure gained at conventions remains a compelling draw for independent publishers.
Strategies for Focus and Productivity Amidst Entrepreneurial Demands
Amidst the myriad responsibilities and distractions inherent in indie publishing, including family commitments and routine tasks, maintaining focus and productivity emerges as a constant challenge. The podcast touches on the role of routines, utilizing voice command tools for task management, and the importance of carving out time for creative endeavors. Acknowledging the ebbs and flows of creative output, the conversation emphasizes the significance of perseverance, self-care, and adapting to the demands of a multi-faceted entrepreneurial journey.
Maximizing Current Situation for Creative Pursuits
Adapting to current circumstances by making changes like moving to a more affordable place to free up resources for pursuing creative dreams is emphasized. The speaker shares their experience of creating solo games due to limited resources and adapting to constraints like time and responsibilities. Setting specific time limits for work leads to increased productivity, as exemplified by the speaker's five-hour window strategy.
Balancing Personal Productivity and Guilt in Freelancing
The discussion delves into the challenges of freelancing, highlighting the lack of external pressure and potential guilt associated with unproductive days. The speaker reflects on finding a balance between work and personal responsibilities to avoid feeling overwhelmed or unproductive. Embracing incremental progress on 'famine days' is suggested as a way to maintain productivity without excessive self-criticism.
Long-Term Perspective in Career and Creative Endeavors
Encouraging a long-term perspective in career growth, the conversation underscores the importance of consistent effort and learning over decades. Analogies from personal experiences, such as mastering skills in baseball over time, emphasize the value of perseverance and continuous improvement. The speaker stresses the significance of enjoying the journey, embracing challenges, and setting realistic expectations to foster sustained growth and success.
In this episode, John de Campos, founder of Terrible Games, and I chat about the highs and lows of starting and running an indie publishing company in the board game industry.
