

IndieGameBusiness®
Jay Powell
Candid conversations with veterans of all aspects of the business side of games. We firmly believe that great games from all developers need the support they deserve to succeed. This podcast exists to provide that support.
IndieGameBusiness® is produced by The Powell Group, a video game consulting firm specializing in business development, marketing, and licensing. Our CEO has been in the industry for 20 years and closed countless publishing and licensing deals. The Powell Group monitors over 3,500 game developers and 750+ publishers.
IndieGameBusiness® is produced by The Powell Group, a video game consulting firm specializing in business development, marketing, and licensing. Our CEO has been in the industry for 20 years and closed countless publishing and licensing deals. The Powell Group monitors over 3,500 game developers and 750+ publishers.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 21, 2023 • 60min
Bringing the Fun Back with SPLACE
In this exciting episode, we have Chris Byatte, the Co-Founder of SPLACE, joining us to discuss "Bringing the Fun Back with SPLACE."
During our conversation, we will explore various intriguing aspects of SPLACE and its unique approach to social media and community platforms. Chris will share insights into the motivation behind entering this area and highlight what sets SPLACE apart from other platforms. We will also delve into the concept of "bringing the fun back" and discuss how SPLACE aims to create an enjoyable and engaging experience for its users.
While SPLACE has its roots in the gaming industry, we will explore whether it is exclusively for gamers or caters to a wider audience. Chris will also provide insights into the future of SPLACE, including the Splace SDK and an exciting 1 million stock option giveaway.
Connect with Chris Byatte and stay updated with SPLACE by visiting the following links:
Website: www.splace.world
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chrisbyatte
Twitter: twitter.com/splace_world
#SPLACE #SocialMedia #CommunityPlatform #FunExperience #GamingIndustry #DiscordAlternative #SplaceSDK #StockOptionGiveaway #ChrisByatte #TechInnovation #EngagingCommunity

Jun 12, 2023 • 1h 5min
Video Games: The Art of Transformation
Welcome to our captivating episode! Today, we have a very special guest, Jonathan Hill, who will take us on a journey exploring "Video Games: The Art of Transformation."
During our conversation, we will delve into various thought-provoking topics, including mental health, self-acceptance, creativity, and the transformative power of video games as a form of art. Jonathan will also share his insights on helping indie studios, addressing toxicity in the industry, and overcoming the fear of change.
Jonathan's company, 1minus1, has transitioned to exclusively working for the games industry. We will discuss the reasons behind this switch and how it has allowed Jonathan to rediscover what he had lost. Additionally, we will explore the impact of the pandemic on 1minus1 and the state of indie games marketing in 2023.
Connect with Jonathan Hill on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to stay informed about his endeavors:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/1minus1limited
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1min...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1minus1
#VideoGames #ArtOfTransformation #MentalHealth #IndieStudios #GameMarketing #IndieGames #Creativity #Toxicity #1minus1

Jun 5, 2023 • 1h 5min
What it's Like to be a Project Manager on AAA vs. Indie
Welcome to our show! In this episode, we have a special guest, Masao Kobayashi, who will shed light on "What it's Like to be a Project Manager on AAA vs. Indie."
During our conversation, Masao will compare and contrast project management in a 500-person team versus a smaller indie team of 10 members. We will explore the differences in risk management approaches and discuss the unique challenges and problem-solving strategies involved in each setting.
Join us as Masao shares his insights into the world of project management, addressing both invented problems and real problems faced in the industry.
Connect with Masao Kobayashi on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay updated with his expertise and experiences:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/megamasao
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masao-kobayashi/
#ProjectManagement #AAA #IndieGames #TeamManagement #RiskManagement #GameDevelopment #GameIndustry #MasaoKobayashi #InventedProblems #RealProblems

May 21, 2023 • 1h 5min
Developing and Launching a Game with Subsequent Updates
Welcome to another exciting episode of our show! Today, we have Bobby White as our special guest. Join us as we delve into the topic of "Developing and Launching a Game with Subsequent Updates."
During this episode, we will explore various aspects of game development and launching, including the dynamics of international teams, the incorporation of language learning aids within games, and the potential of gamifying education. Bobby will also share insights on launching a game to a mid-reaction and the importance of pivoting based on player feedback.
We will dive into the fascinating world of Terra Alia, the game Bobby has been involved in developing. Additionally, we will touch upon the future of indie game production with the integration of AI and VR technologies.
Stay connected with Bobby White and learn more about Terra Alia by following these social media links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/terra_alia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terraaliagame/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terraalia.game
#GameDevelopment #IndieGames #GameLaunch #LanguageLearning #Gameification #PlayerFeedback #LQA #TerraAlia #AIinGames #VRinGames

May 12, 2023 • 1h 4min
How successful PR and marketing can land you an investment or publishing deal
Join us for our next episode of Indie Game Business where we will be discussing "How successful PR and marketing can land you an investment or publishing deal." Our special guest, Wahid Lodin, will be sharing his insights into the importance of marketing when it comes to securing investment or publishing deals for your game.
In this episode, we will explore different marketing strategies that can help your game get noticed by investors or publishers. Wahid will also explain which marketing efforts investors look at before investing in a game, common mistakes video game developers make when marketing their games, and how to stand out in a crowded market.
We will also discuss the metrics and data points that you should be looking for when evaluating a video game's marketing campaign, and the appeal of social media platforms for investors and publishers.
Don't miss out on this valuable discussion with Wahid Lodin. Follow him on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram for more insights on marketing and the gaming industry:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wahiggity
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wahid-lodin-a54b00a3/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loopsmarketing/?hl=en
#IndieGameBusiness #VideoGameMarketing #Investment #PublishingDeal #GameDevelopers #WahidLodin #LoopMarketing #SocialMediaMarketing #GamingIndustry

May 8, 2023 • 1h 5min
What is the IGDA Foundation?
Welcome to our show! Today, we have a special guest, Alyssa Padia Walles, the Executive Director of the IGDA Foundation. Alyssa has an impressive career in the video game industry, including launching the Walt Disney Gift Catalog and Sony PlayStation, and re-launching the Atari brand.
In this episode, we will discuss the IGDA Foundation and what it does. Alyssa will explain the application process and who is eligible for the foundation's programs. We will also delve into why Alyssa recommends against partnering or co-founding studios or companies, and learn more about "lamergamer."
Alyssa will also share her journey in the video game business and what excites her about the industry. Her extensive background in business strategy, development, sales, and marketing, including her role as general manager of Hitbox, provides a unique perspective on the gaming industry.
Make sure to follow Alyssa Padia Walles on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram for more insights on the gaming industry and her latest projects:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/apwalles
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apwalles/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamergamer/
#IGDAFoundation #GameIndustry #VideoGameDevelopment #BusinessStrategy #Gaming #AlyssaPadiaWalles #AmplitudeConsulting #Hitbox #Atari #LamerGamer

Apr 28, 2023 • 1h 8min
Some of the biggest challenges publishing on steam today
Welcome to Indie Game Business! In this episode, we have Oscar Hogervorst, founder of Steam Data Suite, to discuss the challenges of publishing on Steam today and how his platform can help publishers optimize their visibility, store page, and marketing. Oscar's extensive background in games, marketing, and data has led him to develop tools to tackle the challenges that arise with the increasing number of games being released on Steam.
During the show, Oscar will share his insights on Steam and offer tips on how to improve results on the platform. He will also answer questions such as what many companies are doing wrong, what type of company is using his services, and what he thinks will be important factors for success on Steam in the future.
In addition, Oscar will discuss the balance between data and art when creating a game, store page, or game proposition. He will also explain why Valve is not providing the services that Steam Data Suite does, and what's next for his platform.
Make sure to follow Oscar Hogervorst on LinkedIn for more insights on the gaming industry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscarhogervorst/
#IndieGameBusiness #SteamDataSuite #GameMarketing #GameAnalytics #SteamPublishing #GameDevelopment #IndieGames #GameVisibility #GameDiscoverability #Valve #GamingInsights #OscarHogervorst

Apr 24, 2023 • 1h 7min
Creating an Integrated Marketing Strategy
Welcome to Indie Game Business!
In this episode, we will be discussing "Creating an Integrated Marketing
Strategy" for your game.
Our guest today is Dwayne Waite Jr., the Marketing Director for Gaming
Events at ReedPop, one of the largest event organizers for the gaming
industry.
In this episode, we will dive into the importance of having a holistic
marketing strategy for your game, why advertising is crucial for your
game's success, and how to create a workflow for content creators. We
will also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of physical and digital
events, and how to effectively use them for your game's marketing.
If you're looking to improve your marketing strategy for your game or
studio, this episode is a must-watch. Join us for an insightful
discussion on the ins and outs of marketing in the gaming industry.
Connect with our guest, Dwayne Waite Jr., on LinkedIn:
http://linkedin.com/in/dwaynewaitejr

Mar 26, 2023 • 1h 1min
How to Avoid a Bad Steam Score Through Playtesting
This session will focus on playtesting as a tool developers can use in order to improve their game and predict the score at launch. We will touch on different forms of playtesting and how each can be utilized at different development stages.
#GamePlaytesting
#GamingQA
#GameDevelopment
#SteamScore
#GamingInsights
#DevelopmentStages
#GameTestingTips
#GamingQualityAssurance
#GameDevelopmentInsights
#GamingQA

Mar 26, 2023 • 56min
How to Smoothly Run an Influencer-Led Marketing Campaign
Learn from my mistakes. Learn how to run a streamlined marketing campaign that integrates your community and content creators. I discuss tips & tricks and current best practices of how to run an integrated marketing campaign that incorporates community, content creators, and how that content should live on all platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch.
#CommunityIntegration
#ContentCreators
#MarketingCampaigns
#StreamlinedMarketing
#MarketingLessonsLearned
#CommunityInfluence
#BrandCommunity
#MarketingStrategy
#MarketingTips