IndieGameBusiness®

Did you know 80% of team conflict stems from unclear goals and expectations? In game development, differing perspectives on risk, decision-making, and team dynamics can present both challenges and opportunities. This session introduces the Cultural Intelligence (CQ) framework—a proven approach for inclusive leadership. By fostering CQ, leaders can empower their teams to overcome unconscious bias, embrace diversity, and drive innovation, building a more resilient and representative industry. Learn how CQ can help us ''level up'' and create workplaces where everyone can thrive.

As per XDS report 2024, 28% of gamedev service providers are developing their own IP, an added 22% want to do in the future. Transitioning from work for hire studio to creating your own titles and IPs is an exciting yet challenging journey. This session will explore key insights and strategies for managing the shift, including team management, balancing client work with in-house projects, recruiting the right talent, and navigating investor expectations. Drawing from my experience, it will highlight the dos and don'ts of building your own IP while ensuring patience and long-term success.

This talk will delve into the essential efforts needed to build a strong team. It will cover the obstacles faced, potential solutions, and the rationale behind these solutions. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, the talk will highlight the need for connecting and integrating diverse minds towards a common goal. Understanding team composition and leveraging this valuable human resource will be key themes. By the end of the talk, viewers will gain various tools to enhance their team's cohesion and productivity.

Zero to Studio in Ten 'Easy' Steps is a practical and inspiring talk for aspiring game developers navigating the challenges of building a studio during industry upheaval. The discussion unpacks ten critical steps, from crafting a clear vision and securing funding to assembling a resilient team and embracing agile workflows. It highlights lessons from missteps, the importance of adaptability, and strategies for staying innovative in a competitive market. Attendees will gain insights and a roadmap to transform their passion into a thriving game studio.

Discover the power of App Store Optimization (ASO) in this practical session designed for indie developers. Learn what ASO is, how it works, and why it’s essential for boosting your app’s visibility and downloads. I’ll walk you through actionable strategies to optimize keywords, visuals, and A/B testing, so you can implement ASO for your games with confidence. Whether you're just starting or looking to improve, this session will help you take your app to the next level.

Developing a high quality game as a solo game developer is challenging. This session will focus on overcoming obstacles that you will face when trying to complete a full game production, building your reputation as a professional/expert in the industry, establishing your brand, networking with relevant experts/business associates and marketing/self publishing your game. I share my journey and lessons I learned as an African game developer pursuing a full-time career as a solo game developer.

So, you've polished your pitch deck and vertical slice. You've discussed terms and inked the deal with the publisher of your dreams! What comes next? Join us for a developer's perspective on what you might expect for the process of working with your publisher on milestone requirements, monthly meetings, requesting extensions, and marketing your game.

Join us for a deep dive into the world of physical game publishing and distribution with JRod Gingerich, CEO & Physical Game Liaison at Fresh Brewed Games. In this episode, JRod discusses his recent foray into the physical game space, providing insights into how his label differentiates itself among the many limited print publishers. We’ll explore the intricacies of Steelbook game releases, the unique items included in these premium bundles, and why console ports are still so important in today’s market.JRod also opens up about the types of developers and projects Fresh Brewed Games seeks to partner with, as well as the team’s plans for upcoming releases. Reflecting on his journey, from learning DarkBasic Professional at a young age to working on titles like LittleBigPlanet Karting, JRod explains how these experiences ignited his passion for video game development—and ultimately led him to focus on physical publishing. Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with tips and trends for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of physical game distribution.Connect with JRod Gingerich & Fresh Brewed Games: Twitter (X): https://x.com/Gingerichjrod LinkedIn: Fresh Brewed Games Facebook: Fresh Brewed Games#IndieGameBusiness #PhysicalGameDistribution #SteelbookEditions #ConsolePorts #FreshBrewedGames #GamePublishing #IndieDev #VideoGameIndustry

This panel will delve into the vibrant world of indie game development communities. We'll explore the unique challenges faced by these communities, such as navigating competition, fostering inclusivity, and finding sustainable models for collaboration. We'll also discuss the incredible opportunities that arise from strong community bonds, including increased visibility, shared resources, and the power of collective creativity. Finally, we'll look to the future of indie game communities, examining emerging trends, and the role of community in shaping the future of indie game development.

Happy people, great teams and sustainable processes make awesome games for players. In this talk, Regö presents the six principles of his sustainable game development process which was originally his MSc thesis and since have been applied, tested, refined and improved in the past 5 years. The six principles are: 1. Build Trust & Facilitate Cooperation2. Align Vision & Communicate Direction3. Nourish Motivation & Protect Health4. Create Structure & Make Work Visible5. Drive Coordination & Facilitate Alignment6. Adapt to Change & Embrace Growth