IndieGameBusiness®

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

This session offers a comprehensive overview of mergers, acquisitions (M&A), and fundraising. It covers the M&A process with a clear, step-by-step guide, discusses common pitfalls with real-world examples, and explores company valuation principles, including the time value of money. Additionally, it introduces core negotiation principles, equipping participants with crucial deal-making skills. By the end, attendees will understand M&A, fundraising processes, valuation, and negotiation techniques, enabling them to execute successful business deals and growth strategies.

Discover how to kickstart your game development journey in Japan with a roadmap to success. This talk explores essential resources—financial and community based — while diving into Japan’s game dev scenes in Tokyo and Osaka. Learn about grants, accelerators, and incubator programs for overseas developers, plus insights into Japan’s business structures. Whether you're dreaming of working in Japan or building a studio, this session will equip you with the tools to make it happen.

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 episode, Jim reflects on his aspirations before entering the gaming world, the greatest gifts the industry has given him, and the challenges he’s faced throughout his career. While he remains reserved about his most recent project, Stormgate, he shares fascinating anecdotes from his long career, including his favorite projects, biggest heartbreaks, and what he would do differently if he had to start over.Topics Covered: Lessons learned from a decades-long career in game development Jim’s journey into the industry and how it shaped his career The highs and lows of working in game production The most rewarding and challenging aspects of the job Career reflections: What Jim would do differently in hindsight The game he enjoyed working on the most and the biggest project heartbreakConnect with Jim Hudson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdhudson3/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdhudson3/#IndieGameBusiness #GameDevelopment #GamingIndustry #GameProducer #CareerReflections #GameProduction #Stormgate #JimHudson #IndustryLessons

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Kvalo, Founder & CEO of Midwest Games, to discuss the journey of building an indie game company from the ground up. Ben shares valuable insights on what his team has learned, where they currently stand, and what’s next for Midwest Games. Ben also opens up about the growth of the company, his favorite moments, and the biggest challenges they’ve faced along the way. This episode is filled with inspiring stories and lessons for aspiring game developers and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the industry. Connect with Ben Kvalo: Twitter: www.x.com/benkvalo LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/benkvalo #IndieGameBusiness #MidwestGames #GameDevelopment #StartupJourney #BenKvalo #GameIndustry #Entrepreneurship #IndieGames #GrowthAndChallenges #GamingCompany

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 the ways in which meaningful interaction stands out in a media-saturated world. We delve into questions of how an audience can truly impact a story, what it means for a narrative to resonate across different mediums, and why cross-media “story living” can be both thrilling when done right—and off-putting when done wrong. Stephan also shares his perspective on how traditional storytelling methods are being upended and why we’re still finding the new ways forward. Connect with Stephan Bugaj: X (Twitter): https://x.com/stephanbugaj LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bugaj/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lhooqtius.ov.borg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanbugaj/ #IndieGameBusiness #InteractiveNarrative #Transmedia #SocialStorytelling #AudienceEngagement

In "Unlocking Me / We / Us: Every Challenge is an Opportunity", Juney runs the audience through a vulnerable series of personal unlocks that have proven to be catalysts for her career, her teams & organisations, and the game industry at large. She hopes to inspire the realisation that every time a challenge feels intimidating or overwhelming, it's a signal of a high likelihood of personal growth & development!

This talk challenges traditional notions of leadership, emphasising that true leadership is defined by skills and mindset and not just hierarchical status. Whether you are new to a leadership role or who have been in a senior positions for a long time, the session delves into the essential qualities that constitute effective leadership. Andy explores the concept that everyone, regardless of their job title, has the potential to be a leader. He focuses on the importance of developing core leadership skills like communication, empathy, resilience, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams. These skills are crucial in adapting to and thriving in today's fast-paced work environments. Participants will gain insight into how leadership is not confined to those at the top of an organisational chart. Instead, it's about influencing and guiding others, making strategic decisions, and fostering a positive, productive workplace culture. Andy's talk promises to be interactive and thought-provoking, providing attendees with practical strategies to enhance their leadership capabilities.