IndieGameBusiness®

Dive into the power of communication in indie game development. Discover practical techniques for setting clear expectations and delivering constructive feedback to foster growth. Explore strategies like the '7Cs' technique and SMART goals to boost clarity and collaboration. Learn how to navigate distractions, especially for neurodivergent team members, and the importance of mentorship in high-pressure environments. Enhance your team's dynamics with actionable tools that promote open dialogue and understanding.

Explore the unique challenges and strengths of being neurodivergent in the games industry with Ash, Monica, Steph and Adam. This session covers key topics, including disclosing neurodivergence at work, identifying neurodivergent-friendly companies, navigating workplace dynamics and more. Gain insights on embracing your neurodivergent identity, advocating for yourself, and finding environments where you can truly thrive.

This talk will explore how game jams serve as an ideal starting point for discovering and nurturing talent. We’ll explain how developers can grow through mentorship, focusing on practical and communicative skills that prepare them to create valuable, commercially viable intellectual properties (IPs). These IPs can develop into studios or be acquired by established studios and accelerators. We'll also review key programs that can support this growth trajectory, helping emerging developers realize their potential.

In this presentation, you'll learn how to optimize your relationship with your PR firm by fostering clear and consistent communication. Discover the key information your PR team needs from you to craft impactful campaigns, and understand how to define and articulate your own expectations. We will explore how to set measurable goals, align on shared objectives, and ensure that everyone involved understands their role in the partnership, ultimately driving success and mutual satisfaction.

Making games is hard! How do Developers do it? Where are the resources? How do I make a living? In this lecture, we're going to dive in to some ways you can set realistic expectations and goals for game development. In particular, we'll hone in on ways you can protect your mental health and be good to yourself during Game Development. With Game Development getting more uncertain and difficult, we'll focus on sustainable practices, setting boundaries and keeping yourself afloat.

Join indie developer Carlos as they share insights on leading Eternal Guardian: Forbidden Portals from concept to AAA-quality development. This session covers strategies for building a clear vision, effective team communication, and overcoming indie-specific challenges.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Cord Smith, Studio Head at Inevitable Studios, who brings over 25 years of experience across publishers, developers, and a game-centric creative agency. In this episode, Cord shares his unique perspective on the current climate of the game industry for indie developers, the importance of seeking meaningful partnerships and funding, and why he's betting on substance over trends and gimmicks. We'll explore a variety of thought-provoking topics, including whether or not to use Kickstarter, the advantages of remote work and having an international team, and the differences in game development between Canada and the U.S. Cord also provides insights into the Unity versus Unreal debate, working with an agent versus going solo, and how to effectively cut through the noise on crowded platforms like Steam. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone in the indie game industry looking to navigate its challenges and opportunities. Connect with Cord Smith: Twitter: twitter.com/inevitablegood LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cordsmith Facebook: facebook.com/inevitablegamestudios Instagram: instagram.com/inevitablegamestudios #IndieGameBusiness #GameIndustryInsights #CordSmith #InevitableStudios #GameDevelopment #IndieGames #RemoteWork #Kickstarter #UnityVsUnreal #GameFunding #IndustryTrends

Join us for an exciting conversation with Michael Yum, CEO of PM Studios, Inc., as he shares his incredible journey from starting in QA testing to founding his own company. With over 30 games produced and a passion for both game development and game collecting, Michael offers unique insights into the gaming industry and his experiences. In this episode, Michael talks about his career progression, his love for video games, and what it's like to work on so many titles. He also shares stories about his massive game collection, how many games he's completed, and his thoughts on the state of the industry after decades of experience. Whether you're an aspiring game developer or a seasoned industry veteran, this episode is packed with valuable advice and entertaining anecdotes. Topics Covered: Why indie devs should do a physical release for their game Michael's career journey: From QA tester to CEO Producing over 30 games and lessons learned The passion behind building a game collection Thoughts on the state of the game industry Balancing a career in games with a love for gaming Reflections on decades of experience in game development Connect with Michael Yum: Twitter: https://x.com/balbnis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-yum-a400726/ #IndieGameBusiness #GameDevelopment #GameIndustry #PMStudios #MichaelYum #GameCollecting #GameProduction #CareerInGames #VideoGames #GamingInsights

In this episode, we chat with Jonathan Concepcion, the Lead Developer and founder of Galactic Slice, about his journey from hobbyist to full-time indie game developer. Jonathan shares the inspiring story of how a simple game, OneBit Adventure, allowed him to turn his passion into a career. He discusses the motivations behind his leap of faith, the impact of choosing a free-to-play model on community growth, and the challenges he faced with burnout and stress. Jonathan also dives into the benefits and challenges of feature creep, explaining how it helped create lifetime players for OneBit Adventure. He reveals why simplicity in game design often gains more traction than complexity and opens up about accepting his weaknesses in marketing as a solo developer. Topics Covered: Why Jonathan chose to pursue full-time indie game development Building a community through a free-to-play model versus premium Overcoming burnout and stress in game development The impact of feature creep on player retention The power of simplicity in game design Embracing weaknesses in marketing as an indie developer Connect with Jonathan Concepcion: Twitter: https://x.com/SpaceKryptonite LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-concepcion-2917096a/ #IndieGameBusiness #GalacticSlice #OneBitAdventure #GameDevelopment #IndieDev #GameDesign #CommunityBuilding #FeatureCreep #MarketingChallenges #IndieGameJourney

In this candid and introspective episode, we sit down with Brett Taylor, founder of My Dog Zorro, to explore the personal and professional challenges of building a career in game development. Brett opens up about his journey, sharing insights from his previous roles, the lessons he's learned as a young founder, and how he balances work and life while aiming high and accepting the possibility of failure. Join us as Brett discusses what truly matters to him, the recurring mistakes he strives to overcome, and the ways he’s working on improving himself and his process. We'll also touch on his philosophy of "done is better than perfect," the importance of celebrating small wins, and building self-belief. Plus, Brett shares his favorite books that inspire his journey in both life and game development. Connect with Brett Taylor: Twitter: https://x.com/batzerk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-taylor-13268916/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bretttaylor1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/batzerk/ #IndieGameBusiness #GameDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #MyDogZorro #SelfImprovement #GameIndustry #PersonalGrowth #BelievingInYourself #Entrepreneurship #BrettTaylor