
IndieGameBusiness®
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.
Latest episodes

Sep 30, 2024 • 60min
Play To Win: Exploring The Legal Aspects Indie Studios Need To Succeed
This program is intended to highlight the legal concerns of indie video game studios including: contracts, copyrights, trademarks, and artificial intelligence. My goal is to provide FREE legal nuggets and gems for attendees and to illustrate how beneficial and cost-effective having outside general counsel can be whether the indie studio is a start-up or is more established.

Sep 29, 2024 • 58min
Premium Steam Game Biz Dev Evaluation – A Proper Execution
The goal of the talk is to provide case study tips regarding the proper execution of documents necessary to efficiently execute a premium Steam game business development analysis, including contemporary methodologies, algorithms and general structure. The attendees will learn how to draw proper conclusions by completing a direct competition analysis, preparing a P&L, sum up competition rev estimates and more.

Sep 28, 2024 • 1h 1min
Safe Spaces: Factors to consider in online safety for communities and teams
Safe In Our World and PTW discuss the landscape of online safety, uncovering key elements for supporting players, users, communities, and frontline teams. We highlight critical factors that contribute to constructing and maintaining secure environments where players and teams can thrive without compromising their safety. From privacy concerns to combating toxicity, we explore a comprehensive range of issues. We share insights on successful strategies, innovative approaches, and real-world case studies that have proven effective in mitigating risks and enhancing overall safety.

Sep 27, 2024 • 59min
Understanding Your Game Market: Essential Insights for Success
Explore the essential role of market analysis in game development, from understanding market trends to targeting niche audiences. Delve into crafting unique selling points that make games stand out, illustrated with success stories like Fortnite and Baldur's Gate. Learn how player feedback and user personas shape marketing strategies and enhance community engagement. Discover techniques for effective positioning and securing publisher interest, ensuring your game is primed for success right from the start.

Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 3min
Effective Game Marketing Strategies | Guy Costantini
In this engaging discussion, Guy Costantini, CEO and co-founder of an innovative game studio, shares his insights on effective marketing for indie games. He emphasizes the crucial role of marketing alongside development, recommending that studios allocate 20-30% of their budget to this area. Guy delves into community-driven marketing strategies, the balance between funding development and promotion, and the nuances of different game categories like indie and AAA. He also highlights opportunities across various platforms and the importance of understanding your audience.

Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 6min
Understanding Your Video Game Publishing Agreement - Game Lawyer Q&A
Zachary Strebeck, a video game lawyer, joins indie publishing expert Matthew Vernace and contract professional Alan Wilson to unpack the complexities of video game publishing agreements. They discuss key red flags to watch for and the importance of negotiation flexibility. The trio dives into how economic shifts affect indie developers and explores trends in budgeting and funding, noting the balancing act between engaging gameplay and visual appeal. Listeners gain invaluable insights into safeguarding their interests and securing fair deal terms in a challenging market.

Sep 25, 2024 • 1h 2min
Demystifying Storefront Sales: Where Publishing & Marketing Unite
Join Raven to learn the basics of sales and how to best leverage them for your game. This talk mostly covers Steam with a sprinkle of Xbox, Playstation, and Nintendo, but you will walk away with enough of an action plan to not scream in frustration as you navigate the abundance of sales and discount possibilities out there. This talk is perfect for the indie developer or publisher who wants a primer on discount schedules, sale strategies, and how to best unite marketing and publishing to push your game through the noise of the marketplace.

Sep 24, 2024 • 60min
From Dream to Demo: The ABC's for Your Indie Studio
Join our engaging roundtable with seasoned industry experts, tailored for new indie developers. This session delves into the essentials of crafting compelling game demos, assembling a skilled team, enhancing your project's visibility, and mastering your inaugural pitch. Explore the core ABC's of indie game startups—Ambition, Building, and Communication. Gain practical strategies to transform your game ideas into thriving ventures and establish a resilient mindset crucial for success in the dynamic world of gaming.

Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 3min
From Startup to Beloved: Building Your Studios Reputation
Just over 10 years ago, Nightdive Studios consisted of three employees; now there are over forty of us at an award-winning studio. Please join us for a talk focused on building your brand and gaining and maintaining consumer trust.

Sep 22, 2024 • 58min
Pitch Perfect: Winning Over Publishers
Discover how to craft a winning pitch in the gaming industry! Learn the importance of understanding your audience and balancing passion with market appeal. Master the art of creating compelling pitch decks and engaging with publishers. Explore the critical factors for choosing the right publisher and the role of body language in effective communication. Embrace constructive criticism and the journey of continuous improvement. Get ready to turn your vision into a development success story!
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