
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 21, 2024 • 1h 13min
Strategies and Tools in Playtesting with Limited Resources
Discover budget-friendly playtesting strategies and tools to optimize
your game's UX! You'll learn how game studios with limited resources can
still benefit from playtesting. Using recent, real-world examples,
Pejman will discuss the approaches, methods, and equipment used to build
an effective playtesting setup and help game developers enhance the
player experience for their titles. Pejman has a track record of
playtesting 35+ shipped titles, including award-winning games such as
PewDiePie: Legend of the Brofist, Weirdwood Manor, A Fold Apart, and
Broken Spectre.

Sep 20, 2024 • 1h 2min
Unlocking Success: The Crucial Role of PR in Indie Game Sales
We will explore the essential strategies indie developers can use to
leverage public relations to boost their game's visibility and sales.
Attendees will learn how to craft compelling narratives, engage with
media, and build a loyal community. Key takeaways include understanding
the PR landscape, effective media outreach techniques, and tips for
sustaining long-term interest in your game. Join us to discover how PR
can be your secret weapon for success in the competitive gaming market.

Sep 13, 2024 • 1h
Game Startup Challenges: Insights from Marauder Tech's Founders
Join us for an exclusive episode with Morgan Kane, Founder and CEO, and Joel Balyeat, Chief Product Officer of Marauder Tech Games. Dive deep into the world of game development as these industry leaders share their experiences and insights on building a successful game startup and managing the complex dynamics of game production.
Morgan discusses the risks and rewards of funding your own game startup, emphasizing the importance of assembling the right team to convert vision into reality. He explores the potential benefits and pitfalls of building something unprecedented in the gaming world. Joel focuses on the crucial aspects of project scope, advocating for keeping it tight to avoid project failure, and outlines his strategy for building the right team quickly with his "3 Cs" method. Additionally, Joel shares his approach to maintaining a balance between flexibility and decisiveness in game development.
This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes of creating and leading a game development company, offering valuable lessons on team building, decision-making, and innovation in the gaming industry.
Social Media:
Morgan Kane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-kane-76b327320/
Joel Balyeat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelbalyeat/
#GameDevelopment #MarauderTechGames #StartupSuccess #TeamBuilding #InnovationInGaming #GamingIndustry #Leadership #ProjectManagement #GameProduction

Sep 7, 2024 • 1h 2min
Get a Job in the Video Game Industry | Anna Moss
Join Anna Moss, a veteran headhunter with a passion for gaming, as she shares secrets for job hunting in the gaming industry. She highlights the crucial differences between internal and external recruiters and offers strategies for effective communication. Anna also discusses current job market trends, common application mistakes, and the power of networking. Want to stand out? She provides tailored CV tips and emphasizes the importance of experiences over formal education, all infused with her authentic insights from the industry.

Aug 16, 2024 • 1h 1min
Reviving the Magic of MMOs for Modern Audiences
Join Irena Pereira, CEO/Creative Director at Unleashed Games, as she delves into the enchanting world of MMOs and explores strategies for reintroducing their magic to modern audiences on this episode of IndieGameBusiness. Irena discusses the unique appeal of MMOs, from fostering family bonds to the evolution of gameplay mechanics like tab targeting versus aiming.
Discover the potential of cross-platform gaming and the exciting prospects of venturing into virtual reality (VR) for MMO experiences. Irena shares her insights on adventure gaming and offers valuable perspectives on revitalizing the MMO genre for contemporary players.
Stay connected with Irena Pereira to stay updated on her latest endeavors and insights into the gaming industry.
Connect with Irena Pereira:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/irenapereira
Facebook: facebook.com/unleashinggames
Don't miss out on this captivating discussion about the future of MMOs and their enduring appeal! Subscribe to IndieGameBusiness for more engaging conversations on indie game development. #IndieGameBusiness #MMOs #Gaming #GameDevelopment #IndieDev #VRGaming #CrossPlatformGaming

Aug 9, 2024 • 1h 10min
Unlocking the Mysteries of Game Scouting
Meg Clarke, Senior Game Scout at Team17, dives into the fascinating realm of game scouting. She shares her personal journey and the vital role of soft skills in building a career in this field. Discover the nuances of networking at industry events and the balance between personal enjoyment and professional duties. Meg also discusses the unexpected benefits of rejection in publisher relationships and offers strategies for developers to effectively connect with scouts. Tune in for valuable insights that could shape your path in the gaming industry!

Aug 3, 2024 • 1h 2min
Key Principles of Successful Mergers and Acquisitions Deals with Jacques Benchetrit
Jacques Benchetrit, a leading expert from Agora Gaming Partners, shares his expertise on mergers and acquisitions in the gaming industry. He reveals the current trends shaping the M&A landscape and clarifies the essential steps for successful deals. Jacques emphasizes the significance of cultural compatibility, transparency in financial dealings, and effective communication. He also discusses the evaluation of unique value propositions and the importance of crafting compelling pitch decks. Real-life case studies highlight practical strategies for navigating the complexities of corporate mergers.

Jul 19, 2024 • 1h 3min
How to be successful in services for games with Max Louis
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Max Louis, Founder and Studio Director at MLC (Magna Ludum Creatives). In this episode, Max shares his journey of starting MLC and how the studio has evolved over the years.
We'll dive into what it takes to be successful in game services, the importance of nurturing studio culture, and strategies for realistic financial planning.
Max also discusses how the games industry has changed from when he started in 2017 to now, and offers valuable insights for building a successful studio that lasts.
Discover how Max's background and the evolution of MLC have shaped the studio's growth, what it means to achieve success in game services, the significance of developing a strong studio culture, and the practicalities of financial planning for the future.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-louis/
#IndieGameBusiness #GameDev #StudioSuccess #GameIndustry #MLC #GameDevelopment #StudioCulture #FinancialPlanning #GamingInsights

Jul 17, 2024 • 1h 6min
How to NOT screw up your indie game launch. 30 mistakes in 30 minutes. | Chris Zukowski
Join Chris Zukowski, Creative Director of How To Market A Game, as he delves into the art of getting great visibility while marketing your indie game on this episode of IndieGameBusiness. Chris shares valuable insights and strategies for maximizing visibility and reaching your target audience effectively in today's competitive gaming landscape.
Discover the secrets to successful indie game marketing as Chris explores various tactics and approaches to enhance visibility and attract attention to your game. From leveraging social media platforms to optimizing your marketing efforts, Chris offers actionable tips and best practices to help indie developers stand out in the crowded market.
Stay connected with Chris Zukowski to access more expert advice on indie game marketing and industry insights.
Connect with Chris Zukowski:
Twitter: twitter.com/AdventureMtn
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chriszukowski
Don't miss this enlightening discussion that provides valuable guidance on mastering indie game marketing and achieving greater visibility for your game. Subscribe to IndieGameBusiness for more informative discussions on game development and industry trends.
#IndieGameBusiness #GameMarketing #IndieDev #Visibility #MarketingStrategy

Jun 28, 2024 • 1h 1min
Self Publishing, Management, LATAM Game Market, and Investment | Juliana Brito
In this episode, we have Juliana Brito, CEO of Indie Hero, discussing self-publishing, management, the LATAM game market, and investment. Juliana shares her extensive experience and insights on various aspects of the gaming industry, particularly in Latin America.
Topics Covered:
The importance of self-publishing in LATAM and why it's crucial for developers in the region.
Insights into the management of game development and maintaining engagement with volunteers worldwide.
The journey and inspiration behind the creation of Indie Hero.
Key learnings from running four acceleration programs and understanding the unique challenges and opportunities for LATAM studios.
The significance of considering LATAM when publishing a game and the potential growth in the market.
The role of international events in the growth and exposure of gaming companies.
Juliana also delves into GameJam Plus, providing details about the initiative and how it keeps volunteers motivated and engaged globally.
Connect with Juliana Brito:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julianasilvabrito
Instagram: instagram.com/jsibrito
Don't miss this insightful discussion with Juliana Brito, where she sheds light on the LATAM game market, self-publishing, and the impact of global engagement on game development. Subscribe to IndieGameBusiness for more expert advice and industry insights. #IndieGameBusiness #GameDevelopment #SelfPublishing #LATAMGameMarket #GamingInvestment #IndieDev
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