IndieGameBusiness®

Standing out is a challenge for all developers. While strategies help, a simple approach can amplify awareness efforts and connect with players while achieving remarkable results. This talk explores the common challenges of resonating with players and offers a practical framework that emphasizes treating players as people. By understanding their diverse interests and values, you'll learn to create more engaging and meaningful experiences. Attendees will gain insights into integrating player interests creatively, aligning with in-game experiences, and achieving better engagement and results.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.