

IndieGameBusiness®
Jay Powell
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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!

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!