
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

Jun 21, 2024 • 1h 18min
The Most Important Things You Need to Know About Indie Game Funding and Publishing | Alan Wilson
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Alan Wilson, Co-Founder of Tripwire Interactive, as he delves into the most critical aspects of indie game funding and publishing.
In this episode, Alan shares his extensive knowledge and experience in the gaming industry, providing invaluable insights into the current state of funding and publishing for indie games. Discover the key factors that indie developers need to consider when seeking funding and navigating the publishing landscape.
Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with indie game development and how to effectively manage resources to bring your game to market. Alan's expertise will guide you through the essential steps to secure funding and establish successful publishing partnerships.
Connect with Alan Wilson:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wilsonam
Don't miss this informative session with Alan Wilson, where he highlights the most important things you need to know about indie game funding and publishing. Subscribe to IndieGameBusiness for more expert advice and industry insights. #IndieGameBusiness #GameFunding #IndieDev #GamePublishing #GamingIndustry

May 31, 2024 • 1h 50min
Talking with Jay Powell, Founder of Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness
Join us for an exclusive conversation with Jay Powell, Founder of Powell Group Consulting and IndieGameBusiness, as he shares insights into his journey in the game industry and the mission behind Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness.
Discover how Jay embarked on his career in the game industry and the pivotal moments that led to the establishment of Powell Group Consulting. Gain valuable insights into the core services offered by Powell Group and how they support developers in navigating the complexities of the gaming market.
Learn about the inspiration behind the creation of IndieGameBusiness and its role in providing invaluable resources, networking opportunities, and industry insights to indie developers worldwide. Explore Jay's vision for the future of IndieGameBusiness and its impact on the indie game community.
Connect with Jay Powell and delve into the world of game development, consulting, and industry networking through IndieGameBusiness.
Stay connected with Jay Powell:
Discord: indiegamebusiness.com/discord/
Facebook: indiegamebusiness.com/facebook/
YouTube: indiegamebusiness.com/youtube/
Instagram: indiegamebusiness.com/instagram/
TikTok: indiegamebusiness.com/tiktok/
Twitch: indiegamebusiness.com/twitch/
Don't miss this engaging discussion with Jay Powell, where he shares his expertise and passion for supporting indie developers on their journey to success. Subscribe to IndieGameBusiness for more insightful conversations and industry updates. #IndieGameBusiness #GameIndustry #IndieDev #GameConsulting #Networking

May 17, 2024 • 1h 9min
Unionization in the Video Game Industry
We're excited to have Jenny Jarzabski, Senior Developer at Paizo, joining us to discuss "Unionization in the Video Game Industry."
Jenny brings a wealth of experience and insights into the topic, having played a pivotal role in advocating for unionization within the game industry. Throughout our conversation, we'll delve into various aspects of unionization and its impact on game developers.
Jenny will share her firsthand experiences, shedding light on her job responsibilities at Paizo and the motivations behind the decision to unionize. We'll explore the significance of solidarity in the workplace and delve into the bargaining process involved in establishing a union.
Furthermore, Jenny will provide valuable insights into the role of a union steward and discuss the potential downsides of being in a union, offering a balanced perspective on the topic.
For those interested in unionizing their workplace, Jenny will offer practical advice on the first steps to take and highlight the importance of collective action in advocating for workers' rights.
Additionally, Jenny will share her excitement about upcoming releases in the tabletop gaming industry, giving us a glimpse into the innovative projects she's been working on at Paizo.
Stay connected with Jenny Jarzabski on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/spaceprincess_j
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-jarzabski/
Join us as we explore the crucial topic of unionization in the video game industry and gain valuable insights from Jenny's extensive experience and advocacy efforts.
#IndieGameBusiness #Unionization #VideoGameIndustry #JennyJarzabski #Paizo #GameDevelopment #WorkersRights #Solidarity #UnionSteward #CollectiveAction #TabletopGaming #Starfinder #Pathfinder

May 10, 2024 • 59min
The Future of the Video Game Industry
Today, we're excited to have Timothy Johnson, Founder and Principal Engineer of ExJin Studios, joining us to discuss "The Future of the Video Game Industry."
During our discussion, Timothy will share insights from his work at Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and WB Games and why he started “Chat Arcade” - a platform for discord based games. We'll also delve into his collaboration with Will Wright and the innovative projects they've worked on together, offering a glimpse into the future of interactive entertainment.
Stay connected with Timothy Johnson on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AtlGameDev
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-johnson-dev/
Don't miss this opportunity to dive into the future of gaming with Timothy Johnson, only on IndieGameBusiness!
#IndieGameBusiness #VideoGameIndustry #FutureOfGaming #TimothyJohnson #ExJinStudios #AIinGames #GameDevelopment #Innovation #Collaboration #ChatArcade #GameDevCommunity

May 10, 2024 • 1h 12min
How Important are Voiceovers for your Indie Game?
We are delighted to have Michael Schwalbe, Voiceactor / Casting Director / Voice Director at What He Said Voiceovers, LLC, joining us to explore the topic of "How Important are Voiceovers for your Indie Game?"
Throughout our discussion, Michael will share invaluable insights into the significance of voiceovers in indie game development. We'll delve into various topics, including the artistry of voiceacting, effective direction, emerging industry trends, the role of AI in voiceovers, and the importance of unionization in the voiceover community.
Michael will address common misconceptions among smaller studios regarding fully voicing their games and provide guidance on how to overcome these challenges. He'll also offer his perspective on the future direction of the industry, both in terms of voiceovers and gaming as a whole.
Furthermore, Michael will walk us through the intricate process of voicing a game like System Shock, offering firsthand insights into the creative and technical aspects involved.
We'll also explore thought-provoking questions such as whether a video game can be considered art and how Michael's background as a singer and metal musician influences his approach to acting.
Stay connected with Michael Schwalbe on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whathesaidvo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/actormichaelschwalbe/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/actormichaelschwalbe
Join us as we dive into the world of voiceovers in indie games and gain valuable insights from Michael's extensive experience and expertise.
#IndieGameBusiness #Voiceovers #MichaelSchwalbe #GameDevelopment #IndustryTrends #AIinGames #Unionization #SystemShock #ArtInGames #IndieDev #GameVoiceacting

Apr 26, 2024 • 1h 9min
An Indie Game: From Conception to Completion
Welcome to IndieGameBusiness! Today, we're thrilled to have Renee Gittins, studio head of Stumbling Cat and developer of Potions: A Curious Tale, joining us to discuss "An Indie Game: From Conception to Completion."
Throughout our conversation, Renee will provide fascinating insights into the journey of creating Potions: A Curious Tale, a captivating indie game that has captured the hearts of players worldwide.
We'll delve into the inspirations behind the game, exploring what motivated Renee to dedicate a decade of her life to its development and the biggest influences that shaped its unique gameplay and narrative.
Renee will share her experiences in building a supportive community around Potions, both during development and leading up to its launch. We'll discuss strategies for fostering community engagement and ensuring the success of indie games in today's competitive market.
Additionally, Renee will reflect on her development journey and share any lessons learned along the way. We'll explore aspects of the development process that she wishes she had approached differently and uncover valuable insights that aspiring indie game developers can apply to their own projects.
Stay connected with Renee Gittins on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RikuKat
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneegittins/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rikukat/
Join us as we unravel the fascinating story behind Potions: A Curious Tale and gain invaluable advice for navigating the indie game development landscape.
#IndieGameDevelopment #PotionsACuriousTale #IndieGameBusiness #ReneeGittins #StumblingCat #GameDevelopment #IndieGames #CommunityBuilding

Apr 23, 2024 • 60min
Building and Growing a Game Development Studio
Welcome to IndieGameBusiness! Today, we're honored to have Paxton Galvanek, CEO & Co-Founder of Studio Hermitage, joining us to share insights on "Building and Growing a Game Development Studio."
Throughout our discussion, Paxton will provide invaluable insights into the journey of establishing and expanding Studio Hermitage in a challenging environment, including the studio's collaboration with Embracer Group since 2023.
We'll delve into Paxton's extensive experience in growing AAA studios, drawing from his role in scaling Funcom from 200 to 450 people between 2018 and 2023. Paxton will share strategies for fostering a positive studio culture across various projects and teams, including Independents, Mobile, AA, and AAA studios.
Additionally, Paxton will reflect on his journey of breaking into the game development industry, offering insights gleaned from his talks and educational sessions spanning the past decade.
Moreover, Paxton will provide fascinating insights into the development of Studio Hermitage's transmedia Intellectual Property, Our Brilliant Ruin (www.ourbrilliantruin.com). We'll explore how the project spans across tabletop RPGs, comics, video games, audio dramas, and more, offering a truly immersive experience for audiences.
Stay connected with Paxton Galvanek on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaxtonGalvanek
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paxtongalvanek/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pgalvanek
Join us as we unravel the secrets to building and growing successful game development studios, alongside the exciting journey of developing a transmedia IP.
#GameDevelopment #StudioHermitage #IndieGameBusiness #PaxtonGalvanek #OurBrilliantRuin #TransmediaIP #AAAStudios #StudioCulture

Apr 23, 2024 • 54min
Why Physical Games are Important in a Digital Era
Welcome to IndieGameBusiness!
In this episode, we have a special guest, Josh Fairhurst, CEO at Limited Run Games & Mighty Rabbit Studios, to discuss the intriguing topic of "Why Physical Games are Important in a Digital Era."
During our conversation, Josh will provide insights into Mighty Rabbit Studios and Limited Run Games, exploring the motivation behind starting Limited Run Games. We'll delve into the significance of physical games in a digital era and why developers should be paying attention to this aspect.
Josh will share the focus of Mighty Rabbit Studios since the formation of Limited Run Games and reflect on key takeaways from their journey. Additionally, he'll offer advice for other studio runners who may find themselves in similar situations.
Stay connected with Josh Fairhurst on Twitter and LinkedIn:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LimitedRunJosh
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfairhurst/
#PhysicalGames #LimitedRunGames #MightyRabbitStudios #IndieGameBusiness #DigitalEra #JoshFairhurst #GameDevelopmentInsights

Apr 5, 2024 • 1h 6min
PR for Indie Developers
Welcome to IndieGameBusiness! Today, we're thrilled to have Ryh-Ming Poon, Principal Consultant/Fractional Executive at RPPR, here to share insights on "PR for Indie Developers."
Throughout our conversation, Ryh-Ming will provide invaluable insights into her illustrious career path, which began with a passion for PR and gaming. From her journey through PR agencies to roles at major companies like Activision, Machinima, GameFly, Jam City, Xsolla, and ProbablyMonsters, Ryh-Ming will offer valuable lessons and anecdotes.
Ryh-Ming will delve into her current work, including her collaboration with Tetris on their 40th anniversary celebration. Additionally, she'll share insights into pivoting out of games into fractional executive roles with tech startups and her involvement in advisory boards, including her role as an advisor on the WIGI board.
Furthermore, Ryh-Ming will shed light on the importance of diversity in the gaming and tech industries, emphasizing why it's crucial to continue pushing forward for inclusivity and representation.
Stay connected with Ryh-Ming Poon on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LadyMingPR
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryhming/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladymingpr/ and https://www.instagram.com/ladyming/
Join us as we explore the world of PR for indie developers and gain valuable insights from Ryh-Ming's extensive experience and expertise.
#IndieGameBusiness #PRforDevelopers #RyhMingPoon #DiversityinTech #GamingIndustry #Tetris40th #WIGI #TechStartups #FractionalExecutive

Mar 29, 2024 • 1h 9min
Getting Grants for Indie Games and Discussing Educational Games
Welcome to IndieGameBusiness! Today, we're delighted to have Dan White, co-founder and CEO of Filament Games, here to share insights on "Getting Grants for Indie Games and Discussing Educational Games."
Throughout our discussion, Dan will provide valuable insights into securing grants for indie game projects, focusing particularly on Filament Games' experience with RoboCo and other projects. We'll explore the process of identifying and applying for relevant grants, the role of grants in supporting educational game development, and the challenges of balancing grant requirements with creative vision.
Dan will also delve into Filament Games' approach to partnering with educational institutions and organizations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with subject matter experts and leveraging partnerships for playtesting and feedback.
Additionally, we'll discuss the iterative design and development process for educational games, using RoboCo as a case study. Dan will share insights into how RoboCo's design evolved over time, balancing educational content with engaging gameplay mechanics.
Stay connected with Dan White and Filament Games on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FilamentGames
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danwhite3/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FilamentGames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filamentgames/
Join us as we explore the future of educational gaming and Filament Games' role in driving innovation within the industry.
#IndieGameDevelopment #EducationalGames #GrantsForGames #FilamentGames #IndieGameBusiness #EducationalGaming #GameDevelopment #DanWhite
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