
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

Mar 15, 2024 • 1h 2min
Starting and Running an Indie Game Studio
Today, we're excited to have Stuart De Ville, Founder and CEO of Game Dev London, Founder and Director of Fribbly games, freelance Game Asset Artist, and Indie Games Consultant, here to share invaluable insights on "Starting and Running an Indie Game Studio."
During our discussion, Stuart will draw from his extensive experience in the industry to provide actionable advice on starting and running a successful game studio. He'll share personal anecdotes, including lessons learned from his first studio's failure and the subsequent journey of starting again.
We'll explore topics such as the importance of networking, finding the right project, and mastering the art of pitching and public speaking. Stuart will offer practical strategies for aspiring developers to navigate the challenges of studio management and increase their chances of long-term success.
Stay connected with Stuart De Ville on Twitter and LinkedIn:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StuartDeVille
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartdeville/
Join us as we dive into the intricacies of indie game studio management and uncover the keys to building a thriving and resilient game development business.
#IndieGameStudio #GameDevLondon #FribblyGames #IndieGameBusiness #GameDevelopment #StuartDeVille #Networking #StudioManagement #PitchingSkills

Mar 8, 2024 • 1h 9min
Publishers Vs. Investors For Indie Game Developers
Welcome to IndieGameBusiness! Today, we're honored to have Eliana Oikawa, CEO at WINGS & COO at Game Habitat, here to discuss the crucial topic of "Publishers Vs. Investors For Indie Game Developers."
During our conversation, Eliana will shed light on the important work of WINGS and their ongoing Women's Day Sale on Steam. We'll explore what sets WINGS apart from traditional publishers and investors, as well as the application process and criteria for aspiring developers.
Eliana will delve into the financial climate of investments, highlighting the challenges faced by diverse teams in the current landscape. We'll discuss strategies for overcoming these challenges and fostering greater inclusivity in indie game development.
Stay connected with Eliana Oikawa and WINGS on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wingsfundme
LinkedIn (Eliana Oikawa): www.linkedin.com/in/elianaoikawa
LinkedIn (WINGS): https://www.linkedin.com/company/wings-interactive/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingsfundme
Join us as we explore the intersection of women and indie game development, and discover how initiatives like WINGS are making a difference in the industry.
#WomenInGaming #IndieGameDevelopment #WINGSInteractive #GameHabitat #IndieGameBusiness #DiverseTeams #FinancialInvestments #ElianaOikawa

Mar 8, 2024 • 1h 1min
Unlocking Wishlists Through Influencers and Advertising
This is a must-attend event for video game developers and marketers looking to leverage the power of influencers and advertising for their game's on Steam.
#IndieGameBusiness #SteamWishlists #GamingInfluencers

Mar 7, 2024 • 57min
Unlocking Indie Magic: Mocap on a Budget
Discover the secrets of indie game mocap success on a budget! Join us as we delve into the world of motion capture from a performer's perspective. Learn practical tips, tricks, and budget-friendly techniques to bring your characters to life without breaking the bank. Whether you're a developer or an actor, this session will empower you to leverage mocap for indie game success.
#IndieGameBusiness #Mocap #GameMocap#IndieGameMocap

Mar 6, 2024 • 59min
Unlocked Earned Coverage - How to sell your game with limited funds
It's difficult to make a great game, but selling it is a completely different beast - especially with a low budget. In this session I'll go over the do's and don'ts of launching a title. Many people think that you need an unlimited budget to be successful, but even with limited funds you can set up a successful games marketing campaign.
#IndieGameBusiness #GameMarketing #SellYourGame #GameDev #IndieGameDev

Mar 5, 2024 • 58min
Tax Topics for Game Developers
This session will serve as a primer on US tax issues for game developers who freelance or own their own business. It will cover a range of topics, from Employee vs. Independent Contractor status, to choice of business entity, to valuable tax deductions and credits that may be available to business owners.
This session will introduce concepts related to sales tax on digital goods and services and discuss the benefits of the R&D tax credit. The session is recommended for freelances and business owners operating in the US, who want to become active and empowered in managing their tax matters.
#Taxes #IndieGameBusiness #GamingTaxes #GameStudioTaxes #TaxAdvice

Mar 4, 2024 • 45min
Pitch Deck Reviews with Firestoke Games - Zombie Rollerz
Find out what publishers are looking for in a pitch deck. During this session, Omar and Jay review the pitch deck for the game Zombie Rollerz.
#pitchdeckreview #IndieGameBusiness #GamePitchDecks

Mar 3, 2024 • 1h 6min
Pitch Deck Reviews with Firestoke Games - Magical Harvest
Find out what publishers are looking for in a pitch deck. During this session, Omar and Jay review the pitch deck for the game Magical Harvest.
#pitchdeckreview #IndieGameBusiness #GamePitchDecks

Mar 2, 2024 • 1h
Pitch Deck 101 for Indies
This talk will explore how to create a pitch deck for approaching a publisher. It will cover reasons to approach a publisher, what's in it for the publisher, and the parts of the pitch deck. It will conclude with some resources and methods that will be helpful to indie devs who want to pitch their game.
#IndieGameBusiness #PitchDecks #GameDeveloperPitchDecks

Mar 1, 2024 • 1h 2min
Current Market Challenges for Indie Game Companies
Welcome to another episode of IndieGameBusiness! Today, we're honored to have Lisette Titre Montgomery, CEO of Cornerstone Studios, here to shed light on "Current Market Challenges for Indie Game Companies."
Throughout our discussion, Lisette will delve into the pressing issues facing indie game companies in the current market landscape. We'll explore topics such as funding challenges, emerging market trends, and the future direction of the gaming industry.
Lisette will share insights into Cornerstone Studios' mission, goals, and strategies for navigating market challenges while maintaining a focus on innovation and creativity. We'll also discuss the importance of intellectual property (IP) management and its role in the success of indie game companies.
Stay connected with Lisette Titre Montgomery on Twitter and LinkedIn:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zette16
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisettetitre
Join us as we uncover the complexities of the indie game market and explore strategies for overcoming challenges in today's dynamic gaming landscape.
#IndieGameCompanies #MarketChallenges #CornerstoneStudios #FutureOfGaming #IndieGameBusiness #FundingChallenges #IPManagement #LisetteTitreMontgomery #IndieGameBusiness
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