
Game Dev Unchained
Our podcast breaks the mold of don't ask don't tell about the video game industry. We give everyone the real inside look at what its like to be a professional game developer, Every week we'll interview pro and indie developers, we'll talk jobs, studios, salaries and of course crunch horror stories. Tune in!
Hosted by Brandon Pham
Latest episodes

Mar 26, 2024 • 1h 26min
0342: Roundtable News | Behind the GDC Booths: Unpacking Industry Challenges
Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe
About this episode:
Ray and I had a comprehensive discussion about the current state of the industry, expressing concern about the unsustainable practices and lack of unionization. We also reflected on GDC 2024, sharing their experiences and opinions, as well as the impact of Epic layoffs on the show floor. Lastly, we discussed the marketing strategies of various companies, with a particular focus on Unity and its booth, which they found to be unimpressive.
Connect with us:
• 🖥 http://gamedevunchained.com
• 🎞️ https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...
• ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com
• 💰 https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...
•📸 http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained

Feb 20, 2024 • 1h 26min
0341: Making a Game in UEFN with Tav Shande
The podcast delves into game development with a focus on UEFN, discussing Epic's management, diversifying income streams, Fortnite's financial potential, user-generated content challenges, future of gaming, and Activision/Blizzard's direction post-Microsoft acquisition.

Feb 13, 2024 • 1h 34min
0340: JangaFX with Nick Seavert
Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription.
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About this episode:
In this episode, I had a discussison with Nicholas Seavert (CEO of JangaFX) covering a range of topics about the game industry, including visual effects, software tools, corporate vs indie game companies, entrepreneurship, and the impact of smaller companies on the industry. We also touched on the challenges of managing people, the trend towards leaner, more powerful tools, pricing and consumer appreciation, and the importance of team members' dedication and creativity.
Connect with us:
• 🖥 http://gamedevunchained.com
• 🎞️ https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...
• ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com
• 💰 https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...
•📸 http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained

Jan 31, 2024 • 1h 37min
0339:Roundtable News | Rough Start to 2024
https://magicmind.com/janunchained
75% off subscription. Get 1 month free with a 3 month subscription with my code GAMEDEVUNCHAINED. ENDS JAN 31st.
Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe
About this episode:
In this episode, Brandon and Raymond discuss the recent layoffs in the games industry, speculating on potential causes and implications. They also touch on the challenges faced by individuals in finding jobs in their industry, the increasing use of AI in the gaming industry, the concept of worth in the workplace and capitalism, the impact of AI on their industry, the current state of video game design, the fallout from a hack of Insomniac, the financial performance of games, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the gaming industry, the challenges of managing a team in a remote or hybrid work environment, and the evolving social dynamics within the industry.
Connect with us:
• 🖥 http://gamedevunchained.com
• 🎞️ https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...
• ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com
• 💰 https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...
•📸 http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained

Dec 12, 2023 • 1h 39min
0338: Roundtable News | Fortnite Lego, Game Awards, and GTA VI
Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe
About this episode:
In this episode, I sit with Ray Graham about the latest news and trends that affects game developers. Fortnite is making a huge comeback, our breakdown of the Game Awards latest announcement, and of course preparing ourselves to GTA VI.
Connect with us:
• 🖥 http://gamedevunchained.com
• 🎞️ https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...
• ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com
• 💰 https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...
•📸 http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained

Dec 5, 2023 • 60min
0337: Art Boost | Spark and Bibi with Igor Puskaric
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About this episode:
Igor Puskaric presents his spotlight for a sketchfab project that a team 6 completed during the pandemic. An amazing piece of work that is interactive and showcases a new form of animation storytelling.
Art Spotlight: Spark & Bibi - Sketchfab Community Blog - Sketchfab Community Blog
Meet the Masters: Igor Puškarić - Sketchfab Community Blog - Sketchfab Community Blog
iggy-design - Sketchfab
IgorPuskaric | Instagram | Linktree
Igor Puskaric | LinkedIn
Connect with us:
• 🖥 http://gamedevunchained.com
• 🎞️ https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...
• ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com
• 💰 https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...
•📸 http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained

Nov 28, 2023 • 1h 23min
0336: Navigating the Storms of Indie Publishing with Pete Bottomley
Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription.
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About this episode:
Dive into the fascinating world of game development with a returning guest Pete Bottomley, co-founder of White Paper Games, unravel the intricacies of crafting narrative-driven titles in the ever-evolving gaming industry. From the impacts of the pandemic on studio operations to the resurgence of single-player games, this episode offers a deep dive into the creative and operational shifts that are shaping the future of gaming. We discuss the delicate balance of bootstrapping versus seeking funding, the importance of retaining IP rights, and the strategic decisions behind scoping and pitching projects. Listen in as we explore how small teams can thrive in a competitive market, the realities of publisher negotiations, and the trends that are signaling a return to indie roots, all while navigating the complexities of game design with passion and precision. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the art and business of making games. Don't miss out on these valuable lessons and heartfelt stories from industry veterans.
Peter Bottomley | LinkedIn
White Paper Games
Connect with us:
• 🖥 http://gamedevunchained.com
• 🎞️ https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...
• ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com
• 💰 https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...
•📸 http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained

Nov 21, 2023 • 1h 23min
0335: Art Boost | Gambit with Lyndl Kempis
Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription.
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About this episode:
Lyndl Kempis joins this week to share his latest personal art piece. Being an early adopter of Blender and share his process of rigging, posing, and presentation.
Lyndl40k (@3d.ronin) • Instagram photos and videos
Connect with us:
• 🖥 http://gamedevunchained.com
• 🎞️ https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...
• ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com
• 💰 https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...
•📸 http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained

Nov 15, 2023 • 1h 45min
0334: Roundtable News | Massive Layoffs
The podcast discusses recent layoffs in the gaming industry, the rise of User-Generated Content (UGC) in games like Fortnite, and missteps by Epic Games. It explores the impact of layoffs on the industry's workforce, challenges traditional ideas of game ownership, and examines the consequences for companies like Epic Games. The hosts also touch on topics like borrowing money, consolidation in the game development industry, game remakes, and the future of game development tools.

Oct 31, 2023 • 1h 5min
0333: Catching up with the Game Industry with Brian Canary
AU 2023 | November 13-15 in Las Vegas
www.autodesk.com/gamedevunchained
Paul Klee, Rich Harbour by Subsage (itch.io)
Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe
About this episode:
Join me in an insightful conversation with Brian Canary, Lead Designer at Splash Damage. After years since our last talk, we reunite to dive into the profound transformations that have swept the game industry over the past half-decade.
🔮 Together, we peer into the crystal ball to forecast the upcoming trends. From the paradigm shift towards remote work and the debate over returning to offices, to the intriguing concept of the 4-day workweek. And of course, we dissect the epic saga of the three console wars and weigh the pros and cons of streaming games. 🎮💥
Tune in for a riveting discussion on the past, present, and future of gaming! 🎙️🕹️
Brian Canary | LinkedIn
Connect with us:
• 🖥 http://gamedevunchained.com
• 🎞️ https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...
• ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com
• 💰 https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...
•📸 http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained
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