Indie Game Lunch Hour

In this discussion, Fernando Dominguez Sarmiento, the creative director at Lemon Chili and mind behind Super Farming Boy, dives into the art of marrying data with creativity in game design. He breaks down how analytics can enhance user experience and marketing without stifling originality. Nando shares insights on identifying trends, A/B testing for better onboarding, and the risks of algorithmic audience lock-in. With his diverse background in film and live gaming events, he emphasizes the importance of iteration and player feedback to create engaging experiences.

This week’s guest, Loren Weng, co-founder and CEO of Dorema Games, shares her insights on roguelike game design. She delves into the importance of procedural generation and discusses its evolution, including key titles like Hades and Slay the Spire. Loren highlights challenges in balancing narrative with roguelike mechanics and explores the unique aspects of co-op gameplay in her indie title, Soulmates. She also encourages listeners to imagine unconventional game mashups, sparking creativity in the genre.

Omar Samir, an indie game developer known for leading Super Buff HD and crafting horror titles, delves into the heart of game creation. He emphasizes that passion, not spite, should define projects, sharing his journey from coding in Unreal to securing over $300,000 for Cairo: Otherscape. The discussion touches on overcoming challenges like publisher collapses and the importance of positive creative vision. Omar also shares insights on balancing passion with market demands and how to redesign disliked game mechanics for fun.

In this episode, Salaar shares lessons from a lifelong journey in game development—from creating games at age 8 to shipping titles at CAGE Studios and contributing to God of War: Ragnarok. We discuss what it really takes to build a sustainable indie studio, balancing creativity, longevity, and the realities of the industry.Learn more abour SalaarLearn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, we sit down with one of the most respected voices in game development, Jared Yeager, to unpack how distribution and community shape the success of modern games. With over two decades leading teams at Disney, Activision, Capcom, and more, Jared shares powerhouse insights on building bridges between creators, players, and platforms.Learn more about JaredLearn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

Nabil Ueda and Teja Batar, co-founders of Ludocratic Games, share their playful philosophy of game design focused on maintaining momentum. They discuss their upcoming Kickstarter for The Box Is Alive, a physics-based platformer featuring a self-delivering cardboard box. The duo emphasizes the importance of consistent small efforts, community building, and creativity in game development. They also explore how humor and playfulness in game mechanics can foster social connections, making the development process as enjoyable as the games themselves.

In this episode, we sit down with the trio behind Future Suit Games to explore how passion, persistence, and teamwork fuel their journey of building Daughter of the Rift. From engineering and art to narrative design, they share how iteration has shaped their game into something truly special. Get an inside look at the creative process of blending story and strategy into an unforgettable indie experience.Learn more about Future Suit GamesLearn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

Explore the captivating world of branching narratives in game development. The hosts share insights on crafting player-centric stories that engage emotions and empower decision-making. Discover the balance between player choices and their consequences, along with innovative gameplay mechanics like the eye feature. The importance of audience interaction in shaping narratives is highlighted, alongside creative inspiration for indie developers. Join the fun as they navigate the challenges and joys of making dynamic, unforgettable game adventures!

In this episode, Tim Wood and our very own Wizard of Joy, Willem Delventhal, dig into why AAA hiring can feel broken and how indies are flipping the script. With sharp insights and real experience, they reveal how smaller teams can win big on talent, culture, and opportunity. A must-listen for anyone ready to rethink the future of game hiring.Learn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

Lara Guzelsoy, an emerging Environment Artist, specializes in weaving history and culture into immersive game worlds. In the discussion, she reveals the profound role that props play in storytelling and world-building. Lara shares her artistic journey from childhood sketches in Istanbul to digital dreams at Ringling College. She also explores the current indie development landscape, emphasizing the importance of motivation and collaboration. Additionally, Lara delves into kit bashing and procedural generation, showcasing how these techniques enrich gameplay narratives.