Indie Game Lunch Hour

Today we’re joined by Elaine Gómez, one of the sharpest minds in game design and a true champion for Latine voices in the industry! With nearly a decade of experience in both AAA and indie games, Elaine breaks down why great design doesn’t mean more mechanics, it means smarter choices. If you're building games that feel good, this is a masterclass you don't want to miss.Learn more about ElaineLearn 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.

Today we’re joined by the incredible Osama Dorias! Game designer, educator, and all-around industry force! From working on hits like Gotham Knights and For Honor to building programs and platforms that uplift marginalized voices, Osama is doing game dev with heart. This convo is packed with passion, purpose, and serious design wisdom.Learn more about OsamaLearn 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’re diving into the world of game design with Kate Edwards, a trailblazer who's been shaping the industry for over 30 years! As the CEO of Geogrify and a visionary behind game culturalization, Kate's work has helped developers create immersive experiences that connect across cultures. From her role in the IGDA to being inducted into the Women in Games Hall of Fame, Kate’s expertise and energy make this conversation one you won’t want to miss!Learn more about KateLearn 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.

Join us for a conversation with Eric Betancourt, a storytelling powerhouse, an award-worthy narrative designer, masterful Dungeon Master, and educator who brings worlds to life across tabletop and digital realms. With credits from heavyweights like Wizards of the Coast and Fantasy Flight Games, he’s using the power of play to spark creativity, build empathy, and fuel real-world changeLearn more about EricLearn 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, Squinky and Jess from Soft Chaos dive into the world of worker co-ops and how collective ownership fuels their bold, genre-defying work. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how they create deeply personal, experimental games and interactive art that push the boundaries of play.Learn more about SoftChaos 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.

Discover the exhilarating journey of learning new tools in game development. From overcoming initial overwhelm to celebrating those breakthrough moments, the speakers share personal experiences and effective strategies. Dive into the importance of community collaboration during game jams and explore the transition from 2D to 3D designs. They also discuss how embracing new technologies, like AI, can enhance creativity and innovation. Whether you're a novice or a pro, this conversation offers valuable insights to spark your learning journey.

In this episode, Aysha U. Farah shares her approach to building unforgettable stories and gives us an inside look at her latest project, the narrative shooter Spine. Asyha is one of the sharpest minds in narrative design today, with a portfolio that spans Magic: The Gathering, Hiveswap, and the GDC Award-winning Life is Strange: Double Exposure.Learn more about AyshaLearn 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 Layla Pigott (they/she)—film editor, game designer, and founder of Lookout Drive Games—to talk about the challenges and rewards of being trans and queer in the game industry. From navigating identity in professional spaces to building community through games like Portrait of a Texas Family and Bitter Silver, Layla shares hard-won insights and hopeful visions for the future of queer storytelling in games.Learn more about LaylaLearn 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.

Sydney Clara, an award-winning filmmaker and game developer known for her work on QUALIA, joins the conversation to explore the often tumultuous relationship artists have with their creations. She navigates her journey from film to indie game development, revealing the importance of problem-solving and embracing imperfection. Sydney discusses the value of shorter, impactful games and the necessity of early playtesting. Additionally, she encourages listeners to balance professional standards with personal satisfaction, ultimately inviting a playful approach to creativity.

Discover the fascinating journey behind 'Whiskers, Wizards, and Wands', where a reluctant feline wizard crafts spells in a vibrant world. The creators discuss merging traditional art styles with modern gameplay, highlighting their unique papery aesthetic. Dive into the challenges indie developers face, from project scope management to community engagement. Personal anecdotes of lunches and creative influences inject humor into their process. Plus, learn how to integrate personal skills into game design for a truly engaging experience!