Indie Game Lunch Hour

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.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Valencia Coleman, a standout Gameplay Engineer at Owlchemy Labs and a recognized leader in the game industry. From IGDA-F Scholar to The Game Awards Future Class honoree, Valencia shares how her education and experiences opened the door to a thriving career. Hear her powerful story and insights on paving the way for more diversity in games.Learn more about ValenciaLearn 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 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.