Indie Game Lunch Hour

Frank Gilson, an industry veteran with over 25 years in game development, shares his journey from gaming enthusiast to executive producer. He dives into the fascinating evolution of AI in creative processes, discussing its impact on productivity in game development. Frank also sheds light on how indie developers can harness generative AI to enhance creativity and streamline workflows. The conversation addresses both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI, emphasizing the need to blend traditional skills with new tech for a balanced approach in the gaming landscape.

Rick Williams, a seasoned Unity developer and educational game creator, teams up with Fishy Floor, a freelance gaming brand consultant on the verge of starting their own studio. They dive into the transformative role of AI in game development, particularly its impact on gameplay, storytelling, and player interaction. Topics range from ethical considerations in AI data use to how AI can enhance dialogue systems and gameplay balancing. Their lively discussion highlights AI's potential to revolutionize indie development while emphasizing the importance of maintaining the human touch in creativity.

This week features Susan O’Connor, the award-winning writer and founder of The Narrative Department, known for her work on classics like BioShock and Tomb Raider. She shares her inspiring journey through the gaming industry and the challenges of integrating storytelling into game design. O'Connor emphasizes the need for collaboration between writers and designers to enhance player engagement. She also discusses the rewarding experience of teaching the next generation of narrative designers and encourages aspiring writers to create a 'World Bible' as a creative exercise.

Join us for a conversation with GC as we dive into the business side of game development! With experience advising studios across the US, Europe, and Asia, GC shares insights on funding, scaling, and building a sustainable studio—without compromising creativity. Whether you're an indie dev or looking to grow, this episode is perfect for you!Learn more about GCLearn 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.

Want to unlock the secret to successful collaborations in the indie gaming world? Mike Gray dives into the art of building partnerships between creators, publishers, and designers; sharing real strategies, hard-earned lessons, and insider tips. Whether you're a content creator, game designer, or just curious about how great indie games come to life, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!Learn more about MikeLearn 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.

Tune in as we sit down with Cristian Jereghi, a master storyteller whose work spans film, TV, and some of the biggest games in the industry. With over a decade of experience as a producer, director, and cinematic designer—shaping Metro: Exodus and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty—he brings a unique perspective on crafting powerful narratives. Listen in for a deep dive into his journey and creative process.Learn more about CristianLearn 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 explore the artistry behind the sounds and voices that bring games to life. Our guest, Matthew Kulewicz, a seasoned Dialogue Designer and Sound Mixer with credits on titles like Arcane: Season 2, Star Wars: Outlaws, and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, shares insights into crafting unforgettable audio experiences. From monster vocal performances to teaching the next generation of sound designers at Chapman University, this conversation dives deep into the impact of great sound and dialogue in gaming. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at an essential, often unsung part of storytelling.Lear more about MatthewLearn 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 Daedra Christopher, a veteran game designer behind some of the most iconic FPS franchises like Call of Duty, Warzone, and Halo. Renowned for her worldbuilding expertise and passion for immersive gameplay, Daedra shares insights from her storied career, her dedication to mentoring aspiring developers, and a sneak peek into her upcoming book on breaking into the gaming industry.Learn more about DaedraLearn 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 dive deep with Yuri Flagrare—a powerhouse in narrative design, software engineering, and storytelling mastery. With over 500 fiction stories, countless interactive narratives, and two books under his belt, Yuri has redefined what it means to perfect a craft. From applying competitive gaming ethics to building creative frameworks, he shares unparalleled insights into designing not only compelling game worlds but also an extraordinary career in the industry.Learn more about YuriLearn 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 joined by Mitch Cronin, a veteran of the gaming industry with over 19 years of experience spanning AAA and indie spaces. From pivotal roles at Volition and Humble Games to his current work as a senior technical producer at Santa Monica Studio, Mitch has seen it all. We dive into the nuanced world of indie publishing, exploring the pros and cons of seeking a publisher with someone who’s worked alongside developers worldwide. Mitch’s passion for games—whether it’s retro classics like Jumpman or upcoming hits like the new Indiana Jones—shines through in this insightful conversation every indie dev should hear.Learn more about MitchLearn 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.