Indie Game Lunch Hour

Corina Diaz, a seasoned digital media strategist with over 15 years in entertainment marketing, shares invaluable insights on early marketing for indie games. She discusses the journey from traditional tactics to modern social media strategies, emphasizing community and representation. Corina highlights the power of developer stories, the importance of gathering feedback during playtesting, and how to balance marketing authenticity with game integrity. She also offers practical steps for building a strong online presence and engaging with audiences before a game's launch.

One of the best in the business, Michael has voiced, cast, and directed unforgettable performances in over 100 games—including Zenless Zone Zero—and he’s here to blow the lid off what voice acting can do for your game. Whether you're an indie underdog or a AAA juggernaut, this episode is your all-access pass to making voice work unforgettable.Learn more about MichaelLearn 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 chat with Ami Cai—a visual narrator, freelance illustrator, and graphic designer whose work spans from indie projects to the role of Art Director on the Kickstarter-backed Cartomancy Anthology. Ami shares insights into balancing creative careers with casual VTubing and gameplay content, and how storytelling threads through everything she does.Links shared during the live episode:https://dev.twitch.tv/code/ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1490340/We_Are_OFK/ https://bsky.app/profile/alpineshowtime.bsky.social/post/3lk3hu5t5js2f https://x.com/chocovania/status/1696200897028911216 https://x.com/shindags/status/1898662259372781667 https://x.com/binoftweets/status/1865035587587117400 https://x.com/shindags/status/1730408283826266297 https://x.com/nme64_u/status/1893784752240390199 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s7a1TSeF-3g?si=skKn15VBbIqBqyEB https://x.com/mdxcai/status/1891983292968178000 https://x.com/shindags/status/1771258712377758129Learn more about AmiLearn 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.

Ryan E. Grady, an illustrator and professor, shares her journey through the worlds of visual storytelling and indie gaming. She discusses the challenges of creating art on a budget and the significance of creativity in game development. Diving into the impact of the gig economy, she highlights the importance of networking and utilizing tools like Unity and Blender. Ryan also explores pre-production in game design, emphasizing artistic iteration, and encourages listeners to develop a weekend game idea while considering the balance between specialization and broad skills.

Join us as we break down key insights from GDC this year, covering self-publishing, securing a publisher, and navigating VC funding. Whether you're an indie dev or part of a studio, this episode offers practical takeaways to help you make smarter publishing decisions.Learn more abour ClaireLearn 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 talk with Kristi, a powerhouse in narrative design who transitioned from a successful copywriting career just two years ago. Since then, she’s shaped the stories of over six indie titles, led narrative efforts on AA-sized projects, and is now taking on her biggest challenge yet, co-founding Future Suit Games and earning a spot in IGA’s prestigious Foundy program. Kristi shares her expertise on storytelling, studio building, and taking bold leaps in the game industry.Learn more about KristiLearn 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 a shifting game industry, developers discuss resilience and optimism. Personal stories highlight the journey of female gamers and the importance of education. Strategies for fostering positivity and collaboration in creative environments are shared. Freelance challenges are examined, showcasing the need for networking. The metaphor of life as a game illustrates how overcoming obstacles can lead to personal growth. Techniques for sustaining optimism and community support are emphasized for navigating tough times.

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.