

Indie Game Lunch Hour
Indie Game Academy
Real stories from real game developers about breaking into the video game industry. Welcome to the Indie Game Lunch Hour, hosted by the Indie Game Academy! Listen in or join live.Our podcast is hosted and recorded live on our Discord. Each Wednesday at 12pm EST we interview experts in the game industry and give community members like YOU a chance to ask them questions. We cover breaking into the indie game industry, publishing games, game design and so much more.Join the Discord
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 12, 2025 • 54min
Entrepreneurship in Gaming
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.

Feb 5, 2025 • 50min
Cracking the Code to Creator Collaboration in Indie Games
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.

Jan 29, 2025 • 54min
Cinematic Design: Visual Storytelling in Videogames
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.

Jan 22, 2025 • 54min
The Impact of Great Sound and Dialogue in Gaming
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.

Jan 15, 2025 • 60min
Breaking Into The Industry
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.

Dec 25, 2024 • 56min
What Is Narrative Design and How Do You Design Your Future in Games (While Doing the Same Thing Four Hundred Times)
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.

Dec 18, 2024 • 59min
Pros And Cons of Looking For a Publisher As An Indie
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.

Dec 11, 2024 • 59min
The Storytelling Toolkit: Better Narrative and Quest Design
Join us as we explore the art of crafting compelling narratives and engaging quest designs with Quinn Elmer, a seasoned narrative designer and writer with over a decade of experience across indie and AAA games. Drawing from his work at Lost Boys Interactive and collaborations with Gearbox Entertainment, Quinn shares valuable insights and techniques to elevate storytelling in games. Whether you're a developer, storyteller, or simply love great narratives, this episode offers a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice.Learn more about QuinnLearn 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.

Dec 4, 2024 • 55min
Deviating to Success: Building a Studio, Breaking Norms, and Shipping Our First Game
In this episode, we talk with Kyra Reive, CEO of Deviant Games, whose journey is as compelling as the games her studio creates. From serving in the military in Alaska to running family businesses, her path took a bold turn during the pandemic, leading to the launch of a game studio with limitless potential. We explore Kyra’s passion for storytelling, the lessons she’s learned, and the bold, creative approach that’s setting Deviant Games apart. It’s a story of resilience, creativity, and daring to follow an unconventional dream.Learn more about KyraLearn 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.

Nov 27, 2024 • 56min
Creating Positivity in Indie Games: Staying True to Vision Amidst Changing Expectations
In this episode, we’re joined by an extraordinary voice in games media—an experienced journalist, podcaster, and editor-in-chief of Fearzine Magazine. With over five years of covering the gaming industry, he’s interviewed everyone from indie devs to iconic talents like Nolan North. He shares his insights on fostering positivity in the indie game space while staying true to creative visions, even as industry expectations evolve. Get ready for a conversation packed with passion, expertise, and inspiration for creators everywhere.Learn more about DanLearn 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.


