

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

Jul 24, 2024 • 55min
Your First Failure As An Indie
Join us this week as we dive into the world of indie game development with Connor Wolf, Quality Assurance Analyst at Lost Boys Interactive. As a dedicated Conference Associate of the Game Developers Conference, Connor is passionate about sharing his expertise to uplift newcomers in the industry. We'll explore his journey, discuss the challenges of starting out, and uncover valuable insights on turning initial failures into stepping stones for success. Don't miss this inspiring and informative episode!Learn more about ConnorLearn 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.

Jul 17, 2024 • 56min
Design Leadership
In this episode, we explore the art of game design leadership with William Shen! Formerly a Design Director at Bethesda Game Studios, Will has left his mark as the Lead Designer of Fallout 4: Far Harbor, Lead Quest Designer for Starfield, and the genius behind the openings of Fallout 4 and Skyrim. Now at Something Wicked Games, a dynamic startup founded by industry veterans, Will shares his journey, leadership insights, and the magic behind creating unforgettable gaming experiences. Don't miss this exciting conversation on design leadership and innovation!Learn more about WilliamLearn 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.

Jul 10, 2024 • 55min
Indiefication
Tune in to our latest podcast episode where we dive into the world of indie gaming with Buddy Sola, the Head of Marketing for Akupara Games. Buddy's leadership and unique approach to community engagement and creative initiatives have propelled Akupara to new heights in the industry. Join us as we explore his journey, insights, and the exciting future of indie game publishing. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that highlights the passion and creativity driving the gaming world forward.Learn more about BuddyLearn more about Akupara 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.

Jul 3, 2024 • 58min
What Makes a Game Cozy
Join us this week as we explore "What Makes a Game Cozy" with Marie, a leading recruiter at Netflix Games Studio and the Gaming Fairy Job Mother. With over a decade of experience in media and gaming, Marie dives into the essence of cozy games and their role in welcoming newcomers to gaming. Discover how these games create a sense of warmth and community, and gain insights into career opportunities in the vibrant world of video games.Learn more about MarieLearn 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.

Jun 26, 2024 • 57min
The Value of Understanding Market Fundamentals When Looking For Investments
Join us for an insightful episode of our podcast as we welcome the Co-Founder & CEO of Digital Hazard. A proud mentor and community member of the Amir Satvat Games community, our guest brings over 15 years of experience across multiple industries. Gain valuable insights into networking, career transitions, and leadership from someone who has built teams, departments, and companies from the ground up. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a true industry leader!Learn more about ErickLearn 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.

Jun 19, 2024 • 1h 9min
Becoming a Unicorn, Anyone Can Do It
Join us for an engaging conversation with Josh Hirshfield, an award-winning game developer with a rich background in AAA, indie, and educational games. Josh's innovative work has been showcased at GDC, PAX, Games for Change, and more. Currently an Adjunct Professor at NYU and Pratt Institute, Josh shares his insights into the gaming industry and his experiences shaping the next generation of game designers.Learn more about JoshLearn 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.

Jun 12, 2024 • 59min
Careers in Gaming
In this week's episode, we feature Aïda Figuerola, a major influence in the gaming world and the #1 European Gaming Voice on LinkedIn. Aïda has been instrumental in establishing Bandai Namco Mobile in Barcelona, bringing beloved titles like Dragon Ball Z and Pac-Man to Europe. Currently, she leads the People and Culture strategy for New Games at King (Activision Blizzard). Listen as she shares her journey from Barcelona to Boston, her dedication to empowering the gaming community, and insights from her Gaming Backstage events.Learn more about AidaLearn 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.

Jun 5, 2024 • 52min
Gamejams As A Tool To Develop Game Markets Outside US and Europe
In this episode, we sit down with Juliana Brito, CEO and co-founder of Indie Hero and GJ+, and a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background in global organizations and accelerator programs. Juliana shares her insights on leveraging gamejams as a strategic tool to develop gaming markets outside of the US and Europe. With experience in high-profile events like NASA talks and Startup Weekend, Juliana provides valuable perspectives on fostering innovation and growth in the gaming industry. Join us to explore how gamejams can transform emerging markets and empower local talent.Learn more about JulianaLearn 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.

May 29, 2024 • 60min
How to Become an Irresistible Games Job Candidate
In this week's episode, we dive deep with Tim Wood, a dynamic headhunter and master copywriter with a unique blend of talents. From leading recruitment teams and headhunting top talent in the gaming industry to crafting compelling recruitment campaigns, Tim shares his insider tips on becoming an irresistible candidate for games jobs. Beyond recruitment, Tim's passion for writing, gaming, and martial arts brings a fresh perspective to the discussion. Tune in to uncover the secrets of standing out in the competitive world of game development!Learn more about TimLearn 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.

May 22, 2024 • 1h 8min
How To Start An Indie Dev Studio With Nothing
Join us for an inspiring conversation with an indie game developer from the small town of Kohima, Nagaland in north-east India. Starting as a solo developer in 2017, Pekru has been passionately working on their debut title, "Sojourn Past," a 2D pixel action-adventure with lite bullet-hell elements. "Sojourn Past" won the Upcoming Game of the Year award at the Indian Game Developer Conference 2023 and has garnered significant community support. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of game development in a remote region and the exciting journey of ReDimension Games, now a part of the Krafton India Gaming Incubator.Learn more about PekruLearn 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.