IndieGameBusiness®

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Mike Straw, Executive Editor at Insider Gaming, to talk about the current state of games media and how the industry is being viewed from the inside. Mike shares insight into the evolving landscape of games journalism, how major companies view gamers today, and whether true innovation is still happening across the industry. We also discuss how coverage decisions are made, what trends are shaping media narratives, and how developers can better understand the perspective of the press. If you want a clear, honest look at how the industry is being covered right now and what that means for developers, this conversation delivers valuable perspective. Follow Mike Straw: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeStrawMedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstrawjr/ #IndieGameBusiness #GameJournalism #InsiderGaming #GameIndustry #IndieDev

In this special Fireside Chat, Jay Powell and Mario Kroll sit down with longtime industry leader Larry Kuperman for a heartfelt farewell and reflection on an incredible 25 year career in games. The conversation begins with the two people who have meant the most in Larry’s professional journey, Jay and Mario, before looking back at a legacy that spans more than 30 games and decades of service to the industry. Larry shares his decision to conclude his time at Nightdive Studios, what comes next with the IGDA and the IGDA Foundation, and his continued work with Voices of the Forgotten. He also makes it clear that while this chapter is closing, he remains available as a speaker and advocate for the industry he loves. As a longtime guest and friend of IndieGameBusiness, this episode is both a celebration and a thank you to the gaming community that shaped his career. #IndieGameBusiness #FiresideChat #GameIndustry #IGDA #NightdiveStudios

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Jo from JoGameDev, the developer behind the tactical spell crafting roguelike Spellmasons. The game has sold over 60,000 copies on Steam and recently crossed 1,000 reviews. Jo shares the honest story behind the game’s journey. After early sales stagnated during the first two years, Jo reignited interest through focused marketing efforts that drove over 8 million views in the last six months. The result was the game’s third year becoming its most profitable period yet. We’ll talk about what worked, what didn’t, and how solo developers can take control of their own marketing. Jo also shares the long term goal of building a lean, bootstrapped indie studio focused on multiplayer games and discusses the next project, an overpowered hero autobattler titled Some of You May Die. The game recently gained attention after being featured on Splattercatgaming’s YouTube channel and became one of the top performing videos compared to his recent uploads. If you want to learn how persistence, smart marketing, and long term thinking can revive a game’s success, this episode is packed with practical insights. Follow JoGameDev: X: https://x.com/jogamedev Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jogamedev/ #IndieGameBusiness #Spellmasons #IndieDev #GameMarketing #SteamGames

In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Junae Benne, Marketing Journalist at Benne Media Solutions, to talk about why community is the foundation of successful indie game marketing. Junae breaks down how to build a community from the ground up, how community directly impacts visibility and sales, and why many struggling indie games overlook this critical piece. We’ll also discuss how small teams can market effectively on a limited budget, how to create a practical marketing roadmap, and when teams should actually begin their marketing efforts. We also touch on insights from Nordic Game Conference, what to look for when hiring a marketing company, what developers should have prepared before seeking help, and how key PR moments like trailers, demos, and partnerships can amplify growth and long-term visibility. If you want practical, realistic marketing guidance tailored for indie teams, this conversation delivers clear direction. Follow Junae Benne: Twitter: https://twitter.com/junaebenne LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/junaebennett Facebook Gaming: https://fb.gg/junaebenne Instagram: https://instagram.com/junaebenne Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/junaebenne.bsky.social #IndieGameBusiness #GameMarketing #IndieDev #CommunityBuilding #BenneMedia

Welcome to a new IndieGameBusiness segment: Fireside Chat. In this episode, Jay Powell sits down with Heather Chandler for a candid conversation about one of the biggest silent killers in game development: lack of production. Too many teams focus only on “make the game” without building a real plan for how it gets finished, marketed, funded, and sustained. Jay and Heather break down what bad production looks like, why so many studios underestimate it, and how the absence of structure can derail even great ideas. They’ll discuss: • Why production is more than task tracking • The risks of not having a roadmap beyond development • How poor planning impacts funding, timelines, and team morale • What studios should be thinking about before they ever write a line of code If you’re building a studio or leading a team, this Fireside Chat will challenge you to think beyond just making the game and start building the business around it. #IndieGameBusiness #FiresideChat #GameProduction #IndieDev #GameBusiness

This talk focuses on the most common mistakes teams make when building a pitch and how to avoid them. Based on real experiences reviewing and producing game projects, it explores why many pitches fail to communicate their true potential, not because the ideas are bad, but because they are poorly framed, unfocused, or disconnected from business and production realities.

Join Jay and Ivan for an inside look at what publishers and investors really look for in a pitch deck. Drawing on their experience reviewing countless submissions, they’ll break down the key elements that make a deck stand out and what may cause them to be overlooked. Walk away with practical insights to help your pitch rise above a crowded field.

Pitch decks shouldn’t feel like homework, they should feel like gameplay.In this session, I break down how indie developers can Gamify their pitch decks and design decks that engage, guide, and convert investors, publishers, and partners using game design thinking.Drawing from real indie pitching lessons, failed pitches, and successful iterations, I’ll show how to structure your deck like a player journey, with clear stakes, progression, and payoff.

In the current industry investment climate, every pitch needs to find an edge in order to succeed. In 'The Art of Pitching', Travis takes a look at pitching at a foundational, psychological level at what needs to be communicated and how. A break from the normal pitch templates, guides, or ideal format the talk covers lessons that you can use regardless if you're trying to pitch your game, your idea, or even yourself. Key takeaways include messaging, strategy, and how to understand who you're pitching to.

You'll discover essential strategies for successfully navigating the funding landscape. Learn how to craft compelling pitches tailored for government bodies and private investors, ensuring your project stands out. We'll explore networking techniques to build lasting relationships and share real-world case studies showcasing successful collaborations. Key takeaways include actionable insights on pitching dynamics, effective communication, and overcoming challenges, empowering you to secure vital support for your game development ventures.