

Indie Game Guildhall
Indie Game Academy
Real stories from real game developers about breaking into the Indie side of the video game industry. Welcome to the Indie Game Guildhall, 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 19, 2023 • 51min
Safety in Online Gaming
This week's guest is the remarkable Katie Boyd. As the former Co-Head of Trust & Safety Operations for a live-streaming social app, Katie shares her invaluable insights on building and leading a department from the ground up, managing product safety, shaping policies, and scaling a diverse global team of over 140 professionals across 25+ countries. Join us as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and strategies behind creating a secure and supportive online environment for millions of users.Learn more about KatieLearn more about PlaysumLearn 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 12, 2023 • 57min
Approachable Puzzle Simulations
Get ready for an exciting podcast episode featuring Tana Tanoi, the brilliant Technical Designer behind indie hits like Mini Metro and Mini Motorways from Dinosaur Polo Club! Tana's passion lies in creating approachable yet complex simulations that captivate players of all levels. We'll dive into his award-nominated game, Tana's S.H.A.P.E., a mind-bending physics puzzle that will leave you craving for more.Join us as we uncover Tana's secrets to crafting irresistible gaming experiences that strike the perfect balance between casual fun and deep engagement. Don't miss this exhilarating conversation with Tana Tanoi, where we explore the art of game design and the thrill of creating games that keep us hooked!Learn more about TanaLearn more about Dinosaur Polo ClubPlay Tana's SHAPELearn 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 5, 2023 • 52min
Using AI to make deeply compelling systems
In this episode, we are thrilled to have Tony Li, a seasoned veteran in the industry, join us as our esteemed guest. Tony, the mastermind behind Wild Domain Games and the game development tools division Pixel Crushers, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise as a gameplay & AI programmer and tools developer.With a track record of success and renowned creations like the Dialogue System for Unity and Quest Machine, Tony's passion for pushing the boundaries of gaming technology is infectious. Tune in as we embark on an exhilarating conversation with this visionary, unveiling the secrets behind his remarkable achievements and exploring the exciting future of game development.Learn more about TonyLearn more about Pixel CrushersCheck out Quest MachineCheck out Dialogue SystemLearn 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 28, 2023 • 46min
From Arcade Cabinets to Live Video Games
Get ready for an exhilarating episode of our podcast as we sit down with the dynamic duo behind Coin Crew Games, Wyatt Bushnell and Mike Salyh! These visionary founders started off designing mind-bending arcade games and escape rooms, but when the pandemic struck, they pivoted swiftly to create their first console and PC masterpiece, Escape Academy.Since its launch just under a year ago, Escape Academy has taken the gaming world by storm, amassing over a million downloads across PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Game Pass! We'll dive into their journey, discuss their award-winning puzzle title, and get the inside scoop on their latest DLC release, Escape From the Past, which dropped last year. Brace yourself for a thrilling conversation filled with inspiration!Learn more about MikeLearn more about WyattLearn more about Coin Crew GamesLearn more about Escape AcademyLearn 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 21, 2023 • 53min
Marketing yourself for your Dream Job
Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Lexie Rooks, an eccentric Level Designer who made her way into Night School Studio (Netflix). With an impressive background in crafting narrative mobile hits like Choices: Stories You Play and Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Lexie fearlessly embraces the realms of weirdness and wonder, infusing her work with humor. Join us as we explore how she is revolutionizing the gaming industry by creating unprecedented novel experiences.Learn more about LexieLearn 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 14, 2023 • 35min
Making Boardgame AI Opponents That Learn Over Time
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Theresa Duringer, the brilliant mind behind Temple Gates Games. As the owner and CEO of this esteemed digital boardgame development studio nestled in San Francisco, Theresa and her team have gained recognition for their remarkable work in bringing beloved board games like Dominion, Race for the Galaxy, Roll for the Galaxy, and Ascension into the digital realm. Tune in as we delve into Theresa's journey and explore the fascinating world of digital boardgame development.Learn more about TheresaLearn more about Temple Gates 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.

Jun 7, 2023 • 55min
Technical Art: What is it? How can you get started?
In this episode, we sit down with Macey McCuller, a talented Technical Artist whose expertise lies in Tool Building, Level Generation, and Procedural Asset Creation. Having recently completed her degree in Visualization at Texas A&M University, Macey shares insights from her educational journey and discusses her upcoming role as a Technical Artist at renowned game development studio Bluepoint Games. Join us as we delve into Macey's passion for blending art and technology, and explore the exciting world of game development from a technical perspective.Learn more about MaceyLearn 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 26, 2023 • 48min
Starting a Solo Studio
Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey as we dive into the captivating world of Gwen C. Katz, an extraordinary author, talented artist, and innovative game designer based in vibrant Pasadena, California. Join us as we unravel the enigmatic stories brought to life by her independent studio, Nightwell Games, where dark narratives take center stage. But Gwen's passions don't end there! When she's not crafting immersive experiences, you'll find her tending to her lush garden or guiding awe-inspiring nature walks at her neighborhood's enchanting nature center. Prepare for a spellbinding conversation that will ignite your imagination and leave you craving more!Learn more about GwenLearn more about Nightwell 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.

May 19, 2023 • 50min
From Indie to AAA and Back
Get ready for an exhilarating episode of Indie Game Lunch Hour as the dynamic Renee takes the spotlight! Join us as we dive into the captivating world of indie game development with the unstoppable force behind "Stumbling Cat", an innovative studio based in Seattle. With a remarkable skill set encompassing business operations, software engineering, and creative direction, Renee brings a vibrant energy to the discussion.As a passionate advocate for developers and diversity in the game industry, she shares her remarkable journey and insights from her diverse background in engineering, design, and production. With her influential role as Chair of the IGDA Alumni Board and her dedication to fostering inclusivity, Renee's outspoken nature and unwavering commitment to driving positive change will leave you inspired and ready to conquer new horizons in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.Learn more about ReneeLearn more about Stumbling CatLearn 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 17, 2023 • 57min
From an RPG to a Language Learning Aid
Meet Bobby White, a seasoned game designer with a knack for creating immersive experiences. As a vendor contractor for an indie studio, he's worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including the renowned Roblox Experience creators, Gamefam.With four years of experience under his belt, Bobby's had the privilege of designing for iconic IPs like Hot Wheels, He Man, Sonic, and now SpongeBob. But his talents don't stop there – he's also played a crucial role in updating Terra Alia, one of 30 Parallel's top games. Join us as we delve into the world of game design with Bobby.Learn more about BobbyLearn 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.


