

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

Feb 14, 2024 • 44min
Community Focus: Imposter Syndrome and Getting over the Fear of Failure
In this episode, we tackle imposter syndrome head-on, exploring how it affects our community and sharing strategies to overcome the fear of failure. Through insights and personal stories, we uncover practical tips for reframing success, building resilience, and fostering a supportive environment. Join us as we empower listeners to embrace authenticity and self-compassion on their journey to personal and professional growth.Learn 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 7, 2024 • 1h 3min
Decoding Game Development: Navigating the Fundamentals of the Creative Process
Join us as we sit down with Steve Fox, a seasoned veteran in the gaming industry with a decade of experience as Lead Game Developer and Prototype Artist at WildWorks, the creators of the massively popular MMO, Animal Jam. With a staggering user base of over 127 million players, Steve's insights into game development and online communities are invaluable. Currently, he's spearheading projects at ModStorm, a cutting-edge web-based browser platform poised to challenge industry giants like Roblox. Additionally, Steve is blazing his own trail with Space Gnome Studio, where he's dedicated to helping both indie and professional game developers bridge the gaps in their projects, transforming their visions into reality. Get ready for a deep dive into the world of gaming with one of its brightest innovators!Learn more about SteveLearn more about Space Gnome StudioLearn 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 31, 2024 • 55min
The $6 Million Franchise: Lessons from 14 years as a Solopreneur
Join Joe Kasava, CEO and mastermind behind Puzzles by Joe, as he shares insights from 14 years in solo indie game development and the success of his $6 million Clutter franchise. Discover how Clutter became a unique sub-genre in Hidden Object Games and Joe's recent ranking on Big Fish Games. He dives into the importance of brand consistency, audience engagement, and personal growth in the competitive gaming landscape. Joe's journey highlights the risks and rewards of investing time into creativity and innovation within the industry.

Jan 24, 2024 • 51min
Community Focus: How We Approach Networking In Our Own Unique Ways
Join us in this episode as we dive into the diverse strategies and experiences within our community's approach to networking. From unconventional methods to tried-and-true approaches, we celebrate the richness of our collective networking endeavors. Tune in to explore the myriad paths we traverse to forge meaningful connections.Learn 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 17, 2024 • 50min
Deadly Mistakes That Can Kill Your Multiplayer Project And How To Avoid Them
Join us on this episode as we sit down with Paolo Abela, a seasoned game developer with a decade of expertise in the multiplayer gaming realm. Having served as the CEO of StarworkGC S.R.L, the innovative gaming studio behind Hunt For Gods, Paolo now takes the lead as the Developer at Ariokan and Technical lead of Unity's official Small Scale Competitive Multiplayer Template. Tune in to gain insights from his wealth of experience, including his role as a consultant for Indie and AA studios navigating the intricate world of multiplayer game development.Learn more about PaoloLearn 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 10, 2024 • 59min
Creating Intimate Player Connections to the Game-World
In this exciting episode, we're thrilled to have Jack Burrows as our guest, leading us on a journey through his extraordinary career in the gaming industry. Jack's adventure began back in 2016 as an intern at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he made significant contributions to the development of "Aven Colony" alongside seasoned developers. Since then, he has passionately honed his skills in testing and QA roles on prestigious titles like Call of Duty, demonstrating not only dedication but also expertise that truly stands out. Join us for a dynamic conversation as Jack shares invaluable insights from his professional journey, providing an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into his experiences as a Level Designer for renowned companies such as Activision, 2K Games, and NetEase. Learn more about JackLearn 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 3, 2024 • 1h 1min
Gaming for Good: Beyond Entertainment
Get ready for an exhilarating episode as we bring you the incredible journey of Roshelle, a powerhouse in the gaming world! An Air Force veteran turned User Researcher at Blizzard Entertainment, she's on a mission to take World of Warcraft to new heights. Armed with a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in UX Design, Roshelle weaves together her academic prowess and diverse career experiences, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming industry.From military service to corporate giants like General Dynamics and Leidos, and even impactful roles in mental health settings, Roshelle's story is a rollercoaster of passion and dedication.Join us as we dive into her dynamic career, exploring the exciting blend of psychology, technology, and gaming. Her unwavering commitment to understanding people shines through in this episode, and her compassion extends not only to her work but also to the vibrant gaming community she serves. Don't miss out on this enthusiastic exploration of Roshelle's journey and how it's shaping the future of gaming experiences!Learn more about RoshelleSign up for Blizzard ResearchIGDA Climate SIG Climate Developer ToolkitLearn 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 27, 2023 • 55min
Pursuing Arts Passion Despite Adversity and Burnout Realities
As a seasoned 3D generalist, Taylor Gandy boasts an impressive background, contributing to renowned entities such as Final Pixel, Amazon Studios, Ohio Film Group, and Artix Entertainment. With a versatile skill set covering modeling, texturing, virtual camera layout, and VFX, Taylor is not only a master of the craft but also a natural teacher. Join us as we explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and education in the realms of games, feature films, and virtual production.Learn more about TaylorLearn more about Artix EntLearn 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 20, 2023 • 57min
Should I Do It Myself or Hire Someone Else To Do It?
Join us on this episode as we delve into the fascinating journey of Bret Black, who courageously traded his stable software engineering job for the unpredictable world of full-time video game development. In just one year, Bret's solo endeavor evolved into the dynamic Wizard Cats Tank Battle, leading to the formation of a diverse team spanning three countries. Discover the challenges and triumphs of releasing five games with a compact team, including noteworthy titles like Trenches of War and Harvested. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that explores the highs and lows of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of indie game development.Learn more about BretLearn more about Wizard Cats Tank BattleLearn 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 13, 2023 • 40min
Starting A Game Company on a Lean Budget
You wouldn't want to miss this episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour, where we interview one of the longest-running game developers in the industry, who started his career with a Flash-based MMO called EpicDuel. Bernard shared his insights on how he adapted to the changing technologies and trends, how he managed to keep his game alive and relevant for over 16 years, and how he joined forces with Artix Entertainment, a company that shares his passion for gaming. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by his amazing story!Learn more about BernardLearn more about Artix Ent.Learn 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.


