Welcome to IndieGameBusiness! In this episode, we are delighted to have Gombos József and Szőke György from Balcony Softworks, discussing the intriguing topic of "Should You Use a Publisher for Your Indie Game?" During our conversation, Gombos and Szőke will shed light on a range of important subjects in the indie game development landscape. We will delve into topics like early access and the challenges of working with a custom game engine. We'll explore how to navigate a rough game launch, the vital role of playtesting, and the art of handling player feedback effectively. We will also d ..read more

Welcome to IndieGameBusiness! In this episode, we have a special guest, Michael Liebe, Outreach Games Europe Lead at Kickstarter, who will enlighten us on "Using Kickstarter for Your Indie Game." During our conversation, we will explore the role of Kickstarter in the funding mix for indie games and consider which other sources of funding it complements. We'll delve into the relationship between Kickstarter and publishers, examining their preferences and attitudes toward crowdfunding. Michael will share insights on why Kickstarter should be viewed as a proof of concept, encompassing aspec ..read more

Welcome to another episode of IndieGameBusiness! Today, we're thrilled to have Justin Berenbaum, VP Strategy & GM at Xsolla Funding Club, sharing insights on "How to Get Funding, Investments, and Publishing Your Indie Game." In this episode, Justin will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of funding for indie games. We'll explore the nuances between equity and project funding, dive into platform planning and effective pitching strategies, and discuss best practices for building and maintaining relationships in the gaming industry. Join us as we unravel the intricaci ..read more

During this session, we will take a deep dive into the Chinese gaming market, uncovering insights that are not commonly shared in western media. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the market and your target audience, you will be better equipped to strategize your game publishing plan. So, join me on this exciting journey as we explore the fascinating world of the Chinese gaming industry. Sit back, relax, and let's embark on this adventure together. #ChineseGamingMarket #GamePublishingStrategy #MarketInsights #ChineseGamingIndustry #GamingIndustryExploration --- Support this podcast ..read more

Since Lode Runner in 1983, user generated content has been a staple of game development. Opening up further expansion of games to their communities has been a tried and true method of extending a game's lifespan for years or even decades. The advent of social media has introduced new forms of UGC as well, tying in-game tools with social elements via pictures, video, and streaming. In this talk, we'll discuss various business benefits of implementing UGC tools, platforms, and support into your game and its marketing strategies, and directions you can take to develop a healthy creator community ..read more

Welcome to another enlightening episode of IndieGameBusiness! Today, we have Sam De Boeck, Founder of Oro Interactive, with us to discuss "Mastering Indie Game Success: Marketing, Publishing, and Influencer Strategies Revealed!" In this episode, we'll uncover valuable insights into the world of indie game success. Sam will share strategies on how to get influencers to play your game and the importance of participating in Steam events. We'll delve into the intricacies of optimizing your Steam store page for maximum impact and explore the fundamentals of creating compelling publisher pitch de ..read more

Learn how Tina’s expertise in leadership development and team facilitation, combined with her unique cross-cultural insights, translates into fostering innovative and inclusive workspaces. From explicit, direct communication styles to more harmonious, face-saving approaches, Tina unravels the nuanced dynamics of cross-cultural interactions. Additionally, she will explore the intersection of cultural values and performance management and gain practical insights into how Cultural Intelligence applies to optimizing team performance, ensuring that your leadership style is not only effective but al ..read more

I will be discussing what experience I did have before being hired in the game industry. I believe that all skills are transferable and can be used when applying to all jobs. Everyone has something that can be helpful to an employer. Key Takeaways are: what are you doing now and how can it help you for your next job, what CAN you do to help you get that next job, how networking and volunteering can get that first foot in the door. #TransferableSkills, #CareerDevelopment, #NetworkingTips, #JobSearchAdvice, #ProfessionalGrowth --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh ..read more

Some games are for everyone, and some aren't. Picking an audience or developing a game for a specific target of players undoubtedly comes with its set of risks and benefits. Knowing them and understanding how they can impact the development cycle is key to a successful product launch. From qualitative analysis to statistical scanning, the power of numbers mixed with the power of trends and opinions can define the success or failure of a game. How we use the correct tools, and how they impact the decision-making process is the key to releasing a game that pleases the players. #GameAudie ..read more

As the internet and game communities have grown, toxicity has become more of a problem both in and out of games, and it could be hurting your bottom line. With hundreds of new games released a month, you need to work hard to make sure your game and social spaces are a place that players want to congregate and keep coming back to, or face losing them. The importance of a good community team, moderation, tools and techniques will be highlighted as we go over some of the key community challenges faced by developers and publishers today. #GamingCommunity, #ToxicityPrevention, #CommunityManageme ..read more