By: Ulises Rubino Hello there! A lot of us who have played games for most of our lives have had a moment such as this: You’re sitting on your couch, controller in hand, fully immersed in a game that you just found out about, and you have played it at least 5 or more hours a day in the past week. The graphics might not be mindblowing, but you are captivated by the gameplay, you picture yourself inside the game’s world and suddenly, a spark ignites in your mind. “I want to do this!” you declare, as you envision bringing your game ideas to life. When we are just teenagers there’s nothing to stop ..read more

How do you break into the video game industry? Greetings! If you’re reading this article, you are surely wondering how to make your way into the wonderful industry that is games. You also have no doubt seen and heard and perhaps experienced what a challenging place it is to break into. Well! Never fear! My name is Willem Delventhal and I’m here to help you out. I’m a veteran game developer and designer and I also happen to run the Indie Game Academy, a gamified online school for game developers. Through our work there we have now helped over 3,000 students build games, many of t ..read more

Hey there, future gamedev superstar! You’re about to level up your game development skills with some seriously awesome knowledge. Today, we’re diving into the untapped power of game design one-pagers. Understanding Game Design One Pagers A game design one-pager is like the cheat code of game development. It’s a concise, (usually) one-page document that captures the essence of your game design. Think of it as your game’s backstage pass, allowing you to communicate your vision with clarity and confidence. Why is this important, you ask? Effective communication is like the secret sauce in the gam ..read more

Indie game development has always been a realm of innovation, where creative minds push the boundaries of what gaming can offer. As we venture further into the 2020s, the landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and changing player expectations. In this article, we’ll explore the latest trends in art styles, mechanics, distribution models, and monetization that are currently shaping the indie game development scene. Art Styles: A Canvas of Diversity One of the most noticeable shifts in recent years is the increasing diversity in art styles. While pixel art and retro ..read more

In the fast-paced world of indie game development, where innovation and creativity are the lifeblood of success, creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for your studio is paramount. It’s all about creating the right atmosphere and culture that allows these talents to flourish. In this article, we will explore the key elements and strategies to cultivate a creative environment for your indie studio. Hiring for Creativity    The foundation of a creative studio begins with the people you bring on board. Hiring individuals with a passion for gaming and a deep well of cr ..read more

The gaming industry is amid an exciting transformation with the advent of next-generation platforms like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and gaming PCs equipped with powerful GPUs. As senior game designers, it’s crucial to grasp these platforms’ unique opportunities and challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore key considerations for developing games on next-gen platforms, providing clear examples. Understanding the Hardware CPU and GPU Power Next-gen platforms boast remarkable processing capabilities. For instance, the PlayStation 5’s custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU offers ray tracing, e ..read more

In the fast-paced world of game development, mobile gaming has emerged as a dominant force. With the ever-increasing popularity of smartphones and tablets, the mobile gaming industry has become a lucrative playground for developers of all sizes. While traditional PC and console gaming still hold their ground, mobile gaming has carved out its own niche, offering unique opportunities and challenges. In this article, we’ll explore ten compelling reasons to focus on mobile game development and why it’s a field worth diving into. 1. The Ubiquity of Mobile Devices The most obvious reason to venture ..read more

Creating a captivating RPG (Role-Playing Game) experience goes beyond stunning graphics and a gripping storyline. A crucial element that keeps players invested is the progression system. A well-designed RPG progression system not only offers a sense of accomplishment but also encourages players to explore, strategize, and immerse themselves in the game world. In this article, we will delve into the key components of crafting a compelling RPG progression system that keeps players engaged throughout their journey. 1. Clear Goals and Milestones A successful RPG progression system starts with sett ..read more

In the ever-evolving realm of indie game development, staying ahead of the curve is essential to capture players’ hearts and stand out in a sea of creative offerings. As senior game developers, we have witnessed a myriad of trends come and go, each leaving a unique mark on the indie gaming landscape. In this article, we will delve into the latest trends that are shaping the indie game design scene. From art styles and mechanics to distribution models and monetization strategies, we’ll explore how these trends can be seamlessly integrated into your own projects. Part 1: Art Styles that Captivat ..read more

As an aspiring indie game developer, bringing your creation to the gaming world is an exhilarating journey. However, launching an indie game successfully requires more than just developing a fantastic product. It demands a strategic approach, thoughtful planning, and meticulous execution. In this article, we’ll delve into the essential aspects of releasing your first indie game, covering key factors like marketing, distribution, customer support, updates, and building buzz. 1. Crafting an Engaging Game Before we dive into the intricacies of releasing your indie game, it’s crucial to emphasize ..read more