Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
What does it really take to launch your own indie game studio and keep it running? In this episode of Taking Flight, we pull back the curtain on the challenges, creativity, and chaos of independent game development. This conversation features candid stories and advice from founders who’ve taken the leap into building studios from the ground up.
Hear firsthand how these indie creators navigate everything from funding and hiring to managing scope and burnout while still staying true to their vision. If you’re curious about what this path looks like, this episode offers grounded, real-world insight that goes beyond the pitch decks and polished launch trailers.
Here’s what you'll learn:
How to balance creative ambition with practical business strategy
The common pitfalls of running a studio and how to avoid them
Why resilience and community matter more than a perfect game idea
Host:
- Ryan Kitelyn, Program Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Master of Science, Full Sail University
Panelists:
- Chris Keeling, CEO, Mars Games, Course Director, Game Design Master of Science, Full Sail University
- Alexia Mandeville, Co-Founder, Bodeville, Author, Video Game Design for Dummies
For more information about Full Sail University visit our site: https://www.fullsail.edu/
Subscribe to Full Sail's YouTube channel and never miss a video: youtube.com/@fullsailuniversity?sub_confirmation=1
CONNECT WITH US
Facebook - facebook.com/FullSailUniversity
Instagram - instagram.com/fullsail
Linkedin - linkedin.com/school/full-sail-university
Pinterest - pinterest.com/fullsail
Snapchat - snapchat.com/add/fullsailsnaps
TikTok - tiktok.com/@fullsail
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Located in Winter Park, Florida, Full Sail University offers academic certificates, undergraduate programs, and graduate programs designed for the world of entertainment media and emerging technologies. Full Sail’s creative approach to education provides an immersive, fast-paced, and relevant learning experience that mirrors the workflow and collaboration found throughout today’s rapidly evolving industries.
Full Sail's graduate programs are built around our real-world philosophy and feature curriculum that helps you build a portfolio, enhance your skills, and advance your career.
#fullsailuniversity #fullsail #storytelling
What does it really take to launch your own indie game studio and keep it running? In this episode of Taking Flight, we pull back the curtain on the challenges, creativity, and chaos of independent game development. This conversation features candid stories and advice from founders who’ve taken the leap into building studios from the ground up.
Hear firsthand how these indie creators navigate everything from funding and hiring to managing scope and burnout while still staying true to their vision. If you’re curious about what this path looks like, this episode offers grounded, real-world insight that goes beyond the pitch decks and polished launch trailers.
Here’s what you'll learn:
How to balance creative ambition with practical business strategy
The common pitfalls of running a studio and how to avoid them
Why resilience and community matter more than a perfect game idea
Host:
- Ryan Kitelyn, Program Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Master of Science, Full Sail University
Panelists:
- Chris Keeling, CEO, Mars Games, Course Director, Game Design Master of Science, Full Sail University
- Alexia Mandeville, Co-Founder, Bodeville, Author, Video Game Design for Dummies
For more information about Full Sail University visit our site: https://www.fullsail.edu/
Subscribe to Full Sail's YouTube channel and never miss a video: youtube.com/@fullsailuniversity?sub_confirmation=1
CONNECT WITH US
Facebook - facebook.com/FullSailUniversity
Instagram - instagram.com/fullsail
Linkedin - linkedin.com/school/full-sail-university
Pinterest - pinterest.com/fullsail
Snapchat - snapchat.com/add/fullsailsnaps
TikTok - tiktok.com/@fullsail
X/Twitter - twitter.com/fullsail
Located in Winter Park, Florida, Full Sail University offers academic certificates, undergraduate programs, and graduate programs designed for the world of entertainment media and emerging technologies. Full Sail’s creative approach to education provides an immersive, fast-paced, and relevant learning experience that mirrors the workflow and collaboration found throughout today’s rapidly evolving industries.
Full Sail's graduate programs are built around our real-world philosophy and feature curriculum that helps you build a portfolio, enhance your skills, and advance your career.
#fullsailuniversity #fullsail #storytelling
