IndieGameBusiness®In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Mike Straw, Executive Editor at Insider Gaming, to talk about the current state of games media and how the industry is being viewed from the inside.
Mike shares insight into the evolving landscape of games journalism, how major companies view gamers today, and whether true innovation is still happening across the industry. We also discuss how coverage decisions are made, what trends are shaping media narratives, and how developers can better understand the perspective of the press.
If you want a clear, honest look at how the industry is being covered right now and what that means for developers, this conversation delivers valuable perspective.
Why Your Game Isn’t Getting Covered By Press | Mike Straw, Insider GamingIndieGameBusiness®2026-04-11 | In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Mike Straw, Executive Editor at Insider Gaming, to talk about the current state of games media and how the industry is being viewed from the inside.
Mike shares insight into the evolving landscape of games journalism, how major companies view gamers today, and whether true innovation is still happening across the industry. We also discuss how coverage decisions are made, what trends are shaping media narratives, and how developers can better understand the perspective of the press.
If you want a clear, honest look at how the industry is being covered right now and what that means for developers, this conversation delivers valuable perspective.
#IndieGameBusiness #GameJournalism #InsiderGaming #GameIndustry #IndieDevFireside Chat with Jay Powell and Hugo Castro | Games, Community & GamaconIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-25 | Join Jay Powell for another IndieGameBusiness Fireside Chat, this time with Hugo Castro, CEO of BC Media Lab and co-founder of Gamacon.
Jay and Hugo will sit down for a relaxed conversation about Hugo’s journey in the games industry, building BC Media Lab, the story behind Gamacon, and the work that goes into creating opportunities and connections for game developers.
They’ll talk about the industry, community, events, entrepreneurship, and some of the lessons Hugo has picked up along the way. And because this is a Fireside Chat, expect the conversation to go wherever it goes, with stories, industry insight, live questions, and probably a few topics we didn’t plan for.
Come hang out with Jay and Hugo and join the conversation live.
#IndieGameBusiness #FiresideChat #Gamacon #GameDev #GameIndustryMake Accessibility a Selling Point: Storefronts, Tags, and DiscoveryIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-25 | Join Tara Voelker for “Make Accessibility a Selling Point: Storefronts, Tags, and Discovery”
Players need to know if they can play your game before they buy it. Tara breaks down how Xbox, PlayStation, Steam, and the iOS App Store handle accessibility information, what players actually see, and how accurate feature details can support discovery and purchase decisions. You’ll also get a practical checklist for testing, tagging, and communicating your game’s accessibility across storefronts.
Live September 30th, 11am - 12pm Eastern | YouTube - Twitch - LinkedIn
#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustryShould You Be Making Web Games Right Now?IndieGameBusiness®2026-09-24 | Web games are becoming a bigger opportunity again, but does that mean every developer should be making one? Rafael Morgan, VP Partnerships at CrazyGames, joined us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast to talk about when web gaming makes sense and what developers should consider before jumping in.
Rafael discusses the advantages of browser distribution, the kinds of games that can work well on the web, and why developers should think carefully about audience, accessibility, and how the platform fits into their overall strategy.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comPlanning for Launch: Wishlists, Visibility, and Timing on SteamIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-24 | Join Marco Polo Moraga for “Planning for Launch: Wishlists, Visibility, and Timing on Steam”
Learn what wishlists actually tell you, which metrics matter, and why a high wishlist count doesn’t always translate into strong first-week sales. This panel also covers when to launch your store page, how to make the most of Steam Next Fest, and why setting your release date early can make a difference.
Live September 30th, 4pm - 5pm Eastern | YouTube - Twitch - LinkedIn
#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustryIts Time to Launch: Lessons in Building and Sustaining MomentumIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-22 | Join Christian Allen for “It’s Time to Launch: Lessons in Building and Sustaining Momentum”
Launching a game is only the beginning. Christian shares lessons from years of working on indie games and supporting developers through launch and beyond, covering Early Access, 1.0 releases, content updates, and community engagement. Learn how to build momentum around your release while balancing ongoing development with player expectations, even when you’re working with a much smaller team than a typical AAA studio.
Live September 30th, 3pm - 4pm Eastern | YouTube - Twitch - LinkedIn
#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustryWe Raised the Money. Here’s What Nobody Told Us. | Rob Carroll, Roll CraftIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-21 | Rob Carroll is back on IndieGameBusiness, but this time the conversation is very different.
When Rob joined us previously, Roll Craft was building the studio and preparing for what came next. Now they’ve actually gone through the fundraising process, and Rob is coming back to talk about what really happened.
VCs. Angel investors. Kickstarter. WeFunder. Community funding. They all offer different paths to getting your game funded, but choosing how to raise the money is only the beginning.
What happens once your raise actually goes live?
Rob joins us to talk about the realities of fundraising, from preparing your company and choosing the right funding approach to the constant work required once the campaign starts. Updates, emails, AMAs, webinars, community engagement, and keeping momentum alive all become part of the job.
We’ll also get into what surprised him, what worked, what didn’t, the negatives developers should be prepared for, and the things he wishes more studio founders understood before starting a raise.
If you’re thinking about raising money for your game or studio, this is a chance to hear from someone who just went through it.
#IndieGameBusiness #GameFunding #IndieDev #GameBusiness #RollCraftWhy Your Game Should Also Be on the WebIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-18 | If your game is already coming to Steam, console, or mobile, the web could be another platform worth seriously considering. Rafael Morgan, VP Partnerships at CrazyGames, joined us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast to talk about why developers should think about adding web distribution to their overall release strategy.
Rafael explains how putting your game on the web can help you reach new players, create another discovery channel, and potentially extend the life of a game beyond its original platform. For some developers, web does not have to replace another platform. It can simply become another way for players to find and experience the game.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comAfter the Event with Ash and INDIE | The Path from Storefront to SuccessIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-17 | The IndieGameBusiness Sessions: The Path from Storefront to Success is over, but there’s still plenty to talk about.
Join Ash and INDIE for another After the Event as they sit down and break apart the talks, conversations, and biggest takeaways from the latest IndieGameBusiness Sessions.
This event focused on what happens when it’s time to actually get your game in front of players. We’ll discuss the realities of publishing across multiple platforms, the mistakes and last minute “landmines” developers run into, and why simply making a good game doesn’t mean anyone is going to pay attention to it.
We’ll also dig into discoverability, market fit, positioning, storefront conversion, launch timing, and why developers need to think beyond a single storefront. From Steam and alternative distribution channels to the challenges of multi storefront publishing, there’s a lot for indie developers to think about before hitting that launch button.
Ash and INDIE will revisit the talks from the event, share the points that stood out to them, and discuss what indie developers can actually take away and apply to their own games.
If you attended the Sessions, come continue the conversation. If you missed them, this is your chance to hear Ash and INDIE break down what you missed.
#IndieGameBusiness #IGBSessions #IndieDev #GamePublishing #GameMarketing #GameDistributionJay and Larry Are Up to Their Shenanigans Again | Fireside ChatIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-15 | Apparently retirement wasn’t enough to keep Larry Kuperman away from Jay Powell.
Larry “Nightdive” Kuperman, former VP of Business Development at Nightdive Studios, is back on IndieGameBusiness for another Fireside Chat with Jay, and the two of them are up to their usual shenanigans.
There’s no telling exactly where this conversation is going to go. Expect stories from the games industry, lessons from Larry’s career, thoughts on what’s happening in games right now, probably a few opinions, and whatever else happens when you put Jay and Larry together live.
Larry may be retired, but he definitely hasn’t run out of things to say.
Come hang out, bring your questions, and join Jay and Larry for what should be a fun, unpredictable conversation.
#IndieGameBusiness #FiresideChat #Nightdive #GameIndustry #GameDevWhy Players Quit Your Game in the First Few MinutesIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-15 | Players can decide whether they like your game almost immediately. Rafael Morgan, VP Partnerships at CrazyGames, joined us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast to talk about some of the biggest reasons players bounce before they ever get invested.
Rafael discusses the importance of getting players into the experience quickly, avoiding unnecessary friction, making the core loop easy to understand, and giving people a reason to keep going. Especially on the web, where another game is only a click away, losing a player early can mean losing them for good.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comMulti Storefront PublishingIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-14 | Join Alessandro Biollo, Nate Ahearn, and John Nguyen from Xsolla for “Multi Storefront Publishing”
Publishing across multiple storefronts can open the door to more players, but it also brings new challenges around distribution, operations, and strategy. This roundtable discussion will explore the realities of multi storefront publishing, with industry perspectives on how teams can approach different platforms, manage the added complexity, and make smarter decisions about where and how to release their games.
Live September 30th, 2pm - 3pm Eastern | YouTube - Twitch - LinkedIn
#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustryThese Mechanics Work Best in Web GamesIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-14 | Not every game mechanic translates equally well to the web. Rafael Morgan, VP Partnerships at CrazyGames, joined us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast to talk about the kinds of mechanics that tend to perform especially well with browser players.
Rafael discusses what makes certain gameplay loops more appealing in a web environment, including accessibility, quick engagement, replayability, and mechanics that are easy to understand but still hard to put down. For developers considering browser distribution, understanding what web players respond to can make a huge difference.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comMarketing Your Web Game Is Different Than You ThinkIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-11 | Getting your game onto the web is only part of the battle. You still need players to actually discover it. Rafael Morgan, VP Partnerships at CrazyGames, joined us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast to talk about what developers should understand when it comes to marketing a web game.
Rafael discusses how web distribution changes the way developers need to think about visibility, discovery, and reaching the right audience. If you are bringing a game to the browser, the marketing strategy may need to look very different from what you would use on Steam, console, or mobile.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comYour Game Is Already Built. Should You Bring It to the Web?IndieGameBusiness®2026-09-09 | Bringing an existing game to the web can open it up to a completely different audience, but it is not always as simple as hitting export. Rafael Morgan, VP Partnerships at CrazyGames, joined us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast to talk about what developers should think about when taking a game that was originally built for another platform and bringing it to the web.
Rafael breaks down some of the considerations developers need to keep in mind when adapting an existing game for browser players and why the web can be worth considering as another distribution opportunity.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/morgam IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comLive Pitch Deck ReviewIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-09 | Watch Omar Khalil Review a Live Pitch Deck from the IndieGameBusiness® Community!
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry pros as they offer expert insights and practical tips to enhance your own pitch process.Bad Game Feel Can Kill a Great Game | Alex Sulman, Sulman CreativeIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-08 | In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Alex Sulman, Creative Director at Sulman Creative Ltd, to talk about something players can recognize almost instantly, even if they can’t explain it: game feel.
What makes controlling one game immediately satisfying while another feels awkward within seconds? Alex breaks down what game feel actually is, the different components that create it, and some of the most common mistakes that make otherwise promising games feel bad to play.
We’ll explore what separates bad game feel from great game feel, how movement, controls, responsiveness, feedback, animation, and other details shape the player experience, and why all of this has such a massive impact on a player’s first impression.
For indie developers, those opening moments matter. If your game doesn’t feel right immediately, players may never stick around long enough to discover everything else you built.
If you want your game to make a better first impression and simply feel better to play, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
#IndieGameBusiness #GameDev #GameDesign #GameFeel #IndieDevYour Studio Is Busy. But Is Anything Getting Done? | Benjamin Carcich, ValarinIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-08 | In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Benjamin Carcich, Founder of Valarin, Inc., to challenge the game industry’s obsession with process and productivity.
Your team can have meetings, tickets, sprints, reports, and a perfectly organized production pipeline, but does all of that activity actually create value?
Benjamin breaks down the difference between producing “stuff” and producing value, how studios accidentally incentivize the wrong behaviors, and why processes that were designed to help teams can eventually become obstacles themselves.
We’ll explore why teams continue following processes without understanding why they exist, how traditional training can reinforce dysfunctional production habits, and the question leaders should be asking about every process inside their studio.
We’ll also dive into leadership in game development and how studio leaders can create environments focused on outcomes rather than simply keeping everyone busy.
If your team constantly feels busy but your game never seems to move forward fast enough, this conversation may change how you think about productivity.
#IndieGameBusiness #GameDevelopment #GameProduction #IndieDev #StudioLeadershipYour Game Is Finished. You’re Still Not Ready to Launch. | Mart Gervacio, TadhanaIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-08 | In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Mart Gervacio, Founder of Tadhana, to tackle one of the biggest headaches in publishing: release management.
Finishing your game is only part of getting it into players’ hands. Mart breaks down what release management actually involves, why it becomes so complicated, and the critical mistakes that can turn a launch into a disaster.
We’ll discuss delays, releasing too early, pricing and promotional decisions, managing store assets, and what happens when you add multiple platforms into the equation. Mart also explains how requirements can differ across Steam, consoles, and other platforms, and why every additional release creates new layers of complexity.
We’ll also look at what major publishers do differently, what smaller studios can realistically adopt from those processes, and whether indies should consider launching on Steam first before tackling consoles.
If your game is approaching release, this conversation will help you understand everything that needs to happen between “the game is finished” and actually getting it successfully launched.
#IndieGameBusiness #IndieDev #GamePublishing #GameLaunch #ReleaseManagementPrismatic Indie ShowcaseIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-07 | Prismatic Indie Showcase is a digital event dedicated to celebrating games that are self-published or actively looking for a publishing partner.
We’re putting the spotlight on developers and teams building great games without major publisher backing, creating an opportunity to reach new players, increase visibility, and get in front of publishers looking for what’s next.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comYour Game Got Negative Feedback. Now What?IndieGameBusiness®2026-09-05 | Negative critique can sting, especially when you have poured months or years into making your game. But how you respond to that feedback can make the difference between improving your game and becoming defensive about the problems players are trying to show you.
Georgina Ovassapian, founder of Winter Schloss Studios and developer of Night Shift: 1999, joined us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast to talk about handling negative critique, separating useful feedback from personal emotion, and learning how to use criticism to become a better developer.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comWhy Web Gaming Matters Again | Rafael Morgan, CrazyGamesIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-05 | In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Rafael Morgan, VP Partnerships at CrazyGames, to talk about why web gaming is becoming strategically important again for developers.
Rafael shares how successful studios are using the web alongside mobile instead of treating the two platforms as competitors. We’ll look at what CrazyGames is seeing across thousands of game submissions and hundreds of publishing partners, including the trends that are actually gaining traction.
We also dive into how AI, WebGPU, and modern browsers are expanding what developers can build on the web, plus some of the biggest misconceptions studios still have about browser gaming.
Finally, Rafael looks ahead at where the gaming ecosystem may be heading over the next five years and what role the web could play in distribution, discovery, and long term growth.
If you’re an indie developer looking for new audiences, new distribution opportunities, or a better understanding of where web gaming is headed, this conversation is worth watching.
#IndieGameBusiness #WebGaming #CrazyGames #IndieDev #GameDistributionYour Most Personal Story Might Be Your Best Game IdeaIndieGameBusiness®2026-09-03 | Some of the most memorable games start with something deeply personal. Your own experiences, struggles, relationships, fears, or major life changes can become the foundation for a story that feels different from everything else players have already seen.
Georgina Ovassapian, founder of Winter Schloss Studios and developer of Night Shift: 1999, joined us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast to talk about one way developers can take real experiences from their own lives and transform them into the characters, themes, and worlds of a video game without simply retelling those experiences exactly as they happened.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comStop Looking for Game Ideas. Start With Your Own Life!IndieGameBusiness®2026-09-01 | You do not always have to invent a story from scratch. Some of the strongest ideas can come from the things you have actually lived through. Personal experiences can shape your characters, themes, conflicts, environments, and even the way players emotionally connect with your game.
Georgina Ovassapian, founder of Winter Schloss Studios and developer of Night Shift: 1999, joined us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast to talk about how developers can take real moments from their own lives and transform them into something meaningful, creative, and playable.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comYou can be a game developer start small #gamedevelopment #podcast #indiedevIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-31 | Welcome to our Highlight! We were delighted to have Georgina Ovassapian, Founder of Winter Schloss Studios and developer of Night Shift: 1999 on the Podcast.
In this highlight, Georgina speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt like game development was out of reach. She breaks down why making a game on your own is more achievable than it seems, why asking a basic question is never something to be embarrassed about, and why the wealth of tutorials and communities available today means the only real barrier left is just getting started.
Blog: indiegamebusiness.com/first-time-indie-game-developer-6-truthsYour First Game Doesnt Have to Play It Safe | Georgina Ovassapian, Winter Schloss StudiosIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-29 | In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Georgina Ovassapian, Founder of Winter Schloss Studios and developer of Night Shift: 1999, her first game.
Georgina shares how her experience migrating from Switzerland to Australia became the foundation for a supernatural game set in 1999. We’ll explore how Night Shift: 1999 uses monsters, mythology, and supernatural elements as metaphors for real world struggles and how personal experiences can become powerful material for game development.
We also discuss Georgina’s unconventional path into games through academia and fine art, and how her background in installation art, writing, and research has shaped the way she approaches development. Rather than starting with mechanics, Georgina takes an art and writing first approach, building the experience around the elements of games she values most.
Georgina also shares her experience receiving funding through Screen Australia’s Emerging Gamemakers Fund and what she has learned while turning her first game into a funded indie project.
If you’re developing your first game, looking for funding, or wondering how your own experiences and creative background can shape something unique, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Follow Georgina Ovassapian and Winter Schloss Studios:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gcoxmm.bsky.social X: twitter.com/winterschloss LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/georgina-de-manning-a12100185 Instagram: instagram.com/winterschlossstudiosThe Burnout Warning Signs Studios Ignore | Joni Lappalainen, Dreamloop GamesIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-21 | In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Joni Lappalainen, CEO and Co-founder of Dreamloop Games, to talk about studio resilience and how leaders can balance taking care of their teams with the financial realities of running a game studio.
Joni breaks down the “Waiter Leadership Model,” an approach where leaders focus on listening to their teams, removing roadblocks, and creating an environment where people can do their best work. We’ll also explore the difficult balance between psychological safety and accountability.
We dive into why Dreamloop tracks working hours as a tool for recovery rather than productivity, the warning signs that a team may be heading toward burnout, and whether leaders have a responsibility to step in when passionate employees voluntarily work unsustainable hours.
The conversation also tackles the dangerous “hero complex” in game development. What happens when studios repeatedly depend on a few people to save projects? And are those heroes actually hiding deeper problems with production, planning, and leadership?
Finally, we get into the difficult business decisions studio leaders face when revenue, scope, quality, and employee wellbeing collide, including how transparent leadership should be about runway, sales pipelines, and financial risk.
If you’re running an indie studio, leading a development team, or trying to build a company that can survive without burning out its people, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
#IndieGameBusiness #IndieDev #GameDevelopment #StudioLeadership #DreamloopGamesBefore You Sign With a Publisher, Watch ThisIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-18 | Getting a publisher can feel like a major milestone for an indie developer, but signing a deal is not automatically the right decision for every game. Juliana da Silva Brito, CEO of Indie Hero, joined the IndieGameBusiness Podcast to talk about what developers should consider before deciding whether they actually need a publisher.
The right publishing relationship can provide funding, marketing, distribution, expertise, and other resources. But developers should understand exactly what they need help with, what they are giving up in return, and whether a potential publisher is truly the right partner for the project.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comThis Matters More Than Influencers for Your GameIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-17 | Influencer coverage can be incredibly valuable, but it is not always the most important thing your game needs. During her conversation with us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast, Indie Hero CEO Juliana da Silva Brito discussed something developers should be thinking about before putting all of their attention into creators and influencer campaigns.
Getting your game's positioning, audience, messaging, and overall strategy right can make everything that comes afterward much more effective. Influencers can amplify interest, but first you need to give people a reason to care.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comThe weird deadpan humor cultist on a pig with a flamethrower. #JoinUsGame #gamedevelopmentIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-17 | Welcome to our Highlight! We were delighted to have Joe Dietsch, Wolf Haus Games on the Podcast.
In this highlight, Joe breaks down the tonal balancing act behind Join Us and why a cultist riding a pig while firing a flamethrower is funnier when the world around it looks completely serious. He explains why making the game look like a cartoon would have killed the joke, and how early Saints Row nailed this same deadpan contract with its audience.
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comPassion Alone Will Not Make You a Game DeveloperIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-15 | We had Charlie Brandick, founder of Quetzal Core Games, on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast, and this is what he had to say about why loving video games is not enough to build a career as a game developer. Passion might get you started, but discipline, patience, practical skills, and the willingness to keep learning are what help you move forward.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comFrom YouTube Tutorials to Launching a Studio | Joe Dietsch, Wolf Haus GamesIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-15 | In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Joe Dietsch, CEO, Creative Director, and Co-Founder of Wolf Haus Games. Joe shares his unconventional path into game development, starting as an outsider with no formal game development background and learning Unreal Engine through YouTube before eventually founding his own studio.
We discuss the journey of building Wolf Haus Games around an original, untested IP and the creation of JOIN US, a narrative-driven survival game inspired by real-life events, films, and classic games. Joe explains the unique challenges of blending cinematic storytelling with survival gameplay, tackling difficult subject matter around cults, and creating a game that encourages players to think while they play.
The conversation also explores the realities of launching a game across multiple platforms with a small team, balancing creative ambition with production constraints, and the lessons learned while building a studio from the ground up.
If you're an indie developer wondering how to turn passion into a studio, or how to bring a bold original vision to life without a AAA budget, this episode is full of practical advice and firsthand experience.
#IndieGameBusiness #WolfHausGames #JOINUS #IndieDev #GameDevelopmentHow to Recruit People If You Have No MoneyIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-14 | How do you convince talented people to join your game project when you cannot afford to pay competitive salaries? Rob Carroll, CEO of Roll Craft, discussed exactly that when he joined us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast.
When money is limited, recruiting becomes about much more than simply posting an opening. You need a compelling vision, trust, realistic expectations, and a reason for people to believe that spending their time on the project is worthwhile. Rob shares his perspective on building a team when resources are still extremely limited.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comEveryone Has a Game Idea. Almost Nobody Builds ItIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-13 | We had Charlie Brandick, founder of Quetzal Core Games, on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast, and this is what he had to say about the difference between having a game idea and actually turning it into something playable. Ideas are common, but execution requires planning, problem solving, technical ability, collaboration, persistence, and the commitment to finish the project.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comBiggest Mistake a Co-Founder Can MakeIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-12 | A bad co-founder relationship can cause problems that go far beyond making a game. During his conversation with us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast, Roll Craft CEO Rob Carroll talked about one of the biggest mistakes a co-founder can make and why the relationship between founders has to be treated seriously.
Founders need clear expectations, strong communication, and an understanding of what each person is responsible for. When those things are missing, disagreements can quickly affect the team, the project, and the future of the entire company.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comCreators Are Constantly Looking for ThisIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-12 | Content creators are always searching for games that can give them a great video, not just another product to promote. On the IndieGameBusiness Podcast, Mercedes Boberg from Firstlook.gg explained what creators look for when deciding which games deserve their time and attention.
A strong concept, memorable gameplay moments, audience appeal, and the potential for entertaining content can make a game much easier for creators to cover. Developers who understand those needs have a better chance of building meaningful creator partnerships.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comDo You Really Need a Co-Founder?IndieGameBusiness®2026-08-11 | Starting a studio with someone else can sound like the obvious move, but do you actually need a co-founder? Rob Carroll, CEO of Roll Craft, joined us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast to talk about what a co-founder can bring to a company and why choosing the right person matters so much.
A great co-founder can complement your weaknesses, share the workload, and help push the studio forward. But bringing someone into that role just because you feel like you need one can create much bigger problems later.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comMost Developers Skip This Before Starting Their GameIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-11 | A lot of developers jump straight into building their game without first answering some of the most important business questions. Juliana da Silva Brito, CEO of Indie Hero, joined us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast to talk about what developers should understand before development really begins.
Knowing your audience, understanding the market, and thinking about how your game will eventually reach players can influence major decisions long before launch. Taking the time to figure these things out early can save developers from much bigger problems later.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comYou Need More Than Passion to Make GamesIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-11 | We had Charlie Brandick, founder of Quetzal Core Games, on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast, and this is what he had to say about why passion alone is not enough to make games professionally. Loving games can motivate you to begin, but developing them also requires discipline, practical skills, persistence, teamwork, and the ability to continue when the work becomes difficult.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comHow Early Should You Get Your Game to Creators?IndieGameBusiness®2026-08-10 | Waiting until launch week to contact creators may already be too late. Mercedes Boberg from Firstlook.gg joined us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast to discuss when developers should begin putting their games in front of content creators.
Reaching out early gives creators time to understand the game, plan their coverage, and find the most entertaining way to present it to their audiences. It also gives developers time to gather valuable feedback and build relationships before the pressure of launch begins.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comHack Steam Get Early Reviews to Trigger Algorithm Boosts #gamedevelopment #steamIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-10 | Welcome to our Highlight! We were delighted to have Juliana Brito, Indie Hero on the show!
In this highlight, Juliana covers some tactics you should do when it comes to Steam!
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.comThe Biggest Marketing Mistake Indie Developers MakeIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-09 | We had Charlie Brandick, founder of Quetzal Core Games, on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast, and this is what he had to say about why developers should begin building interest in their games as early as possible. Waiting until launch to start marketing can leave even a strong game without an audience. Sharing development, gathering feedback, and building a community early can give your project a much stronger foundation.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comIs Your Game Made for Vertical or Horizontal Content?IndieGameBusiness®2026-08-08 | Your game might look great on a monitor, but how does it perform in a vertical video? Mercedes Boberg from Firstlook.gg talked with us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast about how developers should consider whether their games naturally work for vertical or horizontal content.
Different platforms require different types of footage, framing, pacing, and storytelling. Understanding how your game appears on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms can make it much easier for creators to produce content that grabs attention.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comFireside Chat with Jay Powell and Julia da Silva Brito | Indie HeroIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-08 | Join Jay Powell for a special IndieGameBusiness Fireside Chat with Julia da Silva Brito from Indie Hero. In this conversation, they’ll discuss the indie game industry, supporting developers, building communities, and the challenges and opportunities facing indie studios today.
Julia will share insights from her experience with Indie Hero, thoughts on the evolving indie landscape, and perspectives on helping developers grow both creatively and professionally. Expect an honest, relaxed conversation filled with industry insight, personal experiences, and practical discussion around the realities of indie game development.
As always with Fireside Chats, the discussion will be conversational and audience focused, with opportunities for questions and live interaction throughout the stream.
#IndieGameBusiness #FiresideChat #IndieHero #IndieDev #GameIndustryWorking Alone Could Be Slowing Your GrowthIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-07 | We had Charlie Brandick, founder of Quetzal Core Games, on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast, and this is what he had to say about how working with other people can help you grow as a developer. Collaboration introduces you to different skills, perspectives, workflows, and solutions that can be difficult to discover when you are working entirely by yourself.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comWhy Your Creator Campaigns FailIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-06 | Your campaign can reach thousands of people and still fail to generate meaningful interest in your game. During her appearance on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast, Mercedes Boberg from Firstlook.gg discussed why some creator campaigns struggle and what teams often misunderstand about working with influencers.
Successful campaigns require more than sending out game keys. Developers need the right creators, the right content strategy, clear communication, and a game that gives creators something their audience will genuinely want to watch.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comBiggest Mistakes When Working With CreatorsIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-05 | A creator campaign can fall apart before the first video is even posted. Mercedes Boberg from Firstlook.gg joined us on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast to break down some of the biggest mistakes developers and publishers make when working with content creators.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comI Wish I Knew This Before Becoming a Game DeveloperIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-05 | We had Charlie Brandick, founder of Quetzal Core Games, on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast, and this is what he had to say about the lessons he wishes he had understood before beginning his career in game development. Building games involves much more than learning an engine or coming up with exciting ideas. It also requires patience, communication, collaboration, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comyou need to believe in your project more than anyone elseIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-04 | http://powellgroupconsulting.com
#indiegame #indiedev #indiegamebusiness #indiegamedev #gamedevelopment #gamepublishers #funding #publishing #videogames #gamestudio #gamedev #gamedevelopmentThe Fastest Way to Grow as a Game DeveloperIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-04 | We had Charlie Brandick, founder of Quetzal Core Games, on the IndieGameBusiness Podcast, and this is what he had to say about one of the fastest ways to grow as a game developer. Working with other people exposes you to new perspectives, better workflows, honest feedback, and skills you may never develop while working entirely on your own.
Collaboration can help you identify weaknesses, solve problems faster, and learn from people with different experiences. Whether you join a team, find a mentor, participate in a game jam, or simply ask other developers for feedback, surrounding yourself with the right people can accelerate your growth.
IndieGameBusiness brings together game developers, publishers, investors, service providers, and industry professionals to share practical advice about building, funding, marketing, publishing, and growing video games.
Join the IndieGameBusiness Discord community to meet other developers, ask questions, share your work, and connect with industry professionals: discord.gg/indiegamebusiness
IndieGameBusiness is part of a larger family of companies supporting the game industry:
Powell Group Consulting helps developers and studios with publishing strategy, business development, funding, marketing, and industry connections. powellgroupconsulting.com
Blue Ridge Games publishes games while helping creative teams bring their projects to market. blueridgegames.com
IndieGameBusiness provides educational content, industry conversations, live events, networking opportunities, and resources for game developers. indiegamebusiness.comWhen to seek a publisher vs self publishIndieGameBusiness®2026-08-03 | Welcome to our Highlight! We were delighted to have Charlie Brandick, Founder of Quetzal-Core Games, on the show!
In this highlight, Charlie lets you know when to seek a publisher vs Self publishing.