In this episode, we’ll explore what it truly takes to break into the Japanese gaming market with the help of Evan Cutter, Senior Business Development Manager at G-Angle . From localization strategies to understanding cultural nuances, we’ll dive into the key differences between Western and Japanese audiences.
Expect real-world insights, including case studies of global hits like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Online, as well as lessons learned from more challenging ventures, such as the uphill battle Xbox has faced in Japan. Whether you’re an indie dev or part of a larger studio, this episode will offer practical guidance on making your game resonate with Japanese players.
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Fred Drabble is a Character Artist at Cathedral Studios, his work on the upcoming game The Bornless is out of this world! From creatures, to humans, animals and monsters, Fred knows exactly how to use Z Brush effectively to create amazing characters! In this episode, he'll give us tips on how to create a creature from scratch.
Check out Fred's Art Station!
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What legal protections do game developers and creators really need? In this episode, we sit down with Daphne Benford-Smith, Counsel at Holon Law, to unpack the most important legal concepts in the gaming industry — from intellectual property to trademarks, copyrights, contracts, and beyond.
Whether you’re building your first indie game, running a studio, or creating content around games, this episode gives you the tools to protect your work, avoid common legal mistakes, and make smarter business decisions.
📌 We cover:
How to protect your game’s IP
Trademarks vs. copyrights
Contracts & common pitfalls
Legal tips for streamers & content creators
What every game developer should know
Liking FLAMA? Buy us a coffee and support us ☕!Michael Carter is a Senior Systems Designer at Cloud Chamber working for the new BioShock 4 game! In today's episode, Michael breaks down how to create effective systems by using:
1. Empathy in Game Design.
2. Player Behavior and Psychology.
3. Saying Yes to The Player.
4. Seamless Design.
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Charlotte Pang, a passionate storyteller with a focus in 2D animation, game developer and Co-Founder of Chirashi Games, a women-led studio, will teach us how to create our own cozy game by following the acronym: "COSY"
C: Categorize and take care with scope and priorities.
O: Open Your Heart.
S: Sleep well and look after yourself.
Y: Yes And! - Talk About your game and share your ideas.
Check out Chirashi Studios' game: Life After Magic !
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Martin Buinicki is an American Literature Professor at Valparaiso University and Lead Writer in Gaming Honors. In this episode, he will teach us how to write our own RPG Adventure game by knowing how to successfully create: characters, conflict, hook, setting, adventure overview and player overview! Recently, Martin was helped with the grand opening of the Center for Games and Interactive Arts at Valparaiso University!
If you're looking to learn how to create your own RPG adventure, this episode is for you!
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Elaine Gómez is an award-winning principal game designer, founder and creative director at Midnight Hour Games and President at Latinx in Gaming (award winning NPO). In this week's episode you will learn how to create your own game-related NPO, strategies for growing it, engaging with community and building trust.
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In today's episode of FLAMA,Ben Kvalo, Founder & CEO atMidwest Games will teach us how to successfully turn our city, state or country into a sustainable game development ecosystem! While cities like LA, Seattle and Austin are very famous for video games, the Midwest with its unique blue collar mentality with white collar work is becoming into a successful and pragmatic gaming hub.
Midwest Games, North America's first full-service work-for-hire publisher for all while also providing traditional publishing for select projects. They are focused on building alternative approaches to create new opportunity within the games industry in both how we do work and where we do it.
Check out their upcoming games:The Legend of Baboo andTombwater
In this episode you will learn:
1. Building Local Gaming Communities.
2. The Formula for Success in Game Publishing.
3. Creating a Sustainable Gaming Ecosystem.
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CEO of Leap of Faith Studios, Mondae Atughonu knows that one of the best things you can do when developing an indie game is to show it off at a gaming conference! Before going to GDC to show off his new games: Project Haven and Coven, Mondae discusses his experience attending MDEV 2024 and how maximize your game conference experience! Want to master the art of game conventions? We got you covered!
After watching this episode, you will know about:
1. What to do before, during and after a game convention.
2. How to attract attention to your booth.
3. Preparing for GDC.
4. How to successfully showcase your game.
5. Connecting with investors and collaborators.
Reach out to Mondae
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Jalyssa is a branding master! Her extensive and rich gaming career spans over multiple well renowned gaming-related companies such as Riot Games, Snail Games, Twitch, Netflix, IGN and much more!
After watching this episode, you will know about:
1. Brand archetypes.
3. The importance of early branding in game development.
4. The trailer first approach to game development.
5. Branding strategies from Riot Games and Valorant's console launch.
Reach out to Jalyssa
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In today's episode, Raúl Padrón, Economic Systems Developer at Black Octopus Consulting, will guide us on how to create a successful economic system in our games! Raúl is a successful economist who worked 20 years in American politics and decided to make the jump to the gaming industry. In his career, Raúl has helped indie game studios with both in game economic systems and business developement.
In today's episode we'll discuss:
- Understanding game economies.
- Types of game economies.
- Real world implications of in-game economies.
- Designing successful economies.
Join us as we chat with Andi Ewington, a master storyteller whose career spans comic writing (Dark Souls, Rogue Trooper), narrative design (Pac-Man, The Dark Pictures), game direction, and more.
From AAA games to interactive Alexa stories, Andi’s work showcases the power of narrative in gaming. In this episode, he shares practical tips on creating stories that captivate players and elevate your games.
In this week's episode we're interviewing the masterminds behind Nyx Studios (Entertainment)'s Havoc: Zachary “Zack” Howe (Lead Game Designer, cofounder and CEO) & Antek Krowicki (Producer, Director and cofounder). Havoc is a groundbreaking TCG game with collectible cards, tactical gameplay and a rich lore!The importance of community building and using Kickstarter effectively to fund your game will be the central themes of this episode!
- Check out HAVOC
- Check out HAVOC's Discord
In today's episode, Jeremiah Dost, Lead Production Engineer at Respawn Entertainment talks about his human-centered hiring philosophy, the role of aptitude and attitude when making hiring decisions, how teaching abroad unlocked in him a very deep sense of empathy that powers his work philosophy and his amazing journey from English teacher in South Korea to working in one of the biggest games: Apex Legends.
Follow Jeremiah
Is it possible to use video games to positively impact your mental health?Vanessa Lane, Co-Founder & COO of BetterPlay Studios, Inc. has made this her mission! Games are a crucial resource to address today's mental health crises. 🧠 ❤️ In this episode we will discuss how games can enhance your mental health, the philosophy behind cozy game design, and navigating how to pitch your gaming business!
Along with mental health professionals, BetterPlay Studios has created Kozee, a niche gaming platform that harnesses the power of video games to transform your mental health.
Looking for ways to improve your brand awareness with Gen Z and Gen Alpha? Create a build on Minecraft, Roblox or Fortnite and allow them to interact with your brand!
Melvin Hedlund (The Minecraft Expert), started his career as a professional Minecraft builder which led him to know lead a team that makes builds for big brands such as LEGO, Opera GX, Microsoft and Youtubers such as Sidemen, LazarBeam, MrBeast and many more!
Games are not just for playing, they can be great tools for marketing your brand! Want to know how? Watch our episode!
Check out Senior Studios
With platforms like Duolingo, we have seen the power of gamification of language learning. What if there was a more immersive way to learn by using state of the art technology such as Extended Reality (XR) experiences or games? Can language learning be more immersive and keep people engaged and motivated while learning? That is Miji Lee's mission!
In today's episode, we had a great conversation we Miji Lee, Founder & CEO of Kore Meta, teaches us how to innovate education through immersive XR experiences such as her Korean Learning game Kore VR! We discussed topics such as Miji's transition from Korean instructor to CEO of a tech company, gamification of language learning, engaging through play, effective communication skills with a global team and much more!
In today's episode of FLAMA we are interviewing veteran game industry leader, Steve Cuss, Founder at The Game Plan Consultancy and former Head of Studios Operations at Criterion Games.
Steve has more than 30 years of experience being a leader in the gaming industry, recently, he published his new book: "Liberated Leadership", which is all about unmasking the authentic leader within and promoting a more collaborative style of leadership. In this episode we're going on an inner journey to bring a liberated mindset into the gaming industry🧠
How do you stand out in an industry where talented game designers are dime a dozen? Simple: use the 🦄Unicorn Method🦄! A game designer with supplemental technical abilities such as art or programming will have a huge advantage in the job market!
In today's episode of FLAMA: The Ultimate Guide to the Gaming Industry, Jordan Runyan, former Senior Production Engineer at Bungie and former Test Analyst at Blizzard Entertainment will help us dive deep into this concept and become more valuable professionals!
In this episode we will break down:
🦄 Becoming a "Unicorn" in the gaming industry. 🦄 The Nature of Game Design. 🦄 Effective Communication and Documentation in Game Design.
🦄Understanding Version Control in Programming. 🦄Collaboration Across Disciplines in a Game Studios.
- Reach out to Jordan
- Check out Leap of Faith Studios!
- Play the HAVEN demo on Steam
How do you make the "right game"? What does the "right game" even meant? In today's episode of FLAMA: The Ultimate Guide to the Gaming Industry, Casey Donnellan, Owner of Casey Donnellan Games LLC and creator of Kill It With Fire and Kill it With Fire 2 will dive deep into this concept. 🕷️🔥
In this episode we will break down:
🕷️ The importance of making the "right" game. 🕷️ Market research and gaging audience interest with game trailers. 🕷️ Building a game developer community.
🕷️Publishing a financially successful game. 🕷️The state of the industry, a comparison with the film industry.
Game creation does not always reflect a passionate process, sometimes it is important to be pragmatic and data driven! Casey's approach to indie games creation is calculated, down to earth, self-aware and most importantly, very successful! 💸
Reach out to Casey