In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Larry Kuperman, VP of Business Development at Nightdive Studios, to explore what it takes to survive and thrive in the ever-changing games industry. Larry shares his insight on developing your personal brand, how it can complement your studio’s identity, and why visibility and authenticity matter more than ever.
We’ll also discuss the role of reputation in business development, how to position yourself as a trusted industry voice, and what lessons Larry has learned from his years working with classic IPs at Nightdive. If you’re a developer, marketer, or business lead looking to strengthen your presence in the space, this conversation is packed with practical advice.
https://x.com/LarryNightDive
https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrykuperman/
https://bsky.app/profile/larrynightdive.bsky.social
In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Sam Striker, Co-Founder and CEO of Native Darkness, to unpack the journey of building immersive audio-first games and what makes sound such a powerful force in storytelling.
Sam walks us through the origin story of Native Darkness and their partnership with Ovani Sound. We explore the value of interactive audio, the differences between working with a dedicated audio studio versus an in-house team, and why custom sound design can make or break a game experience.
We also dive into broader trends in game audio, the role of royalty-free vs. bespoke audio, and the importance of networking in the indie dev space. Whether you're a solo developer or a growing team, Sam’s insights into building relationships, creating immersive worlds, and staying ahead in audio innovation will leave you inspired.
#IndieGameBusiness #GameAudio #InteractiveSound #GameDev #NetworkingForDevs
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samstriker/
https://www.instagram.com/samstrikerdotcom
In this episode we’re joined by Yves Le Yaouanq, Chief Content Officer at Focus Entertainment, for a deep dive into the current state of pitching, publishing, and investment in the games industry. Yves shares his perspective on how the landscape has evolved in 2025, what publishers are really looking for, and how developers can set themselves apart.
We explore the art and science of pitching in today’s market—what works, what doesn’t, and how developers can improve their odds of success. Whether you're new to pitching or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers an inside look into how major publishers think and operate in a rapidly changing environment.
#IndieGameBusiness #GamePublishing #GamePitching #GameDevAdvice #FocusEntertainment
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yves-le-yaouanq-b6539420
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:f5kqvujnbmuyzvjxx7f5x54b
In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Mike Gallagher, Founder of Untitled Advertising Lab, to talk about the evolving marketing landscape for indie studios. Mike shares how his team helps game developers unlock incremental revenue from older titles and support self-publishing efforts when traditional publishing and VC routes fall short.
We dive into what “doing more with less” really means in the current market, why marketing paralysis is so common, and how studios can overcome it without a massive budget. Mike also explains why chasing virality can backfire, and why marginal gains and meaningful engagement drive long-term success.
We also explore key metrics that matter when playing the long game, the broken parts of the launch model, and what he’s learned from working with titles like Slugterra, AdCom, and Bulletstorm. This is a must-listen for studios looking to build sustainable momentum in today’s crowded industry.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbriangallagher/
#GameMarketing #IndieGameBusiness #SelfPublishing #GameDevAdvice #MeaningfulEngagement
In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Joanie Kraut, CEO of Women in Games International (WIGI), to explore how the organization is building a more equitable and inclusive gaming industry. Joanie shares the mission behind WIGI, the impact of their initiatives, and what the future looks like as they approach their 20th anniversary in 2025.
We also discuss how WIGI actively supports women and marginalized genders, key programs and partnerships, and what allies in the industry can do to contribute meaningfully. Whether you're a developer, publisher, or player, this episode is packed with insight on how the community can create lasting change.
Socials:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanie-kraut/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/getwigi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getwigi/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joanie-kraut.bsky.social
#WomenInGames #EquityInGaming #GameDevCommunity #WIGI #IndieGameBusiness
Join Omar for a presentation covering the essentials of pitching your video game to publishers. From structure and flow to the must-have elements of a winning pitch, this session is all about showcasing your game's potential and getting publishers excited to support it!
Learn what it takes to make a standout trailer from four game trailer makers who come from the craft from different angles and work experience. The panel combines their experience in: AAA game trailers, indie game trailers, cinematic short films of VR games, and games journalism.
You will learn how and why certain game trailers grab the eyeballs of customers, press, influencers by clearly showing what the game is. Also, where is the line between authentically depicting the game as it is, and making custom footage that evokes the game experience in a more emotionally affecting way?
Most gamers discover new titles through YouTube, Twitch and other social media platforms, but how do you get creators to talk about your game? This session breaks down actionable strategies for identifying the right influencers, reaching out effectively, and building lasting relationships. Learn how to time your efforts around key milestones to boost visibility and get noticed by the Steam algorithm.
Marketing agency founder Michael Brown discusses the best way to optimize your marketing to ensure you get the maximum return on Steam Next Fest and the tips and tricks Vicarious uses to ensure momentum for their games.
Professor Jim Huntley of USC Games will present fundamental marketing
strategies for interactive games, with a focus on indie games with limited budget sand resources, including some recommended tools and best practices.
Steam wishlists are one of the most powerful tools available to game developers. This session, we'll break down everything you need to know about wishlists: what they are, why they matter, and how to effectively grow them before launch. You'll learn practical strategies for increasing your wishlist count, how wishlists signal interest to the Steam algorithm, and how they translate into actual sales.
Going Rogue dives into the power of throwing what you know out the window and focusing on the organic opportunities that come with community management to drive your marketing. Learn tactics to building these connections, how to explore new ways to think of community management, and how it can create a buzz around your project. Smashing skulls with overt marketing is no longer the way - it's time to get stealthy about how we approach it so that it doesn't give players the ick.
Great marketing doesn't happen by accident—it starts with a solid plan. In this final session, Alyssa will outline how to craft a go-to-market strategy that aligns with your game, goals, and resources.
Join us for an engaging conversation with Jack Pattillo, Community Manager at Channel37, as he shares his journey from content creation to community management. After 15 years at Rooster Teeth, Jack delves into the evolving landscape of gaming, how to foster a thriving community, and his experience working remotely with a company based overseas. In this episode, Jack offers insights into life after Rooster Teeth, discusses the industry’s rapid changes over the decades, and highlights the unique challenges and rewards of building and nurturing a dedicated gaming community.
Topics Covered:
Transition from Content Creator to Community Manager
Building and maintaining an engaged gaming community
Life after Rooster Teeth and reflections on a 15-year career
Working remotely with an international company
Industry changes witnessed over decades in gaming
Strategies for successful community building and collaboration
Connect with Jack Pattillo:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jackpattillo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-pattillo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackpattillo/
#IndieGameBusiness #JackPattillo #CommunityManagement #GamingIndustry #LifeAfterRoosterTeeth #RemoteWork #ContentCreator #Channel37 #CommunityBuilding #GameDevelopment
In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Jennifer Javornik, Chief Partnerships Officer at Filament Games, to explore the impactful and fast-growing world of serious games. Jennifer breaks down what serious games are, who they're for, and why this corner of the industry is gaining serious momentum.
We dive into the types of games Filament creates, the company’s main sources of business, and how they successfully connect with clients across industries. Jennifer also highlights emerging markets in serious games, including education, training, health, and workforce development—and explains how developers can tap into this growing space.
Whether you're a dev curious about non-entertainment games or just looking to learn more about the intersection of play and purpose, this episode is full of practical knowledge and inspiration.
Topics Covered:
What exactly are serious games and why do they matter?
The types of games Filament Games creates and their impact
Filament’s business model and client acquisition strategies
Emerging industries and opportunities in serious games
Advice for developers interested in this meaningful side of gaming
Connect with Jennifer Javornik:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-javornik/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.javornik.5
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msjnnfrj/
#IndieGameBusiness #SeriousGames #GameDevelopment #FilamentGames #EducationalGames #TrainingGames #ImpactGames #GameIndustry #GamingWithPurpose #JenniferJavornik
In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re cutting through the noise with Pontus Mahler, Managing Director at Agora Gaming Partners, to talk about the real state of the gaming industry—no hype, no fluff, just facts backed by data.
Pontus brings a grounded and data-driven perspective to an industry that’s been full of dramatic headlines, speculation, and uncertainty. We dive deep into what the numbers actually say about the market, publishing trends, investment activity, studio closures, and what it all means for indie developers and larger studios alike.
Connect with Pontus Mahler:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pontusmahler
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pontusmahler/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pontus.mahler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pontusmahler/
#IndieGameBusiness #GameIndustry2024 #GameDevEconomy #GamingData #GamingInvestment #IndustryTrends #NoBS #GamePublishing #AgoraGamingPartners
In this powerful episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Frederick Brassard, Studio Head at Nesting Games, to talk about the realities of running, losing, and rebuilding a game studio. With a career that began in the early days of Ubisoft Montreal—where he was hired as their 8th employee—Frederick shares an incredible story that spans decades of growth, challenges, and resilience in the game industry.
We dive into hard but essential questions: What does it take for a studio to survive in today’s volatile market? What are the common mistakes new founders make when starting a studio? How critical are mental and physical health in leadership? And what should you do when your studio is struggling to stay afloat?
Frederick opens up about the painful layoff of 60 employees at Nesting Games, how he and his partner rebuilt from that moment, and what it’s really like to balance production, business development, operations, and finance while trying to create great games in an unpredictable landscape.
Whether you're an industry veteran or an aspiring studio founder, this episode is a must-listen.
Topics Covered:
How a studio can survive and thrive in 2024
What not to do when starting your own game studio
Frederick's incredible origin story and his time at Ubisoft
Rebuilding Nesting Games after major layoffs
Where the game industry is headed—and how to prepare
Balancing mental and physical health as a studio leader
Real talk about production, partnerships, and perseverance
Connect with Frederick Brassard & Nesting Games:
Twitter (X): https://x.com/NestingGames
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nestinggames/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playdirectorate/
Game Announcement: https://www.ign.com/articles/the-directorate-novitiate-announced-for-pc
#IndieGameBusiness #NestingGames #GameStudioLeadership #GameDev #FrederickBrassard #GameDevelopment #StudioSurvival #IndieDev #MentalHealthInGames #GameIndustry
In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking is both a challenge and an opportunity. This session explores cutting-edge strategies to enhance productivity, maintain focus, and reduce burnout while juggling multiple priorities. Learn how to harness the power of intentional multitasking to achieve your goals without compromising quality.
Key Takeaways:
Mastering techniques for efficient multitasking
Balancing focus and flexibility
Reducing stress while improving results
Join us to discover a smarter approach to multitasking!
In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Garrity, the Head Game Scout at Secret Mode, to uncover the keys to getting your game signed in today's competitive publishing landscape. Joshua shares expert insights on pitching, the ideal budget ranges for different types of projects, and what publishers are really looking for in new games.
We also discuss common mistakes that developers should avoid, red flags in potential publishing partners, and how to position your game for the best possible chance of success. Whether you're an indie developer looking for your first publishing deal or an industry veteran refining your approach, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate the world of game pitching and publishing.
Topics Covered:
The current state of the game pitching and publishing landscape
What budget ranges developers should realistically aim for
What makes a game more likely to get signed by a publisher
Mistakes developers make when pitching their games
Red flags to watch out for when choosing a publishing partner
Tips for refining your pitch and getting publishers interested
Connect with Joshua Garrity:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-garrity-261a6148/
#IndieGameBusiness #GamePublishing #PitchingYourGame #GameDevelopment #SecretMode #GameFunding #IndieDev #GameIndustry #PublishingSuccess #GameScouting
Master the essentials of Business Development with this practical guide tailored for indie game studios. Learn budget-friendly strategies to build partnerships, pitch your game effectively, and unlock growth opportunities - all while juggling multiple roles in your team.
Key Takeaways:
- Develop cost-effective BD strategies.
- Build and maintain impactful partnerships.
- Learn to pitch your game with confidence.
- Integrate BD into a busy indie dev workflow.
