The Indie Game Development Podcast

How to Make a Game Players Actually CARE About

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In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, I dive into one of the toughest questions in game development: "Why should players care about your game?"
With so many games flooding the market, it’s crucial to make yours stand out, and figuring out why players should invest their time and money is the key.
As developers, we often get lost in what we think is cool, instead of focusing on what will resonate with players. I also introduce a tool called the Customer Value Proposition (CVP) to help you break down your game's unique appeal and market it effectively.
Marketing isn't something to dread—it's about communicating why your game deserves attention.

Game Designers are LYING to you: Here's How

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In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we delve into the nuanced role of an indie game designer, exploring the delicate balance between challenge and reward that keeps players engaged and satisfied.
You'll uncover the fascinating secrets behind popular game mechanics, like the 'coyote time' and dynamic difficulty adjustments, designed to subtly enhance the player's experience without their awareness.
Through examples from games like Devil May Cry, Half-Life, and Pac-Man, we'll show how these hidden techniques create a fair, responsive, and emotionally resonant gameplay.
Whether it's manipulating enemy behavior or tweaking player advantages, these clever tricks might just be the key to overcoming your next design challenge.
Links Discussed in this episode:
Our 2D Platformer Controller Tutorial: https://youtu.be/zHSWG05byEc
Twitter Post:https://x.com/gaohmee/status/903510060197744640?lang=en

How do Game Designers Make their Games FUN?

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In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we'll explore the crucial task of ensuring your game is fun, despite the challenges of subjectivity and diminishing excitement over time.
We'll tackle the question of how to design a fun game by delving into the concept of 'wish fulfillment' and examining the MDA framework, which breaks down fun into eight categories.
Check out this episode for insights into designing a game that's engaging and enjoyable for players.

Listen to This if You Feel Like You HATE Your Game

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If you've been plugging away at your game for a while now and you feel like it sucks or you can't even tell if it's fun anymore, you're not alone.
Trust me, it happens to the all of us, and it’s a crucial stage where many people feel like giving up. Even big names like Eric Barone, creator of Stardew Valley went through similar feelings.
The reality is, when you're too close to something, you lose perspective. You might feel overly critical or worry that your game is just a mess under the hood, even if players would actually enjoy it.
In this episode, we discuss how you can power through and not only finish your game but find the joy in creating it again.
Remember, game development is a roller coaster, and the good feelings will come back. These negative feelings are temporary and there are many ways to get past them.

What it's Like Making Money with Indie Game Dev

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In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, I share my journey of transitioning from a traditional 9-5 job to running an indie game studio full-time with my wife.
We'll discuss the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship, highlighting the financial instability and time management struggles that come with it.
I share the reality of working on our game, "Samurado," amidst other responsibilities, and offer advice for aspiring indie developers on navigating the complexities of running a studio.
Despite the hardships, my passion for the work and the satisfaction it brings continues to renew my commitment to this dream.

How Video Games are Actually Made

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In this episode, of the Indie Game Development Podcast, we’ll be demystifying the game development process so you can understand how video games are created.
We'll explore game engines like Unity, Unreal, and Godot, which are essential for game development. I'll cover the creation of assets, whether 2D sprites or 3D models, and how they are animated and integrated into the game engine.
We'll also discuss coding, which drives game functionality, and the use of shaders and particles to enhance visuals.
Despite the steep learning curve, game development is an incredibly rewarding art form.

How I Would Start Gamedev (If I could Start Over)

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In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we'll delve into the lessons I've learned and the insights I've gained from my journey in game development.
Reflecting on my experiences, I share practical advice on what I would do differently if I had to start all over again.
With an emphasis on the importance of focusing on game design over perfect code, making time for experimentation, and utilizing existing assets. We'll also discuss the significance of celebrating small victories, avoiding premature release dates, building a strong brand, and continuously playing games to stay inspired and critically engaged.
Check out this episode for a candid and informative discussion aimed at helping new game developers navigate their creative path with confidence and wisdom.

How to Avoid Tutorial Hell

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Are you currently trapped in tutorial hell, or maybe you're afraid of getting stuck there? It's a common struggle, and the conflicting advice out there can be really overwhelming.
In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we'll answer the question: Should you stop watching tutorials?
We'll explore the necessary balance between learning from tutorials and applying that knowledge to your own projects.
From the pitfalls of tutorial dependency to the importance of self-directed learning, we'll let you know what has worked best for us and hopefully help you navigate your path in game development.
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned developer, this episode offers you insights and personal experience on breaking free from tutorial hell and leveling up your skills.