The Indie Game Development Podcast

8 Strategies You Need if You Haven't Started Marketing Your Game

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We tackle one of the most pressing questions every game developer faces: How do you get people to not just notice, but genuinely want to play your game? The answer lies in effective marketing strategies, and the urgency to act becomes clear as we explore the growing landscape of game development.
Delving into 8 specific strategies to make your game stand out,
In this episode, of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we dive deep into the daunting reality of releasing a financially successful video game in today's market, unveiling 8 essential marketing strategies along the way. As the influx of games on platforms like Steam continues to surge, the challenge of achieving success grows steeper.
Through real-world examples, we delve into the heart of what it takes to make your game stand out in a sea of competition. From the allure of viral potential to the art of crafting captivating hooks, we explore the essence of what makes a game truly memorable.
We uncover the untapped power of influencer outreach, shedding light on how collaborating with content creators can amplify visibility and drive wishlist conversions. Additionally, we dissect the realm of paid advertising and the significance of participating in industry events like festivals and conferences.
Beyond traditional marketing avenues, we also delve into the importance of cultivating a strong online presence and the potential of personal branding as a means to forge deeper connections with your audience.
Throughout our exploration, one truth becomes clear: success in indie game development requires more than just a great game—it demands a strategic and sustained effort to navigate the intricacies of marketing in a competitive landscape.

Let's Talk Game Dev: Expert Music & Sound Design with Zak Knight

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In this episode of The Indie Game Development podcast, we sit down with Zak Knight, an audio expert and professional musician and we dig DEEP into the world of video game music and sound design!
With a musical background spanning over 25 years, Zak's expertise isn't just about notes and chords; it's about capturing the essence of creativity and emotion in every piece of music he works on.
As a professional musician, producer, and educator, Zak brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, drawing from 15 years of hands-on experience in recording studios, writing, producing, and engineering music.
But what really sets Zak apart is his recent move into indie game development, spearheading his upcoming indie game project, Bird Knight.
Join us as Zak shares his insights on how music can shape the very core of your game, whether you're a solo developer or part of a team. From DIY composition tips to navigating the landscape of hiring composers, Zak answers all of our game dev music questions and gives a ton of practical advice and resources to help you get started with your own indie game audio journey.
Check out Zak's Website & Social: https://www.instagram.com/birdknightgame https://earthtidestudios.com.au/ https://www.youtube.com/@EarthtideStudios
 
Zak's Resource Recommendations can be found in the description of the Youtube interview: https://youtu.be/7DcJj4f7HPo

The GameDev Landscape is Changing

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In this episode of The Indie Game Development podcast, we dive deep into the shifting terrain of the gaming industry. With major layoffs hitting AAA studios and a relentless focus on monetization over fun, indie developers face a daunting challenge: how to stand out amidst the chaos.
The introduction of free game development tools has empowered small teams and individuals to create high-quality games, revolutionizing the industry.
Yet, as technology advances, so do the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI integration and monetization strategies. We explore the moral implications of these tools and how indie developers can leverage them without compromising their integrity.
Moreover, there's a significant opportunity for indies to fill the void left by AAA studios, catering to gamers craving unique experiences beyond the repetitive churn of mainstream titles. 
Join us as we navigate the tumultuous seas of game development, offering insights and strategies for indie devs to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. By honing their skills and embracing creativity, indie developers can keep the spirit of fun alive in gaming.

Listen to This BEFORE Making Your First Indie Game

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Join us on The Indie Game Development Podcast as we unravel the truth behind the challenges indie developers face. Discover why expectations can lead to stress, anxiety, and even burnout, and learn practical strategies for overcoming these hurdles.
From unrealistic deadlines to trying to do it all alone, we'll explore the common pitfalls and offer actionable solutions. Take back control of your gamedev journey by focusing on what you can change, embracing delegation, and welcoming feedback for growth.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Let's navigate the world of indie game development together.

How to Start Gamedev in 2024

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In this episode of The Indie Game Development podcast we're sharing our ultimate guide for launching your game dev journey in 2024!
Here's your quick roadmap:
Engine Selection
Pricing 
Programming Paths
Asset Acquisition
Hands-on Learning
Game Jams
Month-long Projects
Remember, it's all about taking small steps and enjoying the journey. Let's kickstart your game dev adventure!

Let's Talk Game Dev: With Sasquatch B Studios

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Hey there, it's Brandon and Nikki from Sasquatch B Studios, and we're taking over The Indie Game Development Podcast today to give you a peek behind the curtain of our crazy journey from corporate finance to indie game dev.
A few years back, we said goodbye to a stable income and sold our house to chase our dream of making games with no guarantee it would work out. Many thought we were crazy, we may even have questioned it ourselves, but here we are over two years later still at it.
And now, as requested by our Patrons we've decided to give an inside look, answering your questions, to celebrate our Youtube channel surpassing 20K subscribers.
No topic is off limits in this one, we'll be answering questions about financial struggles, our personal lives, and of course game dev. 

The Genius Behind Super Meat Boy Level Design

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Welcome to The Indie Game Development podcast! Today, we're exploring the genius level design of Super Meat Boy.
Ed McMillan, known for his quirky games like The Binding of Isaac, created a masterpiece with Super Meat Boy. Unlike Mario, this platformer keeps it simple with basic moves: walk, run, jump, and wall jump. But don't be fooled – it gets insanely challenging.
Ed's level design is brilliant, introducing new mechanics and hazards at the perfect pace. From dodging saws to navigating disappearing blocks, each level builds upon the last, testing your skills in new ways.
Super Meat Boy teaches players without holding their hand, making it a masterclass in game design. It proves that you don't need complex mechanics to make a great game – just solid gameplay and clever level design.

What is Game Dev Like Really?

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In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we explore the metaphorical landscape of game development, likening its challenges to treacherous mountains.
Join us as we navigate the highs and lows of the journey, embracing the struggle, celebrating the triumphs, and finding magic in the process.
Whether you're scaling familiar peaks or charting new territory, this episode offers insights and encouragement for every developer.