The Indie Game Development Podcast

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.

Cracking the Cookie Clicker Code: A Game Design Deep Dive

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Join us on The Indie Game Development Podcast as we unravel the unexpected allure of Cookie Clicker.
Our host Brandon shares a personal journey from skepticism to addiction, exploring the game's fundamental appeal.
Through candid analysis, we dissect five key factors behind Cookie Clicker's success: simplicity, accessibility, addictive mechanics, strategic rewards, and accelerated growth. Drawing parallels to other games, we reveal common threads in their reward systems that keeps players hooked.
Whether you're an indie developer seeking insights or a curious gamer, this episode offers valuable lessons in game design. Tune in to decode the addictive essence of Cookie Clicker and its implications for the future of indie gaming.

The Great Gamedev Burnout Problem

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In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we tackle the pervasive issue of burnout in game development. From indie darlings to AAA giants, burnout knows no bounds.
We dissect three common burnout triggers, drawing from the experiences of renowned YouTube developers like ThinMatrix, Thomas Brush, and Dani. From overworking to the suffocating pressure of expectations and the toxic habit of comparison, we uncover the pitfalls threatening developers' mental health and well being.
Based on personal experience and what we've learned from those that have successfully navigated the game dev space before us, we share practical strategies that we've learned for resilience against burnout.
Learn to pace yourself, manage expectations, and resist the allure of comparison. Successfully avoiding burnout is about finding balance and nurturing your creativity sustainably.

Let's Talk Game Dev: With Fairlii

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In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we delve into the inspiring journey of game developer Fairlii, creator of the cute and cozy pixel art game, Gelli Fields. With a dedicated following of over 30,000 subscribers on YouTube, Fairlii has captured the hearts of gamers with his unique blend of creativity and goofy authenticity.
In this candid conversation, Fairlii opens up about his personal struggles with major anxiety and mental health challenges, as well as shares his experience navigating the treacherous waters of burnout in game dev.
Despite facing these difficult challenges, Fairlii remains committed to crafting Gelli Fields into a finished project that will enchant players with its unique charm.
Discover the untold stories behind the pixels as we explore the motivations, triumphs, and setbacks that have shaped Fairlii's journey as a game developer.
Join us as we discuss resilience, creativity, and the power of building a community in this touching portrayal of one developer's quest to turn his dreams into reality. Don't miss out on this insightful and uplifting conversation that is sure to leave you inspired and motivated for your own game dev journey.
Check out Fairlii's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Fairlii

How I Almost Killed My Own Game

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In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, host Brandon of Sasquatch B Studios discusses the challenges of developing their game "Samurado." Initially intended as a three-month project, the development process has been fraught with setbacks and a lack of meaningful progress. Brandon reflects on his tendency to veer off course midway through projects and discovers that the root cause lies within himself.
Through introspection, Brandon realizes that caring deeply about the end result is both a blessing and a curse. Drawing parallels between game jams and traditional development cycles, he unveils a transformative strategy: adopting the mindset of working for an external manager. By holding himself accountable to this imaginary boss, Brandon finds renewed focus and discipline, mitigating the pressures of personal expectation.
In this episode, listeners gain practical insights into battling procrastination and cultivating mental discipline in indie game development. Join the conversation to discover how a subtle shift in perspective can empower developers to navigate the challenges of bringing their visions to life.