Indie Game Guildhall

Marketing powerhouse Genevieve DeVille reveals how to build social strategies that don’t just grow audiences—they create true fandoms. Drawing from her work on Dungeons & Dragons experiences and hit titles like TRANSFORMERS: Tactical Arena and LEGO Brawls, she shares how smart brands stand out, win attention, and turn communities into loyal superfans. Learn more about Genevieve Learn more abou...

VR industry veterans Waylon Fisher and Brandon Egolf share hard-earned lessons from launching one of the first VR arcades in the U.S., navigating market swings and COVID, and publishing multiple Quest top sellers. They break down whether making a VR game in 2026 is a smart bet—and what developers need to get right to survive and win. Learn more about Waylon Learn more about Brandon Learn more abou...

This week, Anya Combs joins us to break down what real community building looks like in the games industry. Drawing from her time at AddictingGames, Nickelodeon, and as Director of Games at Kickstarter, Anya shares practical insights on crowdfunding, developer relations, and turning an audience into a lasting community. If you are about sustainable growth—not just launch-day hype—this one’s for yo...

In this community episode, Willem and Tim break down portfolio best practices. What to include, what to leave out, and how to present your work with clarity and intention. They share practical insights and real-world examples to help portfolios communicate skill, growth, and focus without unnecessary noise. Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday...

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Dalio, CEO & Co-Founder of Endless, whose work sets the standard for using game creation as a serious learning tool. Matt breaks down how building games sharpens strategy, teamwork, feedback loops, and storytelling; and why these skills translate directly to the real world. Drawing from years at the intersection of gaming and education, he shows how playe...

In this episode, Jacob Kuchinsky shares lessons from building his first game, Constellar, after two years of hands-on development. He dives into why backups matter, what can go wrong without them, and practical habits every developer—new or seasoned—should adopt. A grounded, useful listen for anyone making games. Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wed...

In this episode, we sit down with Fernando Dominguez Sarmiento, the creative force behind Super Farming Boy, to unpack how world-class developers use data to sharpen decisions without draining a game of its heart. Drawing on accolades from the Apple App Store Awards and a career spanning games, film, and companies like PepperMelon, Nando shares a rare, practical perspective on balancing instinct w...

Loren Weng is one of the sharpest minds in modern rogue-like design, known for redefining how systems, mechanics, and progression shape a player’s experience. From leading the spellcasting and combat systems in Harry Potter: Wizards Unite to pushing new boundaries in game design, Loren brings a master-level perspective on what it takes to evolve an entire genre. This episode is a deep dive into ho...

In this episode, indie developer Omar shares why games built from genuine passion resonate more deeply than those made in reaction to industry trends. He reflects on leading Super Buff HD, writing for multiple horror titles, and shaping the upcoming Cairo: Otherscape, a project that raised over $300,000 on Kickstarter. Omar breaks down how creators can stay grounded in what they love, even in a cr...

In this episode, Salaar shares lessons from a lifelong journey in game development—from creating games at age 8 to shipping titles at CAGE Studios and contributing to God of War: Ragnarok. We discuss what it really takes to build a sustainable indie studio, balancing creativity, longevity, and the realities of the industry. Learn more abour Salaar Learn more about us Join the next episode of the I...

In this episode, we sit down with one of the most respected voices in game development, Jared Yeager, to unpack how distribution and community shape the success of modern games. With over two decades leading teams at Disney, Activision, Capcom, and more, Jared shares powerhouse insights on building bridges between creators, players, and platforms. Learn more about Jared Learn more about us Join th...

In this episode, Ludocratic Games joins us to share the philosophy behind their studio. Rooted in the idea of ludus and kratos, they believe games should always be in charge. It’s a bold, playful vision, and they’re fully committed to it. Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questio...

In this episode, we sit down with the trio behind Future Suit Games to explore how passion, persistence, and teamwork fuel their journey of building Daughter of the Rift. From engineering and art to narrative design, they share how iteration has shaped their game into something truly special. Get an inside look at the creative process of blending story and strategy into an unforgettable indie expe...

Join hosts Tim Wood and our very own Willem as they dive into the thrilling world of branching narratives in game development. Discover how stories come alive in every twist and turn and what it really takes to craft unforgettable, dynamic adventures. Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own bu...

In this episode, Tim Wood and our very own Wizard of Joy, Willem Delventhal, dig into why AAA hiring can feel broken and how indies are flipping the script. With sharp insights and real experience, they reveal how smaller teams can win big on talent, culture, and opportunity. A must-listen for anyone ready to rethink the future of game hiring. Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie...

Today’s episode features Lara Guzelsoy, a standout emerging Environment Artist whose work fuses history, culture, and storytelling into unforgettable game worlds. From her acclaimed thesis project Lex Talionis to her current work with WAI Studios, Lara shows how every prop and detail can carry meaning. Learn more about Lara Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIV...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Valencia Coleman, a standout Gameplay Engineer at Owlchemy Labs and a recognized leader in the game industry. From IGDA-F Scholar to The Game Awards Future Class honoree, Valencia shares how her education and experiences opened the door to a thriving career. Hear her powerful story and insights on paving the way for more diversity in games. Learn more abo...

Today we’re joined by Elaine Gómez, one of the sharpest minds in game design and a true champion for Latine voices in the industry! With nearly a decade of experience in both AAA and indie games, Elaine breaks down why great design doesn’t mean more mechanics, it means smarter choices. If you're building games that feel good, this is a masterclass you don't want to miss. Learn more about Elaine Le...

Today we’re joined by the incredible Osama Dorias! Game designer, educator, and all-around industry force! From working on hits like Gotham Knights and For Honor to building programs and platforms that uplift marginalized voices, Osama is doing game dev with heart. This convo is packed with passion, purpose, and serious design wisdom. Learn more about Osama Learn more about us Join the next episod...

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of game design with Kate Edwards, a trailblazer who's been shaping the industry for over 30 years! As the CEO of Geogrify and a visionary behind game culturalization, Kate's work has helped developers create immersive experiences that connect across cultures. From her role in the IGDA to being inducted into the Women in Games Hall of Fame, Kate’s expert...

Join us for a conversation with Eric Betancourt, a storytelling powerhouse, an award-worthy narrative designer, masterful Dungeon Master, and educator who brings worlds to life across tabletop and digital realms. With credits from heavyweights like Wizards of the Coast and Fantasy Flight Games, he’s using the power of play to spark creativity, build empathy, and fuel real-world change Learn more a...

In this episode, Squinky and Jess from Soft Chaos dive into the world of worker co-ops and how collective ownership fuels their bold, genre-defying work. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how they create deeply personal, experimental games and interactive art that push the boundaries of play. Learn more about SoftChaos Games Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE...

In this episode, we dive into the process of learning new tools as game developers, creatives, and collaborators. From the initial overwhelm to the breakthrough moments, our community shares real experiences, strategies, and mindset shifts that make picking up new tech less daunting—and even fun. Whether you're switching engines or picking up your first tool, this conversation might just be the pu...

In this episode, Aysha U. Farah shares her approach to building unforgettable stories and gives us an inside look at her latest project, the narrative shooter Spine. Asyha is one of the sharpest minds in narrative design today, with a portfolio that spans Magic: The Gathering, Hiveswap, and the GDC Award-winning Life is Strange: Double Exposure. Learn more about Aysha Learn more about us Join the...

In this episode, we sit down with Layla Pigott (they/she)—film editor, game designer, and founder of Lookout Drive Games—to talk about the challenges and rewards of being trans and queer in the game industry. From navigating identity in professional spaces to building community through games like Portrait of a Texas Family and Bitter Silver, Layla shares hard-won insights and hopeful visions for t...