Indie Game Guildhall

Explore the evolution of indie game marketing with David Elahee, veteran developer and co-founder of Headbang Club studio! With over 60 game credits spanning from the PS2 era to today, David brings a wealth of experience to the table. We’ll dive into how indie marketing has changed over the years, its current state, and where it might (or might not) be headed. Don’t miss this insightful discussion...

This episode features Chance Glasco, a trailblazer in game development and co-founder of Infinity Ward, the studio behind the legendary Call of Duty franchise. Now based in Rio de Janeiro, Chance is innovating as CEO of Martial Arts Tycoon: Brazil, merging his expertise in game design with his passion for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. We dive into his impressive journey, his impactful work with the Atlanti...

Join us as we sit down with Jonathan Duek, an acclaimed Swedish filmmaker who brings cinematic magic to life in documentaries and TV shows for top networks like Amazon Prime, SVT, and TV4. With numerous accolades under his belt, Jonathan’s expertise in storytelling has captivated audiences worldwide. In this episode, he shares insights from his latest project, Spelkollektivet: To Build a Castle, a...

Prepare for a deep-dive with Patrick Moran, co-founder of Look North World and a powerhouse in game design innovation! With a career spanning roles at industry giants like Kongregate, Disney, and EA, Patrick has helped create experiences that have captivated millions and generated billions in revenue. We'll explore his fresh perspectives on game design, uncovering how his work with creator-driven...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jayne, a powerhouse in marketing with 13 years of expertise spanning social media, influencer management, and content creation. From leading game-changing campaigns for giants like Bandai Namco and Make-A-Wish UK to mastering remote collaboration, she shares her secrets on thriving in the gaming industry while working from anywhere. Plus, get an exclusive glimpse i...

In this episode, we sit down with Brandon, Director of the Indie Game Showcase at TooManyGames, one of Pennsylvania’s largest indie gaming events. Since taking over in 2022, Brandon has expanded the showcase to feature 40 arcade, tabletop, and video games across 4,000 square feet. We dive into his journey growing the showcase and his passion for supporting indie developers year-round with valuable...

In this special community episode, we connect with our Discord community to dive into what really ignites the magic on a game development team! From staying energized and pushing through obstacles to creating an environment that sparks collaboration and creativity, we cover it all. Whether you're facing challenges or chasing those epic moments of inspiration, this conversation is full of ideas to...

In this episode, we sit down with Anton Bernstein, CEO and Founder of Pocket Worlds, the YCombinator-backed company behind virtual platforms Highrise and Everskies, boasting over 45 million users and 10,000 creators. Anton shares insights into building these thriving online communities, where users create avatars, express themselves, and form deep connections. We also explore his entrepreneurial j...

Join us as we chat with Nick, a seasoned leader in the world of project management, with over 15 years of expertise in production, business strategy, and more. As the Chief Wizard of Operations for Indie Game Academy and co-founder of Sea Stories Creative Studios, Nick is spearheading an exciting shift in strategy, bringing his vision to life through an upcoming Kickstarter board game, "Chronicles...

On this episode, we speak with Joe Zieja, a Los Angeles-based voice actor, author, and educator. Known for his iconic roles like Wriothesley in Genshin Impact and Claude Von Riegan in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Joe’s voice has brought life to many beloved characters. Alongside his acting career, Joe leads LearnVoiceActing.com, where he shares his expertise with aspiring and experienced voice actor...

In this episode, we're joined by William Schmitt, Head of Studio at Proof of Play, the team behind Pirate Nation. With a rich background spanning Disney Interactive, Scopely, THQ, and Activision, William has overseen the production of over 60 titles across 23 platforms. He brings his deep expertise in development, publishing, and live operations to the conversation, sharing insights from his remar...

Join us as we chat with Ayla Derrick, the innovative founder of Cave Bear Games, a fully junior indie team making waves in the industry. Ayla shares her journey from building volunteer teams to leading the development of *Plantasia*, all while promoting the Indie Revolution through the CBG Partner Studio Program. Discover her insights on the tools and trends shaping idle games in the modern era, a...

In this episode, we're joined by Spencer Cohen, the visionary game producer behind Abducted Monkeys. With two commercial game releases and a deep expertise in technical pipelines and design, Spencer shares his journey of leading an indie studio to success. Discover his passion for pinball and the thrilling world of showcasing games at conferences and conventions. Tune in for an exciting dive into...

In this episode, we chat with Greg Lane, a seasoned game developer who has worn nearly all the hats in the industry since 2011. From his work at Funtank and Big Huge Games to Unity, Greg shares his experiences navigating the challenges of small teams. We dive into his latest project, #BLUD, a cartoon vampire-fighting adventure game, and explore how he balances writing, game design, and more. Tune...

Dive into an insightful conversation with Alex Gombos, a highly accomplished talent acquisition leader with over a decade of experience recruiting for AAA studios like Firewalk Studios, Naughty Dog, and PlayStation Studios Creative Arts. As a driving force behind recruitment strategies for some of the industry’s most renowned teams, Alex has a proven track record in fostering diversity and inclusi...

Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of freeware game development with Gabriel, a seasoned expert who has worked on over 100 games and prototypes. With a decade of experience and hits like Harry Potter Hogwarts Mystery and Panda Pop under his belt, Gabriel shares his passion for turning concepts into joyful gameplay. Discover how freeware game development can be the antidote to burnou...

In this episode, we chat with Luke Piazza, a game systems designer with over three years of experience, including work on the iconic Five Nights at Freddy's series. Luke shares invaluable insights on acing the design interview, drawing from his experiences at industry events like GDC and speaking engagements at Stanford, Devcom, and LinkedIn roundtables. Tune in as he offers practical advice on br...

Join us this week as we dive into the world of indie game development with Connor Wolf, Quality Assurance Analyst at Lost Boys Interactive. As a dedicated Conference Associate of the Game Developers Conference, Connor is passionate about sharing his expertise to uplift newcomers in the industry. We'll explore his journey, discuss the challenges of starting out, and uncover valuable insights on tur...

In this episode, we explore the art of game design leadership with William Shen! Formerly a Design Director at Bethesda Game Studios, Will has left his mark as the Lead Designer of Fallout 4: Far Harbor, Lead Quest Designer for Starfield, and the genius behind the openings of Fallout 4 and Skyrim. Now at Something Wicked Games, a dynamic startup founded by industry veterans, Will shares his journe...

Tune in to our latest podcast episode where we dive into the world of indie gaming with Buddy Sola, the Head of Marketing for Akupara Games. Buddy's leadership and unique approach to community engagement and creative initiatives have propelled Akupara to new heights in the industry. Join us as we explore his journey, insights, and the exciting future of indie game publishing. Get ready for an insp...

Join us this week as we explore "What Makes a Game Cozy" with Marie, a leading recruiter at Netflix Games Studio and the Gaming Fairy Job Mother. With over a decade of experience in media and gaming, Marie dives into the essence of cozy games and their role in welcoming newcomers to gaming. Discover how these games create a sense of warmth and community, and gain insights into career opportunities...

Join us for an insightful episode of our podcast as we welcome the Co-Founder & CEO of Digital Hazard. A proud mentor and community member of the Amir Satvat Games community, our guest brings over 15 years of experience across multiple industries. Gain valuable insights into networking, career transitions, and leadership from someone who has built teams, departments, and companies from the gro...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Josh Hirshfield, an award-winning game developer with a rich background in AAA, indie, and educational games. Josh's innovative work has been showcased at GDC, PAX, Games for Change, and more. Currently an Adjunct Professor at NYU and Pratt Institute, Josh shares his insights into the gaming industry and his experiences shaping the next generation of game...

In this week's episode, we feature Aïda Figuerola, a major influence in the gaming world and the #1 European Gaming Voice on LinkedIn. Aïda has been instrumental in establishing Bandai Namco Mobile in Barcelona, bringing beloved titles like Dragon Ball Z and Pac-Man to Europe. Currently, she leads the People and Culture strategy for New Games at King (Activision Blizzard). Listen as she shares her...

In this episode, we sit down with Juliana Brito, CEO and co-founder of Indie Hero and GJ+, and a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background in global organizations and accelerator programs. Juliana shares her insights on leveraging gamejams as a strategic tool to develop gaming markets outside of the US and Europe. With experience in high-profile events like NASA talks and Startup Weekend, Julia...