Indie Game Movement - The podcast about the business and marketing of indie games.

Marketing can amplify a game, but it can't fix an unproven concept. Still, many developers push forward hoping things will turn around, when the smarter move may be to kill the project. In this episode, we examine why killing a game early is often a more strategic decision than continuing out of hope, habit, or sunk cost. We explore the beliefs that keep weak projects alive and how to read early signals with clarity, separating meaningful validation from noise before committing years of time and resources. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/442

Being laid off can feel like losing momentum overnight. But for many people in the industry, it becomes the moment they reassess their direction and values. So today, we move beyond headlines and fear to explore how layoffs can create inflection points, opening new paths, healthier boundaries, and stronger alignment with the work people actually want to do, ultimately turning a layoff into leverage. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/441

We've all heard the advice: build a following and usually, that turns into building a community. More often than not, that community defaults to a Discord server, regardless of the game or the audience it's meant to serve. The problem is, what works for one game doesn't automatically work for another. Today, we're digging into how community needs, interests, and expectations change depending on the intended audience, and how teams can build more engaging and sustainable communities without forcing players into spaces or systems that don't actually fit. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/440

Market data has never been more accessible to indie developers and yet, many teams feel more constrained than confident using it. When numbers are treated as answers instead of signals, creative decision-making can start to feel mechanical rather than intentional. Today, we're going to explore how to approach market analysis without killing creativity. We'll break down the difference between quantitative trends and qualitative player insight, why each falls short on its own, and how indie teams can use data as a compass to guide their creative direction without replacing it. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/439

Many indie games struggle not because they lack quality, but because teams never get clear on who they're building for. In this episode, I join The Gaming Playbook to talk about why marketing starts at the concept stage, not at launch. We dig into empathy-driven decision making, avoiding shallow data traps, and building trust with players in ways that actually scale. This isn't about hacks or hype — it's about clarity, intention, and building games that last. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/438

For years, indie games were treated as alternatives to the mainstream. But more recently, that narrative started to fall apart. The games shaping player expectations and influencing industry direction aren't just succeeding, they're forcing the rest of the market to respond. In this episode, we explore why indie games are driving the industry forward. We reflect on what made 2025 a turning point, how player expectations around scope and ambition have shifted, and how publishing models are evolving in response. So rather than chasing hype, we're going to focus on the forces behind this change and where the industry is headed...

Game development is usually focused on execution, building systems, solving problems, and moving forward. But without stepping back to examine what the process itself teaches us, teams can miss why projects succeed, where collaboration falters, or why feedback loops lose momentum. This episode explores how creating games naturally develops strategic thinking, teamwork, feedback cycles, and storytelling instincts, skills that extend far beyond any engine or genre. By viewing game development as a learning system, the conversation reveals how developers can sharpen their craft, align more effectively, and make better decisions by understanding why the process works. Episode Shownotes Link: https...

Everyone talks about how oversaturated the games market is, but the real issue is that you're also competing with creators, platforms, and every other demand on players' time and trust. Under that pressure, teams rush decisions: defaulting to what feels "safe," or treating creators and communities like distribution channels instead of partners. So today, we unpack how those shortcuts quietly erode long-term trust, and what studios building strong brands do differently. We'll dig into the early signals that show a community is genuinely taking root, how to use data without letting it replace judgment and vision, and how new IP...

Today, we're taking time to reflect on the past year by revisiting some of our most-listened-to conversations. But not just for the moments themselves, but for the themes that kept surfacing again and again throughout the year. I won't sugarcoat it: 2025 was tough for a lot of us. Uncertainty was the backdrop, and honestly, it just sucked for many of us. But even in the worst of times, there's always a silver lining. It's just a matter of perspective. So think of this episode as a shared journey, one many of us have been on, or are still navigating. And...

Making a great game isn't enough if players don't understand why they should care in the first place. To today, we're going to explore some of the many things that are commonly overlooked when setting up Steam store pages. : how to communicate your game's value quickly, visually, and honestly. We break down common store page mistakes, discuss how players scan pages instead of reading them, and examine how developers can better showcase their game's experience without relying on buzzwords or hype. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/433

Games succeed or fail based on the experience players walk away with, and few disciplines shape that experience more than QA. In this episode, we look beyond bug reports and test plans to uncover one of QA's most underrated strengths: communication and empathy. From UX and design discussions to player-focused problem solving, QA isn't just about finding issues — it's about connecting across teams to ensure the experience feels right for players where it matters most. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/432

This week, we're doing something a little different. Andrew recently joined Mike on the Freaking Cool Indies podcast for a conversation that struck right at the heart of what Indie Game Movement is all about: empathy, perspective, and understanding the people behind the player data. In this shared episode, Andrew opens up about why empathy isn't just a marketing strategy—it's the foundation of how he approaches problem-solving, community building, and even this very podcast. Together, Mike and Andrew explore why players choose to invest their time in certain games, how human motivation gets lost in a sea of analytics, an...

The intersection of imagination and machine intelligence is giving rise to a new kind of game design, one where players and AI co-create experiences together. But with this innovation comes new challenges: ethical design, scaling responsibly, and keeping the human spirit of storytelling alive. In this episode, we discuss what's next for AI in gaming and how indie studios can innovate sustainably while staying creative. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/430

Publishing deals and working agreements can do everything from launch a game or sink a studio. But too often, devs and studios sign first without realizing they gave up too much. So today, we're going to go over what every developer should understand about publishing agreements, licensing and work-for-hire arrangements. From negotiation red flags to protecting your IP, you'll know how to navigate legal decisions now to help you avoid financial and creative headaches tomorrow. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/429

Many studios treat collaboration as a checkbox, handing off assets, approving plans, and expecting results. But the truth is, campaigns thrive or fail on the strength of the relationships behind them. In this episode, we unpack the real mechanics of effective partnerships in game marketing. From trust and transparency to managing creative disagreements, you'll hear how aligned teams turn campaigns into momentum-builders, and how misaligned ones fall short. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/428

Many developers dream of going indie, but few talk about the business reality behind it. Turning creativity into a sustainable studio means facing tough questions about money, and what success really looks like. In this episode, we unpack what it truly takes to move from developer to entrepreneur—how to navigate hidden costs, reshape your mindset, and balance creative freedom with sustainability. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/427

Turning a creative idea into a successful studio is an adventure full of insight, experimentation, and tough lessons. In this episode, we catch up with Mustapha Price—former Indie Game Movement producer turned studio founder—who shares what he's learned about balancing creativity with business operations and the realities of building a sustainable game studio from the ground up. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/426

In a time when resources are scarce and the industry feels uncertain, building a studio from the ground up can seem impossible. Yet, what if inclusive leadership and adaptive design could become your strongest assets? In this episode, we're going to discuss how leading with empathy and crafting meaningful experiences can make all the difference in what "purpose-driven games" can mean for both players and teams. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/425

Many great indie games never find their audience, not because they lack quality, but because players have a hard time discovering them. In a crowded market filled with platforms, storefronts, and showcases, standing out can feel impossible. In this episode, we explore how studios can lay the groundwork for success long before launch. From taking early steps that boost discoverability to building authentic communities that last well beyond release, we'll uncover what it takes to create visibility, engagement, and trust without burning out or breaking the bank. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/424

Thousands of games launch every month, and building momentum can often feel like an impossible task. But momentum that matters doesn't come from massive budgets, it comes from focus. So today, we're going to break down how indie teams can develop repeatable marketing strategies, that turns engagement into lasting relationships, setting the foundation to keep their games moving forward. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/423

For many indie studios, the idea of working with existing IP is exciting. It brings instant recognition and built-in audiences. But with that excitement also comes a web of challenges that can quickly overwhelm teams. In this episode, we're going to dig into the realities of licensing and adaptation, drawing lessons from the leap between television and indie games. From navigating rights to finding creative opportunities, you'll hear candid insights and practical strategies to help studios approach IPs with confidence while avoiding common pitfalls. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/422

Puzzles aren't just a design choice — they're a powerful driver of player retention. When done well, they keep players engaged, build trust, and create momentum. When done poorly, they frustrate players and cut your game's lifespan short. In this episode, we dig into how puzzle design shapes retention through interesting narrative adventures and experimental exploration that turns puzzles into assets that serve your players in meaningful ways. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/421

The next wave of gamers is already here. Students, from middle to high school don't just view games only as entertainment but also as spaces for community, creativity, and leadership. But how do their unique motivations and playstyles translate into the future of game audiences? In today's episode, we're going to dive into insights from years of working with student gaming clubs and esports programs, uncovering lessons that every game developer and studio should consider. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/420

Most developers see their Steam page as a way to describe their game. And while that's true, its real purpose goes deeper: capturing a player's limited attention and showing them, in seconds, that your game is for them. In this episode, I share lessons from my own posts and conversations on why the purpose of your Steam page goes beyond text, features, or trailers. We'll explore how every element — from messaging to visuals to community — needs to align. Because your Steam page isn't just a page. It's the anchor: the place where consistency shows, and where everything starts and ends for...

Finding the right teammates isn't about checking boxes or broadcasting open roles. It's about creating the kind of opportunity people want to be part of. Today, we're digging into what actually draws people to a project by looking at how we communicate it, which is often in subtle ways we don't even notice. We'll explore how aligning your message with your mission can shape the future of your team. Whether you're bringing on your first collaborator or growing a small team, you'll walk away ready to connect with new talent with more clarity, empathy, and intent. Episode Shownotes Link: https...

Web3 in games is loud, controversial, and often feels far removed from indie realities or vision, but is it possible that there are lessons from this space worth paying attention to? So today, we're going to explore what Web3 really means for indie developers: how accessible (or inaccessible) the tech actually is, the unique player dynamics it introduces, and what indies can learn from both the successes and missteps in the space. Even if you never touch blockchain, you're still going to get valuable insights about trust, players, and reflecting on what matters most to you. Episode Shownotes Link: https...

Global success in games requires more than just translating text. It demands building localization into the DNA of development. But too often, devs wait until the last minute, only to find that the process is more involved than they anticipated. So in this episode, we'll explore effective strategies for planning localization early, how to avoid common traps that can limit reach and secrets to keeping things budget friendly so your localization efforts work for you, not against you. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/416

You can have a great game idea, but if no one knows about it… who's going to care? When it comes to funding, most devs focus on the pitch deck, but often ignore what matters just as much. How they're building traction with their marketing. In this episode, we're going to explore how early-stage marketing builds confidence, community and momentum that makes funding more attainable. From signaling traction to reducing risk for investors, we'll break down how visibility equals viability when it comes to your funding strategy. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/415

Indie studios face tight budgets, small teams, and pressure to deliver big ideas with limited resources. Meanwhile, AI in game development sparks fears of job loss and soulless design. How can small teams stay human-centered while competing at scale? In this episode, we'll explore how generative AI can be an ally instead of a threat by discussing practical ways to speed up preproduction, validate concepts and even reduce burnout, all while staying creative, human-centered, and true to their vision. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/414

Bringing a game to life means more than writing great code or creating stunning art, it requires harmony between both. But technical collaboration between developers and artists often hits snags, from miscommunication to mismatched expectations. In this episode our guest explores how to build workflows that support both sides of the pipeline, drawing from their own experience as a Unity developer and project coordinator for creative and educational game projects. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/413

If you ever had issues or concerns about why your players leave, well... it's not because your game is bad, they leave because you stop giving them reasons to stay. So today, we tackle how effective Live Ops strategy builds real player loyalty, exploring event design, personalization, and content cadence that turn casual players into regulars. The amazing thing is, this doesn't just apply to Live Ops either. Learn how to balance monetization with trust, avoid common retention pitfalls, and create a sustainable approach that keeps your players coming back for more. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/412

Indie devs juggle tons of different task and responsibilites, and in that chaos do everything they can to maintain productivity. However, regardless of their effort to stay efficient and on task, most don't realize they're ignoring one of the most powerful tools for clarity, creativity, and decision-making: sleep. That's why today we're going to go deep into valuable insights on how healthy sleep habits not only protect your mental health but also amplify your creative output, maintain efficiency and improve productivity for years to come. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/411

Between making a great game and having the drive to do it, it's still only half the battle. Indie studios love chasing creativity, but often struggle to establish core business fundamentals that can turn passion into profit. That's why today we're going to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to stand out and succeed in games. From funding pitfalls to publishing strategies, we'll unpack the often-overlooked realities of running a successful studio, what founders often get wrong, and how to de-risk and shift toward smarter stainability Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/410

Many games are fun, but few stay with us after the credits roll. So today, we're going to dive into how indie devs can use game mechanics, narrative, and aesthetic choices to create emotional resonance and meaning in their titles. From narrative tools to methods that focus on player empathy, we unpack the secrets behind making games that create a lasting impact. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/409

Mainstream game development is at a crossroads—bloated budgets, safe bets, and sequel fatigue are threatening innovation. But the indie scene might just be the industry's best hope. In this episode, our guest unpacks how indies are not only surviving but reshaping the gaming landscape. We dig into what makes indie studios uniquely suited to lead the next wave, and how publishers, platforms, and players can help this movement thrive. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/408

Leveling up in real life takes more than just discipline, passion and trying to level up others, it takes smart design. In this episode, we explore how game design principles can help us, devs and creators, develop practical life skills, reframe personal challenges, and even learn more effectively from that process. To today, we're going unpack how instructional design and narrative systems, can turn real-world friction into real momentum. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/407

Indie devs often wear too many hats, making it hard to give each area, like production, marketing, and community the attention it deserves. But what happens when you're stretched too thin? How does that affect your game, your message, and the trust you've built with players? In today's discussion, we'll look at the real-world challenges of running indie projects balancing chaos and creativity by exploring how teams can better align development and communication using practical systems that support both teammates and players. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/406

Many developers dream of going viral, but few understand what it actually takes to get there. While focusing on virality isn't everything, it can help build momentum. So today, we're going to talk about how to identify, shape, and publish games with viral potential, all without chasing trends or sacrificing originality, by learning what early signals to look for and how smart marketing can fuel breakout momentum. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/405

The publishing model most indie devs face is outdated and often stacked against them. Rigid contracts, hidden expectations, and a lack of real partnership force devs to choose between full independence or giving up too much. But thankfully, a new approach is emerging. In this episode, we explore what a modern publishing model looks like, one that's flexible, transparent, and built around developers' long-term success. We unpack the rise of shadow publishing, the value of regional talent, and what meaningful support really looks like in today's industry. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/404

Many indie studios feel locked out of traditional PR, feeling like you need an agency and big budget just to get noticed. In this episode, we break down how to earn meaningful media coverage with a story worth telling and how to create a system to share it. Learn how a strategic approach to visibility can build credibility, attract players, and drive momentum, all without gatekeepers or expensive retainers. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/403