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IndieGameBusiness®

Jay Powell

Candid conversations with veterans of all aspects of the business side of games. We firmly believe that great games from all developers need the support they deserve to succeed. This podcast exists to provide that support.

IndieGameBusiness® is produced by The Powell Group, a video game consulting firm specializing in business development, marketing, and licensing. Our CEO has been in the industry for 20 years and closed countless publishing and licensing deals. The Powell Group monitors over 3,500 game developers and 750+ publishers.

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  • 31 episodes
  • Avg 1 hr
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Friday · 1 hr 1 min

    We Raised the Money. Here’s What Nobody Told Us. | Rob Carroll, Roll Craft

    Rob Carroll is back on IndieGameBusiness, but this time the conversation is very different.When Rob joined us previously, Roll Craft was building the studio and preparing for what came next. Now they’ve actually gone through the fundraising process, and Rob is coming back to talk about what really happened.VCs. Angel investors. Kickstarter. WeFunder. Community funding. They all offer different paths to getting your game funded, but choosing how to raise the money is only the beginning.What happens once your raise actually goes live?Rob joins us to talk about the realities of fundraising, from preparing your company and choosing the right funding approach to the constant work required once the campaign starts. Updates, emails, AMAs, webinars, community engagement, and keeping momentum alive all become part of the job.We’ll also get into what surprised him, what worked, what didn’t, the negatives developers should be prepared for, and the things he wishes more studio founders understood before starting a raise.If you’re thinking about raising money for your game or studio, this is a chance to hear from someone who just went through it.Follow Rob Carroll and Roll Craft:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcarroll23/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rollcraft.gamesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rollcraft_adventure/#IndieGameBusiness #GameFunding #IndieDev #GameBusiness #RollCraft

  • Wednesday · 1 hr

    Learning by Landmines: Pitfalls & Strategies for Publishing

    Join Raven Law for “Learning by Landmines: Pitfalls & Strategies for Publishing” Publishing a game is full of unexpected challenges, especially when you're launching across multiple platforms. Drawing from firsthand experience shipping titles on a variety of storefronts, Raven shares the common obstacles that can derail a release, from changing platform requirements to last-minute surprises and competing priorities. This session offers practical lessons to help you anticipate problems, avoid costly mistakes, and navigate the publishing process with greater confidence. Live September 30th, 10am - 11am Eastern | YouTube - Twitch - LinkedIn #FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustry

  • Tuesday · 1 hr

    Make Accessibility a Selling Point: Storefronts, Tags, and Discovery

    Join Tara Voelker for “Make Accessibility a Selling Point: Storefronts, Tags, and Discovery” Players need to know if they can play your game before they buy it. Tara breaks down how Xbox, PlayStation, Steam, and the iOS App Store handle accessibility information, what players actually see, and how accurate feature details can support discovery and purchase decisions. You’ll also get a practical checklist for testing, tagging, and communicating your game’s accessibility across storefronts. Live September 30th, 11am - 12pm Eastern | YouTube - Twitch - LinkedIn #FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustry

  • October 5 · 1 hr

    Nobody Owes Your Game Attention - Why Good Games Still Fail

    Join Michael Brown for “Nobody Owes Your Game Attention – Why Good Games Still Fail” A great game isn’t enough if no one knows it exists. Michael explores why quality alone doesn’t guarantee success, covering market fit, positioning, launch timing, and store page conversion. Learn why building demand before release is essential and how thoughtful planning can give your game a better chance of standing out in a crowded marketplace.Live September 30th, 12pm - 1pm Eastern | YouTube - Twitch - LinkedIn#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustry

  • October 4 · 58 min

    Your Game Needs to Be Everywhere: Distribution Channels

    Join Larry Kuperman and Grover Wimberly IV for “Your Game Needs to Be Everywhere: Distribution Channels” Releasing on a single storefront is no longer the right strategy for many games. Larry and Grover explore how developers can approach today's expanding distribution landscape, from Steam, Epic, and GOG to consoles and handheld platforms. Learn how to evaluate your options, manage the added complexity of multi-platform releases, and build a distribution strategy that reaches more players without overwhelming your team.Live September 30th, 1pm - 2pm Eastern | YouTube - Twitch - LinkedIn#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustry

  • October 3 · 1 hr

    Multi Storefront Publishing

    Join Alessandro Biollo, Nate Ahearn, and John Nguyen from Xsolla for “Multi Storefront Publishing” Publishing across multiple storefronts can open the door to more players, but it also brings new challenges around distribution, operations, and strategy. This roundtable discussion will explore the realities of multi storefront publishing, with industry perspectives on how teams can approach different platforms, manage the added complexity, and make smarter decisions about where and how to release their games.Live September 30th, 2pm - 3pm Eastern | YouTube - Twitch - LinkedIn#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustry

  • October 2 · 43 min

    After the Event with Ash and INDIE | The Path from Storefront to Success

    The IndieGameBusiness Sessions: The Path from Storefront to Success is over, but there’s still plenty to talk about.Join Ash and INDIE for another After the Event as they sit down and break apart the talks, conversations, and biggest takeaways from the latest IndieGameBusiness Sessions.This event focused on what happens when it’s time to actually get your game in front of players. We’ll discuss the realities of publishing across multiple platforms, the mistakes and last minute “landmines” developers run into, and why simply making a good game doesn’t mean anyone is going to pay attention to it.We’ll also dig into discoverability, market fit, positioning, storefront conversion, launch timing, and why developers need to think beyond a single storefront. From Steam and alternative distribution channels to the challenges of multi storefront publishing, there’s a lot for indie developers to think about before hitting that launch button.Ash and INDIE will revisit the talks from the event, share the points that stood out to them, and discuss what indie developers can actually take away and apply to their own games.If you attended the Sessions, come continue the conversation. If you missed them, this is your chance to hear Ash and INDIE break down what you missed.#IndieGameBusiness #IGBSessions #IndieDev #GamePublishing #GameMarketing #GameDistribution

  • October 2 · 57 min

    It's Time to Launch: Lessons in Building and Sustaining Momentum

    Join Christian Allen for “It’s Time to Launch: Lessons in Building and Sustaining Momentum” Launching a game is only the beginning. Christian shares lessons from years of working on indie games and supporting developers through launch and beyond, covering Early Access, 1.0 releases, content updates, and community engagement. Learn how to build momentum around your release while balancing ongoing development with player expectations, even when you’re working with a much smaller team than a typical AAA studio. Live September 30th, 3pm - 4pm Eastern | YouTube - Twitch - LinkedIn #FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustry

  • October 1 · 1 hr 1 min

    Planning for Launch: Wishlists, Visibility, and Timing on Steam

    Join Marco Polo Moraga for “Planning for Launch: Wishlists, Visibility, and Timing on Steam” Learn what wishlists actually tell you, which metrics matter, and why a high wishlist count doesn’t always translate into strong first-week sales. This panel also covers when to launch your store page, how to make the most of Steam Next Fest, and why setting your release date early can make a difference.Live September 30th, 4pm - 5pm Eastern | YouTube - Twitch - LinkedIn#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustry

  • September 25 · 52 min

    Fireside Chat with Jay Powell and Hugo Castro | Games, Community & Gamacon

    Join Jay Powell for another IndieGameBusiness Fireside Chat, this time with Hugo Castro, CEO of BC Media Lab and co-founder of Gamacon. Jay and Hugo will sit down for a relaxed conversation about Hugo’s journey in the games industry, building BC Media Lab, the story behind Gamacon, and the work that goes into creating opportunities and connections for game developers. They’ll talk about the industry, community, events, entrepreneurship, and some of the lessons Hugo has picked up along the way. And because this is a Fireside Chat, expect the conversation to go wherever it goes, with stories, industry insight, live questions, and probably a few topics we didn’t plan for. Come hang out with Jay and Hugo and join the conversation live. Follow Hugo Castro: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugo-abel-castro-%F0%9F%94%9C-crea-tijuana-9915a477/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hugo.a.castro.7 #IndieGameBusiness #FiresideChat #Gamacon #GameDev #GameIndustry

  • September 4 · 1 hr

    Why Web Gaming Matters Again | Rafael Morgan, CrazyGames

    In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Rafael Morgan, VP Partnerships at CrazyGames, to talk about why web gaming is becoming strategically important again for developers. Rafael shares how successful studios are using the web alongside mobile instead of treating the two platforms as competitors. We’ll look at what CrazyGames is seeing across thousands of game submissions and hundreds of publishing partners, including the trends that are actually gaining traction. We also dive into how AI, WebGPU, and modern browsers are expanding what developers can build on the web, plus some of the biggest misconceptions studios still have about browser gaming. Finally, Rafael looks ahead at where the gaming ecosystem may be heading over the next five years and what role the web could play in distribution, discovery, and long term growth. If you’re an indie developer looking for new audiences, new distribution opportunities, or a better understanding of where web gaming is headed, this conversation is worth watching. Follow Rafael Morgan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgam/ #IndieGameBusiness #WebGaming #CrazyGames #IndieDev #GameDistribution

  • August 28 · 1 hr 3 min

    Your First Game Doesn't Have to Play It Safe | Georgina Ovassapian, Winter Schloss Studios

    In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Georgina Ovassapian, Founder of Winter Schloss Studios and developer of Night Shift: 1999, her first game.Georgina shares how her experience migrating from Switzerland to Australia became the foundation for a supernatural game set in 1999. We’ll explore how Night Shift: 1999 uses monsters, mythology, and supernatural elements as metaphors for real world struggles and how personal experiences can become powerful material for game development.We also discuss Georgina’s unconventional path into games through academia and fine art, and how her background in installation art, writing, and research has shaped the way she approaches development. Rather than starting with mechanics, Georgina takes an art and writing first approach, building the experience around the elements of games she values most.Georgina also shares her experience receiving funding through Screen Australia’s Emerging Gamemakers Fund and what she has learned while turning her first game into a funded indie project.If you’re developing your first game, looking for funding, or wondering how your own experiences and creative background can shape something unique, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Follow Georgina Ovassapian and Winter Schloss Studios:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gcoxmm.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/winterschlossLinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/georgina-de-manning-a12100185Instagram: https://instagram.com/winterschlossstudios

  • August 14 · 1 hr 3 min

    From YouTube Tutorials to Launching a Studio | Joe Dietsch, Wolf Haus Games

    In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Joe Dietsch, CEO, Creative Director, and Co-Founder of Wolf Haus Games. Joe shares his unconventional path into game development, starting as an outsider with no formal game development background and learning Unreal Engine through YouTube before eventually founding his own studio. We discuss the journey of building Wolf Haus Games around an original, untested IP and the creation of JOIN US, a narrative-driven survival game inspired by real-life events, films, and classic games. Joe explains the unique challenges of blending cinematic storytelling with survival gameplay, tackling difficult subject matter around cults, and creating a game that encourages players to think while they play. The conversation also explores the realities of launching a game across multiple platforms with a small team, balancing creative ambition with production constraints, and the lessons learned while building a studio from the ground up. If you're an indie developer wondering how to turn passion into a studio, or how to bring a bold original vision to life without a AAA budget, this episode is full of practical advice and firsthand experience. Follow Joe Dietsch and Wolf Haus Games: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joedietsch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfhausgames/ #IndieGameBusiness #WolfHausGames #JOINUS #IndieDev #GameDevelopment

  • August 8 · 1 hr 1 min

    Fireside Chat with Jay Powell and Julia da Silva Brito | Indie Hero

    Join Jay Powell for a special IndieGameBusiness Fireside Chat with Julia da Silva Brito from Indie Hero. In this conversation, they’ll discuss the indie game industry, supporting developers, building communities, and the challenges and opportunities facing indie studios today. Julia will share insights from her experience with Indie Hero, thoughts on the evolving indie landscape, and perspectives on helping developers grow both creatively and professionally. Expect an honest, relaxed conversation filled with industry insight, personal experiences, and practical discussion around the realities of indie game development. As always with Fireside Chats, the discussion will be conversational and audience focused, with opportunities for questions and live interaction throughout the stream. Follow Julia da Silva Brito: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianasilvabrito/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsibrito/ #IndieGameBusiness #FiresideChat #IndieHero #IndieDev #GameIndustry

  • July 31 · 1 hr 4 min

    Fireside Chat with Fedor van Herpen | Building MeetToMatch and Game Industry Networking

    In this IndieGameBusiness Fireside Chat, Jay Powell sits down with Fedor van Herpen, Co-founder and Partnership Director at MeetToMatch, for a conversation about networking, events, and building a company in the games industry. Fedor shares the story behind MeetToMatch, how it has grown into a key platform for connecting developers, publishers, and industry professionals, and what it takes to run successful networking events at scale. The discussion also dives into the realities of building and operating a company, lessons learned along the way, and how meaningful connections can shape careers and studios. Jay and Fedor also talk about their experience working together through The Powell Group and IndieGameBusiness, offering a behind-the-scenes look at collaboration in the industry. If you want to understand how networking actually works in the game industry and how to make the most of it, this Fireside Chat delivers valuable insight. Follow Fedor van Herpen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fjvanherpen/ #IndieGameBusiness #FiresideChat #MeetToMatch #GameIndustry #Networking

  • July 31 · 1 hr

    Before You Quit Your Job to Make Games, Watch This | Charlie Brandick, Quetzal-Core Games

    In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Charlie Brandick, Founder of Quetzal-Core Games, for an honest conversation about the realities of building a career in game development. Charlie’s journey is anything but traditional. Before games, he was an elementary school teacher and aspiring professional musician. He eventually broke into the industry through a chance conversation that led to his first role as a junior game designer. Since then, he has worked across mobile, VR, AR, Disney Imagineering, and Riot Games, where he served as a Game Director on Valorant's mobile and console efforts. Today, he leads Quetzal-Core Games and is developing Soulway, a narrative-driven management sim about helping souls find their way to the afterlife. We discuss how to know whether game development is a career or a passion project, how indie developers can build meaningful professional relationships, and what Charlie had to unlearn while moving between startups, AAA studios, and indie development. We also explore how aspiring developers can gain industry knowledge, how to decide what skills to focus on, and the personal costs of building games over the long term. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to build a life in game development, this conversation offers practical advice, hard-earned lessons, and a refreshing dose of honesty. Follow Charlie Brandick and Soulway: X: https://x.com/playsoulway LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-brandick/ Discord: https://discord.gg/Q2QSQ7hFMa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulwaygame #IndieGameBusiness #GameDevelopment #IndieDev #Soulway #QuetzalCoreGames

  • July 10 · 1 hr 7 min

    Why Great Games Still Fail | Darren Williams, MinMax Game Consulting

    In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Darren Williams, Founder & CEO of MinMax Game Consulting, to explore a question every developer should ask: why do some great games fail to find an audience?Using Bayonetta as a case study, Darren breaks down the lessons indie developers can learn from games that were critically acclaimed but struggled to achieve commercial success. We discuss the dangers of being unique for the sake of being unique, the importance of release timing, and why awareness alone is rarely enough to guarantee success.Darren also shares insights into modern game marketing, including why developers should rethink traditional marketing funnels, why metrics and measurement matter more than ever, and how to build a pre-release plan that can adapt as circumstances change. We’ll also examine how AAA publishing approaches differ from indie development and why smaller studios have opportunities that larger publishers often miss.If you want to better understand the relationship between great games, great marketing, and commercial success, this episode is packed with practical lessons you can apply to your own projects.Follow Darren Williams: LinkedIn: / darrencwilliams #IndieGameBusiness #GameMarketing #IndieDev #GamePublishing #GameBusinessAsk

  • June 26 · 1 hr 5 min

    Fireside Chat with Jay Powell and Guy Blomberg | Games Industry Gathering

    Join us for an IndieGameBusiness Fireside Chat with Guy Blomberg from Games Industry Gathering. In this conversation, we’ll discuss building communities within the games industry, creating meaningful networking opportunities, and the evolving challenges facing developers and industry professionals today. Guy shares insights from organizing and growing Games Industry Gathering, along with lessons learned from connecting developers, publishers, creators, and business professionals across the industry. The discussion will also explore the importance of relationships, collaboration, and creating spaces where developers can learn, grow, and support one another. As always with Fireside Chats, expect a relaxed and honest conversation filled with industry insight, stories, and live audience interaction. Follow Guy Blomberg: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/yug.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yugstar X: https://x.com/YugSTAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guyblomberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyblomberg/ #IndieGameBusiness #FiresideChat #GamesIndustryGathering #IndieDev #GameIndustry

  • June 12 · 1 hr 3 min

    How to Start an Indie Game Studio the Right Way | Rob Carroll, Roll Craft

    In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Rob Carroll, CEO of Roll Craft, to break down what it really takes to start an indie game studio from the ground up. Rob walks through the key decisions founders need to make early, including choosing the right company structure, deciding whether to go solo or bring on co-founders, and where to form your company. He also shares the story behind starting Roll Craft and the thought process that guided its formation. We’ll dive into fundraising, including why Roll Craft chose WeFunder over traditional venture capital, and what indie teams should consider when raising money. Rob also emphasizes the importance of having a clear plan to get to market, outlining the major milestones developers need to hit to successfully launch their game. If you’re thinking about starting your own studio or want to avoid common early mistakes, this episode delivers practical, real world advice. Follow Rob Carroll and Roll Craft: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcarroll23/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rollcraft.games Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rollcraft_adventure/ #IndieGameBusiness #IndieDev #GameStudio #GameBusiness #RollCraft

  • June 5 · 1 hr 4 min

    How Indies Win with Creators Without Big Budgets | Mercedes Boberg, Pragma/Firstlook

    In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Mercedes Boberg, Sales Manager at Pragma and Firstlook, to break down how indie developers should approach working with creators from day one. Mercedes shares why thinking about creators early, before launch, is critical and explains the difference between paid creator campaigns and organic creator growth. We’ll talk about what actually makes creators stick with a game long term, how to approach creators when you don’t have budget or brand recognition, and the most common mistakes studios make when trying to work with them. This conversation also dives into how to turn creators into long term partners instead of one off promotions, and what real success looks like when your creator strategy is working. If you want to build lasting relationships that actually move your game forward, this episode is packed with practical insight. Follow Mercedes Boberg: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedes-boberg-225023234/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercedesboberg/ #IndieGameBusiness #CreatorMarketing #IndieDev #GameMarketing #Firstlook #Pragma

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