Ep 404 - Redefining the Publishing Landscape with Ben Kvalo
Release Date: 06/03/2025
Ep 428 - How Collaboration Shapes Stronger Game Campaigns with Mario Kroll, CJ Melendez, Larry Kuperman
Indie Game Movement
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:
info_outline
Ep 427 - Lessons in Turning Creativity into a Business with Jess Feidt
Indie Game Movement
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:
info_outline
Ep 426 - From Mic to Mechanics, Lessons Building an Indie Studio with Mustapha Price
Indie Game Movement
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:
info_outline
Ep 425 - Bootstrapping Something Sweet by Design with Carina Kom
Indie Game Movement
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:
info_outline
Ep 424 - Building Communities that Drive Discovery with Corina Diaz
Indie Game Movement
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:
info_outline
Ep 423 - Building Momentum Without Burning Out with Jon Hanson
Indie Game Movement
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:
info_outline
Ep 422 - Aligning Your Marketing to the Players' In-Game Experience with David Tobiasz & Jeremy Friedmann
Indie Game Movement
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:
info_outline
Ep 421 - Turning Puzzles Into Player Retention Tools with Ivan Voitovich
Indie Game Movement
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:
info_outline
Ep 420 - What to Know About Tomorrow’s Audience with Josh Bound
Indie Game Movement
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:
info_outline
Ep 419 - The Hidden Purpose of Your Steam Page with Andrew Pappas
Indie Game Movement
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...
info_outlineThe 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