Ep 428 - How Collaboration Shapes Stronger Game Campaigns with Mario Kroll, CJ Melendez, Larry Kuperman
Release Date: 11/18/2025
Ep 433 - Crafting Store Pages that Stand out with Josh Bycer
Indie Game Movement
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:
info_outline
Ep 432 - The Impact of QA on Player Experience with Francisca Butron
Indie Game Movement
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:
info_outline
Ep 431 - Empathy-Driven Marketing: How to Understand Player Motivation with Freaking Cool Indies
Indie Game Movement
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...
info_outline
Ep 430 - Scaling the Next Generation of Game Studios with Oded Ben Dov
Indie Game Movement
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:
info_outline
Ep 429 - Navigating Game Contracts Like a Pro with René Otto
Indie Game Movement
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:
info_outline
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_outlineMany 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