Libsyn Directory

Ep 430 - Scaling the Next Generation of Game Studios with Oded Ben Dov

Release Date: 12/02/2025

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

More Episodes

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

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