Benjamin Hauer is the developer of Hero's Hour (2022).

ThingOnItsOwn's contact info: https://thingonitsown.itch.io

Consider joining my Patreon. Patrons enjoy exclusive content, such as bloopers, as well as early access to all of my interviews. Interviews are posted in the Patreon within 48 hours of being recorded, which is often months before they show up on podcast apps.

Here is my Patreon link: patreon.com/indiegameINTL

Follow me on Twitter: @IndieGameIntl

Email me at: sumadrepodcasts (at) gmail (dot) com

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Thank you for being here!

Ross Klettke is the founder of Whatnotory, developers of Bomb Sworders.

Ross was called out by my past guest Ben Burrington, developer of Righteous Mojo (episode 184).

Whatnotory's contact info: https://www.whatnotory.com

Consider joining my Patreon. Patrons enjoy exclusive content, such as bloopers, as well as early access to all of my interviews. Interviews are posted in the Patreon within 48 hours of being recorded, which is often months before they show up on podcast apps.

Here is my Patreon link: patreon.com/indiegameINTL

Follow me on Twitter: @IndieGameIntl

Email me at: sumadrepodcasts (at) gmail (dot) com

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Thank you for being here!

Isaac and Virgilio Cortez are the co-founders of Hyper Three Studio, developer of The Shape of Things (2023). 

Isaac and Virgilio have been featured on IGI three times in the past (episodes 04, 05, and 34) for their previous game, Tiny lands (2021).

Hyper Three Studio's contact info: https://www.hyperthreestudio.com

Consider joining my Patreon. Patrons enjoy exclusive content, such as bloopers, as well as early access to all of my interviews. Interviews are posted in the Patreon within 48 hours of being recorded, which is often months before they show up on podcast apps.

Here is my Patreon link: patreon.com/indiegameINTL

Follow me on Twitter: @IndieGameIntl

Email me at: sumadrepodcasts (at) gmail (dot) com

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Thank you for being here!

Rodrigue Duperron is the Marketing and Communications Director at Thunder Lotus Games. Méd Bélair is the Community Manager at Thunder Lotus Games. Thunder Lotus is the developer of Sundered (2017) and Spiritfarer (2020), in addition to Jotun (2015), which I have not played. I have played both Sundered and Spiritfarer and these are exceptional games. I highly recommend both!

In today's episode we will disucss QA testing, working in AAA, community management, marketing, art and animation, level design, and a whole lot more.

Thunder Lotus on the web: www.thunderlotusgames.com

Thunder Lotus on Twitter: @ThunderLotus

Get Sundered here

Get Spiritfarer here

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Nickolas Jaques is the composer, sound designer, and associate producer on Aspire: Ina's Tale (2021), developed by Wondernaut Studio and published by Untold Tales. Aspire: Ina's Tale is a non-combate, 2D, narrative-driven, puzzle platformer with sci-fi and fantasy elements in its setting, characters, and lore. I absolutely loved the game. I bought and completed it on both PC and Switch.

In today's episode we will dicsuss narrative, non-combat game design, finding an audience, sound design, save systems, the benefits of experimentation, and much more.

Aspire: Ina's Tale on Steam

Aspire: Ina's Tale on Switch

Aspire: Ina's Tale on Xbox

Wondernaut Studio on Twitter: @Wondernaut_

Wondernaut Studio on the web: www.wondernautstudio.com

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Troisnyx is a game score composer. She has worked on many games, including Ley Lines, Revita, Mythic Meetup, and others. We will mostly be discussing Ley Lines because that's the game that I have played with Troisnyx's work. She is also a graphic designer for album covers. Ley Lines is free on Steam!

In this episode we will discuss creating album art for fellow composers, the tech behind music composition, being an organist, mixing and mastering, looking for composing work, the importance of vetting your collaborators, emotional literacy, and much more.

Troisnyx on Twitter: @Troisnyx

Troisnyx on the web: https://www.troisnyx.co.uk

Ley Lines on Steam

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Sam Houghton is the Audio Director at Awe Interactive, developer of BPM: BULLETS PER MINUTE. Sam also composed the score for 2016's The Turing Test, developed by Bulkhead. BPM is a rhythm-based FPS game and The Turing Test is a sci-fi first person puzzle game. Both games are excellent and available on all major platforms. 

In this episode we will discuss the game The Turing Test, the science fiction genre, composing impactful yet non-distracting music for puzzle games, the creative process, creating music for a music and rhythm game, and more.

Sam Houghton on Twitter: @Sam_Houghton

Awe Interactive on the web: https://www.aweinteractive.com

Get BPM: https://www.bulletsperminute.com

Awe Interactive on Twitter: @AweInteractive

Bulkhead on the web: https://www.bulkhead.com

Bulkhead on Twitter: @bulkhead

The Turing Test on Twitter: @TuringTestGame

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Adrian Reidman is the developer of City Limits, a casual strategy/puzzle game released in August of 2022. Adrian was previously featured on IGI for his game Cavity Busters. City Limits is one of my biggest surprises of 2022. The visuals, puzzle mechanics, and music are all exceptional. 

In this episode we will discuss game jams, tutorials, UI and UX, menu creation, solo development, and much more.

City Limits on Steam

City Limits on itch.io: @spacemyfriend

Space My Friend on Twitter: @spacemyfriend

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Bradley Lovell is the Founder of Subcreation Studio, developer of The Looker. The Looker is a hilarious parody of The Witness (2016). It is a comedic first person puzzle game. The game is free on Steam and has been reviewed by over 8,000 users. The game is very, very fun and has clever puzzle mechanics. I would recommend this game whether you have played The Witness of not.

In this episode we will discuss humor in video games, releasing a free game, the appeal of creating internally consistent worlds, level design, solo dev, scope control, voice acting, compulsion loops, and much more.

The Looker on Steam

Bradley's work on the web: bradleylovell.com

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Zi Li is the Founder of Ammil, developer of Relumine. Relumine is a 3D logic-based puzle game. It was released on mobile in 2021 and on PC in August, 2022. I played the Steam version and I really enjoyed this game. The puzzles, art, music, and story were all excellent. Zi also works in AAA game developement. 

In this episode we will discuss logic-based puzzle mechanics, working in AAA, game design school, art design, puzzle design, play testing and player feedback, balancing difficulty, prototyping with Legos, narrative in puzzle games, and much more.

Relumine on Steam

Relumine on iOS

Relumine on Google Play

Relumine on Twitter: @RelumineGame

Relumine on the web: playrelumine.com

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Grhyll is one of the developers of Onde, a 2D platformer/puzzle game released in 2022. Grhyll was responsible for Onde's technical art and sound. Onde is one of my top 5 favorite games of 2022. It is a stunning experience. You can get it on Steam.

In this episode we will discuss indie game marketing, selling an unmarketable game, how to create an excellent and effective demo, acquiring a publisher, playtesting, the differences between developer/player/critical responses to your game, and much more.

Onde on Steam

Onde on the web: onde-game.com

Onde on Twitter: @OndeGame

Grhyll on Twitter: @Grhyll

Land Studio on Twitter: @Lancestudio

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Pedro Esteves is the co-founder of MagnaPlay, a brand new subscription service for indie games. Magnaplay launched in late August of 2022 and offers users a currated selection of indie games available to play for an affordable monthly subcription fee. I am a MagnaPlay user and I have very much enjoyed exploring the platform and playing the games that are currently available there. Pedro and I discuss the initial idea for MagnaPlay, the launch, and plans for the future. We also discuss the benefits to both players and developers when joining MagnaPlay. 

Check out MagnaPlay at their website, where you can join as a developer, a gamer, or both...

www.magnaplay.tech

Follow Pedro on Twitter: @pedro_magna

Follow MagnaPlay on Twitter: @play_magna

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Jeremiah Costello is the founder of Gamma Minus. Gamma Minus is currently developing Rough Justice: '84 which currently has a demo available on Steam. The game is aiming for a Q1 2023 release. I played the demo and very much enjoyed it. Rough Justice: '84 is a management game where you play as a police investigator trying to solve crimes and uncover a criminal conspiracy in your city. 

In this episode we will dicuss voice acting, seeking government funding for a game, releasing an alpha demo, developing and implementing great mini games, research involved in period piece games, and much more.

Rough Justice: '84 on Steam

Gamma Minus on the web: gammaminus.com

Gamma Minus on Twitter: @gamma_minus

Rough Justice: '84 on Twitter: @RoughJustice84

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

David Fazzio is the solodev behind Studio 46, developer of The Companion (2021) and the upcoming The Majestic.

This is episode 200 of IGI. Special announcements will be made!

David's contact info: https://studio46.org

Consider joining my Patreon. Patrons enjoy exclusive content, such as bloopers, as well as early access to all of my interviews. Interviews are posted in the Patreon within 48 hours of being recorded, which is often months before they show up on podcast apps.

Here is my Patreon link: patreon.com/indiegameINTL

Follow me on Twitter: @IndieGameIntl

Email me at: sumadrepodcasts (at) gmail (dot) com

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Thank you for being here!

Lukas Meinardus and Alex Binderer are the co-founders of Syndrone, a video game sound design and music composition studio based in Germany. They have provided music and sounds for many games, but today we will be focusing mostly on the recently-released Hell Pie (2022). Hell Pie is a great game, and the music and sound design are fantastic. We will also discuss Lonely Mountains: Downhill (2019), featured on the third ever episode of IGI when I interviewed the developer, Jan Bubenik. 

In this episode we will discuss sound design, what is middleware and why is it important?, FMOD, adaptive music systems, creating sound for a game without music, foley, VR audio design, the importance of adopting new sound design technologies, and much more.

Hell Pie on the web: sluggerfly.com

Lonely Mountains: Downhill on the web: lonelymountains.com

Syndrone on the web: syndrone.de

Syndrone on Twitter: @Syndronemusic

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Alexey Nechaev is a video game score composer and sound designer. His music has appeared in two games that I have played and absolutely love: INMOST (2019) and Unbound: Worlds Apart (2021). INMOST and Unbound: Worlds Apart have stunningly beautiful ochestral scores. 

In this episode we will discuss composing orchestral soundtracks, the importance of getting the composer involved early in development, sound design, foley work, implementing sound effects, why it can be better for the same person to do both sound design and composing music, composing music from the point of view of the player character, and much more.

Alexey on Twitter: nechaev_sound

INMOST on the web: inmostgame.com

Unbound: Worlds Apart on the web: unboundthegame.com

Alexey's music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5v9ObeZT5vTeDk1Wyk1mgX

Alexey's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM7ccqlFNh9JLSw2DsQDKxw?app=desktop

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

 

BONUS SATURDAY EPISODE!!! Alex Harding is the founder of The IndiEXP, a PR and marketing company based in Australia and focusing on indie games. Alex is also the Chief Writer and Editor at Switchaboo, an online resource for Switch news, reviews, guides, and more. Alex has joined us to talk about what The IndiEXP can offer you as an indie dev, and indie game marketing in general.

You can email Alex: alex@theindiexp.com

The IndiEXP on the web: theindiexp.com

The IndiEXP on Twitter: @TheIndiEXP

Check out Switchaboo: switchaboo.com

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Michael Molinari is the founder of Studio Bean and developer of many games, including Overpass (2019). Overpass is a rhythm adventure game with amazing music by past guest Makeup And Vanity Set, stunning visuals, and really fun gameplay. You can get Overpass on PC.

In this episode we will discuss working in AAA, rhythm games, earning money from games made at the age of 17, UI and UX, player feedback, and much more.

Overpass on Steam

Overpass on Twitter: @OverpassGame

Overpass on the web: overpass.es

Studio Bean on the web: onemrbean.com

Studio Bean on Twitter: @onemrbean

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Julien Ribassin is the Founder of Dejima Games. He is the Lead Developer on Firegirl: Hack 'n Splash Rescue DX (2021), currently available on PC, Switch, Playstation, and Xbox. I have featured 3 other individuals involved in the development of Firegirl here on IGI. Gabe Miller (Lead Artist), Philippe Wyart (composer), and Aubrey Serr (additional artist) have all been featured previously. I love Firegirl. It is one of my favorite games of 2021.

In this episode we will discuss why is Firegirl a roguelite and not a roguelike?, why it’s important not to fall in love with your ideas, acquiring a publisher, procedural generation, the benefits of collaborators in opposite time zones, rereleasing a game, and much more.

Firegirl on Steam

Firegirl on Switch

Firegirl on Playstation

Firegirl on Xbox

Dejima Games on the web: dejima.games

Dejima Games on Twitter: @DejimaGames

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Hans Bömhe is the Lead Artist on BTF's Trüberbrook (2019). Trüberbrook is a point-and-click adventure game with a sci-fi/mystery plot and amazing visuals. You can get the game on PC, Switch, Xbox, and Playstation.

In this episode we will discuss going to school for game design, animation, streamlining PAC genre mechanics, photo grametry, Kickstarter, the importance of a first impression in a narrative game, UI and UX, and much more.

Trüberbrook on Steam

Trüberbrook on Switch

Trüberbrook on Xbox

Trüberbrook on Playstation

Trüberbrook on the web: trueberbrook.com

BTF on the web: btf.de

BTF on Twitter: @BTFcologne

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Michael Strollart is the Lead Artist and Director for Below The Stone, an upcoming pixel art roguelike. Karam Bharj is the game's composer and sound designer. Below The Stone is developed by Strollart Studios. Strollart Studios was called out by my past guest Eric Kesterson, developer of Super Marxist Twins. I played an early build of Below The Stone and it is so far an absolutley fantastic game.

In today's episode we will discuss PAX East 2022, elevator pitch advice, lessons learned in game jams, advice on getting a scoring gig from a developer, foley and sound design, acquiring a publisher, the unexpected benefits of failing a kickstarter campaign, and much more.

Below the Stone on Steam

Below the Stone on Twitter: @BelowTheStone

Below The Stone on the web: https://www.strollart.com

Karam on Twitter: @KaramBharj

Karam on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KaramBharj

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

 

George Remus is the founder of Darkania Works, developer of Grey Dawn and Last Days of Lazarus. Catalin Marcu is the founder of GrimTalin, developer of Long Ago: A Puzzle Tale and The Adventures of Elena Temple, and publisher of Last Days of Lazarus. Last Days of Lazarus (2022) is a first person narrative scifi/horror game. It is available on PC with current-gen console ports on the way. I highly recommend this game!

In today's episode we will discuss the decision to make a second game, UI and UX design, publishing, implementing load and save features, religious themes in video games, mature themes in video game storytelling, voice acting, and much more.

Last Days of Lazarus on Steam

Darkania Works on Twitter: @darkaniaworks

GrimTalin on Twitter: @GrimTalin

Here is a link to my interview with A.W. Miller, the voice behind Lazarus: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5WrqNVG8jYlXn3ppuHonzw?si=uY5sQjGCRt2c01zgqRLtug

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

 

Andrei Olaru is the Studio Lead at Critique Gaming, based in Romania, and developer of Interrogation: You Will Be Deceived. Interrogation is a conversational puzzle game. You play as an interrogator who is up against a secretive terrorist organization. The game is in beautiful black and white and utilizes rotoscoping for its visuals. I really enjoyed my time with it. 

In today's episode we will discuss making games for adults, game jams, acquiring a publisher, acquiring a government grant, making a black and white game, using rotoscoping for art and animations, localization, mobile game development, work/life balance, and much more.

Interrogation on Steam

Interrogation on Switch

Interrogation on iOS

Interrogation on Google Play

Critique Gaming on the web: https://critique-gaming.com

Critique Gaming on Twitter: @Critique_Gaming

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Davy Normand is the Founder of Red Sorel Games, developers of Until The End, a visual novel about palliative care. The game is set to be released in Q3 of 2022. I played the demo on Steam and very much enjoyed my time with the game. I will be picking it up when the full release is available!

In this episode we will discuss the visual novel genre, palliative care, game jams, the consequences of uploading your demo too early, showing your game at a convention, defining the genre of your game, gamifying a visual novel, pixel art, and much more.

Wishlist Until The End or play the demo on Steam

Red Sorel Games on Tiwtter: @RedSorelGames

Red Sorel Games on Instagram: @redsorelgames

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Pat Naoum is the developer of The Master's Pupil (2023). The Master's Pupil is a 2D handpainted puzzle game. It is available on Switch and PC. I really enjoyed my time with the game!

In this episode we will discuss wordless games, puzzle design, the financial side of part-time game development, marketing, creating a hand-painted game, sound design, SteamNextFest, and more.

The Master's Pupil on Steam

Find all links to relevant The Master's Pupil content, including social media, on the web: https://www.themasterspupil.com

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

A.W. Miller is a voice actor, author, teacher, and audiobook narrator. We are here today to discuss mostly his work as the title character in the brand new Last Days of Lazarus (2022) and for his voice work in the excellent CLOUDPUNK (2020). This is the very first voice actor to appear on the IGI podcast.

In today's episode we will discuss creative writing, narrating audiobooks, auditioning advice, taking direction and criticism, gear discussion, the voice actor community, and much more.

A.W. Miller on the web: vochutzpah.com

A.W. Miller on Instagram: @millersvoice

A.W. Miller on Twitter: @OchreAlchemist

Last Days of Lazarus on Steam

CLOUPUNK on Steam

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Pascal Cammisotto is the writer and director at Draw Me A Pixel, developers of There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension (2020). Pascal was called out by my past guest Dennis Gustafsson, developer of Teardown (2022). There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension is a story-driven, ultra-humorous, 4th wall-breaking, point and click adventure. It is one of the most unique gaming experiences I have ever had. 

In this episode we will discuss making video games in the 90s, game music composition, making 3rd party Ubisoft games, having a video game industry mentor, when games you worked on get cancelled and never ship, getting a game on Steam before Steam Greenlight existed, game jams, what do you do when your 10 minute game jam game gets millions of views on YouTube?, Kickstarter, and much more.

TING:WD on Steam

TING:WD on iOS

TING:WD on Google Play

TING:WD on Switch

Draw Me A Pixel on Twitter: @DrawMeAPixel

Draw Me A Pixel on the web: https://www.drawmeapixel.com

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

David Jungnickel and Steve Chapman are the Co-Founders of Bleakmill Games, developers of INDUSTRIA (2021). INDUSTRIA is a narrative FPS game with science fiction, mystery, and drama elements. The game is fantastic. I played it on Steam, but it is also available on current-gen consoles.

In this episode we will discuss achieving historical accuracy in environment design, level design, voice acting, acquiring a publisher, the importance of being in the same physical space as your close collaborators, weapon pickup animations, social media marketing, and much more.

INDUSTRIA on Steam

INDUSTRIA on Playstation

INDUSTRIA on Xbox

INDUSTRIA on Twitter: @INDUSTRIA_GAME

Bleakmill Games on Twitter: @BleakmillGames

Bleakmill Games on the web: http://www.bleakmill.com/

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Sara Calzada is the Founder of Bocata Games, developer of Puerto Viejo (2021). Sara was called out by my past guest Kate Rabel, developer of Behind The Beyond. Puerto Viejo is a short, narrative-driven collection of minigames. Music, visuals, and story are exceptional here, and the mini games are fun and challenging.

In this episode we will discuss games with undefinable genres, creating the visuals in Puerto Viejo, acquiring a government grant for development funding, the benefits of deadlines, how to make the best mini games, mobile game development advice, and much more.

Puerto Viejo on Steam

Bocata Games on Twitter: @BocataGames

Bocata Games on the web: https://bocatagames.wordpress.com/

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Marina Kittaka is co-founder at Analgesic Productions, developers of Sephonie (2022). Sephonie is a 3D platformer with exploration, puzzles, and a strong narrative emphasis. It's a very fun and beatiful game with a unique control scheme.

In this episode we will discuss blending genres, key art creation, gamedev partnerships, Steam Greenlight, why make a sequel?, video game art, open world game design, and much more.

Sephonie on Steam

Sephonie on itch

Marina on Twitter: @even_kei

Marina's website: https://marinakittaka.com/

Analgesic productions on the web: https://analgesic.productions

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Tom Mead is Co-Founder and Art Director at Spiral Circus, developers of Silt (2022). Silt is a dark, atmospheric, underwater, 2D puzzle game. The art in this game is phenominal, and Tom is almost soley responsible for that. 

In today's episode we will discuss video game art, creating interesting game mechanics, puzzle design, foley and sound design, developing a black and white game, acquiring a publisher, and much more.

Silt on Steam

Silt on Playstation

Silt on Switch

Silt on Xbox

Silt on Twitter: @SiltGame

Spiral Circus on Twitter: @GamesCircus

Tom Mead on Twitter: @mrtomead

Spiral Circus on the web: https://spiralcircusgames.com/

Mr. Mead on the web: https://www.mrmead.co.uk/

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Nick Masercola and Bennett Tyler are the writer and artist, respectively, for Depths of Sanity, developed by Bomb Shleter Games. Depths of Sanity is an underwater sci-fi/horror metroidvania. I met the team and played the demo originally at PAX East 2022. The game is currrently available in Early Access on Steam. I love this game and I highly recommend checking it out!

In today's episode we will discuss writing indie games, creating pixel art, underwater gameplay, creating a game in a saturated genre, attending industry events to show off your game, and much more.

Depths of Sanity on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/848080/Depths_of_Sanity/

Bomb Shelter Games on Twitter: @Bomb_Shelter

Bomb Shelter Games on the web: https://bombsheltergames.com/

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Aleksandria Migova is a musician, sound designer, DJ, CEO, and video game score composer. She is featured here today for her excellent scoring work for the game Source of Madness, a 2D roguelite where you fight Lovecraftian monsters in a dark and unforgiving world. 

In this episode we will discuss breaking into the industry, what you learn from DJing, facing criticism and doubters, attending events to garner gigs, foley, and much more.

Learn more about Aleksandria's company, Kohdu:  https://kohdu.com/

Source of Madness is on Switch, Steam, Playstation, and Xbox.

Aleksandria on Twitter: @MigovaMusic

Aleksandria on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kohdu

Aleksandria on Bandcamp:  https://kohdu.bandcamp.com/music

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

 

Chel Wong is a game score composer, developer, and sound designer. We are discussing today, mostly, Kine (2019), developed by Chump Squad. Chel is also a speaker and coach. You can find these services on her website: https://www.chelwongaudio.com/

In today's episode we will discuss modular soundtracks, seeking out physical instruments for a soundtrack, creating SFX, when a project gets cancelled and how that feels, networking, contracts, composer soft skills, sound design, and much, much more. 

Chel on Twitter: @ChelWongAudio

Chel on Instagram: @chelwongaudio

Chel Wong Audio website: https://www.chelwongaudio.com/

Chel Wong on YouTube: @ChelWong

Kine on Steam

Kine on Switch

Kine on Xbox

Kine on Playstation

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Nick Vaccaro is the co-founder and programmer at Synersteel Studio. Synersteel is currently developing Valley of Shadow, an autobiographical first-person puzzle game targeting a 2023 release date. The demo is available on Steam. I met the Synersteel team at PAX East 2022 where I first played the demo.

In this episode we will discuss making an autobiographical game, the first-person puzzle game genre, the fundamentals of puzzle game design, playtesting, dev blogs, prepping to approach a publisher, attending PAX East, and of course a whole lot more.

Play the demo or wishlist Valley of Shadow on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1414030/Valley_of_Shadow/

Valley of Shadow on Twitter: @ValleyOfShadow0

Synersteal Studio on Twitter: @Synersteel

Synersteel Studio on the web: https://synersteel.com/

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Chet Faliszek is the CEO and Founder of Stray Bombay, developers of The Anacrusis, currently in Early Access. Chet preiviously worked at Valve for 12 years where he had a hand in the development of games like Half-Life, Portal, and Left 4 Dead.

In this episode we will dicuss developing 4-player co-op games, working at Valve, developing the Left 4 Dead series, developing the Portal series, debugging The Orange Box, working with a writing partner, the challenges of making a sequel, VR development, the inception of ideas, and more.

The Anacrusis on Steam

Stray Bombay on the web: https://www.straybombay.com

Chet on Twitter: @chetfaliszek

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Galdric Borrat is the Business Developer at Goblinz Studio, based in France. Goblinz has been a developer since 2016 and a publisher since 2018. I met Galdric at PAX East 2022 and invited him on the show to discuss indie game publishing. The purpose of this episode is to educate listeners about what an indie game publisher can do for you as the developer. 

Goblinz Studio on the web: https://goblinzstudio.com/

Goblinz Studio on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/publisher/goblinz_publishing

Find Galdric on LinkedIn: https://fr.linkedin.com/in/galdric-borrat

Goblinz Studio on Twitter: @studio_goblinz

Goblinz Publishing on Twitter: @GoblinzPub

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Carry Castle's Per Fornander and Robin Lindh are the developers behind Source of Madness. Per is Carry Castle's CEO and creative lead. Robin is the programmer and sound designer. Source of Madness is a side-scrolling roguelike in a dark and oppressive Lovecraftian world. The game is fantastic, and it is my current pick for 2022 GOTY. You can get it on PC, Switch, Playstation, and Xbox.

In this episode we will discuss PAX East 2022, the roguelike genre, machine learning AI, procedural generation, working in AAA, acquiring a publisher, physics-based gameplay, and much more.

Source of Madness on Steam

Source of Madness on Switch

Source of Madness on Playstation

Source of Madness on Xbox

Carry Castle on the web: https://carrycastle.se

Carry Castle on Twitter: @CarryCastle

Follow IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Prescott Lawani is the CEO at Padlockes Technologies, developers of Lockes The Thief, a 3rd person stealth/action game. There is currently no demo but you can wishlist the game on Steam. I played an early build of Lockes The Thief and I thought the visuals and story were great, and the gameplay is quite fun. 

In this episode we will disucss game design school, world building, obtaining an intern, solo dev, using Unreal Engine, the benefits of online courses and communities, advice for being a guest on a podcast, and much more.

All relevant links for Padlockes Technologies and Lockes The Thief, including Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, Discord, and others, can be found here: https://linktr.ee/PadlockesTech

Follow IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron:

https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Sean Andrew Murray is an illustrator and concept artist. He provided the key art for Source of Madness, my 2022 choice for GOTY (so far). He is currently working on concept art for Diablo IV. Source of Madness, developed by Carry Castle, is a roguelike sidescroller wherein you fight grotesque Lovecraftian monsters and cast spells. It is an insanely good game. Sean is currently kickstarting a book called Gateway: The Book of Wizards which you can help fund with this link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/seanandrewmurray/gateway-the-book-of-wizards-redux

Referenced materials:

Image 1: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/2qWg9J

Image 2: click here

Image 3: click here

Image 4 is a screenshot of my phone with Sean's artwork as the background. I don't have a link to this. 

In this episode we will discuss creating art with AI software, world-building, concept art, and creating concept art for indies vs AAA, and much more.

Sean on the web:

http://seanandrewmurray.com/

https://www.cityofgateway.com/

https://www.artstation.com/seanandrewmurray

Sean on Twitter: @SeanMurray_Art

Sean on Instagram: @seanandrewmurray

Gateway: The Book of Wizards on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/seanandrewmurray/gateway-the-book-of-wizards-redux

Follow IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

 

Eric Kesterson is the lead programmer and generalist at Type 3 Studios, developers of Super Marxist Twins, a 2D platformer which imagines what a game would look like if developed by a Soviet-sponsored development team in the 1980's. The game is very fun and clever. It is currently in Early Access on Steam. I met Type 3 Studios at PAX East 2022 where I first played and became aware of the game.

In today's episode we will discuss modding, elevator pitches, writing development documents, 10 year development cycles, implementing a level editor, attending PAX East 2022, Early Access, and of course much more.

Super Marxist Twins on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1446370/Super_Marxist_Twins/

Eric on Twitter: @type3_vecima

Type 3 Studios on the web: https://type3studios.com/

Follow IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider supporting IGI by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

Three members of the Type 3 Studios team are joining us today: Nick Zaleski (game idea, level designer), Saun Conlin (audio, PAX East merch), and Jim Bochanski (character art and animations). I met the Type 3 Studios team at PAX East 2022 when I played the demo of their game. Super Marxist Twins imagines what a game would look like if developed by a Soviet-sponsored development team. It is a retro 2D platformer. The game is currently in Early Access on Steam.

In this episode we will discuss creating a level editor, writing a design document, feature creep, tension within teams, attending PAX East 2022, merch best practices, creating pixel art, and much more.

Super Marxist Twins on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1446370/Super_Marxist_Twins/

Type 3 Studios on the web: https://type3studios.com/

Type 3 Studios on Twitter: @type3_vecima

Follow IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

Kate Rabel is the owner of Sugarpunch Games, developer of the upcoming point-and-click-adventure game Behind The Beyond. There is currently a demo of the game available on Steam. Behind The Beyond is based on Hungarian folklore and I really enjoyed the story, atmosphere, and unique PAC UI used in the game's demo. I highly recommend it! Kate was called out by past guest Tom Hardwidge, developer of Lucy Dreaming.

In this episode we will dicuss introducing RPG elements into a point-and-click game, game jams, being a solo dev, dealing with crunch, the struggles of Kickstarter, and much, much more.

Behind The Beyond on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1148310/Behind_the_Beyond/

Behind The Beyond on the web: https://behindthebeyond.com

Behind The Beyond on Twitter: @BehindTheBeyond

Sugarpunch Games on Twitter: @SugarpunchGames

Sugarpunch Games on the web: https://sugarpunchgames.com

Follow IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider supporting the IGI mission by becomiong a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

Rubén Lopez is a co-owner at Aruma Studios, developers of the Intruder In Antiquonia, a point-and-click adventure game releasing on Steam July 8, 2022. In the game, you play as a girl with memory loss who wakes up in a strange town that really dislikes the internet. It's a great mystery. I was able to play an early version of the full game on Steam and I really liked it.

In today's episode we will discuss writing a PAC game, releasing a PAC game near the release of Return To Monkey Island, finding a game developer community online, learning to code as a kid, working with a composer, working with 2D animators, advice for character development, and much more.

Intruder in Antiquonia on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1778870/Intruder_In_Antiquonia/

Aruma Studios on Twitter: @ArumaStudios

Intruder In Antiquonia on the web: https://intruderinantiquonia.com

Follow IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider supporting the IGI mission by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

Shawn Clapper is the co-founder and co-owner of That's Nice Games, developer of Jigsaw Puzzle Dreams (2021). Jigsaw Puzzle Dreams is a free jigsaw puzzle game available on Steam. 

In this episode we will discuss creating a game simply because you want to play it, unique business models, optimization, and much more.

Jigsaw Puzzle Dreams on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1653970/Jigsaw_Puzzle_Dreams/

Shawn on Twitter: @ShawnClapper

Follow IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider supporting IGI on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

 

Kyle T. Johnson is the Sales Manager at Thunderful Games, a games distribution and development company based in Sweden. I met Kyle at PAX East 2022 and he agreed to come on the podcast and discuss publisher/developer relations, and what Thunderful Games is all about. Many indie devs do not understand the benefits to acquiring a publisher, so this episode is designed to educate. 

I am a huge fan of Thunderful Games. I have interviewed a few people who have made games published by Thunderful, including Alexandra Dahlberg, Gabe Miller, Daniel Wagner, and Oliver Ulrich for the games Lost In Random, Firegirl, White Shadows, and Say No! More, respectively. 

I hope you find value in this episode. As stated before, my only goal here is to educate my listeners (and myself).

Here are the resources that Kyle recommends in the episode:

"Thirty Things I Hate About Your Game Pitch" by Brian Upton:

https://www.gdcvault.com/play/1023998/Thirty-Things-I-Hate-About

"What a good (and bad) indie game publishing deal looks like" by Tyler Wilde:

https://www.pcgamer.com/what-a-good-and-bad-indie-game-publishing-deal-looks-like/

The GameDiscoverCo newsletter:

https://newsletter.gamediscover.co/

Kyle on Twitter: @thunderfulkyle

Thunderful on Twitter: @thunderfulgames

Thunderful on the web: https://thunderfulgames.com/

Follow IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider supporting IGI via Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

Chris Willinger is the developer of Dyer Expedition, currently in development with a demo available on Steam. I discovered the game in the SteamNextFest. I really enjoyed the demo. Dyer Expedition is a first-person, lite-horror puzzle/adventure game inspired by the short novel "At The Mountains of Madness" by Lovecraft. 

In this episode we will discuss making a game based on a piece of literature, cutting features, balancing story and puzzles in a story-driven game, puzzle design, 3D modeling and texturing, implementing a pixelization slider, choosing a game engine, markerting, participating in SteamNextFest, and much more.

Dyer Expedition on Steam

Monkeys With Jobs on Twitter: @MonkeysWithJobs

Monkeys With Jobs on the web: https://monkeyswithjobs.com

IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming an IGI Patron: https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

IGI is a production of Su Madre Podcasts: https://sumadrepodcasts.com/

Rafael Silva is the creative director at Aden Interactive, developer of GladiHATERS. GladiHATERS is currently in Early Access on Steam. GladiHATERS is a pixelart management/fighting game in a dystopian cyberpunk future.  In this episode we will discuss combining multiple genres in one game, Early Access, UI and UX implementation, social commentary in games, marketing, and much more. Aden Interactive on the web: https://adeninteractive.com

GladiHATERS on Twitter: @gladihaters

Aden Interactive on Twitter: @AdenInteractive

GladiHATERS on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1559580/Gladihaters/

Dennis Gustafsson is the founder of Tuxedo Labs, and creator of the game Teardown. Teardown was released in 1.0 in 2022 after a long time spent in Early Access. He was called out by past guest Mate Magyar, developer of the game Knife To Meet You. Teardown is a physics-based destruction simulator sandbox. The game is incredible. It is objectively one of the most impressive games I have ever played.

In this episode we will discuss ray tracing, voxel animation, tutorials, Early Access, mod-ing, building your own game engine, marketing best practices, self-publishing, and much more.

Teardown on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1167630/Teardown/

Teardown on Twitter: @teardowngame

Dennis on Twitter: @tuxedolabs

Tuxedo Labs on the web: https://www.tuxedolabs.com

Follow IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider supporting IGI on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

 

Sam Beddoes is the lead developer at FreakZone Games, based in the UK. He developed three games that I have played: The Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures (2013), The Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures II: Assimilation (2016), and Spectacular Sparky (2021). All three games are excellent 2D side scrollers with pixelart.

In this episode we will discuss 2D games, Sonic the Hedgehog, retro gaming, games development and distribution since 1998, advice for pitching a game, adapting an existing IP into an indie game, improving workflow for a sequel's development, acquiring voice actors, transitioning from solo to collaborative development, what is "game feel?", understanding constructive criticism, and much more.

FreakZone Games on the web: https://freakzonegames.com

FreakZone Games on Twitter: @FreakZoneGames

Spectacular Sparky on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1300100/Spectacular_Sparky/

Spectacular Sparky on Switch: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/spectacular-sparky-switch/

Spectacular Sparky on Epic: https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/p/spectacular-sparky

Follow IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider supporting IGI on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL