Indie Game International (Jared Parisi)

Mike Bodie is an actor for films, TV, commercials, and video games. He provides the voice of Callum in 2021's Ghost on the Shore from developer like Charlie. Ghost on the Shore is a supernatural, narrative-driven walking simulator. Mike has also provided voices for games such as Control, The Division 2, Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, Undecember, and the upcoming Giants Uprising, among others.

In today's episode we will discuss building a home recording studio, the audition process, choosing the right microphone for your voice, agents, AAA vs indie voice acting, and much more.

Ghost on the Shore on Steam

Mike Bodie's website: https://mikebodie.net

Mike Bodie on Twitter: @MikeBodieActor

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/

Clemens Ruh is Bleakmill Games' sound designer, having done audio direction and sound design for the team's 2021 game INDUSTRIA. INDUSTRIA is an atmospheric, story-driven, sci-fi FPS game and I have featured two other Bleakmill members on IGI. I played INDUSTRIA on Steam but you can also get it on PS5 and Xbox. 

In this episode we will discuss the differences between film and game sound design, gunfire sound design, science fiction sound design, enemy sound design, foley, working with and recording voice actors, mental health in game developement, and much more.

Clemens Ruh on SounsCloud: https://soundcloud.com/clemensruh

Clemens Ruh on Twitter: @clemensruh

INDUSTRIA on Steam

INDUSTRIA on Playstation

INDUSTRIA on Xbox

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/

Joey Boughanem is the Community Manager for Breaking Walls, developer of AWAY: The Survival Series (2021). AWAY is a 3D nature/animal-centric adventure game with a nature documentary twist to how the story and gameplay is delivered to the player. You can get the game on PC, Playstation, and soon Xbox. 

In today's epsidoe we will discuss community management, content creation, social media marketing, working remotely, work/life balance and time management, and much more.

AWAY on Steam

AWAY on Playstation

AWAY on Twitter: AwaySeries

Breaking Walls on the web: https://awayseries.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/

John Saba is the developer of Mushroom Mountain, a brand new PICO-8 game. PICO-8 is a fantasy concolse for sharing and playing tiny games and computer programs. Mushroom Mountain is a very clever and deep puzzle game with cute pixel art graphics. You can find Mushroom Mountain within the PICO-8 console, as well as on John's itch.io page. This is John's second time on IGI. 

In this episode we will discuss the PICO-8 virtual console, cutting features, developing with intentional constraints, puzzle design, themes applied to puzzle mechanics, attention economies, and more.

John Saba on itch.io: https://itch.io/profile/sabajt

Mushroom Mountain on itch.io: https://sabajt.itch.io/mushroom-mountain

John on Twitter: @sabajt

Check out the PICO-8 fantasy console

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/

Cassie Makrides is the community manager and social media marketer for Red Nexus Games, developers of Peglin.

Peglin and Red Nexus Games was called out by my past guest Dan Scalise, developer of A Corgi's Cozy Hike (episode 189).

Red Nexus Games' contact info: https://rednexus.games

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!

Ben Burrington is the developer of the upcoming Righteous Mojo. Righteous Mojo is a 2D dungeon crawler mixed with a rhythm game. I discovered the game, met Ben, and played the demo at PAX East 2023. Ben has also developed and released four games prior to Righteous Mojo.

In today's episode we will discuss collaboration vs. solodev, mobile game development, unexpected benetifs and lessons from failure, PAX Australia and PAX East, the benefits of feedback from other game developers, and more.

Ben's games on Itch: https://whynotfailagain.itch.io

Righteous Mojo 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/

Anahit Fernández is the Producer and Studio Manager at Navegante, developers of Greak: Memories of Azur. Greak is a 2D platformer with combat, puzzles, and an emphasis on story. The game is available on Switch, PC, Playstation, and Xbox. I played it on my Switch and enjoyed it very much. The visuals and story are particularly great.

In this episode we will discuss developing and releasing your first game, the role of the producer in game development, attending gaming industry events, acquiring a publisher, time management, scope control, QA testing, recording your music with a live orchestra, and much more.

Greak on Steam

Greak on Switch

Greak on Playstation

Greak on Xbox

Greak on Twitter: @PlayGreak

Greak on Instagram: @playgreak

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/

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/

Ozzie Sneddon is the Founder of Librarium Studios, developer of Existensis (2021). Existensis is a hand-drawn, story-driven, 2D platformer. The game's art, story, music, and gameplay are all fantastic. Ozzie is also a freelance illustrator. He is multi-talented!

In today's episode we will discuss freelance illustration, key art, thoughts on your very first game, collaboration vs solodev, creating game art with pen and paper, gimmicks, game music, the MagnaPlay games distribution platform and model, attending game conventions, maintaining a manageable scope, and much more.

Existensis on Steam

Existensis on MagnaPlay

Librarium Studios on the web: https://www.librariumstudios.com

Ozzie on Twitter: @OzzieSneddon

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/

Vince Quarles is the CEO and Creative Director at DVNC Tech. They are developing a game called Monochrome RPG, a puntastic black-and-white RPG inspired by 1920s cartoons. It is in Early Access on Steam but will be coming to other platforms in the future. I played the game on PC and really enjoyed it. Everything about the development of this game is unique.

In this episode we will discuss how  you develop an indie game with 299 other people, democratizing game development, Early Access, penetration testing, 2D animation, the business side of indie game dev, Twitter marketing best practices, and much more.

Monochrome RPG on Steam

Monochrome RPG on Twitter: @ottojokes

Monochrome RPG on TikTok: @ottojokes

DVNC Tech on the web: dvnc.tech

Follow IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider supporting my mission by becoming a Patron of IGI: 

https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

Today's guest is Pert Soomann of Vikerlane Games for his 2021 release Headbangers In Holiday Hell. This is a special christmas day release because Headbangers in Holiday is hilarious and holiday themed. HIHH is a twin stick shooter with roguelite elements. You can play it on Steam and there are plans to port it to consoles in the future. I absolutely love this game. I became aware of it through my interview with Emiliano Pastorelli of Hammer & Ravens and I've been addicted ever since.

In this episode we will discuss subverting expectations, controller vs. mouse and keyboard, improving a game that has already been released, marketing and releasing a game with a seasonal theme, porting to consoles, the decisions that lead to procedurally generated levels, play testing your game in a pub, and much more.

Get Headbangers In Holiday Hell on Steam

Follow Pert on Twitter: @TooOldTooCold

Follow Vikerlane Games on Twitter: @Vikerlane

Check out Hammer & Ravens on Twitter: @Ham_Rav

Mark Radocy is the founder of Seafloor Games, developer of Vision Soft Reset (2019) and the upcoming Moonlight Pulse. Moonlight Pulse is a 2D metroidvania with multiple playable characters. Vision Soft Reset is also a metroidvania, but with clever time manipulation mechanics. I played Vision Soft Reset on Steam and really enjoyed the game! I met Mark and played the Moonlight Pulse demo at PAX East 2023. 

In today's episode we will discuss showing your game at PAX, game jams, releasing a game that doesn’t gain traction until much later, deadlines, advice for attending PAX, communicating with contractors, the pitfalls of too readily taking advice about game development, and much more.

Moonlight Pulse on Steam

Vision Soft Reset on Steam

Seafloor Games on the web: https://seafloorgames.com

Seafloor Games on Twitter: @SeafloorGames

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/

Today's guest is Jim Squires, CEO and one half of the development studio Rocketship Park. I previously had his partner, Shane McCafferty, on the show to discuss LOVE: A Puzzle Box Filled With Stories but today we will mostly discuss Word Forward. LOVE and Word Forward are excellent. You can get Word Forward on PC, Switch, and mobile.

In this episode we will discuss making games for Apple TV, puzzle games, new distribution platforms for video games, game journalism, PR, marketing, pricing your game, and much more.

Follow Jim on Twitter: @jimmycanuck

Follow Rocketship Park on Twitter: @Rocketship_Park

Find Rocketship Park on the web: www.rocketshippark.com

Get Word Forward on Switch

Get Word Forward on Steam

Ryan McLeod is the developer of Blackbox (2016) which is an iPhone puzzle game. I really enjoyed my time with Blackbox. It's a very unique puzzle game that made me realize my phone could do things I never thought possible. Ryan was called out by my past guest Philipp Stollenmayer, developer of Bacon and Song of Bloom. 

In this episode we will discuss mobile game development, puzzle design, iOS development, the Swift programming language, developing an scale app for the iPhone 6, the secret to developing a mobile game that connects with users, the secret to releasing a mobile game that is downloaded millions of times, advice for creating a Home Screen app icon, and much more.

Blackbox on iPhone

Blackbox on the web: https://www.blackboxpuzzles.com

Ryan on Twitter: @warpling

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/

Johannes Lugstein is a solodev behind the game Slopecrashers. Slopecrashers is currently in-development with a projected release date some time in 2023. There is a demo currently available onn Steam. Slopecrashers is an arcade-style snowboarding game with wacky animal characters and insane tricks to pull off. I really enjoyed my time with the demo, especially in online games.

In today's episode we will discuss SteamNextFest, solodev, marketing, releasing a demo, game design documents, implementing online multiplayer, and much more.

Slopecrashers on Steam

Johannes on Twitter: @peekstone

Slopecrashers on Twitter: @btyeparrot

Slopecrashers on the web: https://www.slopecrashers.com

Follow the development on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/peekstone

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/

Rémi Gallego is a composer for video games and other media. He composed the score for The Last Spell (2023) which is a tactical RPG game with roguelite and tower defense elements. I really like the music in The Last Spell and I listen to it often outside of the game. You can get the game on PC, Playstation, and Switch.

In today's episode we will discuss performing live, getting the composer involved early, making tracks for a game that gets cancelled, composing metal music for a fantasy game, reproducing guitar with software, composing music for ESPN, creating loopable tracks for implementation, and much more.

The Last Spell on Steam

The Last Spell on Playstion

The last Spell on Switch

Rémi on Twitter: @The_Algorithm

Rémi on Instagram: @thealgorithm_

The Algorithm on Apple Music

The Algorithm on Spotify

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 Hardwidge is the Co-Founder of Tall Story Games. He is currently developing a 2D point-and-click adventure game called Lucy Dreaming, slated for a Q3 2022 release. The demo is available on Steam and it is a lot of fun. Tom became a game developer less than 2 years ago and Lucy Dreaming is his biggest release yet.

In this episode we will discuss formulating a consistent elevator pitch for your game, what is British humor?, creating a good demo,  breaking the 4th wall, should point and click adventure games provide hints to players?, learning pixel art, marketing, building a community before you ship your game, and much more.

Lucy Dreaming on Steam

Lucy Dreaming on the web: lucy-dreaming.com

Tall Story Games on the web: tallstorygames.com

Tall Story Games on Twitter: @tallstorygames

Sander van Zanten is the Audio Director and Composer for Deliver Us Mars, released in February of 2023 from KeokeN Interactive. Deliver Us Mars is the narrative sci-fi sequel to Deliver Us The Moon (2018). Sander has been featured on IGI previously for his work on Deliver Us The Moon. You can get both games on PC, Playstation, and Xbox.

In today's episode we will discuss creating a compelling player character, developing a sequel, motion capture and performance capture, developing audio pillars for creating sound and music, dealing with criticism, and more.

Deliver Us Mars on Steam

Deliver Us Mars on Playstation

Deliver Us Mars on Xbox

Deliver Us Mars on Twitter: @DeliverUsMars

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/

Today we are talking to another video game score composer! Shane Berry is the Audio Director at Demagog Studio. He worked on Golf Club Wasteland and created a radio broadcast for that game, titled Radio Nostalgia From Mars. The game is incredible and Radio Nostalgia From Mars just makes it better. Golf Club Wasteland is available on Switch, Xbox, Playstation, and PC. 

In this episode we will ask these questions: Is Mars a viable option for humanity's expansion into the solar system and beyond? How important is the science fiction genre to our culture? We get into the intricacies of video game sound design, collaboration, and  Demagog's specific pipeline for music and sound creation during production. And much more.

Find Demagog Studio at www.demagogstudio.com

Find Shane's work at www.shaneberry.com

Shane is on Bandcamp as well as SoundCloud

Get Golf club Wasteland on Steam

Get Golf club Wasteland on Switch

Get Golf club Wasteland on Xbox

Get Golf club Wasteland on Playstation

Mike Papagathangelou is the Co-Founder and Lead Game Designer at Traptics, developers of the upcoming Homeseek. I met Mike at PAX East 2023. Homeseek is a post-apocalyptic survival strategy game set on a dystopian Earth in the next century. I was able to play the demo on Steam and the game looks really cool!

In today's episode we will dicuss balancing industry expectations with what you want to make, game dev for hire, acquiring a publisher, getting lots of attention from YouTubers, PAX East 2023, player feedback, developing tutorials, UI design, and much more.

Homeseek on Steam

Traptics on Twitter: @TrapticsGames

Traptics on the web: https://www.traptics.com/

Gabriele Caruso is the Creative Director of Paper Cut Mansion, developed by Space Lizard Studio. Paper Cut Mansion is a 3D horror roguelite set in a world made out of paper. I first encountered Gabriele and his game at PAX East 2022. There I played the demo, and now I've played the released game and it's great! Paper Cut Mansion is currently available on PC.

In this episode we will discuss game shows and conventions, utilizing unconventional techniques to create game art, performance optimization, post-launch patches, player feedback, playtesting issues with a procedural game, collaboration, the myth of a smooth release date, and more.

Paper Cut Mansion on Steam

Paper Cut mansion on GOG

Paper Cut Mansion on Epic

Space Lizard Studio on the web: http://spacelizardstudio.com

Space Lizard Studio on Twitter: @SpaceLizardSt

Space Lizard Studio on YouTube: @SpaceLizard

Paper Cut Mansion on Facebook: @PaperCutMansion

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/

Kevin Colegate is the co-developer of The Tartarus Key (2023) from Vertical Reach. The Tartarus Key is a mystery first-person puzzle game with lite horror elements. I played through the game on Steam and very much enjoyed it. You can also get it on Switch, Playstation, Xbox, and Switch. 

In this episode we will disucss programming, adhering to multiplatform game development, prototyping, creating PS1-era visuals, writing, puzzle design, advice on handling criticism from team mates, and more.

The Tartarus Key on Steam

The Tartarus Key on Switch

The Tartarus Key on Xbox

The Tartarus Key on Playstation

The Tartarus Key on the web: https://www.tartaruskey.com

Vertical Reach on the web: http://verticalreach.pt

The Tartarus Key on Twitter: @TartarusKey

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/

Nicola Piovesan is the CEO and game developer at Chaosmonger Studio, based in Estonia. Our previous guest, Philipp Zybkovets of Caligari Games called out Nicola as a developer that I should get on the show. So, here we are! We are talking about Nicola’s 2021 point-and-click adventure game ENCODYA. 

Like Philipp, Nicola was a filmmaker before he was game developer, so we discuss his filmmaking background extensively. Additionally, we get into the point-and-click genre, implementing gorgeous 2.5D graphics, narrative design, early access, and the unexpected benefits of developing two games at the same time.

You can find Chaosmonger at: www.chaosmonger.com

You can find Chaosmonger on Instagram: @chaosmongerstudio

ENCODYA on Steam

Dane Scalise is the developer of the upcoming A Corgi's Cozy Hike. A Corgi's Cozy Hike is a non-combat, open-world, exploration collectathon where you play as a heroic Corgi. I discovered the game at PAX East 2023 and the played the demo there. 

In this episode we will dicuss making games for charity, mobile game development, Kickstarter, showing your game at PAX, marketing, demos and play testing, non-combat games, and more.

A Corgi's Cozy Hike on Steam

A Corgi's Cozy Hike on the web: https://scalisco.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/

Jordan Chin is a sound designer and composer for games. He provided sound, sound design, and music for Shiny Shoe's Monster Train (2020) and Inkbound (2023). Jordan was called out by my past guest Tiago Rodrigues. Monster Train is a roguelite deckbuilder with really awesome music! You can get it on PC, Switch, and iOS.

In today's episode we will discuss composing vs. performing music, experimentation, the music of Final Fantasy, creating sound and music based on deep game story lore, creating sound and music for a VR game?, directing voice acting, maintaining a healthy mental diet, and more.

Jordan Chin on the web: http://www.jordanchinmusic.com

Monster Train on Steam

Inkbound on Steam

Shiny Shoe on the web: https://shinyshoe.com

Shiny Shoe on Twitter: @ShinyShoeGames

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/

Today's guest is Alex Golebioski, co-owner of PixelNAUTS in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Alex was called out by past guest Shane McCafferty. We are here to discuss PixelNAUTS' newest game Rocket Rumble which is in early access currently on Steam. We also discuss the excellent earlier game from PixelNAUTS titled, LOST ORBIT: Terminal Velocity. Both games are excellent and I highly recommend them. Rocket Rumble is only available on PC currently but you can get LOST ORBIT: Terminal velocity on PC, Switch, Playstation, and Xbox.

In this episode we will discuss starting your game dev studio by doing contract work, early access games, making games for controller vs mouse and keyboard, valuable lessons learned from working in AAA, and much more.

Fine PixelNAUTS on the web: www.pixelnauts.ca

Find PixelNAUTS on Twitter: @PixelNAUTSgames

Get Rocket Rumble on Steam

Get LOST ORBIT: Terminal Velocity on Steam

Get LOST ORBIT: Terminal Velocity on Playstation

Get LOST ORBIT: Terminal Velocity on Switch

Get LOST ORBIT: Terminal Velocity on Xbox

José Ramón "Bibiki" García is a composer and sound designer. He provided the music found in Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX (2021) which is a remake of Alex Kidd in Miracle World from 1986. I played Alex Kidd DX on Playstation, but the game is also available on Xbox, Switch, and PC. The game is ultra challenging but fun. The visuals, unique gameplay, and music are all highlights. Bibiki was called out by my past guest Ben Ridge, composer for Thymesia.

In this episode we will discuss remaking a classic game from the 80s, the challenges of meeting the expectations of classics fans, using live instruments to record your score, composition vs. performance, procedural music generation, performing music live, developing a PICO-8 game, and much more.

Bibiki on Spotify

Bibiki on Bandcamp

Bibiki on the web: https://bibikigarcia.com

Bibiki on Twitter: @bibikigarcia

Alex Kidd DX on Steam

Alex Kidd DX on Switch

Alex Kidd DX on Playstation

Alex Kidd DX on Xbox

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 Bordoni is the developer of Charge Kid, To Shed New Light, and From The Core. Today we are discussing From The Core, a game jam game which can be found on Rafael's itch.io page. From The Core is a 2D Metroidvania without powerups, and created under the theme "Moon Shot." Rafael has been featured previously on IGI and will be featured again. 

In this episode we will discuss breaking traditional design rules, Metroidvania game design, game jams, learning how to compose music for your own game, general game design in some well-known games, inverted controls, and so much more.

From The Core on itch.io

Rafael on Twitter: @eldskald

Rafael on itch: @eldskald

Charge Kid on Steam

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/

Thomas Waterzooi is a solo game developer and Founder of Studio Waterzooi, developer of Please, Touch the Artwork. Please, Touch The Artwork is a humorous puzzle game with touch controls and gorgeous visuals. I played it on Switch, but you can also get it on PC and mobile.

In today's epsidoe we will discuss solo dev, working in AAA, self-doubt in game dev, procedural generation, UI and UX, story elements in puzzle games, puzzle design, imposter syndrome, touch controls, and more.

Please, Touch The Artwork on Switch

Please, Touch the Artwork on Steam

Please, Touch The Artwork on iOS

Please, Touch The Artwork on Google Play

Thomas Waterzooi on Twitter: @ThomasWaterzooi

Studio Waterzooi on the web: studiowaterzooi.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/

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/

Damien Dessagne is the CEO of Embers, developer of Strayed Lights (2023) and Maxime Philipp is the project's game Director. I discovered Strayed Lights at PAX East 2023. Strayed Lights is a 3D action game with a wordless story and very disctinct visuals. I played it on Playstation, but you can also get it on Xbox, Switch, and PC. The gameplay is difficult, demanding, and ultimately rewarding. I recommend it!

In this episode we will discuss creating a game dev company, project management, wordless storytelling, designing boss battles, playtesting, developing a tutorial, creating platform-specific features for your multi-platform game, hitting deadlines, showing your game at PAX, inflation in the games industry, and much more.

Strayed Lights on Steam

Strayed Lights on Playstation

Strayed Lights on Switch

Strayed Lights on Xbox

Strayed lights on the web: https://embers.games

Strayed Lights on Twitter: @EmbersGames

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/

Esben Kjær Ravn is the Founder and CEO of Kong Orange, a devlopment studio based in Denmark. We are discussing Felix The Reaper (2019), a shadow manipulation puzzle game, as well as Kong Orange's upcoming game, Vokabulantis, a 2D stop motion side scroller. Felix The Reaper is super fun and funny and you can get it on PC, Switch, Xbox, and Playstation, and mobile. 

In this episode we will discuss making a game about death, how to deal with a game that doesn’t sell very well, developing a 2D stop motion game, VR gaming, and much more.

Esben on Twitter: @esbenravn

Felix The Reaper on Steam 

Felix The Reaper on Switch

Felix The Reaper on Xbox

Felix The Reaper on Playstation

Felix The Reaper on the web: felixthereaper.com

Felix The Reaper on Twitter: @FelixTheReaper

Kong Orange on the web: kongorange.com

Kong Orange on Twitter: @TheKongOrange

Vokabulantis on the web: vokabulantis.com

Philipp Zybkovets is the Creative Director and Game Designer at Caligari Games, developers of The Great Perhaps and, most recently, Whateverland. Whatever land is a non-linear, not-so-classic point and click game. I absolutely love Whateverland. It's funny, gorgeous, fun, and clever. I highly recommend it!

In today's episode we will dicuss non-linear PAC games, writing in games, voice acting, mini games, playtesting, player feedback, and much more.

Whateverland on GOG

Whateverland on Steam

Caligari Games on the web: https://www.caligarigames.net

Caligari Games on Twitter: @CaligariGames

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/

Isaac and Virgilio Cortez are the co-founders of Hyper Three Studio, based in Barcelona, Spain. Their most recent game, Tiny Lands, is a spot-the-difference game...with a unique twist. I played the game on my Switch and emailed the studio for an interview and they said yes! I'm very excited to bring their inspiring story to you now.

We talk about indie game DLC, responding to player requests, scaling your concept, non-verbal storytelling in puzzle games, recording SFX, how to choose the music for your game, low-poly implementation, obtaining a Switch dev kit, reasons to implement a dark more to the UI, how to deal with bugs on leach day, difficulty balancing, and much more.

You can find Hyper Three Studio at www.hyperthreestudio.com

You can find the studio on Instagram: @hyperthreestudio

You can find the studio on Twitter: @Hyper3Studio

You can grab Tinny Lands on Switch right here

You can grab Tiny Lands on Steam right here

Ben Ridge is a game score composer and sound designer. His work has been featured in three games that we will be discussing today: Cavity Busters (2022), Thymesia (2022), and Marauders (currently in Early Access). I have played Cavity Busters and Thymesia and they are both great games with stellar music. The developer of Cavity Busters, Space My Friend, has been featured on IGI twice.

In this episode we will discuss learning middleware, scoring a "soulsborne" game, making music and sound effects for slot machines, working with and for publisher Team 17, imposter syndrome, sound design, creating exploration vs. combat music, and a whole lot more.

Thymesia on Steam

Cavity Busters on Steam

Marauders on Steam

Ben Ridge on the web: https://www.ben-ridge.com

Ben Ridge on Twitter: @BRidgeGameAudio

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/

In this episode we will discuss securing funding, how game development becomes easier once you’ve put out a complete game, working efficiently within deadlines, finding the right business/creative partner, porting advice, showing your game to players for the first time, effective time management, obtaining a publisher, and much, much more.

Lovable Hat Cult on Instagram: @lovablehatcult

Lovable Hat Cult on the web: lovablehatcult.dk

Get JOTBC on Steam

Get JOTBC on Switch

Get JOTBC on Playstation

Get JOTBC on Xbox

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/

Arman Darkahi devlops indie games under the moniker Shotgun Anaconda. This is his second time on the show. Previously, we discussed Velocity Noodle, but today we are discussing his earlier game, Baby Redemption. Baby Redemption is a 2D twin stick shooter. I enjoyed the game very much. It is available on PC.

In this episode we will discuss sound design, menu design, the two months following the release of your biggest game, and...Elden Ring. This episode was recorded less than two weeks after the release of Elden Ring, so we discuss that game heavily in the second half of the episode.

Baby Redemption on Steam

Velocity Noodle on Steam

Shotgun Anaconda on Twitter: @ShotgunAnaconda

Shotgun Anaconda on itch.io: shotgunanaconda.itch.io

Aljoscha Guenther, aka Remancer, is a music composer and producer for video games. I became aware of his music through the game Velocity Noodle, developed by Shotgun Anaconda. Aljoscha has scored quite a few games, but most of them are yet-to-be-released. 

In this episode we will discuss the importance of getting the composer involved early, acquiring composer work as a freelancer, work/life balance, learning sound design, and much, much more.

Remancer on Twitter: @joschgu

Velocity Noodle on Steam

Aljoscha on the web: aljoschaguenther.wordpress.com

Follow me on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider becoming a Patron:

https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

Nakul Verma is the Director and Founder at Playbae Games. We are discussing Playbae's first commercial release, 2021's In My Shadow. I played In My Shadow on Steam, but it is also available on Switch, iOS, Xbox, and Playstation. In My Shadow is a puzzle/platformer with shadow manipulation at its core. I really enjoyed my time with the game so I recommend it highly.

In this episode we will discuss game jams, why are indie games so sad these days?, puzzle game development, platformer development, marketing, time management, and much more.

In My Shadow on Steam

In My Shadow on Switch

In My Shadow on iOS

In My Shadow on Playstation

In My Shadow on Xbox

In My Shadow on the web: inmyshadow.com

Playbae Games on Twitter: @playbaegames

Playbae Games on Instagram: @playbaegames

Follow IGI on Twitter: @IndieGameINTL

Consider donating to the IGI Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

Today's guest is GrimTalin, developer of The Adventures Of Elena Temple, released in 2019. Elena Temple is available on PC, Switch, and Xbox. I played it on my Switch and absolutely adored the experience. It is a 2D monochrome platformer with meta storytelling elements. It is extremely clever. 

GrimTalin is based in Romania and I have interviewed him twice. My other conversation with the developer was for his more recent game, Long Ago: A Puzzle Tale, which is also excellent. You can find him on the web at grimtalin.com and also on Twitter @GrimTalin and on Instagram @grimtalin. You can purchase Elena Temple at the GrimTalin website.

In this episode we will discuss: What is monochrome? (I didn't know), gaming in the 80's, how to design dungeons, acquiring music for your game, implementing dynamic music, games going on sale, being a publisher and developer, collaborating with another developer to aid in development and publishing, and much more. A massive thank you to GrimTalin for joining me on this episode of IGI.

Emily Cheng, aka GISULA, is a video game score composer, producer, musician, and singer. Her work has appeared in many games, including the brand new The Spirit and the Mouse (2022). The Spirit and the Mouse is a 3D, non-violent, exploration and collectathon game where you play as an adorable mouse with magical powers. The game was developed by Albune. I really enjoyed the game and I completed it on PC, but you can also get it on Switch.

In today's episode we will discuss non-combat games, perspective and camera control in 3D games, music production, the benefits of getting the composer involved early in development, arts education and the desire to teach, clear communication, and much more.

The Spirit and the Mouse on Switch

The Spirit and the Mouse on Steam

GISULA on the web: https://www.gisula.com

The Spirit and the Mouse on the web: https://thespiritandthemouse.com

GISULA on Twitter: @gisulamusic

The Spirit and the Mouse on Twitter: @SpiritAndMouse

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 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

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/

Adrian Moscalue, aka DYATHON, is the composer for Moonscars (2022). Moonscars is a brutal, 2D metroidvania with haunting pixelart and gorgeous, atmospheric music. You can get the game on Switch, PC, Playstation, and Xbox. I played it on Playststion and although it is very difficult, the combat is fun and the art and music are worth the challenge. The game was developed by Black Mermaid.

In this episode we will discuss piano composition, creating haunting, atmospheric music, embracing challenge, creating boss battle music, emotional expression in music, and much more.

DYATHON on the web: https://dyathon.com

Adrian on Twitter: @DYATHON

DYATHON on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3XcDXXT

Moonscars on Switch

Moonscars on Playstation

Moonscars on Xbox

Moonscars 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/

This week is "video game score composer week" here at IGI. Today we are talking with Andrew Rohrmann aka scntfc. Andy has been a video game score composer for over ten years. I first became aware of his work when I played 2016's Oxenfree. Most of the conversation focuses on two games that I recently played and loved that Andy created sound and music for: Journey Of The Broken Circle and Old Man's Journey. You can find Andrew’s work at scntfc.bandcamp.com or at cargocollective.com/scntfc. You can also find him on Twitter @scntfc.

In today’s conversation, Andrew and I will cover some of the big changes that he has seen in his over ten year career in video games. We talk about the importance of taking advantage of opportunities. We get into how his style and workflow has changed over the years. Andrew dishes advice for developers in acquiring the right composer as well as advice for composers on how to secure a gaming gig, and we get into his opinions on music and rhythm games. All that and much more.

Jared Tan is the Community Strategist at Devolver Digital. He worked on such games as Card Shark (2022) and Cult of the Lamb (2022). Cult of the Lamb is one of the best games I have played recently. I played it on Playstation, but you can get it on Xbox, PC, and Switch. Card Shark is available on PC and Switch.

In this episode we will discuss the nuances of good marketing, bridging the gap between developers and gamers, community management, content marketing, the power of Twitch integrations, and much more.

Jared Tan on the web: https://jaredtanj.com

Devolver Digital on the web: https://www.devolverdigital.com

Jared Tan on Twitter: @EhJaredJ

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/

Lucas Bonatti is the Creative Director at Regular Studio, developer of Togges (2022). Togges is a fantastic game. It's a 3D non-linear platformer/collectathon set in a weird and wonderful universe. It has amazing visuals, really fun and unique gameplay mechanics and traversal, and a super energetic and awesome sense of humor. I really, really like this game. I'm really excited that I was able to talk about its development with the developer. It's available on all the major concoles and PC. 

In this episode we will discuss influences for such a weird game, creating a game with “incredible, credible” mechanics and story, cutting ideas to maintain scope, porting, performance, and optimization, scope control, UI and menu design, playtesting and player feedback, and much more.

Togges on Steam

Togges on Switch

Togges on Playstation

Togges on Xbox

Togges on the web: http://togges.com.br

Togges on Twitter: @ToggesGame

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/

magicdweedoo, aka dweeds, is the developer of many games, including the upcoming Dryft City Kyngs.

dweeds was called out by my past guest Nicholas McDonnell, developer of KILLBUG (episode 196).

Nonsense Machine's contact info: https://nonsensemachine.com.au

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!

Philippe Wyart is a composer. He composed the music for Firegirl: Hack 'n Splash Rescue, a 2D roguelite platformer from 2021, which has some of my favorite videogame music ever made. I was honored to speak to Philippe about this music. Firegirl is available on PC and soon on consoles. Firegirl's lead artist, Gabe Miller, and another artist who worked on the game, Aubrey Serr, were both previously featured here on IGI. This episode features samples from each track of the official soundtrack.

In this episode we will discuss is the fire girl soundtrack jazz?, how do you write a main theme song?, scoring for films and commercials vs video games, communication, establishing a common language with the developer, and much more.

Firegirl on Steam

Firegirl on GOG

Hear the whole soundtrack on all major streaming platforms!

Follow IGI on Twitter: @indiegameINTL

Please consider donating to the IGI Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

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/

Zach Fendelman and Patrick Crecelius are the game audio duo behind Fat Bard. Fat Bard has been making game audio, including music and sound design, since 2012. They have provided music for many games, including Demon Turf (2021). Demon Turf is a funky 3D platformer available on PC, Switch, Playstation, and Xbox. 

In today's epsidoe we will discuss collaborating on game score composition, scoring game jam games, networking, pitching to a developer, how it feels for a project to be cancelled, reflections on 10 years making video game music, the benefits of learning sound design, the pros and cons to getting a composer involved early in development, and much more.

Fat Bard on the web:  https://www.fatbard.com

Fat Bard on Twitter: @Fat_Bard

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/

Dan Smith is the developer behind The Spectrum Retreat (2018). The Spectrum Retreat is a narrative, sci-fi, first-person puzzle game. I absolutely love this game and I highly recommend it to anyone who has ever enjoyed a first-person puzzle game. I played it on both Switch and PC, but you can also get it on Playstation and Xbox. 

In today's epsideo we will discuss "systematic design", first-person puzzle games, narrative design, voice acting, acquiring music for your game, the freedom and isolation of solodev, puzzle design, and much more.

The Spectrum Retreat on Steam

The Spectrum Retreat on Switch

The Spectrum Retreat on Playstation

The Spectrum Retreat on Xbox

Dan Smith on the web: https://www.dansmithstudios.com

Dan Smith Studios on Twitter: @RealEntropy

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/

Andrea Brasch is one half of the core development team at Lovable Hat Cult in Denmark. They created the 2020 game Journey of the Broken Circle. I played the game on Switch and PS4, but you can also get it on Xbox and PC. It is a 2D narrative-driven side scroller about a circle looking for a perfect fit for his missing piece. The game is excellent. This is the very first interview I ever did. It was originally hosted on my other podcast, The Space Dreamers, but here it is as the 30th IGI episode. In the episode we will discuss: Do game developers consider themselves artists?, balancing challenge and storytelling, choosing the right name for your dev studio, finding the right music for your game, and much more.

Get JOTBC on Steam

Get JOTBC on Switch

Get JOTBC on Xbox

Get JOTBC on Playstation

Lovable Hat Cult on the web: lovablehatcult.dk

Lovable Hat Cult on Instagram: @lovablehatcult

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

Matthew Pusti, aka Makeup And Vanity Set, is a composer of podcasts, films, video games, and more. I interviewed the developer of Trackless which was scored by MAVS, so I reached out to the compser for an interview. I have been a fan of his since I first heard his work in the Atlanta Monster podcast. MAVS has also scored Overpass and Bouncy Smash, both of which I played and enjoyed very much. This is part 2 of 2 of IGI's second "video game score composer week."

In this episode we will discuss red flags to look out for when being offered a composing gig, the psychology of a name, avoiding burnout, the psychology and stigma behind working as an artist, and much more.

MAVS on the web: makeupandvanityset.com

MAVS on bandcamp: makeupandvanityset.bandcamp.com

MAVS on Twitter: @vanityset

MAVS on Instagram: @makeupandvanityset

Trackless on Steam

Overpass on Steam

Charles Yu is the CEO and Marc Anthony Rodriguez is the COO of VoxPop Games, a brand new peer-to-peer games distribution platform with a profit-sharing business model and a focus on indie games. Marc and Charles have joined us to discuss the benefits of using a platform like VoxPop Games.

VoxPop Games on the web:

https://www.voxpopgames.net/

VoxPop games on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/VoxPopGames

Aubrey Serr is the owner and lead developer at 12 East Games. Aubrey was called out by past guest Gabe Miller, lead artist on Firegirl. We are here today to discuss Trackless, Aubrey's amazing first person puzzle game from 2017. You can get Trackless on PC. It is one of my favorite first person gaming experiences out there, so I encourage you to try it out.

In this episode we will dicuss the definition of “ride or die indie”, naming your game, partnerships, achieving realistic lighting, the concept of Utopia, music as a central part of game design, sound design, the challenges of marketing, the psychology of a short game, and much more.

Find Aubrey on Twitter: @AubreySerr

Find 12 East Games on Twitter: @12EastGames

Find Trackless on Twitter: @TracklessGame

Find 12 East Games on the web: 12eastgames.com

Trackless on Steam

Isaac and Virgilio Cortez have joined IGI twice previously and this time we are celebrating new DLC and the one year aniversary of the relase of Tiny Lands, their serene 3D spot-the-difference game. Isaac and Virgilio are co-founders at Hyper Three Studio, the developer of Tiny Lands. 

In this episode we will discuss; does free DLC improve your sales?, how to convert wishlists into units sold, balancing visuals and performance, the importance of depth-of-field effects, managing expectations, advice on acquiring a publisher, how to get on Steam China, and much more.

Tiny Lands on Steam

Tiny Lands on Switch

Tiny Lands on Epic Games Store

Hyper Three Studio on the web: hyperthreestudio.com

Hyper Three Studio on Twitter: @Hyper3Studio

Hyper Three Studio on Instagram: @hyperthreestudio

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

Patrick Merklee is a designer and programmer at In The Snow Studios and Josh Shoenfelt is a developer and programmer at In The Snow Studios. In The Snow Studios is the developer of Mason and Strings, a free game on Steam, as well as the upcoming The Newton Mystery, which has a demo currently available on Steam. This team was called out by my past guest Michael Strollart, developer of the upcoming Below The Stone. I really enjoyed Mason and Strings, which is a hand-drawn 2D platformer with narrative emphasis. I also really enjoyed The Newton Mystery's demo. The Newton Mystery is similar to Mason and Strings in terms of art style, but it is much darker in themes and story. I have very much enjoyed my time with both games.

In this episode we will discuss game design school, making a student battle royale game, scope control, sound design, best practices for releasing a demo, the importance of deadlines, the benefits of collaboration, attending a game show with your game, and much more.

In The Snow Studios on the web:  https://www.inthesnowstudios.com/home

In The Snow Studios on Twitter: @InTheSnowStudio

Mason and Strings on Steam

The Newton Mystery 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/

Anders Westin is the CEO of Might and Delight, developers of many games, including Pid (2011). I played Pid on my Switch and I have since also played it on Steam. Pid is a 2.5D puzzle platformer with very clever mechanics that are fun to learn but difficult to master. I highly recommend this game!

In today's episode we will discuss working in AAA, developing and releasing indie games in 2011, self-publishing a game in 2011, making a game too difficult, and much, much more!

Pid on Steam

Pid on Switch

Might and Delight on the web: https://mightanddelight.com

Might and Delight on Twitter: @MightAndDelight

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/

Aubrey Serr is the founder and lead developer at 12 East Games. Aubrey was previously on the show to discuss 12 East's 2017 game Trackless. Today we are discussing the games Receiver and Receiver II, developed by Wolfire Games. Aubrey provided art and writing for Receiver and its sequel, as a part of Wolfire. Receiver is a hyper-realistic gun simulator FPS game.

In this epsiode we will discuss paper prototyping, making a digital card game, Steam Greenlight and how that worked, creating Wolfire Games, making indie games before 2010, streaming game development, skyboxes, and much more.

Receiver on Steam

Receiver II on Steam

Trackless on Steam

Wolfire Games on the web: wolfire.com

12 East Games on the web: 12eastgames.com

12 East Games on Twitter: @12EastGames

Follow IGI on Twitter: @indiegameINTL

Consider becoming a Patron via my Patreon and support my mission:

https://www.patreon.com/indiegameINTL

Today's guest is Gabe Miller, one half of the core development team, and lead artist on 2021's Firegirl: Hack 'n Splash Rescue. Firegirl was developed by Dejima Games and published by Thunderful. Firegirl is a 2D platformer with roguelike elements. It is insanely fun and was one of my most anticipated games of 2021.

In the episode we will discuss the roguelite/like genre, achieving the unique visual style of Firegirl, the music of Firegirl, publisher relationships, lighting, creating the perfect mood for your game through visuals and audio, balancing difficulty in your game, and much more. 

Find Dejima Games on the web: dejima.games

Find Dejima Games on Twitter: @DejimaGames

Get Firegirl on Steam

Jenny Windom is a Producer at Soft Not Weak, an Advisor at Kowloon Knights, and the Senior Influencer Manager at Kepler Interactive. She is also a YouTube content creator and a Twitch Streamer! We will be discussing her roles with Sifu and Scorn mostly. Scorn is my favorite game of 2022 so I was very excited to speak to someone who worked on it in any capacity. Jenny was called out by my past guest Victoria Tran.

In this episode we will discuss what is an influencer manager?, streaming games, content creation, Kepler Interactive's unique company structure, marketing a horror game, setting expectations with your audience and your colleagues, and much more.

Jenny on the web: https://jennywindom.com

Jenny on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimchica25

Jenny on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/kimchica

Jenny on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kimchica

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/

Melanie Burgmer is the developer of Memorabilia, a first person narrative and exploration game. Mel is also the Community Manager for Game Dev Unlocked, as well as a translator for games. You can find her games on her website or on her itch.io page.

In this episode we will discuss online game dev school, leaving a corporate job to work for yourself on game dev, scope control, using the GameMaker engine, translation and localization, the role of the community manager, how to stay motivated while developing, streaming game development, playtesting, burnout, project management, the importance of physical fitness for game developers, and more.

Memorabilia on itch.io

Mel on Twitter: @SpiceDevGirl

Mel on itch.io: Arkania

Mel on the web: melanieburgmer.de

Daniel Wagner is co-founder and creative director at Monokel based in Cologne, Germany. We are here to discuss Monokel's first game, White Shadows, released in December of 2021. White Shadows was my most anticipated game but now that it's out and I've played it, it's just an amazing and gorgeous game that you should play.

In this episode we will discuss how Monokel achieved the unique visual style of White Shadows, how it feels to be in the first week of release of you very first game, censorship, sensitive content warnings preceding entertainment of any medium, clever uses of the camera in 2D games, and much, much more.

Find Monokel at monokel.de

Find Monokel on Twitter @monokelgames

Get the game on Steam

Get the game on PS5

Get the game on Xbox

Matteo Cerquone is the Audio Director at Jumpship, developers of Somerville (2022). Somerville is a 2.5D/3D sci-fi adventure game. I think this game is absolutely incredible and I'm honored to have spoken with someone involved in its development. It's available on PC and Xbox. Matteo was called out by my past guest Bas Bertrand.

In today's epsidoe we will discuss wordless games, sci-fi sound design, delivering story and emotion through sound design, creating both music and sound design for Somerville, handling criticism, and more.

Somerville on Steam

Somerville on Xbox

Jumpship on the web: https://jumpship.co.uk

Jumpship on Twitter: @Jumpshipstudio

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/

Today's guest is Maik Gross. Maik won the Godot Fire Charity Jam 2021 which took place during the month of October, 2021 with his game One Simple Observation. Maik was called out by past guest Rafael Bordoni who also took part in the same game jam. One Simple Observation is a story-driven 2D platformer which takes the player through a person's entire life in just about an hour of gameplay. It is a truly engaging and phenomenal experience. You can play the game on Maik's itch.io page.

in the episode we will discuss game jams, evoking emotion in game design, using a game jam to learn a new engine, the benefits to the Godot engine, and much more.

Play Maik's games on his itch.io page: @thatsmaik

Find Maik on Twitter: @thatsmaik

Find Maik on Instagram: @thatsmaik

Today's guest is Winston Tang, director, designer, and writer at Samurai Punk, based in Melbourne, Australia. We are discussing primarily their game Roombo: First Blood, released in 2019. I played the game Switch but it is available on PC, Xbox, and Playstation as well. 

Winston and I will discuss game jams, how it feels to make your very first game, growing a team, going from creative artist to company leader, and we touch on the state of the antagonistic relationship between gamers and game devs.

A sequel, titled Justice Sucks: Recharged is coming soon and you can wishlist it on Steam. 

Find Samurai Punk on the web: www.samuraipunk.com

Find Samurai Punk on Twitter: @samuraipunk

Find Samurai Punk on Instagram: @samuraipunk

Get Roombo: First Blood on Steam

Get Roombo: First Blood on Switch

Get Roombo: First Blood on Xbox

Get Roombo: First Blood on Playstation

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

Alx Preston is the Founder of Heart Machine, developer of Hyper Light Drifter (2016) and Solar Ash (2021). Alx was called out by Matthew Pusti, aka Makeup And Vanity Set. We are here to discuss Solar Ash, which is available on Playstation and PC. 

In this episode we will discuss transitioning from 2D to 3D, building a game in Unreal, existing between AAA and indie, what does a commercially successful game do for the development of the next game?, how does the games industry define the word fun?, the role audio plays in Heart Machine games, dealing with release delays, and much more.

Solar Ash on Epic Games Store

Solar Ash on Playstation

Alx Preston on Twitter: @HeartMachineZ

Heart Machine on Twitter: @HeartMachineHQ

Heart Machine on the web: heartmachine.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/

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/

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!

Tiago Rodrigues is a game audio specialist in music composition, sound design, and implementation. He provided mastering on some tracks that appear in Monster Train (2020). Monster Train is a roguelite card battler available on PC and Xbox.

In today's episode we will discuss composition, mastering, the music of Final Fantasy, live-streaming development, the importance of travel, the benefits of collaborating on composition, voice acting, Wwise certifications, networking, and much more.

Monster Train on Steam

Monster Train on Xbox

Tiago on the web: https://tiagorodriguescomposer.com/index-en

Tiago on Twitter @TRodriguesMusic

Erik X. Raj is a Speech-Language Pathologist and the developer of Jump Rogi, a web-based game about jumping and overcoming your fears. Erik creates games partly as a teaching tool for his young clients. I really enjoyed Jump Rogi and it is free to play here. You can find out more about what Erik is up to, and his other games on his website.

In today's episode we will discuss what is a Speech-Language Pathologist?, teaching communication through video games, digital therapy tools, educational games, playtesting, accessibility, and much more.

Jump Rogi on the web: https://www.jumprogi.com

Erik X. Raj on the web: https://erikxraj.com

Erik on Twitter: @erikxraj

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/

Victoria Tran is the Community Director at Innersloth, developers of Among Us. Among Us is a phenomenally popular PvP science fiction game available on mobile, PC, and consoles. Victoria is also a speaker and writer. She has many useful resources and articles on her website: https://www.victoriatran.com

In today's episode we will discuss how to make better community spaces, how to foster productive communities around games, determining when you need a CM, learning from failure, mental health maintenance for CMs, the importance of positive reinforcement in communities, why was Among Us such a phenomenon?, and much more.

Victoria Tran on the web: https://www.victoriatran.com

Victoria Tran on Twitter: @TheVTran

Innersloth on the web: https://www.innersloth.com

Among Us on Switch!

Among Us 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/

MagnaPlay is the sponsor of this episode! Learn more: MagnaPlay is the world's first indie gaming subscription service. Yep: indie games on a subscription, it's finally happening! Sign up today for free, we're not charging until we reach 500 users! Also, join our Discord to keep up with updates, provide suggestions and ideas, and participate in cool giveaways!

Use this link to discover more about MagnaPlay: https://magnaplay.tech/IGI

Philipp Stellenmayer is a game designer and developer who releases games under the name kamibox. He has released many mobile games but today's conversation focus on o k a y ?, CMPLT, Bacon, and Song of Bloom. I really enjoyed all four games, but Bacon is probably my favorite. Philipp was called out by my past guest Thomas Waterzooi.

In today's episode we will discuss mobile game development, developing and shipping games 10 years ago, programming in Lua, user feedback, developing learning games, prototypes, collaboration vs solodev, and mich more.

kamibox on the web: https://www.kamibox.de

Philipp on Twitter: @kamibox_ph

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/

Today we are talking to GrimTalin, developer of Long Ago: A Puzzle Tale. This is the second time he has been on this show. Previously we discussed The Adventures Of Elena Temple, but today we are talking about his newest release, Long Ago: A Puzzle Tale.

You can find GrimTalin at www.grimtalin.com and on Twitter @grimtalin and Instagram @grimtalin.

Links to purchase all of his games can be found at www.grimtalin.com.

We mostly discuss Long Ago: A Puzzle Tale but we also talk a lot about GrimTalin and Darkania Works' newest game, Last Days Of Lazarus.

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/

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!

Today's guest is Shane McCafferty, one half of the team over at Rocketship Park based in St. Catharines, Ontario. We are discussing his 2021 game LOVE: A Puzzle Box Filled with Stories. I played the game on my Switch but it is also available on PC and mobile. The game is a very unique puzzler about love and loss.

In the episode we will discuss making a game based on one specific emotion, fundraising, partnerships, recognizing your scope and much, much more.

You can find Shane on Twitter @EGVroom

You can find Rocketship Park on the web: http://rocketshippark.com

You can find the game specifically on the web: https://thatlovegame.com

You can get it on Steam

You can get it on Switch

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/

GladiHATERS on Twitter: @gladihaters

Aden Interactive on Twitter: @AdenInteractive

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

FeatureKreep is a solodev who makes primarily game jam games. He is currently working on his first commercial game, titled Over My Dead Body. Today we will be talking about Looper and Lost In Translation. Looper is a 2D puzzle game with a very clever central mechanic for solving puzzles. I really enjoyed Looper and I also enjoyed Lost In Translation. FeatureKreep was called out by my past guest Erik X. Raj, the developer of Jump Rogi.

In today's episode we will discuss game jams, emulating a game boy game, developing your very first commercial game, what makes a good game jam theme?, puzzle design, the importance of self-imposed deadlines, UI design and implementation, and much more.

FeatureKreep on Itch: https://featurekreep.itch.io

FeatureKreep on Twitter: @FeatureKreep

Looper on Itch: https://featurekreep.itch.io/looper

Lost In Translation on Itch: https://featurekreep.itch.io/lost-in-translation

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/

Jack Breen is the founder and solodev at Studio Hybrid, developer of the upcoming GigaSword. GigaSword is a 2D pixelart metroidvania with very fun and clever mechnics. The demo is currently available on Steam. I really enjoyed my time with the demo and i cnnot wait for the final release!

In this episode we will dicuss learning game dev in high school, prototyping, creating a vertical slice, enemy design, level design, developing a platformer with limited or no jumping, solodev, and more.

GigaSword on Steam

GigaSword on Kickstarter

Studio Hybrid on Twitter: @Hybrid_Games_

Hybrid Plays on Youtube: @HybridPlays

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/

In this episode we will discuss the resource management genre, researching for your game, UI and UX implementation, controlling the player's first impressions, game jams, end credits, Godot engine, optimization, Linux porting, and much more.

Cheese on Twitter: @ValiantCheese

Cheese on itch.io: @Cheeseness

Play Hive Time right here!

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/

Jake Gaule, aka Submerged Tapes, is the composer and sound designer for Automatoys. 

Automatoys was previously featured on IGI when I interviewed the developer, Steffan Glynn, aka Idle Friday (episode 185).

Jake's contact info: https://submergedtapes.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!

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/

Oleksii Drobnyi is the Founder of Campfire Studio, developers of Package Rush (2022), My Dream Setup (2023) and the upcoming Catch & Cook. I've played Package Rush and My Dream Setup and they are super fun and cozy. Follow the studio on Twitter @proj_delivery.

Package Rush on Switch

Package Rush on Steam

My Dream Setup on Steam

Catch & Cook 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/

Today's guest is Taryn McMillan of Mystic Mill Games. She released her first game on Steam, titled No Crooks On Christmas, in December of 2021. She is relatively new to developing games, but I've played three of her releases and enjoyed them very much. In addition to No Crooks On Christmas, I have also played Grave Digger and The Coffee Shop.

We will discuss game jams, coding courses, working in Unity, programming, revisiting old code that you wrote when you were a beginner, dealing with imposter syndrome, UI creation, and much more. 

You can find Taryn's games on the Mystic Mill Games itch.io page

You can get No Crooks On Christmas on Steam

Find Taryn on Twitter: @TarynWritesCode

Find Taryn on Instagram: @tarynwritescode

Find Taryn on the web: www.tarynmcmillan.com 

Mystic Mill Games on YouTube: @MysticMillGames

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