The Indie Game Development Podcast

In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we dive into the emotional rollercoaster of learning game development—especially when progress feels frustratingly slow. We'll talk about how the more you learn, the more you feel like a beginner again. You’ll hear honest stories about "nightmare dev days," when nothing seems to work—yet those are the days where you grow the most. We also explore why tutorials can only take you so far, and how real learning happens through applying knowledge to solve your own problems. Dunning-Kruger Effect: https://expertprogrammanagement.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/The-Dunning-Kruger-Curve.png

Join our Discord Community! Check us out on Youtube! The game dev industry has been looking rough lately—layoffs, AI advancements, drama with engines, and an overwhelming number of new releases. It’s easy to feel discouraged. But despite all of that, we truly believe now is the BEST time to get into game dev. The industry is changing fast, and those who push through will be ahead when the dust settles. If you’ve ever wanted to make games, there’s no better time than right now!

Wishlist Cropolution on Steam! Check us out on Youtube! In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, I’m focusing on helping those of you who are struggling with the technical side of game development. I’ll guide you through the different options for coding in the major game engines like Unreal, Unity, and Godot, and share practical tips on how to start thinking like a programmer, no matter which engine you choose. By the end of the episode, you'll know exactly how to tackle coding and break down challenges into manageable steps! Join our Discord Community!

Wishlist Cropolution on Steam! Join our Discord Community! Check us out on Youtube! In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we'll dive into the realities of going full-time as an indie game developer. While I’m all for chasing your dreams, the journey is often far more challenging than expected. That said, the rewards are unmatched. This episode is really all about preparing you for the journey so you can pursue your passion with open eyes.

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/aHjTSBz3jH Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sasquatchbgames Game development can incredibly hard due to the need to master various technical and creative skills, alongside the demands of marketing and handling feedback. Balancing these tasks with personal responsibilities can lead to stress, burnout, and self-doubt. In this episode, we talk about how to succeed by prioritizing self-care and recognizing signs of burnout, tackling the most stressful tasks first to maintain productivity, and strike a balance between discipline and flexibility.

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/aHjTSBz3jH Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sasquatchbgames In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we delve into the nuanced role of an indie game designer, exploring the delicate balance between challenge and reward that keeps players engaged and satisfied. You'll uncover the fascinating secrets behind popular game mechanics, like the 'coyote time' and dynamic difficulty adjustments, designed to subtly enhance the player's experience without their awareness. Through examples from games like Devil May Cry, Half-Life, and Pac-Man, we'll show how these hidden techniques create a fair, responsive, and emotionally resonant gameplay. Whether it's manipulating enemy behavior or tweaking player advantages, these clever tricks might just be the key to overcoming your next design challenge. Links Discussed in this episode: Our 2D Platformer Controller Tutorial: https://youtu.be/zHSWG05byEc Twitter Post:https://x.com/gaohmee/status/903510060197744640?lang=en

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/aHjTSBz3jH Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sasquatchbgames If you've been plugging away at your game for a while now and you feel like it sucks or you can't even tell if it's fun anymore, you're not alone. Trust me, it happens to the all of us, and it’s a crucial stage where many people feel like giving up. Even big names like Eric Barone, creator of Stardew Valley went through similar feelings. The reality is, when you're too close to something, you lose perspective. You might feel overly critical or worry that your game is just a mess under the hood, even if players would actually enjoy it. In this episode, we discuss how you can power through and not only finish your game but find the joy in creating it again. Remember, game development is a roller coaster, and the good feelings will come back. These negative feelings are temporary and there are many ways to get past them.

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/aHjTSBz3jH Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sasquatchbgames In this episode, of the Indie Game Development Podcast, we’ll be demystifying the game development process so you can understand how video games are created. We'll explore game engines like Unity, Unreal, and Godot, which are essential for game development. I'll cover the creation of assets, whether 2D sprites or 3D models, and how they are animated and integrated into the game engine. We'll also discuss coding, which drives game functionality, and the use of shaders and particles to enhance visuals. Despite the steep learning curve, game development is an incredibly rewarding art form.

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/aHjTSBz3jH Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sasquatchbgames Are you currently trapped in tutorial hell, or maybe you're afraid of getting stuck there? It's a common struggle, and the conflicting advice out there can be really overwhelming. In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we'll answer the question: Should you stop watching tutorials? We'll explore the necessary balance between learning from tutorials and applying that knowledge to your own projects. From the pitfalls of tutorial dependency to the importance of self-directed learning, we'll let you know what has worked best for us and hopefully help you navigate your path in game development. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned developer, this episode offers you insights and personal experience on breaking free from tutorial hell and leveling up your skills.

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/aHjTSBz3jH Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sasquatchbgames In this episode of the Indie Game Development podcast, I open up about a challenging seven-month period where I completely stopped making devlogs for my game, Samurado. Frustrated by their lack of traction and the effort they required, I grew bitter and disillusioned, ultimately giving up on them entirely. This decision was fueled by a misguided attempt to mimic the success of YouTubers like Dani, leading me down a path of self-doubt and exhaustion. However, a pivotal moment came when I was reminded of the authenticity and passion that initially drew me to game development. I realized that success on YouTube and in game development isn't about emulating others or chasing metrics; it's about staying true to yourself and sharing your unique journey. My hope in sharing my story is that some of these hard lessons I have learned may help even one person to avoid making the same mistakes and keep the passion and joy for game dev alive.

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/aHjTSBz3jH Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sasquatchbgames In this episode of The Indie Game Development podcast, we tackle a persistent myth in the industry that devlogs are only for developers, not gamers. It's a narrative many of us have bought into, myself included. But what if we've been missing the mark all along? We dive deep into the world of indie marketing, exploring why traditional methods often fall short in a landscape oversaturated with content. Sure, making a good game is essential, but it's just the first step. Social media posts and reaching out to YouTubers and streamers help, but they're not guarantees. What sets devlogs apart is their ability to build trust and a loyal audience over time. They offer a unique opportunity for developers to become influencers in their own right while creating their games. And contrary to popular belief, they're not just for developers. We share stories of indie developers who have defied the odds and found success through devlogs, reaching gamers directly and building excitement around their projects. From seasoned creators to high school students, the power of authentic storytelling shines through. So if you've ever doubted the effectiveness of devlogs or wondered if they're worth the effort, this episode is for you. Join us as we challenge the status quo and explore how this often-overlooked marketing tool could be the key to unlocking your game's full potential. And hey, if you're curious about our own devlogs for Samurado, check us out on Youtube!

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/aHjTSBz3jH Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sasquatchbgames In this episode of The Indie Game Development podcast, we sit down with Zak Knight, an audio expert and professional musician and we dig DEEP into the world of video game music and sound design! With a musical background spanning over 25 years, Zak's expertise isn't just about notes and chords; it's about capturing the essence of creativity and emotion in every piece of music he works on. As a professional musician, producer, and educator, Zak brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, drawing from 15 years of hands-on experience in recording studios, writing, producing, and engineering music. But what really sets Zak apart is his recent move into indie game development, spearheading his upcoming indie game project, Bird Knight. Join us as Zak shares his insights on how music can shape the very core of your game, whether you're a solo developer or part of a team. From DIY composition tips to navigating the landscape of hiring composers, Zak answers all of our game dev music questions and gives a ton of practical advice and resources to help you get started with your own indie game audio journey. Check out Zak's Website & Social: https://www.instagram.com/birdknightgame https://earthtidestudios.com.au/ https://www.youtube.com/@EarthtideStudios Zak's Resource Recommendations can be found in the description of the Youtube interview: https://youtu.be/7DcJj4f7HPo

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/aHjTSBz3jH Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sasquatchbgames Join us on The Indie Game Development Podcast as we unravel the truth behind the challenges indie developers face. Discover why expectations can lead to stress, anxiety, and even burnout, and learn practical strategies for overcoming these hurdles. From unrealistic deadlines to trying to do it all alone, we'll explore the common pitfalls and offer actionable solutions. Take back control of your gamedev journey by focusing on what you can change, embracing delegation, and welcoming feedback for growth. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Let's navigate the world of indie game development together.