PODCAST · leisure
The Side Quest
by Nick Lehner
Join me on my quest as I sit down with a variety of amazing indie and veteran developers to have in depth gaming conversations about their titles! Or tune in for a solo look at what's going on in the gaming world! Get comfy everybody because The Side Quest has begun!
Episodes
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Maximizing Game Potential, Advice for Devs Starting Out, and Hardcore Survival Game Road to Vostok
Join me as I sit down with the developer behind the upcoming hardcore single-player survival game, Road to Vostok. We take a closer look at how new developers can approach getting a job in the industry, maximizing your games potential, AI tools in gaming, the industry as a whole and of course his...
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AI's Impact on Steam, Playtesting, & Hand-Drawn Metroidvania Super Roboy
I’m joined by game developer and tattoo artist Vince to talk about how the industry is evolving in 2024, how he approaches playtesting with his title, and everything you need to know about upcoming hand-drawing metroidvania, Super Roboy. Check out the game on Steam Super Roboy is a unique...
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Multiplayer Replication, AI in Game Development, and upcoming indie game GlitchStorm
Today I'm joined by Michael, the developer of upcoming story driven arena shooter, GlitchStorm and Celina who handles the games sound design, voice over, and music Now Michael has been in the industry for about 15 years working at both Techland as a level and senior lighting artist and Lucid…
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AI Games on Steam, Publishers in 2024, and high-speed hoverboarding adventure OVERRIDER
I sit down with Mitko from team Dreamteck to get his take on the state of indie and AAA titles, how Steams new policy to allow AI created games will impact indie game developers, whether or not you NEED a publisher in 2024, and his teams upcoming high speed adventure, OVERRIDER! Check out the…
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The Shift in AAA and Indie Gaming, and Developing Roguelite game Veil of Shadows
I’m joined by indie game developer Felipe to talk whether games have gotten to large, whether or not the roles have shifted between Indie and AAA games in 2024, how his team is approaching their first dev cycle and launch, and of course, his upcoming action-adventure roguelite, Veil of Shadows....
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Approaching Work as a Freelance Artist, Leveraging NextFest, and indie title WitchHand!
I sit down with artist, cartoonist, and indie developer Jon Nielsen to get his perspective on approaching the industry as a freelancer, the importance of NextFest when marketing your game, and his newly released title, WitchHand. Check out the game on Steam WitchHand is a strategy game where...
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The Standard for Puzzle Games, Making Multiple Titles, and indie game Dream of the Star Haven
What exactly is the standard for games with puzzle driven elements in them in 2024? Join game developer Al and I as we take a closer look at the the standard for puzzle driven games, making multiple titles at the same time, how to approach marketing as an indie game dev, and what you can expect...
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The State of AAA in 2024, Indie Devs in the US, and Upcoming Story Driven Indie Game Dewborne Dawn
I sit down with indie game developer Kurtis to talk about the state of AAA in 2024 and how Covid may have a part to play in that, the support that Indie game developers do (or don’t get) compared to the rest of the world, and his teams’ upcoming story driven metroidvania, Dewborne Dawn! Wishlist...
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Comparing Game Engines in 2024 and Looking at Upcoming GameCube inspired title Seed of Life
Indie game developer Julien and I take a closer look at the main three game engines: Unity, Godot, and Unreal. We explore the trends that are predicted to be on the rise in 2024, and take a closer look at his upcoming GameCube inspired title, Seed of Life. Check out the Game on Steam Seed of Life...
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Defining Success as an Indie Game Developer and what to expect from The Unknown
Doug from Triple Tap Games and I take a look at what defines success for an indie game developer in today's competitive market, the state of AAA games in 2024, and what players can expect from upcoming psychological horror, first-person platformer, The Unknown. Wishlist The Unknown on Steam The...
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How Will Artificial Intelligence Impact Game Development in 2024 and Beyond?
Weston from Starsoft Entertainment and I discuss how AI will impact freelance artists and the game development industry moving forward, as well as what goes into creating their upcoming game Savior, and what the game will offer players when it releases! Wishlist Savior on Steam Check out Savior’s...
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Rethinking Publishers, Making a Career out of Game Dev, and More! | Developing Sky Oceans
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire is a JRPG that takes to the skies with turn-based dogfights. Recruit a crew of Sky Pirates to join your cause, fight against The Alliance, and make friends along the way with Ghibli-inspired visuals, diverse environments, and memorable character designs! Check out the...
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Game Engines, Localization, & Mental Health | Developing The Murder Hotel
#gamedevelopment #gaming #videogames #gamingvideos The Murder Hotel is an interactive murder mystery adventure game with a twist to it being developed by German based solo developer Wegenbartho Games! It features a colorful cast of characters, along with unique gameplay mechanics to solve crimes!...
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Creating Large-Scale Worlds With Unreal & Blender | Developing AI-KODE
AI-KODE is an immersive action RPG being developed by ACE. It focuses on player freedom housed inside of a rich story where players can explore a vast world with high levels of verticality, ride animals and motorcycles, and fight enemies with hack and slash style combat. Check out the game on…
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Blending Celtic Folklore and JRPG Gameplay | Developing Forge of the Fae
Forge of the Fae is a pixelated story-rich JRPG being created by Datadyne LLC and inspired by Celtic folklore. It delivers retro charm alongside modern gameplay mechanics, and showcases a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique playstyles. Check out the game on Steam Join David…
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Cloud gaming, Freemium Mobile Titles, and More! | Hardcore Droid & iOS
Hardcore Droid and Hardcore iOS are mobile gaming websites created by Al Jackson to give players a better perspective on what’s worth your time and what’s not as so many games head to Playstore every day. Check out Hardcore Droid Check out Hardcore iOS Join me as I sit down with website creator…
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The Steam Algorithm, AA Development & More! | Developing Criminals Within
Criminals Within is an exciting asymmetric co-op multiplayer action-adventure game set in a medieval fantasy land where players will encounter devolved dragons, and unravel the mysteries that threaten the realm's existence. Check out the game on Steam Join Zsombi from team Space Rock Games and I…
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World Building, Unreal Engine 5, and More! | Developing SameShadow
SameShadow is an upcoming third-person action role-playing game that sends players through a blend of Spanish cities and culture while offering a variety of fast paced shooter and melee combat abilities. Check out the game on Steam! Join me and the solo developer behind the game as we discuss...
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Developing Atlas Fallen, Game Reviews, Marketing and More! | Game Dev Interview
Atlas Fallen is an action-adventure game set in a timeless land, where players must navigate through ancient dangers and unravel mysteries of the past. With powerful sand-infused weapons and abilities, they can engage in epic battles against legendary monsters in thrilling and visually stunning...
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Talking Game Development: Co-Op Horror Inspired By H.P. Lovecraft
Check out Eresys On Steam! Eresys is a spine-chilling co-op horror game inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft that features dynamic AI mechanics alongside unique enemies. In today’s interview I sit down with Aris, one half of the team behind Eresys to discuss their previous projects, the...
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Talking Game Development: Physics Based Gameplay in a Biomechanical World!
Check out the game and play the demo! Bionic Bay is an innovative 2D platformer set in a decaying biomechanical world where players interact with their environment using a unique swap mechanism. In today’s interview I sit down with Juhana, one half of Bionic Bay’s two team squad to discuss the...
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Talking Game Development: Explore a HUGE 2D Metroidvania Platformer!
Check out the game on SteamOirbo is an action 2D Metroidvania Platformer with an emphasis on exploring a giant spacecraft in search of answers! I sit down with Diogo to talk about the game development cycle, the "golden path" in level design, what makes a metroidvania a metroidvania, AI, and the...
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Talking Game Development: An Open World Co-Op RPG Inspired by Zelda Breath of the Wild!
Check out the game on Steam Elements is an open world, Co-op, 3rd-person, RPG. If you combined Zelda Breath of the Wild, Witcher 3, Pokémon, and a little Minecraft, you'd have Elements! Join me as I sit down with Devon, the lead developer behind the game this week to talk his game, building an…
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Game Dev Talk: Creating Life With Procedural Generation in Wildmender
Wildmender is an adventure strategy game where players can farm, explore, and create life all in a vast desert world. Developed by a team of talented developers with multiple titles under their belt, I sat down with Muse Games’ Howard to dive into procedural generation, the world gaming market,...
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Listen to the Game Developer: From Modding to Making a Roguelike Game!
Cursed Crew is a captivating roguelike crew management game being created by a group of three talented indie developers with a background in Modding. Cursed Crew challenges players to navigate through hazardous environments, battle pirates and sea monsters, and overcome the curse that plagues…
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Listen to the Dev: Epic Dungeon-Crawling Adventure Death Must Die!
Developed by a small team of three very talented developers, Death Must Die offers players an action hack and slash roguelite survivors game featuring thousands of minions of Death to defeat along the way! In today’s debut episode I sit down with Angel, one of the talented members of Realm…
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A wandering outlaw in the Underwest | Rose and Locket | Whistling Wizard
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview from The Side Quest! Today I sit down with Roger, one part of the two man development team behind the upcoming lightning fast run-and-gun platformer, Rose and Locket! We get into the games immersive story, the challenge in creating the...
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A Magic Driven Deck Builder | Dungeon Drafters | Manalith Studios
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview from The Side Quest! I sit down with Fressato to talk his teams upcoming magic driven deck builder, Dungeon Drafters! a game where players can explore ancient ruins, loot rare cards and employ clever combos to defeat their foes and build…
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A Metroidvania about Dragons and Cake | Gedda Cake | Flannel Bear Games
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview from The Side Quest! Gedda Cake is an upcoming metroidvania about dragons and cake where players are dropped into a sugary world with 6 different playable dragons and a whole lot of exploring to get done! Join me this week as I sit down…
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Genfanad | Indie Gaming Interview | A nostalgic MMORPG all about you!
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview from The Side Quest! Genfanad is a retro inspired MMORPG that started out as a passion project by Heleor, a Seattle-based developer, back in 2019. Today we dive into how the game has evolved, the current state of MMO's, Genfanad's overall...
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Kitsune Battlemage | Indie Gaming Interview | PvP Arena Combat meets Elemental Mayhem!
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview from The Side Quest! Time to take a closer look at Kitsune Battlemage, an upcoming action-packed elemental magic combat game where you will face off against your opponents in competitive PvP arena combat! Brian and I get into the games...
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Through the Nightmares | Indie Gaming Interview | The King of Dreams & Nightmares Awaits
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview from The Side Quest! Today I'm joined by Albert, the lead developer behind a small team based out of Ukraine currently working on the atmospheric hardcore platformer, Through the Nightmares! We discuss the impact of the Russian invasion…
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Manafinder | Indie Gaming Interview | Explore a Beautiful but Unforgiving World!
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview from The Side Quest! Today I sit down with the one man videogame making machine behind Wolfsden LLC as we dive into his upcoming debut title Manafinder. A japenese styled RPG with turn based combat that explores a beautiful but unforgiving...
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Forever Skies | Indie Gaming Interview | Return to Earth if you Dare!
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview from The Side Quest! In this science-driven survival, game players take on the role of a scientist who has returned to earth on a mission. You will brave the elements both above and below the toxin-riddled clouds, scavenge the ruins, and...
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Killer in the Cabin | Indie Gaming Interview | Can You Survive to the End?
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview from The Side Quest! In Today's interview I sit down with the father son development duo behind Games People Play to get into their brand new social deduction title, Killer in the Cabin! We dive into the game mechanics, the process behind...
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Sol Diver | Indie Gaming Interview | An Androids Journey towards self Discovery
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview from The Side Quest! In todays interview I sit down with indie dev Aaron to get a closer look at his upcoming anime and D&D inspired sci-fi RPG, Sol Diver! We discuss the origins of the games main character, the world players will explore,...
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The Girl from Arkanya | Indie Gaming Interview | A young treasure hunter and her capybara
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview from The Side Quest! In today's interview I sit down with Harrison and Rob, the developers behind The Girl from Arkanya, an upcoming top-down, 2D action RPG following the journey of an ambitious young treasure hunter and her capybara...
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Sucker For Love: First Date | Indie Gaming Interview | How Far will you go for a Smooch?
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview from The Side Quest! In Today's indie game dev interview I sit down with Sucker for Love: First Date developer Akabaka to get the details on his extremely successful game! We take a closer look at what goes into a game jam, discuss the…
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Gori Cuddly Carnage | Indie Gaming Interview | Prepare for Murder-Kitty Mayhem!
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview from The Side Quest! Today I sit down with Swedish game developer Angry Demon Studio to talk about their colorful chaos filled hack and slasher, Gori: Cuddly Carnage! We take a closer look at the games murder kitty main character and his…
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Turbo Sliders Unlimited | Indie Gaming Interview | Racing with so much more to Offer!
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview! Turbo Sliders is a racing game with a major emphasis on creative vision behind its community. In todays interview I sit down with the games developer Antti Mannisto's to talk the games details, Esports, AAA versus indie development, and...
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The Machines Arena | Indie Gaming Interview | An adrenaline-filled PvP
Another week delivers a brand new Indie Gaming Interview! In today's interview I sit down with Directive Games Limited to discuss their top down shooter, The Machines Arena! From the different heroes and game modes, to the road map moving into 2022 we break down everything you need to know in...
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Rot In a Porcelain Dream | Indie Gaming Interview | A Dark Fantasy Awaits!
This week I sit down with indie developer Yamo Studios, to discuss their upcoming 2.5D tag-team action adventure title, Rot In a Porcelain Dream! In today's indie gaming interview we explore the games dark fantasy setting, and tag/assist style combat system. Take a closer look at the characters…
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Lawmage Academy | Indie Gaming Interview | Verinius
Lawmage Academy is a story driven indie JRPG where players can craft potions, learn spells, and make new friends, as they explore a mysterious academy! Join one of four houses, take on enemies in strategic turn based combat, and explore breathtaking locations in Lawmage Academy! In todays indie...
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RIPOUT | Indie Gaming Interview | Pet Project Games
The Side Quest strikes again with a brand new Indie Gaming Interview! Today's indie gaming interview takes a look at upcoming Co-op FPS horror title, RIPOUT. Taking on mutant aliens with your pet gun companion, or team up as you explore procedurally generated derelict ships! RIPOUT's retro vibe…
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Void Eclipse | Indie Gaming Interview | Tau Ceti Studios
Today's indie gaming interview takes a look at Tau Ceti Studios debut title, Void Eclipse. A turn-based strategy game set in an immersive sci-fi world that blends card battle tactics with 4X grand strategy! Today's indie gaming escapades take a closer look at the campaign, the combat system, and...
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The Companion to A Forever Solitude | Indie Gaming Interview | Studio 46
Today I sit down with Indie Dev David to break down the release of his first title while looking ahead at a brand new game in the works! From his takeaways surrounding The Companion, to his plans looking forward to A Forever Solitude we dive into it all! _____________________________ A Forever...
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AKA | Indie Gaming Interview | Namra Games
Today's indie gaming interview takes a look at solo developer Namra Games' upcoming title, Aka! Quest for inner peace in a beautifully crafted open world, farm and craft in an environment inspired by permaculture, or just unwind by taking a nap on a giant capybara, the choice is all yours!...
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Bō | Indie Gaming Interview | Squid Shock Studios
Today's Interview takes a look at Bō, an upcoming 2D Metroidvania based platformer that focuses on Japanese folklore! Play as a tiny fox spirit grown from lotus blossoms, and wield a mighty Bō staff along your journey, but what do else do we know about the upcoming title? In today's interview…
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Sands of Aura | Indie Gaming Interview | Chashu Entertainment
This week I sit down with Eric, the lead developer behind indie Game Studio Chashu Entertainment as we dive into their upcoming title, Sands of Aura! A top down, souls-like RPG set in the twilight of a dying world! From the gameplay and the story, to the development road map moving into 2022 we...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join me on my quest as I sit down with a variety of amazing indie and veteran developers to have in depth gaming conversations about their titles! Or tune in for a solo look at what's going on in the gaming world! Get comfy everybody because The Side Quest has begun!
HOSTED BY
Nick Lehner
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Side Quest have?
The Side Quest currently has 49 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Side Quest about?
Join me on my quest as I sit down with a variety of amazing indie and veteran developers to have in depth gaming conversations about their titles! Or tune in for a solo look at what's going on in the gaming world! Get comfy everybody because The Side Quest has begun!
How often does The Side Quest release new episodes?
The Side Quest has 49 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Side Quest?
You can listen to The Side Quest on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Side Quest?
The Side Quest is created and hosted by Nick Lehner.
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