Coffee with a Dev

In this episode of Coffee with a Dev, Mark Smith shares his journey from childhood game development to releasing his latest game, Pie in the Sky. He discusses the challenges of marketing indie games, the influence of classic titles, and the importance of resilience and learning from each release. Check out Monster Shop Games here: https://monstershopgames.com/Visit The Indie Brew for more Indie game content! https://theindiebrew.com.au/For business enquiries or coverage requests contact: [email protected] a Brewskie! Join our discord: https://discord.gg/7fMPsjRCujWant to support what we do? Become a Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheIndieBrewChapters00:00 Introduction and Coffee Preferences04:04 Mark's Journey into Game Development13:12 Influential Games and Inspirations19:58 Transitioning to Game Design Education27:02 Marketing Challenges and Lessons Learned29:26 The Randomness of Marketing34:01 Releasing 'Pie in the Sky'39:07 The Concept Behind 'Pie in the Sky'46:32 The Indie Developer Community49:58 Surprises in Game Development57:25 Highlights of the Development Journey01:02:23 Challenges in Game Development01:03:07 Balancing Life and Game Development01:06:40 The Challenge of Staying Focused01:09:03 Strategies for Time Management01:12:12 Exploring New Game Ideas01:17:11 The Importance of Playing Games01:25:38 Advice for Aspiring Game Developers

Can a background in commercial tech and experiential installations prepare you for the world of indie game development? For Sam of Mad Carnival Games, the shift was surprisingly natural.This week, we explore the business side of "making it" as an indie dev. Sam breaks down how managing budgets and deadlines for major clients paved the way for creating her own IP, How Was Your Day. We talk about the importance of word-of-mouth, the reality of going full-time on a passion project, and the "bittersweet" journey of seeing a protagonist grow through a self-taught writing process.Check out How Was Your Day here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3235570/How_Was_Your_Day/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sam and Mad Carnival Games03:01 The Journey into Game Development06:00 Influences from Childhood Gaming09:05 Concept and Setting of 'How Was Your Day'12:02 The Creative Process and Writing Journey14:52 Balancing Work and Passion Projects17:53 Daily Life and Inspirations21:02 Reading and Influences on Storytelling21:41 The Joy of Reading and Its Impact22:41 Transitioning to Game Development24:35 Surprises in Writing for Games25:14 Challenges of Game Writing27:43 Character Development and Emotional Arcs28:40 Personal Connection to the Game30:28 Feedback and Reader Engagement32:15 Pacing Challenges in Game Writing34:19 Integrating Mini Games for Engagement38:54 Highlights and Moments of Validation41:44 The Challenge of Authentic Voice Acting44:50 Community Engagement and Feedback46:49 Cultural Authenticity in Game Design49:46 Exploring Cultural Nuances and Reader Engagement52:49 Balancing Scope and Vision55:53 Universal Themes and Cultural ReceptionVisit The Indie Brew for more Indie game content! https://theindiebrew.com.au/For business enquiries or coverage requests contact: [email protected] a Brewskie! Join our discord: https://discord.gg/7fMPsjRCujWant to support what we do? Become a Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheIndieBrew

In this episode, Rick Salter from Hojo Studio shares his journey into game development, the influence of early indie games, and the creative process behind his unique, humorous titles like Brave Cart.Check out Hojo Studio here: https://www.hojostudio.com.au/Visit The Indie Brew for more Indie game content! https://theindiebrew.com.au/For business enquiries or coverage requests contact: [email protected] a Brewskie! Join our discord: https://discord.gg/7fMPsjRCujWant to support what we do? Become a Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheIndieBrewChapters00:00 Introduction and Coffee Preferences01:47 Rick's Journey into Game Development05:34 The Evolution of Indie Games11:09 Nostalgia and the Gaming Experience16:39 Balancing Game Development and Day Jobs20:14 The Importance of Playing Games21:52 Inspiration from Comedy and Satire23:28 Game Development Approaches: Concept vs. Mechanics25:45 Brave Cart: Inspiration and Conceptualization29:59 The Serious Thread: Corporate Waste and Empathy30:51 Surprises in Game Development36:05 Highlights of Game Development Journey38:22 Challenges in Indie Game Development43:04 Navigating Visibility and Marketing43:58 Choosing the Right Platform for Indie Games44:42 The Secrets of Indie Game PR45:49 The Mindset Shift for Effective Marketing47:34 The Reality of Game Development as a Business51:03 Unexpected Responsibilities of Game Developers55:53 Lessons from Game Events and Expos59:15 Navigating Trends in Game Development01:02:39 Advice for Aspiring Game Developers

In this episode of Coffee with the Dev we chat with Tana, the developer behind Shape Sender Deluxe. Tana shares his journey into game development, starting from his childhood experiences with modding games to his professional career at Dinosaur Polo Club. The conversation delves into the inspiration behind Shapes Sender Deluxe, the challenges of indie game development, and the importance of narrative in puzzle games. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Tana and Coffee Preferences05:07 Transitioning from Hobbyist to Professional Developer10:14 Overview of Shape Sender Deluxe14:49 Funding and Financial Decisions in Game Development19:42 The Role of Publishers in Game Development24:14 Vision for Dead Teapot: A Unique Game Studio30:03 A Day in the Life of a Studio Director35:20 Highlights and Achievements in Game Development40:18 Reaching Alpha: A Major Milestone45:03 Advice for Aspiring Game DevelopersVisit The Indie Brew for more Indie game content! https://theindiebrew.com.au/For business enquiries or coverage requests contact: [email protected] a Brewskie! Join our discord: https://discord.gg/7fMPsjRCujWant to support what we do? Become a Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheIndieBrew

In this episode of Coffee with a Dev, Kurt Tikoft shares his journey into game development, discussing his early influences, the impact of formal education, and the challenges he faces while developing his game, Your Holy and Virtuous Heretic.Check out Your Holy and Virtuous Heretic here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2621030/Your_Holy__Virtuous_Heretic/Visit The Indie Brew for more Indie game content! https://theindiebrew.com.au/For business enquiries or coverage requests contact: [email protected] a Brewskie! Join our discord: https://discord.gg/7fMPsjRCujWant to support what we do? Become a Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheIndieBrewChapters:00:00 Introduction to Coffee with the Dev01:22 Kurt's Journey into Game Development06:14 Influential Games in Kurt's Life11:08 The Evolution of Gaming and Indie Development19:08 Formal Education vs. Independent Projects26:35 The Impact of Game Jams on Development30:06 The Importance of Feedback in Game Development30:36 Balancing Game Development and Day Jobs33:27 Navigating the Risk-Averse Game Industry35:48 Time Management and Scheduling Challenges38:20 Motivation and Discipline in Game Development40:57 Introducing Your Holy Inverted Heretic42:37 The Concept and Inspirations Behind the Game46:16 Cultural Perspectives on Demons and Their Representation52:01 Humanizing Demons: A Flawed Historical Document55:38 Surprises in Game Development56:15 Creative Limitations and Artistic Exploration01:02:33 Challenges in Game Development01:11:16 Personal Growth and Development Insights01:13:29 Advice for Aspiring Game Developers

In this episode of Coffee with the Dev, we chat with Anna from Lemon Jolly Games about her journey into game development, her experiences in the industry, and her upcoming game, Apothecary of City X. Check out Apothecary of City X here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3745950/Apothecary_of_City_X/Visit The Indie Brew for more Indie game content! https://theindiebrew.com.au/For business enquiries or coverage requests contact: [email protected] a Brewskie! Join our discord: https://discord.gg/7fMPsjRCujWant to support what we do? Join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheIndieBrewChapters:00:00 Introduction to Anna and Lemon Jolly01:18 Anna's Journey into Game Development03:18 Early Gaming Experiences and Influences06:10 The Role of Literature in Game Design08:59 Formal Education in Game Design10:40 Internship Experiences and Career Growth14:28 Problem Solving in Game Design17:28 Transitioning from Indie to AAA Game Development22:35 Starting Lemon Jolly and Apothecary of City X25:20 Concept and Themes of Apothecary of City X31:20 Fantasy Influences in Game Design32:18 The Emotional Core of Game Characters33:44 Challenges of Indie Game Development34:05 Balancing Work and Life in Game Development36:57 Avoiding Burnout as a Creator37:53 Experimenting with Productivity39:35 The Power of Writing Things Down41:47 The Catharsis of Game Development44:06 The Importance of Community in Game Development49:42 What Makes Good Game Design?55:18 Reflections on Recognition in Game Development58:45 The Purpose of Creation01:03:14 Highlights and Career Milestones01:07:06 Navigating the Chaos of Game Development01:11:52 Advice for Aspiring Developers01:13:49 Empowering Women in the Industry01:21:00 The Impact of Community and Support01:25:37 The Rise of Video Essays and Shared Experiences#indiedev #gamedev #indiegames #coffeewithadev

In this episode of Coffee with the Dev, Bohdan, a game developer from Ukraine, shares his journey into game development, discussing his early inspirations, the challenges he faces, and the development of his game, ShopCrush. Check out Shop Crush here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2961120/Shop_Crush/Visit The Indie Brew for more Indie game content! https://theindiebrew.com.au/For business enquiries or coverage requests contact: [email protected] a Brewskie! Join our discord: https://discord.gg/7fMPsjRCujChapters00:00 Introduction and Coffee Talk01:43 Bohdan's Journey into Game Development05:38 Influences and Inspirations in Gaming10:03 First Steps in Game Development12:34 Balancing Passion Projects and Full-Time Work18:40 Overview of ShopCrush22:29 The Unique Blend of Genres in ShopCrush29:10 Challenges Faced in Game Development32:23 Highlights and Player Feedback39:35 Trends and Community Influence43:34 Advice for Aspiring Developers48:12 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations#coffeewithadev #indiegames #indiedev

In this episode of Coffee With a Dev, Maddy Clute shares her journey from being a ski instructor to becoming a game developer, detailing her experiences in creating 'Call of the Golden Valley'. She discusses the inspiration behind the game, the challenges of transitioning from player to creator, and the importance of funding and team dynamics in game development. Maddy emphasizes the significance of enjoying the creative process, handling feedback, and setting realistic success criteria. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring developers, highlighting the need for self-belief and the realities of the indie game industry.Check out Call of the Golden Valley here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2131660/Call_of_the_Golden_Valley/Visit The Indie Brew for more Indie game content! https://theindiebrew.com.au/For business enquiries or coverage requests contact: [email protected] a Brewskie! Join our discord: https://discord.gg/7fMPsjRCujChapters00:00 Introduction and Coffee Talk01:04 Maddy's Journey into Game Development09:55 Inspiration Behind Call of the Golden Valley14:25 The Transition from Solo to Team Development16:51 Navigating the Business Side of Game Development19:48 Life After Launch: Balancing Development and Maintenance23:57 The Surprising Realities of Game Development26:20 Applying for Screen Australia Funding31:32 The Pressure of Funding and Team Responsibility33:54 The Unglamorous Process of Shipping a Game36:02 The Impact of Lighting and Sound in Game Development37:28 Lessons Learned from Game Development40:19 The Importance of Playtesting and Feedback41:17 Showcasing the Game: Events and Festivals43:54 Navigating Player Feedback Post-Launch47:17 Defining Success Beyond Sales49:27 The Joy of Game Development Process52:27 Transitioning to Collaborative Work53:51 Future Game Ideas and Creative Process01:00:02 Advice for Aspiring Game Developers

In this episode of Coffee with the Dev, host Bec talks with Liam, a game developer behind Factory 95. They discuss Liam's journey into game development, his childhood gaming experiences, and the transition from a corporate job to pursuing game development full-time. Check out Factory 95 here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3987250/Factory_95/Visit The Indie Brew for more Indie game content! https://theindiebrew.com.au/For business enquiries or coverage requests contact: [email protected] a Brewskie! Join our discord: https://discord.gg/7fMPsjRCujChapters:00:00 Introduction to Game Development Journey02:58 Childhood Gaming Influences05:51 Transitioning to Game Development as a Career08:37 Lessons Learned in Game Development11:36 The Importance of Project Management14:40 Collaborating with Others in Game Development17:26 Daily Life of a Game Developer23:21 The Importance of Game Research25:34 Learning Through Play: Insights from Game Testing27:25 The Role of Tutorials in Game Design29:00 Understanding Game Goals and Player Engagement31:48 Navigating the Business Side of Game Development33:38 Lessons from Cardinal Descent: A Cautionary Tale37:01 Valuable Lessons from Game Development Experience39:03 The Value of Small Projects in Game Development42:52 Introducing Factory 95: The Concept Behind the Game43:27 Game Jams and Creative Iteration46:14 Positive Feedback and Market Research49:57 Balancing Passion and Business01:00:49 Highlights of Game Development01:04:14 Marketing Strategies and Media Outreach01:06:10 Impact of Marketing on Game Launches01:07:59 Lessons Learned in Game Marketing01:10:26 The Importance of Game Identity01:11:28 Effective Marketing Strategies for Indie Games01:14:47 Social Media vs. Traditional Marketing01:16:35 Evaluating Game Quality for Showcases01:19:27 Future Plans for Factory 9501:23:20 Advice for Aspiring Game Developers