IndieGameBusiness

You’re pushing for terms that protect your work, but then you hear those dreaded words: "It’s industry standard". It’s a common tactic used to shut down negotiations, but here’s the truth: there is no such thing as an "industry standard". 📺 Watch the full video www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqhU...

Is a 100% recoup rate a red flag? While it depends on the advance size, it can be a warning sign. High recoup rates stop developers from reinvesting initial sales into post-launch updates that players expect. 🔗 Watch the full video on Indie Legal Basics here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqhU...

Breaking down gaming industry terms. 🎮 First Party: Owns the game & console (Nintendo). 🎮 Second Party: Works directly for a console owner (Insomniac). 🎮 Third Party: Independent (Ubisoft). Don't assume everyone knows the lingo! 🔗 Watch the Art of Pitching: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXvf...

Nathaly Kalantar warns against cultural appropriation in games. To portray cultures respectfully, she advises developers to do their research and talk directly with people from those cultures. A better way to pitch cultural games: www.youtube.com/live/SlLgf7Z...

📢 Join IndieGameBusiness® Deep Dive on May 27, 2026! 👨‍🏫 Learn how to find the right publisher, build transparent relationships, negotiate fair terms, avoid pitfalls, and strengthen collaborations. 📅 9am–5pm ET on YouTube, Twitch, and LinkedIn 🔗 tinyurl.com/maydeepdive2... #IndieGameDev

Pitching is a journey, not just a document. Mwaaba Mugala suggests using a gamified progression system: Tutorial/Mission/Loot = Economic value Roadmap = Timeline Win State = The Ask The reader is the hero! 🔗 Watch the full video here: www.youtube.com/live/ruMKXG9...

Travis Gibson says: skip the jargon in your pitch! Over-complicating things alienates people rather than connecting them. Even in the games industry, explain features like they’re 5 years old to build true trust. 🔗 Check out more on the Art of Pitching: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXvf...

📢 Join IndieGameBusiness® Deep Dive on May 27, 2026! 👨‍🏫 Learn how to find the right publisher, build transparent relationships, negotiate fair terms, avoid pitfalls, and strengthen collaborations. 📅 9am–5pm ET on YouTube, Twitch, and LinkedIn 🔗 tinyurl.com/maydeepdive2... #IndieGameDev

Nathaly Kalantar shares a vital lesson on cultural representation in games. She compares culture to a clock: representation is the outer design, but "cultural structure" is the inner engine of social dynamics. Watch the full video here: www.youtube.com/live/SlLgf7Z...

Hugo Duarte explains that a Unique Selling Proposition isn't just a list of features. To stand out, you must offer something truly new. Find what players haven't seen before! 🔗 Watch the full video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOx2... #IndieGameDev #IndieGames

📢 Join IndieGameBusiness® Deep Dive on May 27, 2026! 👨‍🏫 Learn how to find the right publisher, build transparent relationships, negotiate fair terms, avoid pitfalls, and strengthen collaborations. 📅 9am–5pm ET on YouTube, Twitch, and LinkedIn 🔗https://tinyurl.com/maydeepdive2026 #IndieGameDev

Why should someone invest in you? You must know the value you bring before asking for someone's time or money. But don't forget to ask why YOU should invest in THEM. Is it just about the money, or is it a real fit? 🔗 Check out more on the Art of Pitching: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXvf...

An exclusive license means ONLY the publisher can use the granted rights. Even if you own the IP, you can't exercise those rights yourself without breaching the contract! It's common, but vital to understand. 🔗 Full video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqhU... #IndieGameDev #GameDev

Turning a game into a successful business is a challenge. The Powell Group helps developers, publishers, and investors navigate the industry through viability assessments, refined pitch decks, and accessibility audits. Build a better game business at the link below. 🔗 powellgroupconsulting.com

📢 Join IndieGameBusiness® Deep Dive on May 27, 2026! 👨‍🏫 Learn how to find the right publisher, build transparent relationships, negotiate fair terms, avoid pitfalls, and strengthen collaborations. 📅 9am–5pm ET on YouTube, Twitch, and LinkedIn 🔗https://tinyurl.com/maydeepdive2026 #IndieGameDev

Mwaaba Mugala warns that a rushed pitch can be easily spotted. To get funded, you must differentiate your approach from the countless other projects investors see. Stop overlooking the pitch! 🔗 Learn more: www.youtube.com/live/ruMKXG9... #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GameDevTips #Publishing

Travis Gibson warns that making a good game isn't enough for success. Many great games fail commercially, so you must be ready to pitch at a moment's notice. Don't miss your one shot! 🔗 Check out more on the Art of Pitching: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXvf... #IndieGameDev #IndieGames

Don’t turn culture into a "skin" for your game. Nathaly Kalantar warns against applying superficial elements to existing formulas. For true depth, culture must be in the mechanics and design from day one. 🔗 Watch the full talk here: www.youtube.com/live/SlLgf7Z... #GameDev #IndieGameDev

Andrew Thomas discusses license terms in contracts. While you can set specific durations, a "perpetual" license lasts forever. It's not always a red flag, but it must make sense for your context, like permanent YouTube content. 🔗 Full video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqhU... #IndieGameDev

Networking tip from Hugo Abel Castro Duarte: Don't ask for help, offer it. Break down walls by asking "How can I help you?" instead of making people feel you just want their money. Shift the focus to collaboration. 🔗 Learn more here: www.youtube.com/live/FOx2HNJ... #IndieGameDev #IndieGames

Stop pitching to solve your own problems. You are there to fix the publisher's problems, like filling a release gap or entering a new market. 🔗 Check out more on the Art of Pitching: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXvf... #IndieGameDev #IndieDev #GameDevTips

Can video games teach us about culture? Nathaly Kalantar explores the delicate balance of educating audiences while respectfully showcasing new cultures. 🔗 Watch here: www.youtube.com/live/SlLgf7Z... 🔗 Check out there Venba GDC talk here: youtu.be/2RPdqg5fiz8?...

Are your game pitches falling flat? Travis Gibson says to ditch rigid formulas. Focus on the emotion and player experience instead. Present a short vision that solves a real problem for your audience to capture the right attention. Learn more: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXvf... #IndieGameDev

Mwaaba Mugala explains that for indie game devs, limited resources aren't the only hurdle: fierce competition is. Winning a pitch isn't about having the most groundbreaking game; it’s about how you present it to make judges believe in your vision. 🔗 Learn more here: www.youtube.com/live/ruMKXG9...

📢 Join IndieGameBusiness® Deep Dive on May 27, 2026! 👨‍🏫 Learn how to find the right publisher, build transparent relationships, negotiate fair terms, avoid pitfalls, and strengthen collaborations. 📅 9am–5pm ET on YouTube, Twitch, and LinkedIn 🔗https://tinyurl.com/IGBSessions #IndieGameDev

Hugo Duarte warns against overusing technical jargon when pitching. Investors and governments prefer common language they understand. Swap "vertical slice" for "demo" or "prototype" to keep your message clear.543 🔗 Watch the full video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOx2... #IndieGameDev

📢 Join IndieGameBusiness® Deep Dive on May 27, 2026! 👨‍🏫 Learn how to find the right publisher, build transparent relationships, negotiate fair terms, avoid pitfalls, and strengthen collaborations. 📅 9am–5pm ET on YouTube, Twitch, and LinkedIn 🔗https://tinyurl.com/IGBSessions #IndieGameDev

Courts often interpret a license "to use" as a grant of all rights (copying, distributing, etc.) without restriction. Watch your language in contracts! 🔗 See the full session on IP here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqhU... #GameDev #IndieGameDev #GameBusiness #IP

Explore cultural representation in gaming with Nathaly Kalantar Cuellar. See how games like Mulaka use real-life values from the Tarahumara culture to create empathetic experiences for all. 🔗 Watch the full video here: www.youtube.com/live/SlLgf7Z... #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GameDevTips

Hugo Duarte explains how developers can find public funding via industry directories and chambers of commerce. He highlights examples like FIDEM in Baja California, which offers non-recoupable grants to build economic ecosystems. 🔗 Learn more here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOx2...

How do you stand out among 50 game pitches? Mwaaba Mugala says the secret is a "game-like" approach. By making your pitch interactive and story-driven, you create an experience that sticks in a judge's mind long after they’ve read it. 🔗 Watch the full video here: www.youtube.com/live/ruMKXG9...

Culture in games is more than just folklore. It’s the DNA of a world: how people move, what they value, and their daily interactions. 🔗 Listen to Nathaly Kalantar Cuellar discuss this and more about designing culture in video games here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlLg...

Hugo Duarte explains how tax incentives are changing the game for global developers. From the UK to the US, these credits allow studios to reinvest in their vision, boost profits, and stay competitive. It's about more than just savings; it's about growth. 🔗 www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOx2...

📢 Join IndieGameBusiness® Deep Dive on May 27, 2026! 👨‍🏫 Learn how to find the right publisher, build transparent relationships, negotiate fair terms, avoid pitfalls, and strengthen collaborations. 📅 9am–5pm ET on YouTube, Twitch, and LinkedIn 🔗https://tinyurl.com/IGBSessions #IndieGameDev

How do you stand out among 50 game pitches? Mwaaba Mugala says the secret is a "game-like" approach. By making your pitch interactive and story-driven, you create an experience that sticks in a judge's mind long after they’ve read it. 🔗 Watch the full video here: www.youtube.com/live/ruMKXG9...

A successful pitch deck needs clear game elements, starting with a defined GOAL. You need to know exactly what you want from your audience and what specific "obstacles" you are trying to overcome. When your goals are clear, your message is sharp. 🔗 Learn more here: www.youtube.com/live/ruMKXG9...

Publishers need sublicensing rights to: • Get your game on platforms like Steam • Run ads on social media or TV • Work with physical manufacturers567 The key is limiting the scope so they can’t grant rights they don't have. 🔗 Learn more here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqhU... #IndieGameDev

In this clip, Hugo Abel Castro Duarte provides insights into pitching your financial projections to goverments or private investors, and how this differs from pitching to publishers. 🔗 Watch the full talk via the link below: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOx2... #GameDev #IndieGameDev #GameBusiness

Not all publisher problems start after launch. Some show up before you sign. 📝 Eline Muijres talks about publisher red flags — like no real vetting, slow or inconsistent communication, and why teams should take signals seriously. Watch the full presentation here 👇 www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDWs...

No blueprints, no documentation = no clear direction. Kevin Asla explains why documentation matters and the problems teams face when they try to build games without it. 👉 Full talk available at the link below. www.youtube.com/watch?v=W54f... #GameDev #GameProduction #Documentation

How players feel, think, and act shapes the entire game experience. In this short clip, Veronica Zammitto talks about player cognition and why autonomy and meaningful choice are so important in design. 👉 Full talk in the link below. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpLd... #GameDev #GameDesign #GameUX

An idea in your head is only the start. An idea that’s been tested is where real development begins. In this short clip, Brian Cronin shares why validation and playtesting are essential. 👉 Watch the full talk via the link below. www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5No... #GameDev #Playtesting #GameDesign

Press and influencers can give your game real lift 🚠- get it in the right hands and watch it travel Watch the clip to learn more!! #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GameDevTips #FYP

Developers can struggle to tell if their game is fun or clear to players. That’s why extensive playtesting matters - it leads to better, more understandable games. #IndieGameDev

While your crowdfunding campaign is live, keep the community in the loop➰ - regular updates build trust and momentum Watch the clip to learn more!! #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GameDevTips #crowfund

Cognition-type user experience data focuses on things like usability, interfaces, and how easily players understand and interact with your game. #IndieGameDev

Game development without design documents is chaos - clear docs keep teams aligned and ideas from spinning out of control. #IndieGameDev

Roadmaps and milestones are essential for keeping your project on track and everyone aligned from start to finish. #IndieGameDev

When execs and creatives aren’t aligned, dev time stretches - and costs climb right along with it📈 Watch the clip to learn more!! #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GameDevTips #GameProduction

Clear communication between publishers and developers is vital - alignment, transparency, and trust make partnerships work. #IndieGameDev

User Experience Research - what exactly is it? 🤔 Watch the clip to learn more!! #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GameDevTips #UX

Pejman breaks down a competitive analysis of how games with the “Survival” tag are performing, giving devs a clearer view of trends and expectations in the genre. #IndieGameDev

Roles can be broad with less visible impact, or they can be highly specialized depending on what your team needs. #IndieGameDev

There are plenty of ways to build your crowdfunding community - from in-person events to online showcases that highlight your game. #IndieGameDev

Ever dropped a meme into your game? Be careful - many come with trademarks or copyright attached. Better to stay safe and create your own twist instead. #IndieGameDev