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! In this episode of the Indie Game Development Podcast, I sat down with BenBonk to chat about making Slimekeep, his five-year journey, and what it’s like developing a game from high school to Steam. He shares about wishlists, hard work, and growing as a solo indie dev. BenBonk started Slimekeep in grade 9. Five years later, it became one of the most wishlisted indie games on Steam. This is his story about how Slimekeep came to life, from a game jam game to a hit indie title. No hype—just a real talk with BenBonk about making a game he believed in.

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!

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!

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! Check us out on Youtube! In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we provide a complete roadmap to help you get started with indie game development in 2025. From choosing the right game engine to the fastest ways to develop your skills, we cover essential tools, resources, and strategies to kickstart your game development journey. Links for sound/art/software/learning programming: https://opengameart.org/ - free and commercially available art https://www.audacityteam.org/ - Audacity - a free audio editor. Most youtubers, podcasters, and game developers i know use this software. It's awesome. https://freesound.org - a HUGE collection of free sound effects https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ - another HUGE collection of sound effects. https://links.zerotomastery.io/sasquatchstudios-gamedev - Zero To Mastery courses: Game Development Career Path (don't forget to use the coupon code 'FRIENDS10' for an additional 10% off) 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 In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, I get real about something that’s been on my mind as a game developer: I suck at art. Like, really suck. The point of this episode is to talk about making games when you’re not great at art right NOW without spending years learning and honing your art skills. The big takeaway? You don’t need to be an art expert to make a great game!

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, I dive into one of the toughest questions in game development: "Why should players care about your game?" With so many games flooding the market, it’s crucial to make yours stand out, and figuring out why players should invest their time and money is the key. As developers, we often get lost in what we think is cool, instead of focusing on what will resonate with players. I also introduce a tool called the Customer Value Proposition (CVP) to help you break down your game's unique appeal and market it effectively. Marketing isn't something to dread—it's about communicating why your game deserves attention.

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 In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we'll explore the crucial task of ensuring your game is fun, despite the challenges of subjectivity and diminishing excitement over time. We'll tackle the question of how to design a fun game by delving into the concept of 'wish fulfillment' and examining the MDA framework, which breaks down fun into eight categories. Check out this episode for insights into designing a game that's engaging and enjoyable for players.

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, I share my journey of transitioning from a traditional 9-5 job to running an indie game studio full-time with my wife. We'll discuss the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship, highlighting the financial instability and time management struggles that come with it. I share the reality of working on our game, "Samurado," amidst other responsibilities, and offer advice for aspiring indie developers on navigating the complexities of running a studio. Despite the hardships, my passion for the work and the satisfaction it brings continues to renew my commitment to this dream.

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 In this episode of The Indie Game Development Podcast, we'll delve into the lessons I've learned and the insights I've gained from my journey in game development. Reflecting on my experiences, I share practical advice on what I would do differently if I had to start all over again. With an emphasis on the importance of focusing on game design over perfect code, making time for experimentation, and utilizing existing assets. We'll also discuss the significance of celebrating small victories, avoiding premature release dates, building a strong brand, and continuously playing games to stay inspired and critically engaged. Check out this episode for a candid and informative discussion aimed at helping new game developers navigate their creative path with confidence and wisdom.

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, we dive deep into the behind-the-scenes world of creating Samaurado as an indie game developer. We discuss the software used for game development, including game engines and programming tools, as well as the art and sound creation software vital for crafting the game's atmosphere and aesthetic. Additionally, we explore the hardware setup necessary for our indie game development, shedding light on the equipment and technology that powers the creative process. Join us for an insightful discussion on the tools of the trade in indie game development. Try Codecks & get 30% off their pro plan for the 1st 3 months here: https://www.codecks.io/sasquatch

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 eye-opening episode of The Indie Game Development podcast, we take a hard look at the current state of the video game industry. It's no secret that free-to-play games have been utilizing manipulation and behavioral psychology to encourage players to spend money, but what's alarming is how these tactics are seeping into AAA titles. We delve into the mechanics behind free-to-play games and how they target different player personas to maximize profits. From achievers seeking faster progression to socializers interested in cosmetics, game designers have honed their strategies to exploit psychological triggers and turn games into addictive hobbies. But how exactly do they accomplish this? We uncover the intricate tactics employed, from anchoring pricing to scarcity and loss aversion, all designed to break down players' defenses and encourage spending. The shift towards free-to-play models in AAA games raises questions about the future of the industry. Can companies balance profitability with ethical game design? The gaming industry is at a crossroads, and it will take innovative ideas and collaborative efforts to ensure a future where games are enjoyed for their creativity and entertainment value, not just their profit potential.