In this episode, we’re joined by Fieldman Robinson, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner at Vertical Voyage, to explore the intersection of games and transmedia storytelling. We break down what transmedia really is, why games are uniquely positioned to lead these experiences, and the common challenges studios face when expanding their IP across formats.Fieldman also shares practical strategies for adapting games into other media and vice versa, tips for navigating rights and licensing, and how to unlock long-term monetization across platforms. Whether you're a developer, producer, or IP owner, this conversation offers a wealth of insight into building and sustaining transmedia franchises.https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldmanr/#Transmedia #GameDev #Licensing #IPDevelopment #Storytelling #IndieGameBusiness #VerticalVoyage #GameIndustry #CreativeStrategy #CrossMedia
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59:51
Surviving the Games Industry: Building Your Brand | Larry Kuperman
In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Larry Kuperman, VP of Business Development at Nightdive Studios, to explore what it takes to survive and thrive in the ever-changing games industry. Larry shares his insight on developing your personal brand, how it can complement your studio’s identity, and why visibility and authenticity matter more than ever.We’ll also discuss the role of reputation in business development, how to position yourself as a trusted industry voice, and what lessons Larry has learned from his years working with classic IPs at Nightdive. If you’re a developer, marketer, or business lead looking to strengthen your presence in the space, this conversation is packed with practical advice.https://x.com/LarryNightDivehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/larrykuperman/https://bsky.app/profile/larrynightdive.bsky.social
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1:01:48
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1:01:48
Immersive Worlds and Indie Soundscapes | Sam Striker
In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Sam Striker, Co-Founder and CEO of Native Darkness, to unpack the journey of building immersive audio-first games and what makes sound such a powerful force in storytelling.Sam walks us through the origin story of Native Darkness and their partnership with Ovani Sound. We explore the value of interactive audio, the differences between working with a dedicated audio studio versus an in-house team, and why custom sound design can make or break a game experience.We also dive into broader trends in game audio, the role of royalty-free vs. bespoke audio, and the importance of networking in the indie dev space. Whether you're a solo developer or a growing team, Sam’s insights into building relationships, creating immersive worlds, and staying ahead in audio innovation will leave you inspired.#IndieGameBusiness #GameAudio #InteractiveSound #GameDev #NetworkingForDevshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/samstriker/https://www.instagram.com/samstrikerdotcom
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59:25
State of Pitching in 2025 | Yves Le Yaouanq
In this episode we’re joined by Yves Le Yaouanq, Chief Content Officer at Focus Entertainment, for a deep dive into the current state of pitching, publishing, and investment in the games industry. Yves shares his perspective on how the landscape has evolved in 2025, what publishers are really looking for, and how developers can set themselves apart.We explore the art and science of pitching in today’s market—what works, what doesn’t, and how developers can improve their odds of success. Whether you're new to pitching or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers an inside look into how major publishers think and operate in a rapidly changing environment.#IndieGameBusiness #GamePublishing #GamePitching #GameDevAdvice #FocusEntertainmenthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/yves-le-yaouanq-b6539420https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:f5kqvujnbmuyzvjxx7f5x54b
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1:03:44
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1:03:44
Doing More with Less: Sustainable Indie Marketing Strategies | Mike Gallagher
In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Mike Gallagher, Founder of Untitled Advertising Lab, to talk about the evolving marketing landscape for indie studios. Mike shares how his team helps game developers unlock incremental revenue from older titles and support self-publishing efforts when traditional publishing and VC routes fall short.We dive into what “doing more with less” really means in the current market, why marketing paralysis is so common, and how studios can overcome it without a massive budget. Mike also explains why chasing virality can backfire, and why marginal gains and meaningful engagement drive long-term success.We also explore key metrics that matter when playing the long game, the broken parts of the launch model, and what he’s learned from working with titles like Slugterra, AdCom, and Bulletstorm. This is a must-listen for studios looking to build sustainable momentum in today’s crowded industry.https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbriangallagher/#GameMarketing #IndieGameBusiness #SelfPublishing #GameDevAdvice #MeaningfulEngagement
Candid conversations with veterans of all aspects of the business side of games. We firmly believe that great games from all developers need the support they deserve to succeed. This podcast exists to provide that support.
IndieGameBusiness® is produced by The Powell Group, a video game consulting firm specializing in business development, marketing, and licensing. Our CEO has been in the industry for 20 years and closed countless publishing and licensing deals. The Powell Group monitors over 3,500 game developers and 750+ publishers.