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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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,...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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 tackle a persistent myth in the industry that devlogs are only for developers, not gamers. It's a narrative many of us have bought into, myself included. But what if we've been missing the mark all along? We dive deep into the world of indie marketing, exploring why traditional methods often fall short in...

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/aHjTSBz3jH Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sasquatchbgames We tackle one of the most pressing questions every game developer faces: How do you get people to not just notice, but genuinely want to play your game? The answer lies in effective marketing strategies, and the urgency to act becomes clear as we explore the growing landscape of game development. Delving into 8 specific strategies to make your game stand out, In...

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 sit down with Zak Knight, an audio expert and professional musician and we dig DEEP into the world of video game music and sound design! With a musical background spanning over 25 years, Zak's expertise isn't just about notes and chords; it's about capturing the essence of creativity and emotion in...

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 shifting terrain of the gaming industry. With major layoffs hitting AAA studios and a relentless focus on monetization over fun, indie developers face a daunting challenge: how to stand out amidst the chaos. The introduction of free game development tools has empowered small...

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/aHjTSBz3jH Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sasquatchbgames Join us on The Indie Game Development Podcast as we unravel the truth behind the challenges indie developers face. Discover why expectations can lead to stress, anxiety, and even burnout, and learn practical strategies for overcoming these hurdles. From unrealistic deadlines to trying to do it all alone, we'll explore the common pitfalls and offer actionable...

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're sharing our ultimate guide for launching your game dev journey in 2024! Here's your quick roadmap: Engine Selection Pricing  Programming Paths Asset Acquisition Hands-on Learning Game Jams Month-long Projects Remember, it's all about taking small steps and enjoying the journey. Let's...

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/aHjTSBz3jH Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sasquatchbgames Hey there, it's Brandon and Nikki from Sasquatch B Studios, and we're taking over The Indie Game Development Podcast today to give you a peek behind the curtain of our crazy journey from corporate finance to indie game dev. A few years back, we said goodbye to a stable income and sold our house to chase our dream of making games with no guarantee it would work...

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/aHjTSBz3jH Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sasquatchbgames Welcome to The Indie Game Development podcast! Today, we're exploring the genius level design of Super Meat Boy. Ed McMillan, known for his quirky games like The Binding of Isaac, created a masterpiece with Super Meat Boy. Unlike Mario, this platformer keeps it simple with basic moves: walk, run, jump, and wall jump. But don't be fooled – it gets insanely...

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 explore the metaphorical landscape of game development, likening its challenges to treacherous mountains. Join us as we navigate the highs and lows of the journey, embracing the struggle, celebrating the triumphs, and finding magic in the process. Whether you're scaling familiar peaks or charting new...

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/aHjTSBz3jH Check us out on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sasquatchbgames Join us on The Indie Game Development Podcast as we unravel the unexpected allure of Cookie Clicker. Our host Brandon shares a personal journey from skepticism to addiction, exploring the game's fundamental appeal. Through candid analysis, we dissect five key factors behind Cookie Clicker's success: simplicity, accessibility, addictive mechanics, strategic...

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 tackle the pervasive issue of burnout in game development. From indie darlings to AAA giants, burnout knows no bounds. We dissect three common burnout triggers, drawing from the experiences of renowned YouTube developers like ThinMatrix, Thomas Brush, and Dani. From overworking to the suffocating pressure...