Game Dev Podcast | Coffee with Butterscotch

Epizode

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  [Ep586] How Should Indie Devs Think about Post-Launch Updates? 19.08.2026 1h 10min

  In episode 586 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers discuss the current state of game sales, post-launch support strategies, and how community engagement and critical mass influence a game's longevity. They explore the strategic considerations behind post-launch game updates, including when to update, what kind of updates are effective, and how updates influence marketing and player engagement."How Many Dudes?": https://howmanydudes.com00:00 Cold Open00:33 Introduction and Welcome04:36 Current Status of 'How Many Dudes' Sales10:44 Sales Trends and Market Analysis20:50 Community Engagement and Critical Mass22:10 The Impact of Game Awards on Sales25:13 Post-Launch Strategies: What Comes Next?26:28 Deciding on Updates: When to Move On29:04 The Role of Player Base in Game Success31:04 Transformative Updates: When a Game Needs a Relaunch35:57 The Dilemma of Post-Launch Support38:24 Navigating the Risks of Game Launches42:16 The Importance of Marketing and Social Graphs44:39 Testing Theories: Making Meaningful Updates48:28 The Impact of Game Updates on Player Sentiment51:02 Influencer Activity and Marketing Opportunities53:00 Leveraging Updates for Marketing Success56:06 The Role of Free Updates vs. DLCs01:02:11 Evaluating Opportunity Costs in Game DevelopmentSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coffeewithbutterscotchSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/1LxNEnkChat with us on Discord: https://discord.gg/bscotchSupport the podcast: https://moneygrab.bscotch.netLooking for help making and publishing your own games? Check out LudoKit, the web service we're building to help us with our own games: https://ludokit.com ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep585] How Should Indie Devs React to Negative Steam Reviews? 12.08.2026 1h 11min

  In episode 585 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers dig into the post-launch data for How Many Dudes, unpacking what Steam review scores, wishlist ratios, playtime histograms, and demo numbers are actually telling them. From there they get into the harder question of what to do with negative reviews, how to tell the difference between feedback worth acting on and noise worth ignoring, and how they're thinking about difficulty and accessibility as the game finds its audience.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:26 Introduction and Welcome02:16 Post-launch HMD community feedback07:25 Wishlists trend and projections13:42 Demo and full launch relationship 28:10 Accessing feedback37:08 Addressing negative feedback41:35 Conflicting feedback50:47 Updating the game based on feedbackTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep584] 100,000 Steam Sales in 2 Days - Our Biggest Indie Game Launch Ever 05.08.2026 1h 11min

  In episode 584 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers are fresh off the biggest launch in Butterscotch history, and they're breaking down exactly what happened. They dig into the numbers behind How Many Dudes hitting 100,000 sales in two days, what drove the momentum, how it compares to their previous launches, and what the long tail might look like from here. They also get into the emotional side of shipping something this fast, what mobile looks like as a next step, and what a launch like this means for how they think about building games going forward.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:31 Introduction and Welcome01:34 Post-launch How Many Dudes? numbers13:25 Wishlists trend and price strategy15:25 Understanding platform algorithms and visibility26:43 Comparing launch metrics33:29 Mobile numbers and launch metrics42:00 Community feedback45:32 Emotional arc after the launch01:04 Evaluating the game dev approach for HMDTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep583] The Day Before Launch: Scenario Planning for Indie Game Devs 29.07.2026 1h 15min

  In episode 583 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers are one day out from the How Many Dudes launch and walking through everything still in motion, from wishlist momentum and embargo management to Steam Deck verification and what the algorithm might actually do. They share how they're thinking through best and worst case scenarios, what lessons from Crashlands 2 are shaping their expectations, and how to stay sane when everything is out of your hands.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:29 Introduction and Welcome01:57 Pre-launch preparations and expectations03:58 Tracking wishlists and launch momentum06:01 Understanding platform algorithms and visibility08:14 Managing embargoes and influencer coverage10:09 Dealing with embargo breaks and public reactions12:02 Impact of demo updates and new content15:06 Community feedback and stereotypes in game content18:56 Post-launch content and ongoing engagement20:50 Leveraging short-form videos and social media24:03 Viral content and audience engagement30:02 Platform feature opportunities and challenges33:02 Lessons learned and final advice for indie devs41:44 Initial challenges with verification and wishlists45:27 Audience demographics and regional differences48:18 Comparing launch metrics: Crashlands 2 vs. How Many Dudes?51:52 Managing launch day activities and team coordination55:14 Handling community feedback and negative comments01:00:17 Setting expectations and scenario planning for launch01:07:09 Post-launch analysis and adjusting expectationsTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep582] How to Design a Game That Markets Itself 22.07.2026 1h 11min

  In episode 582 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers share what they've learned about designing games that are easy to talk about before they're even finished. With How Many Dudes days from launch, they dig into how scope, platform focus, and building around shared human experiences can set a game up to market itself.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:26 Introduction and Welcome02:36 Letting Content Dictate the Format of Your Game05:03 The Importance of Cultural Context and Invisible Influences09:50 Design Constraints: Mass Contentability and Approachability15:08 Market Testing and Early Feedback Strategies20:00 Pivoting and Iteration: When and How to Change Course24:51 Using Community and Social Media for Feedback30:04 Balancing Creativity, Marketability, and Execution35:05 The Challenges and Realities of Solo Development40:05 Leveraging Past Success and Market Trends45:00 The Power of High-Level Concepts and Simplicity50:01 Avoiding Over-Reliance on Genre and Trends55:01 The Iterative Process: From Idea to Market-Ready Game59:57 Handling Failures and Pivoting Effectively01:04:52 The Role of Marketing and Community Engagement01:09:58 Final Tips for Indie Developers and Future PlanningTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep581] 1 Year of Indie Game Dev in 1 Hour 15.07.2026 56min

  In episode 581 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers recap the full year-long journey of How Many Dudes. From a GMTK game jam entry to a bean burrito short that hit 900k views, blowing past 100k wishlists by January, and everything in between. They break down what actually moved the needle, what the numbers looked like along the way, and what the final push to July 30th looks like from the inside.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:19 Introduction and Welcome02:02 Retrospective of 'How Many Dudes' development04:21 Using game jams as market testing08:24 Early marketing efforts and wish list milestones12:08 Impact of YouTube Shorts and influencer videos16:28 The role of signals and metrics in decision making22:16 Store page strategy and launch preparations27:15 Marketing levers and cross-promotion tactics33:56 Demo release and early feedback44:23 Post-launch growth and community engagement50:12 Final preparations and launch day insightsTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  #[Ep580] Anatomy of a Steam Game Launch - Indie Devs Reveal Their Launch Strategy 08.07.2026 59min

  In episode 580 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers pull back the curtain on exactly how they're launching How Many Dudes, covering everything from timing, influencer outreach, trailer creation, to post-launch strategies. They discuss how they navigate the complexities of game marketing, with a reminder that most of what determines a launch's success was decided long before launch day.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:27 Introduction and Welcome02:44 Game Development Status08:28 Marketing Strategies and Influencer Outreach11:37 Handling Embargoes and Coverage14:40 Final Preparations Before Launch21:41 Crafting Effective Launch Trailers23:48 Understanding Audience Engagement and Store Page Dynamics25:36 The Role of Influencers in Game Marketing29:43 Navigating Pre-Launch Strategies and Expectations34:45 Leveraging Ads and Algorithmic Visibility39:34 Game Design Decisions and Player Experience43:39 Innovative Marketing Strategies for Indie Games48:06 Navigating Influencer Marketing Challenges50:46 The Role of Reviews in Game Success52:34 Balancing Passion and Commercial Viability55:48 Challenges in Mobile Game LaunchesTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep579] Xbox, PS5, Steam Machine, & GTA6 - are they charging too much? 01.07.2026 1h 3min

  In episode 579 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers dig into the pricing on Valve's new Steam Machine and how much of today's hardware costs comes down to components, inflation, and tariffs versus companies testing what the market will bear. From there, they turn to the cost of making a game like GTA6 and whether player expectations have kept pace with what it actually takes to build at that scale.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:18 Introduction and Welcome02:47 Pricing and Market Context05:37 Component Costs and Inflation Impact08:45 Comparative Analysis of Console Prices11:41 Historical Pricing Trends in Gaming17:46 The Value Proposition of the Steam Machine26:58 Analyzing Price Increases in Gaming Consoles29:56 Understanding Market Dynamics and Price Strategies33:55 The Impact of Inflation on Gaming Costs41:51 Grand Theft Auto Pricing and Market Reactions48:48 Early Access and Monetization Strategies53:49 The Cost of Gaming Hardware56:31 Consumer Expectations and Pricing01:00:16 Valve's Position in the Gaming MarketTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep578] Has AI Ruined Steam Nextfest? 24.06.2026 1h 8min

  In episode 578 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers discuss whether Steam Next Fest is becoming a victim of its own success, as AI-generated slop and asset flips make it harder than ever for games to get noticed. They explore what Steam can realistically do about it, why the economics of publishing are shifting under everyone's feet, and what it actually takes to build the kind of studio track record that cuts through the noise when algorithms start failing you. Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:30 Introduction and Welcome03:37 The Evolution of Demos on Steam06:28 The Impact of AI on Game Development10:28 The Rise of Asset Flips and Slop Games14:22 The Future of Game Discovery on Steam18:37 The Philosophy Behind Steam's Store Policies28:53 The Cost of Entry for Game Publishing34:54 The Impact of AI on Game Quality38:49 The Challenge of Game Discovery42:48 The Existential Threat to Steam47:54 Future of Game Publishing and AI Regulation50:38 Navigating AI Accusations in Game Development55:01 The Importance of Building a Studio Following01:00:03 Marketing Strategies for Indie Games01:05:07 The Role of AI in Game Development01:09:16 The Future of Game Discovery on SteamTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  #[Ep577] Indie Devs React to Steam's New Personal Calendar 17.06.2026 1h 5min

  In episode 577 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers dig into Steam's new personalized calendar feature and what it means for how indie games get discovered, wishlisted, and surfaced to players. They break down the difference between following and wishlisting, why launch timing still matters so much, and how Steam keeps finding new ways to put indie games in front of the right people. Then they shift into How Many Dudes beta testing, where player feedback is reshaping difficulty tuning and revealing just how differently people approach the same fight.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:36 Introduction and Welcome01:35 Steam Changes and Their Impact04:36 The New Calendar Feature on Steam07:28 Wishlist Dynamics and User Engagement10:38 Developer Experience on Steam13:28  Comparative Analysis of Game Platforms16:28 Thoughts on Steam's Effectiveness21:16 The Influence of Game Launch Timing23:34 Understanding Game Following vs. Wishlisting26:36 The Unique Position of Steam in Gaming29:11 The Evolution of PC Gaming33:52 Beta Testing Insights and Goals44:37 The Beta Testing Experience47:34 Feedback Dynamics in Game Development50:30 Game Mechanics and Player Engagement54:38 Balancing Game Elements and Player Perception59:31 The Evolution of Game CharactersTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep576] How Many Dudes Beta Begins, and AI Just Got Dumber 10.06.2026 1h 5min

  In episode 576 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers kick off the closed beta for How Many Dudes and dig into what they're actually trying to learn from it. Then the conversation pivots hard into the AI hype cycle, unpacking why GitHub Copilot's switch to usage-based billing just handed a hundred-times-larger bill to the developers who went all in, and what that says about where this whole thing is headed.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:29 Introduction and Welcome01:22 Closed Beta for How Many Dudes08:15 Game Balancing: Challenges and Techniques12:25 Evaluating Enemy Strength and Player Progression18:27 Beta Test Goals and What They're Looking For27:00 Pivot to AI and the Tech Landscape29:32 How LLMs Actually Work32:08 Agentic Programming Explained37:08 The AI First Company Myth40:02 Slot Machine Development44:18 GitHub Copilot's Usage-Based Billing50:34 The Dependency Trap53:11 Where This All Ends Up57:15 The Cost Reckoning Begins01:00:01 What Comes After the CollapseTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  #[Ep575] Indie Devs Yell At Cloud 03.06.2026 1h 6min

  In episode 575 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers are 60 days from launching How Many Dudes and find themselves juggling the final stretch of dev alongside the tedious reality of cloud saving, achievements, and store integrations. They dig into why every platform manages to turn straightforward tasks into elaborate obstacle courses, and what that actually costs developers in time and sanity when the deadline is creeping closer.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:29 Introduction and Welcome03:08 Navigating Cloud Saving Solutions09:02 User Authentication and Data Management12:15 The Frustrations of Platform Requirements15:17 Rumpus: A Custom Solution for Cloud Saving18:03 The Impact of Privacy Regulations on Development28:55 The Challenge of User Data Management32:20 The Importance of Achievements in Gaming36:22 Navigating the Complexities of Achievement Systems42:10 The Manual Labor of Achievement Setup49:12 Frustrations with Platform Limitations01:00:19 The Challenges of Google Play Achievements01:05:11 Developer Time Wasted by Big TechTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep574] Game Devs Discuss Far Far West 27.05.2026 46min

  In episode 574 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers check in on the new How Many Dudes box art with some real click-through numbers, then dive into Far Far West, a co-op shooter where you're a robot cowboy fighting skeletons and it somehow all works. They dig into what makes it click, why the Joker system is smart, and whether it can stay fun as the min-maxers inevitably show up.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:28 Introduction and Welcome01:16 How Many Dudes Box Art11:26 Far Far West Nail or Whiff25:05 Exploring the Game Mechanics29:36 Rogue-like Elements and Progression35:17 Design Aspects and Player Experience40:10 Balancing Fun and Challenge47:53 Overall Impressions and RecommendationsTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep573] How does promo art help sell your game? 20.05.2026 57min

  In episode 573 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers walk through the evolution of the How Many Dudes box art and what YouTube thumbnails taught them about what actually resonates with players. Turns out the answer wasn't to make something epic but to make something gloriously dumb. They close out with a look at trademarks, what they actually protect, and why registering one might matter more than you'd think.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:20 Introduction and Welcome05:45 The Challenges of Building a Game Studio Reputation08:46 Player Expectations and Game Content11:46 Steam Controller's Scream15:25 The Fragility of Gaming Hardware17:22 Creating Effective Promo Art22:00 The Evolution of Game Marketing34:47 Learning from Community Engagement39:31 (Listener Question) HaoteeHatooie: Do you trademark your game names? 42:50 The Importance of Consumer Protection in Trademarks45:46 Navigating Trademark Applications and Challenges49:46 The Role of Trademarks in Game Development54:49 The Legal Landscape of Copyright and TrademarkTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep572] Indie Devs Discuss Boss Fight Design 13.05.2026 47min

  In episode 572 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers check in on their Steam tag experiments before diving into the tricky problem of designing boss fights. They get into why bosses are less about difficulty and more about spectacle, and what it actually takes to make a culmination moment feel earned.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:20 Introduction and Welcome03:12 Listener Feedback and Game Updates08:58 Steam Tagging Experiments and Game Discovery12:04 The Impact of Tags on Game Visibility15:05 The Challenge of Boss Fights in Game Development20:10 Designing Boss Fights: The Challenge of Custom Code22:04 Creating Memorable Boss Encounters25:41 Balancing Difficulty: The Art of Boss Design28:48 The Kilipede: A New Tier of Challenge39:07 The Complexity of Boss Mechanics49:43 Balancing Fun and ChallengeTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep571] Is Steam propping up mobile? 06.05.2026 51min

  In episode 571 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers dig into whether Steam has quietly become the discovery engine that keeps mobile gaming afloat and what that means for indie devs trying to build a cross-platform strategy. They walk through the realities of mobile pricing, broken app store algorithms, and why chasing discoverability on Google Play or the App Store often feels like shouting into a void.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:21 Introduction and Welcome01:40 Achievements Development and Ludokit Overview13:40 Mobile Strategy and Pricing Decisions27:45 The State of Mobile Gaming Discoverability29:49 The Role of Steam in Game Success32:48 Cross-Platform Strategies and Pricing38:57 The Impact of Subscription Services on Game Sales43:49 Algorithmic Challenges in Mobile Game Marketing51:50 Final Thoughts on the Future of Indie GamesTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep570] The Parallel Problems of a Game Launch 29.04.2026 58min

  In episode 570 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers get into the messy final stretch of shipping How Many Dudes, where winding down development and winding up publishing have to happen at the same time. They break down why localization turns a simple task like screenshots into a sprawling multi-platform nightmare, and what it actually takes to coordinate QA, store pages, and platform partners when the clock is ticking. It's a look at why the last 97 days before launch can feel just as chaotic as the first.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:16 Introduction and Welcome01:50 Navigating Game Development and Marketing04:38 The Final Push to Launch07:57 Balancing Development and Publishing10:47 The Complexities of Localization and Platform Integration16:41 The Complexity of Screenshot Requirements19:21 Parallel Development Challenges22:29 Automating Screenshot Processes26:34 The Role of Publishers in Development30:26 Navigating Platform-Specific Requirements36:55 The Challenges of Marketing and Publishing42:54 Lessons from Larger Organizations46:40 The Risks of Outsourcing and Finding the Right Partners53:58 Balancing Internal and External Resources59:51 Looking Ahead to Launch and Final PreparationsOther things mentioned:Sam giving a talk in Chris Zukowski’s “How to Market a Game” conference on Thursday, April 30th, at 10am EST:https://howtomarketagame.com/inside/To stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep569] Game Devs Talk About Steam Tags For an Hour 22.04.2026 1h 3min

  In episode 569 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers dig into how Steam tags actually drive discoverability for indie games, and what tools like GameDiscover.co reveal about whether the right players are finding your game. The conversation turns on a deceptively simple question: not what your game is, but who it's actually for.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:36 Introduction and Welcome01:58 Understanding Steam Tags and Discoverability04:55 The Importance of Accurate Tagging07:58 Identifying Target Audiences10:43 Navigating Game Genres and Expectations13:54 The Challenge of Marketing Complex Games16:59 Using Data to Inform Tagging Strategies23:45 Defining Game Genres and Tags25:58 Balancing Primary and Secondary Game Features29:19 The Complexity of Game Genres31:33 The Evolution of Game Genres and Language34:12 Platform-Specific Audience Differences38:09 Refining Game Tags for Better Audience Reach45:46 The Challenge of Game Development and Audience Understanding50:57 Adjusting Game Pricing and Expectations57:33 The Role of Randomness in SuccessTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep568] How Many Dudes Release Date Announced! 15.04.2026 56min

  In episode 568 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers announce How Many Dudes Launch Date! They share their insights on game release strategies, balancing game mechanics, and upcoming features. They discuss the importance of timing, marketing, and player agency in creating a successful indie game launch.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:22 Introduction and Welcome01:16 How Many Dudes? Launch Date Announcement04:36 The Role of Demos in Game Marketing08:05 The Impact of Trailers and Marketing Efforts10:52 Timing and Competitor Analysis for Launch15:51 Scope and Content of 'How Many Dudes'22:10 Innovative Game Mechanics and Character Synergies28:42 Progression, Tiers, and Boss Fights36:02 Adding Variety and Player Agency with Systems and Trinkets48:51 Balancing Fun, Challenge, and Player Choice54:35 Upcoming Features and 'Ludo Kit' Developer ToolsTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★
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  [Ep567] Indie Devs Talk PAX East Trends 08.04.2026 50min

  In episode 567 of 'Coffee with Butterscotch,' the brothers discuss their recent experiences at PAX East, the state of game engines like Godot, Unity, and Unreal, and the evolving landscape of game marketing and platform ecosystems. They explore the costs and benefits of conventions, the impact of platform policies, and the future of indie game development.Support How Many Dudes!Official Website: https://www.bscotch.net/games/how-many-dudesTrailer Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQM1SceEpISteam Wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3934270/How_Many_Dudes00:00 Cold Open00:31 Introduction and Welcome01:09 Reflections on PAX East and Industry Presence03:48 LudoKit: A Developer Tool for Publishing08:47 The Value and Cost of Conventions for Indie Developers11:56 Platform Ecosystems: Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and More20:01 The Rise of Godot and Decline of Unity in Indie Development29:41 Challenges of Platform Certification and Closed Ecosystems39:52 Marketing Strategies: Wishlists, Pre-orders, and Visibility48:06 The Evolving Landscape of Game Publishing and Industry TrendsTo stay up to date with all of our buttery goodness subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts (apple.co/1LxNEnk) or wherever you get your audio goodness. If you want to get more involved in the Butterscotch community, hop into our DISCORD server at discord.gg/bscotch and say hello! Submit questions at https://www.bscotch.net/podcast, disclose all of your secrets to podcast@bscotch.net, and send letters, gifts, and tasty treats to https://bit.ly/bscotchmailbox. We also built Ludokit, a tool for managing store pages, promo art, localization, achievements, credits, fonts, change logs, and more. Check it out at https://ludokit.com!Finally, if you’d like to support the show and buy some coffee FOR Butterscotch, head over to https://moneygrab.bscotch.net. ★ Support this podcast ★