Freaking Cool Indies

Episoder

• How Game Devs Win With Shorts in 2026 | Jestr CEO 30.06.2026 54min

  Short form video is how game devs win in 2026. Jestr CEO Mahdeen Abrar breaks down how to use YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels to get your game discovered, with 1.2 billion views and 700 campaigns behind the strategy.Mahdeen Abrar is the CEO and co-founder of Jestr, a creator marketplace that connects indie and AA studios with vetted creators who make shorts about their games. In under a year, Jestr has launched 700+ campaigns, generated 115,000+ social posts, driven 1.2 billion+ views across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts, and paid out $3M+ to creators. In this episode we get into why ten videos at 100k beat one at a million, why he would never spend your budget on a single creator, the $500 starter plan, text hooks, the biggest short form myths, and how studios of any size can finally get seen.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🎮 ABOUT JESTRWebsite: https://www.jestr.gg/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jestr.ggInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestr.gg/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jestr-gg👤 CONNECT WITH MAHDEENLinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/mahdeenabrar━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━⏱️ CHAPTERS0:00 – Intro: how discovery got democratized3:20 – Meet Mahdeen & the origin of Jestr7:45 – Becoming a short form factory10:45 – Gamescom and the Fireshine breakthrough18:50 – TikTok vs Instagram vs YouTube Shorts23:20 – Why Mahdeen doesn't link out to Steam24:30 – Ten videos at 100k beat one at a million28:20 – Text hooks and finding your format30:30 – How small studios win with their own content36:30 – The biggest short form myths38:00 – One topic, seven videos: the weekly system41:55 – The $500 starter plan48:30 – Play It Forward & final advice━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES📬 Freaking Cool Indies Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/FCI_newsletters 🎙️ Hangout on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com#gamedev #indiedev #shortformvideo #youtubeshorts #tiktokmarketing #gamemarketing #indiegames #jestr #nintendo #steam #steamwishlist
• A Games Recruiter Reveals How to Actually Get Hired 23.06.2026 1t 19min

  A games recruiter who has made 500+ hires breaks down how to actually get hired in game dev right now: why mass applying online is a trap, how to network without feeling salesy, and the interview hack that makes studios want to say yes.💪 7 Day Marketing Challenge:https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/🩵 Follow Patryk!Website/Newsletter: https://patryksuchy.com/8Bit: https://8bitplay.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patryksuchy/📖 Chapters:0:00 - The games industry is rough right now1:30 - Why devs feel invisible to recruiters4:00 - The signal you send to the world6:30 - Why nobody teaches you career management9:30 - Stop confusing "I do this" with "I want this"13:00 - Why listing every skill kills your CV19:00 - Networking without feeling salesy or needy26:00 - It's not who you know, it's who knows you30:30 - Does LinkedIn actually matter for game devs?34:00 - Stop applying online (do this instead)50:30 - The interview hack: solve their problem live1:07:30 - How to follow up without being annoying1:14:00 - Play It ForwardPatryk Suchy sits on both sides of the hiring table. He is the lead recruiter at 8Bit, where he has personally interviewed and hired hundreds of game devs for studios around the world, and a career consultant who has coached countless developers into landing jobs at their dream studios. With 10+ years in game dev, 7+ in recruitment, and 500+ hires made, he knows exactly what makes a candidate stand out and what gets them passed over.In this episode, Patryk pulls back the curtain on the entire hiring process. He explains why the "Frankenstein" CV that lists every skill you have actually works against you, how to send a clear signal about the one problem you solve, why building relationships before you need them is the single biggest lever in your career, and the interview approach that has candidates solving the company's problem live on the call.If you are tired of firing application after application into the void that is LinkedIn and hearing nothing back, this one is for you.🧠 What you'll learn:- Why being invisible to recruiters comes down to an unclear signal, not a lack of talent- How to pick one direction and position your CV around solving one problem- The Friday 10-minute habit that builds your achievement list for raises and interviews- How to network without feeling salesy, starting with people you already know- Why mass applying is "reverse spam" and what to do instead- The single biggest interview hack: find the company's real problem and solve it on the call- How to follow up after an interview without coming across needy🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES📬 Freaking Cool Indies Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/FCI_newsletters 🎙️ Hangout on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com
• He Launched With 11k Wishlists, Then Sold 200,000 Copies 16.06.2026 58min

  This indie game went viral through streamers on YouTube and Twitch with zero ad spend, and turned a two hour prototype into 200,000 Steam sales. Solo dev Mateo Covic breaks down his streamer outreach, wishlist, and content strategy for Paddle Paddle Paddle.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Paddle Paddle Paddle02:47 The Development Journey of Paddle Paddle Paddle05:54 Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement09:00 The Role of Streamers in Game Promotion11:52 The Impact of Social Media on Game Visibility15:14 Reflections on Game Development and Future Plans34:07 The Journey of Game Development38:18 Marketing Strategies and Pricing Decisions41:56 Understanding Market Dynamics and Community Support46:24 Localization and Global Reach50:28 Future Projects and Community EngagementMateo Covic is a 23 year old solo developer from Germany and the founder of ZoroArts. His co-op rage game Paddle Paddle Paddle launched with just 11,000 wishlists, then kept climbing for months as streamers across YouTube and Twitch picked it up, passing 200,000 units sold and one million dollars in revenue. In this episode Mateo breaks down the exact systems behind that growth. The Twitter DM outreach he uses instead of email, how landing one German streamer triggered a wave of organic pickups, why he designed the game's goofiest moments for watchability over mechanics, how he fits marketing into bus rides and grocery runs, and how localizing into 15 languages turned Asia into more than half his revenue. If marketing your game feels like talking to a wall, this one is going to feel like someone finally handed you a map. What you'll learn:- Why Twitter DMs beat cold emails for landing streamers- How to design a game streamers actually want to play on camera- The wishlist strategy that got him onto Steam's popular upcoming tab- Why he launches on Friday to hold new and trending through the weekend- How watching every stream became his best bug-finding and content tool- The pricing and launch-week sale combo that maximized day one sales- How free localization and region-specific skins unlocked the Asian market🔗 LINKS & RESOURCESMateo's newer games:Paddle Paddle Paddle: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3570070/Paddle_Paddle_Paddle/Cool Story Bro!: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4066780/Cool_Story_Bro/CAAAHR! Demo: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4745400/CAAAHR_Demo/Website: https://zoroarts.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mateo-covic-71391a1b2/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zoroarts 📬 Freaking Cool Indies Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/FCI_newsletters 🎙️ Hangout on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com#indiegames #gamedev #indiedev #indiegamedev #paddlepaddlepaddle #steamlaunch #gamemarketing #streamermarketing #solodeveloper #gamedevtips #indiegamemarketing #twitchstreamers #steamwishlists #madewithunity #zoroarts #gaming #coopgames #indiegamedeveloper #viralgame
• Stop Ignoring Accessibility: The Biggest Mistake Indie Devs Make 09.06.2026 46min

  Accessibility in indie game development is the most overlooked way to reach more players, sell more copies, and build a bigger community. Zach and Vinny from AbleGamers break it down. Support the Play It Forward campaign (100% goes to AbleGamers):https://www.gofundme.com/f/freakingcoolindies 0:00 - What accessibility really means for indie devs2:55 - What AbleGamers actually does day to day6:58 - New adaptive tech and why it's exploding10:25 - Carlos the blind fighting game champion (and other unreal stories)17:30 - The disability categories devs overlook most20:48 - The Dark Souls difficulty debate23:44 - Controller remapping: the number one requested feature24:13 - 71 million gamers with disabilities (the market you're ignoring)26:24 - The APX accessible player experience training32:53 - Build accessibility in early and save money34:26 - Where your donation actually goes41:29 - Play It Forward: indie games Zach and Vinny love AbleGamers is a charity that has been around for 22 years, getting adaptive equipment into the hands of players with disabilities at no cost to them. Zach runs the Able Player One program and works directly with players. Vinny handles marketing and partnerships. Together they make the case that accessibility is not a guilt trip, it's one of the smartest things an indie dev can do for their game. In this episode we get into the real day to day of helping players game, the stories that stick with you (Carlos beating sighted players while totally blind is worth the watch alone), and the practical dev side: why controller remapping is the single most requested feature, how difficulty options open your game to a whole new audience, why "we don't have the budget for accessibility" falls apart when you build it in from day one, and the 71 million gamers with disabilities in the US that most studios never think about. If you have ever told yourself accessibility is a nice to have you'll get to later, this one is for you. What you'll learn:- Why controller remapping locks out the "mass majority" of players when it's missing- How to add an easy mode without breaking the experience for your core players- The real numbers: 71 million gamers with disabilities in the US, ~400 million worldwide- Why building accessibility in early costs far less than bolting it on later- What the APX (Accessible Player Experience) training actually teaches, and what it costs- How much it really costs to help one player game (~$1,200 on average)- Simple settings devs forget: turn off blood, reduce visual triggers, add a practice mode Support AbleGamers and the Play It Forward campaign!GoFundMe (100% to AbleGamers): https://www.gofundme.com/f/freakingcoolindiesAbleGamers: https://ablegamers.org Links mentioned:- AbleGamers APX training: https://ablegamers.org- Microsoft Adaptive Controller: https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/d/xbox-adaptive-controller/8nsdbhz1n3d8- QuadStick: https://www.quadstick.com/- Below the Stone: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1170230/Below_the_Stone/- Expedition 33: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1903340/Clair_Obscur_Expedition_33/- Rocky No Hands:  ⁨@RockyNoHands11⁩  - Blind Warrior Sven  ⁨@BlindWarriorSven⁩  Listen to Freaking Cool Indies wherever you get your podcasts.Join the newsletter: [newsletter link]Subscribe for more indie dev conversations: [channel link] 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES📬 Freaking Cool Indies Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/FCI_newsletters 🎙️ Hangout on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky:
• He Teaches Indie Devs to Build an Audience. Here's How He Built His 02.06.2026 49min

  Chris Zukowski (How To Market A Game / HTMAG) is one of the most trusted voices in indie game marketing. In this episode, Chris breaks down how he built his audience, why Steam visibility isn't your real problem, and why he bets everything on an owned mailing list over social media. ⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Intro00:59 – The origin story: from IBM to How To Market A Game06:30 – "Everybody's doing this wrong": why Chris started the blog09:00 – The research that proved social media doesn't work15:20 – The blog + newsletter: why owning your audience beats everything17:20 – Why Discord and YouTube are the "outer rim" (and the mailing list is the core)23:40 – Should indie devs start a newsletter? (and the once-a-month rule)30:10 – Building trust: "working the maze backwards" and having no agenda36:20 – Burnout, the "golden age" of Steam, and the Inside Conference42:40 – The hot take: visibility isn't your problem45:50 – Play It Forward: the indie devs Chris wants you to know 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCESHow To Market A Game: https://howtomarketagame.com/How To Market A Game Blog: https://howtomarketagame.com/blog/Free resources: https://howtomarketagame.com/freeInside Conference: https://howtomarketagame.com/inside/Mark Duplass – "The $1,000 Movie" talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZeWOAliA6Y 📬 Freaking Cool Indies Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/FCI_newsletters 🎙️ Hangout on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com#indiegamedev #gamemarketing #howtomarketagame #chriszukowski #steam #indiegames #gamedev
• The Framework That Keeps RPGs, Deck Builders, and Narrative Games From Breaking 26.05.2026 53min

  The framework indie devs use to keep RPGs, deck builders, and narrative games from breaking during production. Learn game content structure and documentation with Grimoire CEO Jill Vanparys.0:00 - Your game is built on scattered docs (and it will break)1:43 - Welcome Jill Vanparys, CEO of Grimoire3:10 - What is content chaos and why does it hit game devs hardest7:30 - How one version mismatch breaks your entire game10:00 - Why creative teams and spreadsheets are a brain conflict12:00 - The "glue person" problem and institutional knowledge risk14:00 - When should you transition to a structured system16:00 - What is object-oriented UX (OOUX) and how to use it20:00 - The 40% stat: what content chaos is actually costing you23:00 - How to mentor your team through a content overhaul27:30 - Systems thinking for creatives (you're already doing it)32:00 - Is it ever too late to fix content chaos mid-production35:00 - Live Grimoire demo: connected quests, NPCs, and locations43:00 - Grimoire's free onboarding offer + engine sync explained48:00 - Play It Forward: Battlesage, Deck of Hounds, and FlotsamFollow Jill!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillvanparysGrimoire: https://usegrimoire.comJill Vanparys is the Co-founder and CEO of Grimoire, a game development platform built to bring structure, connection, and clarity to the content powering your game. A UX designer turned game dev tools founder, she's a 2016 MIT Innovator Under 35, a board member of the Flemish Games Association, and has spent years coaching indie studios on systems thinking, worldbuilding, and content architecture.📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/🎙️ Learn on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com
• The Shorts Formula That Gets Indie Games Noticed (While You're Still Building) 19.05.2026 49min

  Indie game marketing with YouTube Shorts and TikTok is one of the most powerful tools a solo dev has, and Landon from Broken Flame Games has cracked the code.He's been building his debut Steam game Vault of the Vanquished (a coin-flipping roguelike that's basically Balatro meets Slay the Spire) while posting short-form content almost every weekday. And it's working.In this episode, Landon breaks down his entire system: how he builds content creation INTO his dev day so it only costs him about an hour, the exact short format that stops the scroll, why pop-culture references (Binding of Isaac, Cult of the Lamb, Ultrakill) have been his secret weapon for blowing up views, and how his animated knight mascot became the face of Broken Flame Games without Landon ever putting his own face on camera.If you've been avoiding short-form content because you think it'll pull you away from your game, this episode will change your mind.Chapters:0:00 - The short that hit 10K views in a week2:31 - What is Vault of the Vanquished?4:18 - Dev or content creator? Overcoming the fear5:31 - Building marketing into your dev day12:03 - The pop-culture reference strategy17:08 - The beginner short formula20:37 - Visuals, voiceover and the knight mascot25:02 - Tech stack: Unity, Premiere Pro, OBS and Aseprite27:01 - Posting, scheduling and analytics31:08 - Scripting vs just hitting record36:07 - Making your shorts sound professional42:28 - CapCut vs Premiere Pro for beginners44:26 - Indie shoutouts and where to find LandonWhat you'll learn:- How to build marketing INTO your dev day (not on top of it)- The first 2 seconds of a short that stop the scroll- Why game references are a cheat code for reach- How to create a mascot-driven brand without showing your face- The audio trick in Premiere Pro that makes your shorts sound pro instantly- CapCut vs Premiere Pro: what Landon actually recommends for beginners🔗 Follow Landon!:— Vault of the Vanquished on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3241250/Vault_of_the_Vanquished/— Broken Flame Games on YouTube:  @BrokenFlameGames  — Broken Flame Games on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brokenflamegames🔗 Links mentioned:— Countless Nights / Dice a Million: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3430340/Dice_A_Million/— Vuvu Inc / Tiny Terraces on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3136330/Tiny_Terraces/— CheesyTed/RiskyDuck on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@riskyduckdev— CheesyTed/RiskyDuck on YouTube:  @RiskyDuckDev  — Aseprite (pixel art software): https://www.aseprite.org— OBS (free screen recorder): https://obsproject.com— Buffer (scheduling tool): https://buffer.com— Vubli (scheduling tool): https://vubli.ai/📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/🎙️ Learn on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com#indiegames #indiedev #gamedev #youtubeShorts #TikTok #indiegame #gamedevelopment #steamgames #roguelike #vaultofthevanquished #brokenflame #contentcreation #indiegamedevelopment #gamemarketing
• Your Indie Game Needs Super Fans. Here's How to Build Them. 12.05.2026 48min

  Mallory Loar was one of Discord's first marketing hires, and she built the Hype Squad, a superfan program that scaled from a handful of passionate Discord fans to millions of members globally.In this episode, Mallory breaks down exactly how indie devs can build that same kind of loyal, word-of-mouth community, even with zero budget and a one-person team.You'll learn:→ Why followers and community members are NOT the same thing→ How to find your first 100 players where they're already hanging out→ How to turn lurkers into active, engaged super fans→ How to build a moderator squad that practically runs itself→ Why transparency is the most underrated tool in your community toolkitWhether your Discord has 10 people or 10,000, this episode will change how you think about community.---🎙️ Guest: Mallory Loar🌐 KindaSorta Studio: https://kindasortastudio.com/📬 Mallory's Substack: https://substack.com/@malloryloar💼 Mallory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malloryloar/---🕐 Chapters:00:00 - Intro02:00 - Why community is the backbone of indie dev success05:00 - Followers vs. community members — what's the difference?07:30 - Making players feel seen (and why it matters more than ads)12:40 - How to manage community as a 1-2 person team15:00 - Finding your first 100 players22:00 - When should you start building your community?24:00 - Call to action strategy: Discord vs. Wishlists30:00 - Building super fans from zero — the Hello Kitty exercise35:00 - Badges, rewards, and referral systems38:00 - AI as a brainstorming tool (not a replacement)43:00 - IRL activations and the future of community44:50 - Transparency as the ultimate trust builder45:10 - Play It Forward: Mallory's indie game shoutouts📬JOIN THE FCI Community: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/🎙️ Learn on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com#indiegame #indiedev #gamedev #gamedevelopment #indiegamemarketing #communitybuilding #discord #gamemarketing #indiegamedevelopment #indiepreneur
• Devlogs, Discipline, and No Zero Days with DevDuck 30.12.2025 1t

  Subscribe to DevDucks Youtube Channel:  @DevDuck  Ben's Twitter: https://x.com/_devduckWhat does it take to sustain a 5-year indie game development journey? DevDuck (Ben Nowak) shares his secrets to consistent game dev progress through authentic devlogs, morning routines, and the "No Zero Days" philosophy that's kept him building Dauphin for years while growing to 176K YouTube subscribers.Ben reveals how he balances his day job with his passion project, why he doesn't think of his YouTube channel as marketing, and the discipline techniques that help him show up every single day.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction and Ben's Background02:15 – Starting Small: From Mobile Games to Dauphin07:25 – The Marine Biology Connection Behind Dauphin10:03 – Why YouTube? Building Community Through Documentation22:22 – DevLog Process and Authentic Content Creation26:41 – Morning Routines and Discipline as a Muscle34:05 – The "No Zero Days" Philosophy38:59 – Range: Taking a Creative Break and Learning Steam44:55 – The Steam Page Debate and Vertical Slice Strategy52:56 – Combat Systems, Questing, and Future Dauphin Plans🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/🎙️ Learn on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com
• Give Me 1 Hour, I’ll Fix Your Steam Page 16.12.2025 1t 15min

  Steam isn’t a storefront — it’s an algorithm.And if you don’t understand how it works, your game gets buried.In this episode of Freaking Cool Indies, I’m joined by Jarvs Tasker (Head of Communications at Happy Volcano) to break down how Steam actually decides which games get seen — and what indie devs can do to improve their Steam pages without spending more on ads or social media.We cover:- Why click-through rate (CTR) is Steam’s real currency- How bad tags quietly kill your visibility- Why your capsule art isn’t doing its job- How to write short descriptions that get clicks- Why iteration (not “one-and-done”) is the secret to long-term sales- What most indie devs are completely ignoring on SteamIf you have a Steam page (or are about to make one), this episode will change how you think about discovery.🔗 Connect with Jarvs💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarvstasker/🎮 Wishlist Modulus on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2779120/Modulus/🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/Chapters:00:00 – Introduction and Jarvs' Journey from Teaching to Game Marketing02:57 – Jarvs' Transition from Drama Teacher to Community Management06:03 – The Success Story of Blueprints and Happy Volcano08:11 – Common Steam Page Misconceptions Indie Devs Have10:17 – Understanding Click-Through Rates: Steam's Algorithm Currency17:11 – The Foundation: Making a Good Game First17:27 – The Critical Importance of Tags for Steam Discovery24:34 – Tag Moderation and User-Added Tags26:24 – Beyond Tags: Short Descriptions and Discovery Elements27:27 – Capsule Art: Your Game's First Impression Strategy38:11 – The Power of Iteration and Continuous Steam Page Updates49:08 – Screenshot and Trailer Strategy for Maximum Impact56:40 – Post-Launch Strategy: The Long Tail Approach1:01:06 – SEO Optimization and Competitor Research Techniques1:02:39 – Post-Launch Community Building and Steam Events1:08:35 – The Biggest Missed Opportunity on Steam1:10:03 – Final Advice and Best Practices1:11:19 – Paying It Forward: Shoutout to Bip and Bits Studio🎙️ Learn on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com
• Game Localization 101: Grow Your Indie Game’s Wishlists & Revenue 25.11.2025 51min

  Game Localization for Indie Games. Learn how proper localization boosts Steam wishlists, global reach, and revenue, with expert insights from Alconost’s Yana Tarasevich.Did you know only 36% of Steam players use English as their primary language? If you’re shipping your indie game in English-only, you're missing a huge global audience, and leaving potential wishlists and sales on the table.🌐 Connect with Yana:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yana-tarasevich-ab4993a1/Alconost: https://alconost.com/en/localization/gamesChapters:00:00 – Introduction and Steam Language Statistics02:37 – How Localization Boosts Wishlists and Player Engagement05:07 – Chinese Market Opportunities and Challenges06:36 – AI's Impact on Localization Costs08:36 – Translation vs Localization: Understanding the Difference12:09 – When to Start Considering Localization15:57 – Technical Preparation for Localization Ready Games24:07 – Budgeting and Cost Factors for Indie Developers28:52 – AI Translation: Benefits and Limitations33:38 – Timeline Expectations for Localization Projects40:51 – Common Mistakes and Best Practices42:50 – Working with Professional Localization Services45:15 – Yana's Indie Game Recommendation50:52 – Connecting with Alconost and Final Thoughts🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/🎙️ Learn on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com
• 48-Hour Game Jam → 2.5 Million Copies Sold (Full Story) 11.11.2025 59min

  Discover how Annie and Lucas transformed a 48-hour game jam entry into A Little to the Left, selling over 2.5 million copies through authentic marketing and genuine passion. This husband and wife duo from Halifax, Nova Scotia, behind Max Inferno Games, prove that sometimes the best business strategy starts with caring deeply about your craft and trusting that authenticity will find its audience. From their kitchen table conversations during the pandemic to creating trailers that seamlessly blend real life footage with gameplay, Annie and Lucas demonstrate how effective marketing often comes from simply being human.Episode: https://freakingcoolindies.com/17-2/🌐 Connect With Max Inferno:https://bsky.app/profile/maxinfernogames.bsky.socialhttps://x.com/MaxInfernoGames @maxinfernogames  https://www.tiktok.com/@MaxInfernoGamesChapters:00:00 – Introduction to Max Inferno Games02:19 – From 48 Hour Game Jam to 2.5 Million Sales04:16 – The Kitchen Table Moment: Finding the Core Concept06:24 – Early Itch.io Success and Community Response08:40 – Wholesome Direct: The Breakthrough Moment11:29 – Building a Steam Page and Wishlist Strategy13:02 – The Marketing Learning Curve for Non Marketers15:49 – Creating Authentic Trailers with Real Life Footage18:36 – Learning from Derek Liu and Industry Mentors20:26 – Marketing Advice: Authenticity Over Strategy25:49 – TikTok Success and Streamable Content Design28:10 – Multi Platform Strategy: From PC to Mobile36:08 – The DLC Decision: Doubling Down vs New Games43:34 – Favourite Puzzles and Design Philosophy49:31 – Final Advice for Aspiring Indie Developers54:41 – Shoutouts: Studio Folly Games56:09 – Where to Find Max Inferno Games🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/🎙️ Learn on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com
• The Hidden Cost of Gaming Success Nobody Talks About 04.11.2025 46min

  Think you need to grind 15 hours daily to succeed in gaming? Veteran Twitch streamer Dan 'Indie' Long proves otherwise. Learn the hidden costs of gaming success and sustainable strategies.🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/🌐 Connect With Dan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealindie/https://indiegamebusiness.com/https://www.twitch.tv/indieChapters:00:00 – Introduction and Dan's Gaming Industry Journey02:06 – From 3D Animation to Twitch Streaming Success05:25 – The Reality of Consistency and Burnout in Gaming07:16 – The Brutal Truth: 15 Hour Streaming Days08:04 – Warning Signs of Burnout and Their Real Cost09:23 – Building Sustainable Marketing Practices for Indie Devs11:28 – Using AI and Bulk Scheduling for Content Creation13:59 – The Power of Simple, Appealing Game Concepts16:38 – Rebuilding Consistency After Burnout18:12 – The Art of Genuine Networking and Relationship Building21:11 – Dan's Spiritual Transformation and Personal Growth24:56 – How Faith Changed His Approach to Work and Relationships27:13 – Managing Ego and Staying Humble in Success30:20 – The Impact of Online Positivity vs Negativity33:55 – Dealing with Online Trolls and Harassment37:45 – Practical Advice for Indie Game Developers43:41 – Current Projects and Where to Find Dan45:53 – Final Thoughts on Sustainable Success🎙️ Learn on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com
• Player Motivation vs Player Behaviour: The Difference That Matters 28.10.2025 1t 3min

  Discover how empathy driven marketing can transform your indie game's success by understanding player motivation vs behaviour. Andrew Pappas from RenGen Marketing reveals why download numbers and analytics create blind spots, how to research what players really want through Steam reviews and Reddit, and practical frameworks for creating content that resonates. Learn the Strange Horticulture strategy for finding hidden audiences, master the five whys technique for uncovering true player motivations, and discover how to make players feel like your game was made specifically for them. This conversation will fundamentally change how you approach game marketing, moving beyond demographics to build genuine connections with your audience through empathy driven strategies that feel authentic rather than sleazy.🌐 Connect With Andrew:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpappas-rengen/RenGen Marketing: https://www.rengenmarketing.com/Indie Game Movement Podcast: https://www.rengenmarketing.com/podcast/🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/🎙️ Learn on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com
• Game Funding Explained: Which One is Right for You? 18.10.2025 54min

  Discover the 3 main types of indie game funding and learn which option is perfect for your studio. From traditional publishers to venture capital to revolutionary project financing, we break down exactly when to use each funding model, common pitch mistakes that kill your chances, and how to determine if your game is actually ready for funding conversations with Almost Ready Games Fund co-founder Harlis Öunapuu.🌐 Connect With Harlis:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlis-ounapuu/Almost Ready Games Fund: https://www.almostready.fund/Chapters:00:00 — Intro: The Indie Funding Shake-Up01:18 — Harlis’ Journey: From Paradox to Almost Ready Games Fund06:03 — Fixing the Broken Funding Model10:22 — Publishers vs Funds: What’s the Difference?15:55 — The Changing Game Industry & Rise of Indies23:09 — How Almost Ready Chooses Which Games to Fund28:11 — Marketing That Works (and What Doesn’t)34:06 — Pitching Mistakes Every Dev Should Avoid41:21 — Should You Go with a Publisher or a Fund?47:16 — Balancing Creative Freedom & Business Growth51:05 — Indie Game Spotlight: Luck Be a Landlord53:44 — Wrap-Up & Where to Find Harlis🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/🎙️ Learn on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com
• [Segment] The Secret to Landing Your Game on Major Gaming Outlets 07.10.2025 7min

  Most indie developers think getting featured on IGN or Game Trailers is like winning the lottery - reserved for studios with massive marketing budgets. But what if I told you there's an 80% success rate method that most devs don't know about?Chapters:00:00 Why Most Devs Watch Trailers Wrong02:15 The Correct Order for Game Announcement Assets04:30 Steam Page & Key Art Requirements06:45 The 80% Success Rate Method for Game Trailers08:20 Why Timing Beats EverythingIn this clip from my conversation with Robby Bisschop from Pirate PR, you'll discover the exact process he uses to consistently land his clients' games on major outlets like IGN, GameSpot, and Game Trailers. Robby reveals why most indie developers approach game announcements completely backwards and shares his proven three-step strategy that has helped dozens of indie games break through the noise.🎯 Want the complete strategy? Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/cVr6YDqLlDc📋 Free Press Kit Template: https://piratepr.com/treasure-trove/build-a-press-kit-for-your-game-with-our-notion-template/🔗 Connect with Robby:Website: https://piratepr.com/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/PiratePRLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robby-bisschop/📧 Join the FCI Newsletter: http://freakingcoolindies.com/subscribeIf this helped you understand game announcements better, hit that like button and subscribe for more actionable indie game marketing advice!
• Are You Ignoring the Most Powerful Platform for Indie Game Marketing? 30.09.2025 40min

  You're posting on Twitter and Reddit, but what if the most powerful business platform for indie devs is the one you're ignoring? Jon Hanson went from unknown to top 1% on LinkedIn in 3 months and shares his exact strategy for indie studios to build publisher relationships, secure deals, and attract talent. Learn why LinkedIn beats other platforms for B2B growth, how to personalise outreach instead of cold messaging, and why low performing posts are data points, not failures. We cover content funnels, AI research tools, and when LinkedIn is worth your time versus other platforms for your specific game genre.Connect With Jon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonhanson1/Skill Tree Marketing: https://skilltreemarketing.com/🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/00:00 – Introduction: Why LinkedIn Matters for Indie Studios01:51 – Jon's Journey: From WB Publishing to Skilltree Marketing04:39 – Building Thought Leadership Through Case Studies07:02 – Testing and Optimizing Content Strategy08:24 – LinkedIn as B2B vs B2C Platform11:21 – Untapped Opportunities for Indie Devs on LinkedIn13:14 – Two Key Use Cases: Job Hunting and Publisher Outreach16:04 – Building Authentic Relationships vs Cold Messaging18:27 – Sponsor Break: 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge19:33 – Thought Leadership and Content Funnels for Indies24:50 – Content Creation Strategy and Research Methods26:20 – Using AI and LLMs for Deep Research30:14 – AI as Tool vs Replacement in Marketing33:27 – Final LinkedIn Tips and Strategy Advice34:37 – Game Shoutouts: The Living Remain and Price of Glory37:30 – About Skilltree Marketing Services39:05 – Where to Find Jon and Closing Thoughts🎙️ Learn on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com
• Stop Chasing Mega Streamers Do This Instead 25.09.2025 10min

  Watch the Full Podcast: https://youtu.be/0w1D_ubxTko🎯 Free Cold Email Template: https://freakingcoolindies.com/6-2/Cold email outreach for indie game developers learn how to build real relationships with streamers journalists creators and publishers so your game gets noticed and wishlistedWatch the full episode with ready to use email templates follow up strategies and real examples here add your linkWhat you will learn• Why skipping cold email costs you visibility networking and coverage• How to lead with genuine connection and value not asks or self promotion• Smart targeting tactics small niche creators on YouTube and TikTok beat mega streamers for conversions• A simple one two approach email plus LinkedIn and how Discord warms up your outreach• Who to contact creators publishers press other developers event organisers and online communities• Practical examples fix broken links offer help build rapport and invite short coffee chats🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/Chapters:00:00 Why cold email still works for indies01:02 Press incentives and the AAA attention gap02:25 Build rapport email plus LinkedIn plus coffee chat03:40 A helpful outreach example fixing a broken Steam wishlist link05:02 Use Discord first for familiarity and trust06:15 Who to reach out to creators publishers press devs events communities07:35 Target smaller niche streamers for better conversions09:00 Action steps to start this week🎙️ Learn on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com
• Lessons from $300K in successful Kickstarter campaigns 16.09.2025 1t 5min

  📬 FCI Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/Get In Touch With Sam:Indievelopment: https://www.indievelopment.uk/X [Twitter]: https://x.com/_IndievelopmentThinking of launching a Kickstarter? Learn how to design reward tiers that build real backer engagement while protecting your budget. Sam Jarvis from Indievelopment shares proven strategies from campaigns such as Volunteer The Ascension, Tales of Fate and Atomic Owl which raised more than 300 thousand dollars from over 5 thousand backers.Discover early bird tactics to spark momentum, digital bundles and add ons that raise pledge amounts without adding development time, and physical rewards that bring value without draining your budget. Learn why T shirts flop, the one physical item that consistently performs, and how to manage fulfilment with pledge managers and publishers. Perfect for indie devs planning their first or next Kickstarter.Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Kickstarter reward pitfalls01:07 – Reward philosophy: “Backer First”03:43 – Pricing tiers & early bird strategy07:01 – Pre-launch planning & building momentum10:41 – Growing your audience & email lists12:20 – Case Study: Atomic Owl campaign18:36 – Digital rewards that work27:07 – Tools & pledge managers for fulfillment34:07 – Physical rewards & merchandising tips41:16 – Working with physical publishers50:38 – High-ticket, exclusive rewards60:14 – Final advice, shoutouts & where to find Sam🎙️ Learn on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com
• From Idea to Trademark: Protecting Your Indie Game the Right Way 09.09.2025 55min

  Learn essential legal foundations for indie game development with lawyer Jacob Vela. Discover how to protect your IP, build strong trademarks, and create bulletproof contracts that prevent costly disputes and save your studio. Picture this: You and your best friends spend years building your dream game together, but once money starts rolling in, everything changes. Who owns what? Who gets paid? What happens if someone wants to leave? In this essential episode, we're joined by Jacob Vela, both a practising lawyer specialising in game development AND an indie developer who just launched Star Rift Saga. We dive deep into the legal basics every developer should know: understanding what you actually own, how to protect your game's name and brand, what makes a strong trademark, and how to work with publishers without giving away your IP.Get In Touch With Jacob:Argo Law: https://argolawyer.com/Star Rift Saga: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2158690/Star_Rift_Saga/🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/🎮 CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction: The Legal Nightmare Waiting to Happen02:15 Meet Jacob Vela: Lawyer and Game Developer04:30 What is Intellectual Property and Why It Matters08:45 The Three Main Types of IP: Copyright, Trademark, Patents15:20 Common IP Misconceptions That Cost Developers18:40 When to Start Thinking About Legal Protection22:10 Copyright: Automatic Protection vs Registration26:35 Ideas vs Expression: What You Can Actually Protect32:15 Game Mechanics and the Limits of Protection35:50 Trademark Fundamentals: Protecting Your Brand42:30 The Abercrombie Spectrum: Strong vs Weak Trademarks48:15 Trademark Searching and Registration Process52:40 Licensing: Using Others' Work Legally55:20 Contracts: The Foundation of Clear Partnerships1:02:45 Default Ownership Rules and Why They're Dangerous1:08:30 Essential Contract Clauses for Indie Developers1:12:15 Working with Contractors and Work for Hire1:15:40 LLC Formation: Templates vs Custom Solutions1:18:25 Game Recommendations and Where to Find Jacob🎙️ Learn on the go:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9nApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/freaking-cool-indies/id1824774892❤️ CONNECT WITH ME 🕸️ Website: https://freakingcoolindies.com/🐦 Twitter: / https://x.com/F_Cool_Indies🎵 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@freakingcoolindies💼 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnone/🦋 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freakingcoolindies.com