Advertise on podcast: Indie Game Guildhall

In this community episode, Willem and Tim break down portfolio best practices. What to include, what to leave out, and how to present your work with clarity and intention. They share practical insights and real-world examples to help portfolios communicate skill, growth, and focus without unnecessary noise. Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Dalio, CEO & Co-Founder of Endless, whose work sets the standard for using game creation as a serious learning tool. Matt breaks down how building games sharpens strategy, teamwork, feedback loops, and storytelling; and why these skills translate directly to the real world. Drawing from years at the intersection of gaming and education, he shows how players can become creators who actively shape technology rather than just consume it. Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, Jacob Kuchinsky shares lessons from building his first game, Constellar, after two years of hands-on development. He dives into why backups matter, what can go wrong without them, and practical habits every developer—new or seasoned—should adopt. A grounded, useful listen for anyone making games. Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, we sit down with Fernando Dominguez Sarmiento, the creative force behind Super Farming Boy, to unpack how world-class developers use data to sharpen decisions without draining a game of its heart. Drawing on accolades from the Apple App Store Awards and a career spanning games, film, and companies like PepperMelon, Nando shares a rare, practical perspective on balancing instinct with insight. If you want to learn from one of the most versatile minds in indie development today, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Learn more about Fernando Sarmiento Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

Loren Weng is one of the sharpest minds in modern rogue-like design, known for redefining how systems, mechanics, and progression shape a player’s experience. From leading the spellcasting and combat systems in Harry Potter: Wizards Unite to pushing new boundaries in game design, Loren brings a master-level perspective on what it takes to evolve an entire genre. This episode is a deep dive into how the best designers think, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve. Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, indie developer Omar shares why games built from genuine passion resonate more deeply than those made in reaction to industry trends. He reflects on leading Super Buff HD, writing for multiple horror titles, and shaping the upcoming Cairo: Otherscape, a project that raised over $300,000 on Kickstarter. Omar breaks down how creators can stay grounded in what they love, even in a crowded and competitive industry. Learn more about Omar Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, Salaar shares lessons from a lifelong journey in game development—from creating games at age 8 to shipping titles at CAGE Studios and contributing to God of War: Ragnarok. We discuss what it really takes to build a sustainable indie studio, balancing creativity, longevity, and the realities of the industry. Learn more abour Salaar Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, we sit down with one of the most respected voices in game development, Jared Yeager, to unpack how distribution and community shape the success of modern games. With over two decades leading teams at Disney, Activision, Capcom, and more, Jared shares powerhouse insights on building bridges between creators, players, and platforms. Learn more about Jared Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, Ludocratic Games joins us to share the philosophy behind their studio. Rooted in the idea of ludus and kratos, they believe games should always be in charge. It’s a bold, playful vision, and they’re fully committed to it. Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, we sit down with the trio behind Future Suit Games to explore how passion, persistence, and teamwork fuel their journey of building Daughter of the Rift. From engineering and art to narrative design, they share how iteration has shaped their game into something truly special. Get an inside look at the creative process of blending story and strategy into an unforgettable indie experience. Learn more about Future Suit Games Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

Join hosts Tim Wood and our very own Willem as they dive into the thrilling world of branching narratives in game development. Discover how stories come alive in every twist and turn and what it really takes to craft unforgettable, dynamic adventures. Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, Tim Wood and our very own Wizard of Joy, Willem Delventhal, dig into why AAA hiring can feel broken and how indies are flipping the script. With sharp insights and real experience, they reveal how smaller teams can win big on talent, culture, and opportunity. A must-listen for anyone ready to rethink the future of game hiring. Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

Today’s episode features Lara Guzelsoy, a standout emerging Environment Artist whose work fuses history, culture, and storytelling into unforgettable game worlds. From her acclaimed thesis project Lex Talionis to her current work with WAI Studios, Lara shows how every prop and detail can carry meaning. Learn more about Lara Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Valencia Coleman, a standout Gameplay Engineer at Owlchemy Labs and a recognized leader in the game industry. From IGDA-F Scholar to The Game Awards Future Class honoree, Valencia shares how her education and experiences opened the door to a thriving career. Hear her powerful story and insights on paving the way for more diversity in games. Learn more about Valencia Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

Today we’re joined by Elaine Gómez, one of the sharpest minds in game design and a true champion for Latine voices in the industry! With nearly a decade of experience in both AAA and indie games, Elaine breaks down why great design doesn’t mean more mechanics, it means smarter choices. If you're building games that feel good, this is a masterclass you don't want to miss. Learn more about Elaine Learn more about us Join the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.