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

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 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

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

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

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/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9n

Apple 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

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-Up

01:18 — Harlis’ Journey: From Paradox to Almost Ready Games Fund

06:03 — Fixing the Broken Funding Model

10:22 — Publishers vs Funds: What’s the Difference?

15:55 — The Changing Game Industry & Rise of Indies

23:09 — How Almost Ready Chooses Which Games to Fund

28:11 — Marketing That Works (and What Doesn’t)

34:06 — Pitching Mistakes Every Dev Should Avoid

41:21 — Should You Go with a Publisher or a Fund?

47:16 — Balancing Creative Freedom & Business Growth

51:05 — Indie Game Spotlight: Luck Be a Landlord

53:44 — 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/2doPqk8Q9IKstjLDdSMn9n

Apple 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

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!