Meet 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘇—aka 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗮𝘇—a creative strategist, fitness entrepreneur, and marketing consultant who helps indie game developers do what most never figure out: actually launch a game like a business.

In this episode, Taylor shares his journey from personal trainer to graphic designer to full-time marketing guide for small and scrappy game studios. He’s on a mission to help developers avoid the nightmare scenario: spending years (and life savings) building a game no one buys.

We cover:

- Why “just make a great game” isn’t a real strategy

- The business basics most creatives skip (and why it’s dangerous)

- The value of choosing a smart release date in a crowded market

- How to build a long-term career, not just a one-hit wonder

If you’re a solo developer, creative entrepreneur, or someone trying to turn passion into profession, this episode is packed with both encouragement and hard truth.

🎮 Audience: Indie game developers, small teams, creative freelancers, dreamers

🚀 Website: https://emberforgefl.com

💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Coach Taz (Taylor Rodriguez)

🎬 Produced by: https://paper-jacket.com

📍Filmed in our 𝗗𝗲𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼, where ideas get built with grit and great coffee.

𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀

00:00 – Intro: Turning Struggles Into Strategy

01:00 – Who Is Coach Taz? From Fitness to Design to Game Devs

02:30 – Why He Helps Indie Developers Market Better

04:00 – What Game Devs (and Creatives) Don’t Know About Business

06:30 – Protecting the Dream by Grounding It in Reality

08:00 – How Taz Guides Clients Through the Launch Process

10:00 – Budget, Branding, and Starting a Studio the Right Way

12:00 – Building a Marketing Plan 12–18 Months Out

13:30 – Standing Out in a Market with 40+ Games Launching Daily

15:00 – Passion + Practicality = Sustainable Careers

17:00 – What It Took to Transition into the Gaming Space

19:00 – Failing Fast, Listening Hard, and Pivoting Smart

20:00 – The Real Needs of Small Studios: Trust + Guidance

21:00 – How to Connect with Coach Taz