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

🎥 DEREK LIEU:Derek's Website: https://www.derek-lieu.com/Derek's Youtube Channel  @DerekLieu  How to Make a Game Trailer Course: https://vgta.teachable.com/Derek's Asset List Blog Post: https://www.derek-lieu.com/blog/2019/11/5/game-trailer-editor-asset-list🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/Want to learn how to make an indie game trailer that actually sells your game on Steam, itch.io, or at big showcases? 🎬 In this episode, trailer legend Derek Lieu reveals how to hook players in the first 5 seconds, avoid common mistakes, and craft trailers that convert.Derek has created iconic trailers for indie hits including Among Us, Slay the Spire 2, Spelunky 2, Tunic, and more. With years of experience helping developers translate gameplay into emotion, Derek shares practical advice on how to capture attention, communicate genre instantly, and guide viewers on a journey from “okay, I get it” to “I need to play this.”You’ll learn when to start working with a trailer editor, what assets you must prepare, the red flags to watch for, and how to collaborate effectively to get the best results. Whether you’re launching on Steam or preparing for a big showcase, Derek’s insights will help you make your trailers truly shine.CHAPTERS00:00 – Why Great Game Trailers Matter01:49 – When to Start Working With a Trailer Editor07:59 – Hooks, Genres & Making Your Game Stand Out15:16 – The Assets Developers Often Forget to Provide22:22 – Red Flags When Hiring a Trailer Editor29:58 – Balancing Developer Vision with Editor Creativity37:00 – Steam Trailers vs. Showcase/Event Trailers47:50 – Feedback, Collaboration & Revision Best Practices01:08:20 – Lessons, Indie Shoutouts & Where to Find Derek🎙️ 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 📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/🕸️ 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

🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/Ever wondered how to approach a publisher? Or maybe just felt nervous about reaching out? Well, my friend, this episode is for you.Today, I'm joined by Corey Caplan, Director of Business Development and Partnerships at tinyBuild, to break down four essential things that every indie dev should know before pitching to a publisher. Learn what you should include in your pitch deck (and what you should leave out), how to make your game stand out in an inbox packed with submissions, why shipping a game matters more than you think in the eyes of a publisher, and how to build a lasting relationship that goes far beyond just one title.🧙‍♂️Corey Caplan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-caplan-3907b116/Corey's Podcast:  @HowtoPitchGames  Kingmakers: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2109770/Kingmakers📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/Chapters:00:00 – Introduction: Approaching Publishers and tinyBuild Overview01:24 – Meet Corey Caplan: Director of Business Development03:50 – What Makes tinyBuild Special and Their Focus on Systems Driven Games07:43 – Common Misconceptions About Publishers10:11 – Crafting the Perfect Publisher Email and Minimum Requirements15:44 – Essential Pitch Deck Elements and Market Analysis17:29 – The 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge (Sponsor Break)22:14 – Technical Considerations and Budget Requirements25:32 – The Importance of Shipping Games and Developer Qualities29:35 – Publisher Developer Relationships and Long Term Vision31:41 – Following Up Strategies and Final Pitching Advice\35:57 – What's Exciting in the Indie Space and Shoutouts40:12 – Closing and Thank You🎙️ 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

Announcing your game is one of the most important steps in your indie dev journey — but most developers get it wrong. So how do you nail your game’s announcement?In this episode, I’m joined by PR expert Robby Bisschop from Pirate PR Game Marketing to break down everything you need to know about announcing your indie game the right way. Learn how to prepare your Steam page and trailer, write a press release that actually gets coverage, and capture attention from outlets like IGN so your announcement builds hype (instead of fizzling out).🎯 Avoid common mistakes that kill your launch📈 Discover the announcement formula that grows wishlists📰 Learn how to pitch press & influencers like a pro❤️ Helpful Resources:What needs to be in your Press Kit?: https://piratepr.com/treasure-trove/what-needs-to-be-in-your-press-kit/Notion Press Kit Template: https://piratepr.com/treasure-trove/build-a-press-kit-for-your-game-with-our-notion-template/👤 Robby Bisschop (Pirate PR)Website: https://piratepr.com/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/PiratePRLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robby-bisschop/📖 Chapters00:00 Episode Intro01:33 Why Game Announcements Make or Break Indies02:28 What Actually Counts as a Game Announcement?05:14 The Re-Announcement Strategy: Your Second Chance08:58 Building Your Public Facing Assets: Steam Pages & Trailers14:29 Professional Assets: Press Releases & Media Kit28:30 The Anatomy of a Perfect Press Release32:58 Essential Elements of Your Press Kit41:28 Finding and Building Your Media List46:16 Mastering Embargoes and Timing Strategy51:52 The Coordinated Launch: Timing Everything Perfectly56:57 Giving Effective Feedback and Building Relationships1:02:02 Following Up Without Being Pushy1:07:08 Avoiding Scammers and Fake Outlets1:12:13 Thank You Notes and Relationship Maintenance1:14:24 Robby's Game Recommendation: Aaero1:16:16 Where to Find Robby & Pirate PR1:17:32 Episode Outro--------------------------------------🏆 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

90 days to launch and no marketing plan? Don't panic – you're not out of options!In this episode, we're joined by Devin Dixon, founder of Glitch, to break down his proven 90-day last-minute marketing plan that can transform your game from wishlist graveyard to Steam success. Learn how to build lightweight marketing strategies, create engaging content that resonates with gamers, and develop post-launch tactics that keep momentum going long after release day!Blog Post Mentioned:How to Plan a Last-Minute Marketing Campaign for Your Game: https://blog.glitch.fun/how-to-makert-your-game-with-devlogs-and-building-in-public/Marketing Guide: https://glitch.fun/publishers/tools/guide🖥️ Website: https://glitch.fun/🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-d-603a5432/🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/Chapters:00:00 - The Last Minute Marketing Plan07:55 - Understanding the Gaming Demographic16:06 - Building a Marketing Strategy23:58 - Engaging with Influencers and PR31:56 - Optimizing Social Media for Game Launch34:40 - Understanding Game Retention and Conversion Rates37:00 - Estimating Game Pricing and Profitability39:22 - Analyzing Game Engagement Metrics41:17 - Building a Content Calendar for Game Marketing44:52 - Leveraging Social Media for Game Promotion46:43 - Utilizing Social Scheduling Tools Effectively49:42 - Analyzing Social Media Performance51:39 - Improving Game Mechanics Based on Feedback55:12 - Interpreting Data and Avoiding Common Mistakes57:16 - Last-Minute Marketing Strategies Before Launch01:00:46 - Post-Launch Marketing Strategies for Continued Success01:05:07 - Introducing Glitch: A Unified Marketing Solution🎙️ 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

Cold email outreach for indie game developers doesn't have to feel salesy! Learn how to build genuine relationships with streamers, journalists, and content creators that actually get your game noticed.In this episode, we're joined by marketing expert Taylor Rodriguez (Coach Taz) to break down the psychology behind effective cold email marketing. Discover how to overcome your fear of "bothering" people, target the right creators for maximum impact, and write emails that feel like friendly conversations instead of pushy sales pitches!🎯 Free Cold Email Template: https://freakingcoolindies.com/6-2/Taylor Rodriguez (Coach Taz):YouTube: https  @DesignedByTaz  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madebytaz/Chapters: 00:00 - Foundations of Cold Email Outreach01:53 - The Human Element in Outreach09:46 - The Power of Consistent Networking17:30 - The Art of Being Genuine27:56 - Tools and Workflow for Outreach38:52 - Leveraging AI in Your Marketing50:41 - The Unwavering Importance of Authenticity57:32 - Continuously Improving Your Cold Email Strategy01:08:14 - Shoutout of the Week🏆 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 branding for indie developers: Think branding is just a logo and colours? That's the biggest mistake indie game marketing makes! Learn authentic brand identity strategies.In this episode, we're joined by marketing powerhouse duo Katie and Jonathan Binns to reveal what game branding actually means. Katie brings over a decade of marketing experience (including Warhammer 40K Mechanicus), while Jonathan is a senior brand manager at Super Rare Games. Together, they break down how to build an authentic brand ecosystem that makes players remember your game long after they've put down the controller!Navigame: https://www.navigame.co.uk/Super Rare Games: http://superraregames.com/Chapters:00:00 – What Does Brand Identity Really Mean?05:30 – When to Start Building Your Brand12:15 – Common Branding Misconceptions18:45 – Finding Your Target Audience25:20 – The "This Meets This" Framework32:10 – Discovering Your Game's Unique Voice38:55 – Real-World Analysis: Lucid Case Study45:30 – Choosing the Right Marketing Channels52:15 – Building Authentic Community Connections58:40 – One Action to Start This Week1:02:25 – Final Advice for Standing Out1:05:15 – Game Recommendations & Shoutouts🏆 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

Email marketing for indie game developers isn't dead - it's your secret weapon. While most indie devs chase social media followers, smart developers build email newsletters that directly reach their audience.Jordan Brown from OP Game Marketing shares the strategies that grew his newsletter in just months. Learn why email lists might be more valuable than Steam wishlists, how to choose between Substack and Kit, and the exact Reddit tactics that drive viral growth.✉️ Subscribe to the OP Game Marketing Newsletter: https://opgamemarketing.substack.com/Newsletter ToolsSubstack: https://substack.com/aboutKit (Affiliate): https://freakingcoolindies.com/kit Join FCI!:🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/challenge/📬 Newsletter: https://freakingcoolindies.com/newsletter/Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to OP Game Marketing03:04 - The Purpose Behind the Newsletter05:53 - Building a Community Through Case Studies08:58 - The Importance of Email Marketing11:54 - Success and Networking Through the Newsletter26:21 - Substack vs. Kit: Choosing a Platform41:28 - Analytics and Subscriber Engagement46:16 - Leveraging Reddit for Marketing56:57 - Content Strategies for an Indie Dev Newsletter1:05:40 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome1:12:11 - Handling Negative Feedback and Comments1:18:36 - Email Marketing Best Practices1:25:15 - Games to Watch: Shoutouts🎙️ 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

Ever wonder how successful indie studios like Drinkbox manage to consistently release amazing games? In this episode, we get the inside scoop from Associate Producer Josh Davis on their production strategies.Stop letting production hurdles kill your creative vision! In this must-listen episode, Josh Davis from Drinkbox Studios shares his expert advice on everything from managing timelines and taming feature creep to using data to inform your marketing and release. Whether you're a solo dev or part of a small team, these insights will help you ship your game.🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/Guest: Josh Davis / Drinkbox StudiosWebsite: https://www.drinkboxstudios.com/Twitter: https://x.com/drinkboxstudios?lang=enWishlist Blighted: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2974160/Blighted/CHAPTERS00:35 Drinkbox's Production Philosophy01:34 What Does a Game Producer Actually Do?02:58 How Drinkbox Manages Meetings & Communication05:57 Production Tips for Solo & Small Indie Devs09:34 Using Playtesting Data to Make Better Games34:58 How to Handle Scope Creep & Feature Cuts46:44 Data-Driven Marketing & Release Strategies56:04 The "Good Enough for Now" MindsetLeave a Review: If you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/challenge/📬 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

Stop your scroll! That's the power of amazing capsule art on Steam. But how do you get it?In this episode, we're joined by talented artist James Combridge to break down the art of creating compelling capsule art. Learn how to write effective briefs that clearly communicate your game's vision, provide feedback that actually improves the art, and build a collaborative relationship with your artist to turn your game from "meh" to "must-play"!🎨 Free Capsule Art Brief (Template): https://freakingcoolindies.com/capsuleart🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/challenge/James Combridge:Website: https://www.jamescombridge.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-combridge-2b7b7514a/ArtStation: https://www.artstation.com/jamescombridgeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamescombridgeartCHAPTERS(00:00) The Importance of Capsule Art(02:02) Creating Effective Briefs for Artists(08:39) Matching Art with Game Aesthetics(15:44) The Creative Process & Defining Deliverables(23:04) Hiring the Right Artist & Red Flags(28:58) The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback(37:53) Navigating Creative Control in a Collaboration(41:25) Why Clear Communication is Key(47:34) Shoutouts and RecommendationsLeave a Review: If you enjoyed the show, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.🏆 7 Day Marketing Foundations Challenge: https://freakingcoolindies.com/challenge/📬 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