This week, we’re exploring the essential traits, mindsets, and challenges that every newcomer to the indie game industry should know. Join us as we hear from Vanessa Devine, a producer in the Games Industry, and James Smith, a game triage specialist, for practical advice and motivating stories that will help you navigate your early indie dev journey.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Common misconceptions new indie devs have—and how to correct them.
• Key traits and mindsets that helped Vanessa and James overcome early obstacles.
• Personal anecdotes on the turning points that shaped their careers.
• How to build resilience and keep pushing forward, even when you feel stuck.

Resources & Mentions:

• Gamestorming.com – Mentioned by Vanessa during the episode.
• Games User Research - Mentioned by Vanessa during the episode
• Vanessa Devine on LinkedIn - Connect with Vanessa on Linkedin
• James Smith on LinkedIn – Connect with James for more insights on game triage.
• Indie Game Dev Community Forum – A great space to share your progress and ask for feedback.

Join the Conversation:

• Follow Indie Innovators on Twitter@IndieInnovators for show updates and community discussions.
• Join our Discord to connect with fellow aspiring devs, ask questions, and share your creations.

Tune in to hear how our guests harnessed determination and grit to carve their own paths in the industry—and learn how you can do the same on your journey into indie game development!”

Should indie devs work with a publisher or go solo? It’s a big decision, and while this episode won’t make the choice for you, it will help you start figuring it out. We’ll break down the pros and cons of both paths, highlight key questions new indie devs often overlook, and get insights from James Smith, who’s worked on both sides of the industry—with indie developers and publishers. Plus, James introduces a third option that many devs don’t even consider.

In this episode of Indie Innovators, we dive into a topic that’s on the minds of many aspiring game developers: what does it really take to be seen as an expert in the games industry? Join host Spencer Koroll and co-producer James Smith, co-owner of Black Cap Creative, as they break down the myths of expertise and offer practical advice for anyone looking to break into game development.

Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about launching your first indie project, this episode is packed with valuable insights, including:

If you’ve ever doubted your skills or wondered if you’re “good enough” to start in this industry, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to embrace your journey, find your niche, and take the first steps toward a career in game development.

Today, we’re diving into one of the most critical, and often overlooked, aspects of game development: Crisis Management. Whether you're just starting out or dreaming of joining the industry, crises are inevitable. Deadlines slip, bugs appear out of nowhere, and unexpected obstacles can throw even the best teams off course. That’s why understanding how to navigate a crisis can mean the difference between success and failure.

Joining me today is James Smith, a seasoned game industry professional, to break down the five main elements of crisis management.

In this episode, James recounts the story of the worst crisis he’s ever faced in his professional career. From what happened and how it unfolded to the steps he took to recover, this candid discussion dives deep into the realities of managing a crisis in the game development industry. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on Crisis Management, setting the stage for Part 2, where James breaks down the key elements and strategies every game developer needs to navigate crises effectively. Don’t miss this episode—it’s the foundation for understanding how to face the unexpected in game dev.

Joining us again is James, who breaks down the "big three" project management styles: Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall. We explore how these methodologies work, the key differences between them, and which approach might be the best fit for your indie game project.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stay on track, avoid burnout, and finish your game on time, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn practical tips and real-world examples that will take your project management skills to the next level.

What you’ll learn:

Don’t let chaos derail your dreams—start building better habits today!

Setting goals is easy, achieving them is the hard part. In this episode of Indie Innovators, we dive into the common pitfalls that cause game developers to fall short of their goals—and more importantly, how to overcome them. Learn how to break down your big dreams into actionable steps, avoid burnout, and stay focused on what really matters in your indie game journey. Whether you're just starting out or deep in development, these tips will help you create a plan you can stick to and finally turn your ideas into reality.

This week James Smith returns to talk about why a great narrative isn't enough to make a game successful in game development. In this episode he shares the importance of building balance between story and gameplay mechanics. And through implementing both, players can find your games more engaging and memorable. Whether you're new to game development or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with tips and insights for anyone looking to elevate their game design skills.

Understanding what Player-Centric Design is could be the difference between a successful hit and a 1 off flop. But what if a simple understanding of the difference between good and bad Player-Centric Design is all it might take? In this episode, I sit down with James Smith to dive deep into what makes it tick, why indie devs struggle to understand and outright ignore it, but also what we can do to bring it all back together and help it shape the game of our (and more specifically our players) dreams!

Are you sure you know what a Video Game Mechanic really is? Many newcomers to the industry, including myself, often struggle with this concept. In this episode, I sit down with James Smith to dive deep into what game mechanics truly are, why understanding them is crucial, and how a lack of clarity can lead to major setbacks for indie teams later in development.