This week we talk with the founder of the Indie Megabooth and games VC Kelly Wallick. Through her indie beginnings to her investing portfolio, community has always been the core. We discuss the Indie Game Festival, spotting hits and making a great pitch deck - this week!

Episode Highlights

[00:00:00] Founding the Indie MEGABOOTH: Building a Platform for Indie Games
Kelly shares how she launched the Indie MEGABOOTH, creating a showcase that gave indie developers global visibility at major conventions.

[00:06:00] From Chemistry to Gaming: Kelly’s Unlikely Career Path
Discover how Kelly went from studying chemistry and working in science to becoming a leader in the indie game community.

[00:13:00] The Rise of Indie Games: How Developers Changed the Industry
Kelly reflects on the cultural and creative shift that indie games sparked, reshaping how players and publishers view the medium.

[00:20:00] Behind the Scenes of PAX: Scaling Indie Showcases Worldwide
Learn how the Indie MEGABOOTH expanded into a global phenomenon, partnering with PAX and other major events to spotlight independent creators.

[00:32:00] Challenges of Running Indie MEGABOOTH: Funding, Burnout, and Survival
Kelly opens up about the financial and emotional hurdles of sustaining a community-driven organization in the fast-changing games industry.

[00:41:00] Navigating COVID-19: Shutting Down Events and Supporting Developers
Hear how the pandemic forced Indie MEGABOOTH to shut down operations—and how Kelly and her team worked to support struggling developers.

[00:50:00] Transitioning to Venture Capital: Kelly’s New Role in Games Funding
Kelly explains how she moved into VC work, investing in early-stage game companies and helping founders grow their visions.

[01:00:00] Advice for Indie Creators: Community, Resilience, and Staying Authentic
Kelly offers advice for new developers—emphasizing collaboration, sustainable practices, and why staying true to your creative voice matters most.

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Hosted by Alexander Seropian and Aaron Marroquin
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