In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re joined by Mercedes Boberg, Sales Manager at Pragma and Firstlook, to break down how indie developers should approach working with creators from day one.

Mercedes shares why thinking about creators early, before launch, is critical and explains the difference between paid creator campaigns and organic creator growth. We’ll talk about what actually makes creators stick with a game long term, how to approach creators when you don’t have budget or brand recognition, and the most common mistakes studios make when trying to work with them.

This conversation also dives into how to turn creators into long term partners instead of one off promotions, and what real success looks like when your creator strategy is working. If you want to build lasting relationships that actually move your game forward, this episode is packed with practical insight.

Follow Mercedes Boberg:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedes-boberg-225023234/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercedesboberg/

#IndieGameBusiness #CreatorMarketing #IndieDev #GameMarketing #Firstlook #Pragma

Join Patrick Sweeney for “Working with Publishers: Lessons Learned from 3,000 Agreements”

Publishing deals can be complex, and small misunderstandings can lead to big problems. Drawing from experience across thousands of agreements, Patrick breaks down common myths, recurring pitfalls, and what developers often overlook when entering partnerships. This session offers clear guidance on how to approach deals with better expectations, stronger communication, and a more balanced relationship from the start.

#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustry #Publishing

Join Katherine Vildoso for “Building International Networks: Ambassador & Partnership Strategies”

Expanding beyond local reach can be one of the biggest hurdles for growing organizations. Katherine shares how to build and scale an international network, drawing from her experience launching and formalizing an association within a year. This session covers how to develop a strong ambassador program, form strategic partnerships, and create a governance structure that attracts both government and private support. You’ll leave with practical approaches to growing your network with purpose and structure.

Join Eline Muijres for “Your Publisher Is Still Judging You: How Trust Is Built, Lost, and Repaired in a Publishing Relationship”

Signing a publishing deal isn’t the finish line, it’s the start of a long-term relationship. Eline draws from her experience as a Publisher Producer to explain how trust is built, tested, and sometimes broken throughout development. Using real-world examples, this session explores how publishers evaluate not just your game, but your communication, reliability, and team dynamics. You’ll learn what strengthens a partnership, what damages it, and how to recover when things start going sideways.

#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustry #Publishing

Join Jay Powell for “Finding the Right Publishing Partner for Your Game”

Not every publisher will be the right match for your project, your goals, or your team. Jay breaks down what publishers actually bring to the table, how to evaluate potential partners, and the warning signs developers often miss. This session covers the key questions to ask before signing an agreement and how to find a publishing relationship that supports your game instead of complicating it.

#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustry #Publishing

Join Dmitry Martirosyan for “Publisher Relationships – What it Gives and What it Takes?”

Working with publishers is a craft that goes far beyond signing a deal. Dmitry explores what it really takes to build and maintain strong publisher relationships in an industry shaped by shifting audiences, evolving technology, and constant market changes. This session breaks down the skills, awareness, and adaptability needed to navigate those dynamics, and how developers can stay prepared, even when the landscape keeps changing.

#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustry #Publishing

Starting a studio without industry experience can feel overwhelming, but it’s more common than you think. Alina walks through what it takes to build a game studio from the ground up and keep it running over time. As a follow-up to her 2022 session, she expands on the realities of managing a studio long-term, covering early decisions, ongoing challenges, and what founders need to stay on track as they grow.

#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustry #Publishing

Join Mark and INDIE as they discuss the talks and insights shared during the May Deep Dive focused on building strong publishing partnerships. This post-event session will break down key presentations, highlight important takeaways from speakers, and explore what those lessons mean for indie developers.

They’ll cover what was said about finding the right publishing partners, common mistakes developers make, red flags to watch for, and how to approach partnerships with a long-term mindset. Mark and INDIE will also share their own thoughts on the discussions and how developers can apply these insights right now.

If you attended the Deep Dive and want a recap or missed it and want the key takeaways, this session will get you caught up.

#IndieGameBusiness #GamePublishing #IndieDev #IGBDeepDive #GameBusiness

Securing interest from a partner or investor is only the first step. Chelsea explains how corporate due diligence works in the U.S. and why some studios lose deals during the background review process. By walking through how investigators evaluate risk, this session reveals what reviewers look for in your company records, public presence, and business materials. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to prepare your studio to pass due diligence and protect opportunities you’ve worked hard to earn.

#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustry #Publishing

Join Meg Clarke for “I Love You But Your Pitch Sucks” –

A tough title, but an honest one. Meg breaks down the common mistakes developers make when approaching investors, from unclear messaging to misaligned expectations. With direct feedback and real-world perspective, this session highlights what holds pitches back and how to improve them without losing your creative vision. Expect candid insights and practical advice to help you present your project with clarity and confidence.

#FYP #VirtualConference #IndieGameDev #IndieGames #GamesIndustry #Publishing