Dr. Miko Charbonneau joins Marina Ryan to chat about best practices for remote work, how to prioritize the team’s wellbeing and happiness, and the path that took Miko from working on Minecraft to starting her own studio.

Grab a coffee, and join us for a chat!

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:06:00) Miko’s path into game development

(00:13:24) What is THE SPIRIT LIFT?

(00:23:23) Game design, player psychology, and narrative   

(00:28:55) Starting a remote game studio 

(00:34:13) Running a healthy game studio that prioritizes the team’s happiness

(00:56:50) What advice would Miko give her younger self? 

(01:04:34) Outro

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FOLLOW USTHE SPIRIT LIFT Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1727590/THE_SPIRIT_LIFT/

Miko’s socials: https://linktr.ee/mikocharbonneau 

prettysmart games’ socials: https://linktr.ee/prettysmartgames 

prettysmart games’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PrettySmartGames 

Marina’s socials: ⁠https://linktr.ee/marinaryan⁠  

Live Show on Twitch: ⁠https://twitch.tv/marinahascoffeeQuest Markers: ⁠https://linktr.ee/questmarkers⁠

Music by Marina Ryan

Miko’s podcast episode about Ada Wong: https://www.hotbaddies.club/episodes/s1-e9 

Miko’s book recommendation (not sponsored): Building Your Business the Right Brain Way by Jennifer Lee 

This episode of Quest Markers is not sponsored.

Rachel Heleva is back on the show to answer your questions about video game publishing! Grab a coffee, and join us for a chat!* * * * * * * TIMESTAMPS:(00:00:00) Intro(00:03:20) How Rachel got into the games industry (00:07:22) “What should I talk about when presenting a pitch deck?” (00:19:40) “What support do publishers offer besides financial support?”(00:27:50) “Should a game have a demo before we approach a publisher?”(00:34:55) “Where can I find a publisher that’s going to be the best fit for my studio?” (00:42:35) “What are some ideal terms and red flags in publishing contracts?” (00:49:55) Advice for independent game studios (01:00:05) What advice would Rachel give her younger and older selves? (01:07:11) Outro* * * * * * * January’s episode with Antonio Freyre: https://youtu.be/1NId9pvBvHI?si=aac3OAMNMjFRGu-h * * * * * * * FOLLOW USRachel’s Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hlywa.bsky.social Marina’s socials: ⁠https://linktr.ee/marinahascoffeeLive Show on Twitch: ⁠https://twitch.tv/marinahascoffeeQuest Markers: ⁠https://linktr.ee/questmarkers⁠Music by Marina Ryan

Tangleworm joins Marina Ryan to talk about the journey that led him to develop NOMIA, a tactics roguelike game.

They delve into how fantasy and sci-fi can help us imagine a better world, how playtesters can shape the development of key game mechanics, and techniques to stay motivated while working on something as complex as a roguelike video game.

Grab a coffee, and join us for a chat!

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:04:00) Tangleworm’s path into game development

(00:06:00) What is NOMIA?

(00:07:35) The inspiration behind NOMIA’s development process

(00:11:45) Why NOMIA is a game (and not a graphic novel)

(00:15:50) NOMIA’s worldbuilding and narrative themes

(00:26:00) Making indie game development sustainable

(00:32:18) What’s been fun and challenging when developing NOMIA

(00:36:36) Personal game dev philosophies

(00:43:07) Advice for new game developers

(00:48:50) What advice would Tangleworm give his younger self?

(00:51:40) Outro

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FOLLOW US

Magenesium Ninja’s website: https://magnesiumninja.com/

NOMIA’s Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3608900/NOMIA/?curator_clanid=45661602

Marina’s socials: ⁠https://linktr.ee/marinaryan⁠

Live Show on Twitch: ⁠https://twitch.tv/marinahascoffee

Quest Markers: ⁠https://linktr.ee/questmarkers

⁠Music by Marina Ryan

Mike from Archangel Softworks joins Marina Ryan to talk about his game development journey and upcoming title, Highway Noir.

They delve into what it’s like going from a solo developer to leading a team, managing complexity on larger-scale projects, the importance of prototyping, cohesive art direction, self-doubt, and much more.

Grab a coffee, and join us for a chat!

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Intro 

(00:03:15) How Mike got into game development

(00:07:00) Mike’s upcoming game, Highway Noir

(00:13:10) Being a solo dev vs. being the captain of the freelance ship

(00:18:13) Managing responsibilities: coding, admin, art, marketing, music, and more

(00:23:15) Party selection: how hiring decisions are made 

(00:27:48) Art direction and artistic cohesion 

(00:33:15) Prototyping and practice: how experimentation and learning 

(00:38:30) What has been the most challenging thing about working on highway Noir 

(00:43:50) What has been the most fun?

(00:45:50) You’re sitting on the precipice of release, how are you feeling? 

(00:47:58) What advice would Mike give his younger self? 

(00:50:00) Outro

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FOLLOW US

Mike’s socials: https://bsky.app/profile/archangelsoftworks.co.uk 

Highway Noir Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3317730/Highway_Noir/ 

Marina’s socials: ⁠https://linktr.ee/marinaryan⁠  

Live Show on Twitch: ⁠https://twitch.tv/marinahascoffeeQuest Markers: ⁠https://linktr.ee/questmarkers⁠

Music by Marina Ryan

Antonio Freyre joins Marina Ryan to talk about his game development journey that led him to developing his upcoming title, As Time Surrenders.They delve into topics such as ambient storytelling, using art as a way to engage in conversation, how mechanics and symbols can be used to tell game stories, building appealing worlds, Antonio’s creative process, and much more. Grab a coffee, and join us for a chat!* * * * * *

TIMESTAMPS:(00:00:00) Intro (00:03:23) How Antonio got into game development(00:08:55) Games that inspire Antonio(00:13:30) Using game mechanics and emotions to tell a story(00:22:43) “The point of art is to share and engage in conversation, not to impose” (00:26:57) Using symbolism to infuse games with meaning(00:30:31) Antonio’s game dev philosophies(00:37:20) Building appealing game worlds (00:44:09) Being a musician & Antonio’s creative process (00:53:40) As Time Surrenders, Antonio’s upcoming title(00:57:00) Advice Antonio would give his younger self(01:00:48) OutroFOLLOW USAntonio’s socials: https://linktr.ee/merlinogames Merlino Games Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/develo... Marina’s socials: ⁠https://linktr.ee/marinaryan⁠ Live Show on Twitch: ⁠  / marinahascoffee  Quest Markers: ⁠https://linktr.ee/questmarkers⁠Music by Marina Ryan

Cody Matthew Johnson is back! He joins Marina Ryan to talk about his path into video game music, his recent Grammy nomination, his plans for 2026, and advice he has for new video game composers. 

They also delve into topics such as embracing failure, choosing action over hesitation, and decisive minimalism. 

Grab a coffee, and join us for a chat!

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Intro 

(00:03:43) Cody’s path into video game music 

(00:10:11) A pivotal moment in Cody’s life

(00:12:14) “Ready” is not a feeling, it’s a decision 

(00:17:55) Action over hesitation

(00:20:07) Cody’s mantra for 2026 

(00:21:59) Cody’s Grammy nomination

(00:26:41) Embracing failure

(00:34:07) New things we want to try this year 

(00:42:00) Cody’s favourite way of landing a gig

(00:44:29) Advice Cody has for new video game composers 

(00:49:00) Advice Cody would give his younger self

(00:55:35) Outro

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FOLLOW US

Cody’s website: https://www.codymatthewjohnson.com/ 

Cody’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codymatthewjohnson/ 

Marina’s socials: ⁠https://linktr.ee/marinaryan⁠  

Live Show on Twitch: ⁠https://twitch.tv/marinahascoffeeQuest Markers: ⁠https://linktr.ee/questmarkers⁠

Music by Marina Ryan

Cody Matthew Johnson joins Marina Ryan to talk about his creative process in making video game music. Cody has worked on everything from Resident Evil to Bayonetta, to most recently Star Wars: Outlaws, which landed him a Grammy nomination (congrats, Cody!!!). 

They delve into the differences between different music roles, how to balance a project’s needs with our own creative ideas, how limitations can make us more creative, what a great collaboration looks like, imposter syndrome, finding play and gratitude, and more. 

Grab a coffee, and join us for a chat!

* * * * * * * 

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) Intro 

(00:05:17) What’s the difference between a composer vs. a songwriter vs. a music producer?

(00:15:28) Balancing a project’s needs with bringing our artistry into the music 

(00:23:39) What does a good collaborative environment look like?

(00:30:40) Creativity and limitations 

(00:32:20) What does a great collaboration look like? 

(00:37:25) Finding inspiration and flow state  

(00:45:47) Imposter syndrome

(00:47:08) The inevitable failure that is ahead 

(00:48:08) Finding play and gratitude 

(00:57:15) What does success mean to Cody? 

(01:03:05) What advice would Cody give his younger self? 

(01:07:25) Outro

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FOLLOW US

Cody’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codymatthewjohnson/ 

Cody’s Twitter: https://x.com/codymatthewj 

Marina’s socials: ⁠https://linktr.ee/marinaryan⁠  

Live Show on Twitch: ⁠https://twitch.tv/marinahascoffeeQuest Markers: ⁠https://linktr.ee/questmarkers⁠

Music by Marina Ryan

Ben Lazerbeam joins Marina Ryan to talk about the development of Team Lazerbeam’s upcoming roguelike double deckbuilder, Shroom and Gloom. They delve into the game’s design and balancing, art and implementation, and the marketing strategy that led them to 125,000+ wishlists on Steam! Grab a coffee, and join us for a chat!* * * * * * * TIMESTAMPS:(00:00:00) Intro(00:05:50) Ben’s game development journey(00:10:37) Designing and balancing a deckbuilding game (00:26:29) The art, lightning, and implementation of Shroom and Gloom(00:35:05) Marketing, wishlists, and going viral on TikTok(00:54:52) What advice would Ben give their younger self? (01:02:45) Outro* * * * * * * FOLLOW USShroom and Gloom on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3271280/Shroom_and_Gloom/ Ben’s socials: https://linktr.ee/benlazerbeam Team Lazerbeam’s socials: https://linktr.ee/teamlazerbeam Marina’s socials: ⁠https://linktr.ee/marinaryan⁠ Live Show on Twitch: ⁠https://twitch.tv/marinahascoffeeQuest Markers: ⁠https://linktr.ee/questmarkers⁠Music by Marina Ryan#gamedevelopment #gamedev #gamedeveloper #gamedevpodcast #videogames #indiegames #indiegame #indiegamedev #shroomandgloom

Vincent Adinolfi joins Marina Ryan to talk about the development of his survival horror game Heartworm. They delve into the inspiration behind the game, Vincent’s development journey, the game’s OST, visual identity, production, accessibility, and so much more. The episode is chock-full of great development and life advice. Grab a coffee, and join us for a chat!* * * * * * * TIMESTAMPS:(00:00:00) Preview (00:00:36) Intro(00:03:28) Vincent’s path: working on his first game(00:04:47) Overview of Heartworm(00:05:53) The development of Heartworm & taking risks(00:09:25) The inspiration behind Heartworm(00:12:17) Heartworm’s creative direction and visual identity(00:15:35) The making of Heartworm’s music(00:30:15) Building in accessibility options(00:33:55) How difficult is it to get fixed camera angles right?(00:36:18) How Heartworm got published(00:40:10) Heartworm’s production (00:45:15) “Done is better than perfect” (vulnerability and finishing things)(00:49:49) Making games is hard(00:52:25) If Vincent could give his younger self a piece of advice…(00:55:48) Outro* * * * * * * FOLLOW USHeartworm on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1257030/Heartworm/ Heartworm: https://heartwormgame.com/ Heartworm’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vadinolfi Heartworm’s Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/adinolfi.bsky.social Heartworm’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartworm.game Marina’s socials: ⁠https://linktr.ee/marinaryan⁠ Live Show on Twitch: ⁠https://twitch.tv/marinahascoffeeQuest Markers: ⁠https://linktr.ee/questmarkers⁠Music by Marina Ryan

Rachel Heleva (Akupara Games, Spiral Up Games, Strange Scaffold) joins Marina to talk about her games publishing and development journey.They delve into how game publishers work, what it means to be a game scout, the importance of production, and Rachel gives tons of advice for up-and-coming studios seeking their next publishing deal. Grab a coffee, and join us for a chat!

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TIMESTAMPS:(00:00:00) Preview (00:00:22) Intro(00:03:00) Rachel’s path: getting into the industry(00:05:39) What is a games publisher?(00:09:10) What is a games scout?(00:10:40) Rachel’s experiencing helping start a publishing house (00:14:50) What makes an indie studio stand out?(00:18:40) What indicates to a publisher that a studio isn’t ready for funding yet? (00:21:33) What indicates to a publisher that a studio is ready for funding now?(00:24:28) How have Rachel’s production skills helped her in her publishing and scouting work?(00:27:15) How has Rachel’s production experience helped her identify a studio’s ability to deliver on their timelines? (00:32:33) What advice would Rachel give her younger self?(00:34:47) Words of wisdom for studios (00:37:07) Outro(00:37:27) Q&A: How did Rachel first get into her role? (00:39:36) More advice for studios (feedback, playtesting, making games publicly) FOLLOW USRachel’s Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hlywa.bsky.s... Marina’s socials: https://linktr.ee/marinahascoffeeLive Show on Twitch: ⁠  / marinahascoffee  Quest Markers: ⁠https://linktr.ee/questmarkers⁠Music by Marina Ryan