In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Jennifer Javornik, Chief Partnerships Officer at Filament Games, to explore the impactful and fast-growing world of serious games. Jennifer breaks down what serious games are, who they're for, and why this corner of the industry is gaining serious momentum.We dive into the types of games Filament creates, the company’s main sources of business, and how they successfully connect with clients across industries. Jennifer also highlights emerging markets in serious games, including education, training, health, and workforce development—and explains how developers can tap into this growing space.Whether you're a dev curious about non-entertainment games or just looking to learn more about the intersection of play and purpose, this episode is full of practical knowledge and inspiration.Topics Covered: What exactly are serious games and why do they matter? The types of games Filament Games creates and their impact Filament’s business model and client acquisition strategies Emerging industries and opportunities in serious games Advice for developers interested in this meaningful side of gamingConnect with Jennifer Javornik: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-javornik/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.javornik.5 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msjnnfrj/#IndieGameBusiness #SeriousGames #GameDevelopment #FilamentGames #EducationalGames #TrainingGames #ImpactGames #GameIndustry #GamingWithPurpose #JenniferJavornik
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The State of the Industry: Data-Driven & Unfiltered | Pontus Mahler
In this episode of IndieGameBusiness, we’re cutting through the noise with Pontus Mahler, Managing Director at Agora Gaming Partners, to talk about the real state of the gaming industry—no hype, no fluff, just facts backed by data.Pontus brings a grounded and data-driven perspective to an industry that’s been full of dramatic headlines, speculation, and uncertainty. We dive deep into what the numbers actually say about the market, publishing trends, investment activity, studio closures, and what it all means for indie developers and larger studios alike.Connect with Pontus Mahler: Twitter: https://twitter.com/pontusmahler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pontusmahler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pontus.mahler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pontusmahler/#IndieGameBusiness #GameIndustry2024 #GameDevEconomy #GamingData #GamingInvestment #IndustryTrends #NoBS #GamePublishing #AgoraGamingPartners
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1:00:52
How to Survive, Rebuild, and Lead a Game Studio | Frederick Brassard
In this powerful episode of IndieGameBusiness, we sit down with Frederick Brassard, Studio Head at Nesting Games, to talk about the realities of running, losing, and rebuilding a game studio. With a career that began in the early days of Ubisoft Montreal—where he was hired as their 8th employee—Frederick shares an incredible story that spans decades of growth, challenges, and resilience in the game industry.We dive into hard but essential questions: What does it take for a studio to survive in today’s volatile market? What are the common mistakes new founders make when starting a studio? How critical are mental and physical health in leadership? And what should you do when your studio is struggling to stay afloat?Frederick opens up about the painful layoff of 60 employees at Nesting Games, how he and his partner rebuilt from that moment, and what it’s really like to balance production, business development, operations, and finance while trying to create great games in an unpredictable landscape.Whether you're an industry veteran or an aspiring studio founder, this episode is a must-listen.Topics Covered: How a studio can survive and thrive in 2024 What not to do when starting your own game studio Frederick's incredible origin story and his time at Ubisoft Rebuilding Nesting Games after major layoffs Where the game industry is headed—and how to prepare Balancing mental and physical health as a studio leader Real talk about production, partnerships, and perseveranceConnect with Frederick Brassard & Nesting Games: Twitter (X): https://x.com/NestingGames Facebook: https://facebook.com/nestinggames/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playdirectorate/ Game Announcement: https://www.ign.com/articles/the-directorate-novitiate-announced-for-pc#IndieGameBusiness #NestingGames #GameStudioLeadership #GameDev #FrederickBrassard #GameDevelopment #StudioSurvival #IndieDev #MentalHealthInGames #GameIndustry
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The Multitasking Way Forward: Strategies for Success
In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking is both a challenge and an opportunity. This session explores cutting-edge strategies to enhance productivity, maintain focus, and reduce burnout while juggling multiple priorities. Learn how to harness the power of intentional multitasking to achieve your goals without compromising quality.Key Takeaways:Mastering techniques for efficient multitaskingBalancing focus and flexibilityReducing stress while improving resultsJoin us to discover a smarter approach to multitasking!
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1:00:52
The Secrets to Pitching and Publishing Success | Joshua Garrity
In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Garrity, the Head Game Scout at Secret Mode, to uncover the keys to getting your game signed in today's competitive publishing landscape. Joshua shares expert insights on pitching, the ideal budget ranges for different types of projects, and what publishers are really looking for in new games.We also discuss common mistakes that developers should avoid, red flags in potential publishing partners, and how to position your game for the best possible chance of success. Whether you're an indie developer looking for your first publishing deal or an industry veteran refining your approach, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate the world of game pitching and publishing.Topics Covered: The current state of the game pitching and publishing landscape What budget ranges developers should realistically aim for What makes a game more likely to get signed by a publisher Mistakes developers make when pitching their games Red flags to watch out for when choosing a publishing partner Tips for refining your pitch and getting publishers interestedConnect with Joshua Garrity: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-garrity-261a6148/#IndieGameBusiness #GamePublishing #PitchingYourGame #GameDevelopment #SecretMode #GameFunding #IndieDev #GameIndustry #PublishingSuccess #GameScouting
Candid conversations with veterans of all aspects of the business side of games. We firmly believe that great games from all developers need the support they deserve to succeed. This podcast exists to provide that support.
IndieGameBusiness® is produced by The Powell Group, a video game consulting firm specializing in business development, marketing, and licensing. Our CEO has been in the industry for 20 years and closed countless publishing and licensing deals. The Powell Group monitors over 3,500 game developers and 750+ publishers.
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