Andrew Pappas, founder of RenGen Marketing helps take indie devs and their games to a whole new level by discussing business best practices and sharing marketing strategies and tips to better navigate the world of indie game marketing. Regardless if you’re an indie dev starting out or a veteran small team, the topic discussions apply to anyone wanting to better understand the online environment and stand out in a saturated market. A marketer since 2011, Andrew has found a passion for applying his knowledge by empowering and educating the indie dev community. Between the years of his experience and interviews with respected industry veterans, you’ll learn about online marketing, email marketing, crowdfunding, paid advertising, community development, social media, community outreach, project management, and much more. All episodes are packed with helpful information and actionable steps that can give you the confidence you need when it comes to your business and indie game marketing. Hit subscribe and get ready to become part of the indie game movement.
Every indie developer hopes their game will succeed, but building on that success takes smart planning well before that milestone is hit. In this episode, we'll explore practical strategies to help indie studios set strong foundations, position themselves for growth while attracting future opportunities and partnerships. So get ready as we share the tools to build up momentum now so your studio can thrive later. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/378
12/3/24 • 53:49
As we wrap up the Master Class series, this bonus episode takes a deep dive into Patrick’s course on creating irresistible games. Andrew has gone through the entire course, to provide a complete overview with key takeaways, strengths, personal thoughts on areas for improvement, and insights into who would benefit from the course and why it’s a must for improving player engagement and building sustainable games. Please use the checkout link: https://checkout.patrickrose.io/checkout?am_id=igm Shownotes page: https://www.rengenmarketing.com/podcast/masterclass-course-review/↗
11/28/24 • 32:19
Welcome to the Indie Game Movement masterclass series! In this episode, we explore game-changing monetization strategies that balance revenue generation with player satisfaction. Our guest shares insights on innovative approaches, avoiding pitfalls, tracking trends, and refining models with player feedback. If you’re looking for sustainable revenue strategies that keep players happy, this episode is a must-listen. Want to get more from this episode and take further action? Learn more about the course "The Art and Science of Creating Irresistible Games" Use code IGM for an exclusive discount! Please note: The podcast will receive compensation if you purchase the course using the link above. This means the podcast will earn a commission if you purchase the course through the link, at no additional cost to you. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/377
11/26/24 • 49:47
Welcome to the Indie Game Movement masterclass series! Today, we’re diving into the importance of player engagement and how it's crucial for the success of indie games. Our guest shares their approach to creating games that captivate players, exploring key engagement elements, player motivations, and strategies to measure and adapt. If you want to learn how to foster meaningful connections with your players, this episode is for you. Want to get more from this episode and take further action? Learn more about the course "The Art and Science of Creating Irresistible Games" Use code IGM for an exclusive discount! Please note: The podcast will receive compensation if you purchase the course using the link above. This means the podcast will earn a commission if you purchase the course through the link, at no additional cost to you. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/376
11/21/24 • 55:09
Welcome to the Indie Game Movement masterclass series! In this episode, we tackle the challenges of hooking and engaging players. Our guest shares insights, lessons learned, and strategies to captivate players, avoid common pitfalls, and build games that truly resonate. Whether you're looking to improve engagement or refine your approach, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you take your game to the next level! Want to get more from this episode and take further action? Learn more about the course "The Art and Science of Creating Irresistible Games" Use code IGM for an exclusive discount! Please note: The podcast will receive compensation if you purchase the course using the link above. This means the podcast will earn a commission if you purchase the course through the link, at no additional cost to you. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/375
11/19/24 • 35:20
Just sharing a quick announcement about our upcoming Master Class Series. Listen to find out more!
11/14/24 • 09:26
The marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and it's not exclusive to any one area or focus, especially influencers. And for those who can adapt, will thrive. That's why today we're meeting with a couple of guests to discuss the changes in influencer marketing strategies and how studios and even publishers can adapt, shifting from traditional PR to influencer marketing to maximize their ROI. Between diving into tools, strategies, and mindset, we're going to cover everything needed to keep up with these changes and maximize your influencer marketing efforts. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/374
11/12/24 • 48:13
Balancing narrative and gameplay is a challenge that has puzzled game designers for decades, but thankfully there are lots of effective ways to overcome these obstacles. Today, we're going to take a deep dive into how ludonarrative experimentation can redefine this balance. With insights drawn from our guest’s extensive experience in narrative-driven games, we discuss how novel design strategies and mechanics can lead to more immersive and thought-provoking player experiences. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/373
11/5/24 • 45:29
What does it take to survive as an indie game studio for 10 years? That's a great question and one we're going to tackle head on by exploring challenges of sustaining an independent game studio. Today our guest shares their journy starting as a student project, and the lessons learned along the ways like overcoming early hurdles to adapting to industry challenges and the strategies that kept their company afloat and growing as they pushed through uncertain times. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/372
10/29/24 • 56:31
Today, we're diving into how to resonate with your audience and achieve remarkable results. This episode is a special one, as I'll be sharing insights from a recent talk I gave, tailored just for you. So sit back, relax, and let's explore how to connect with your audience and make an impact. https://www.rengenmarketing.com/371 Interested in getting valuable market and audience insights? Get your free consultation here!
10/22/24 • 55:01
Indie game development often thrives on the balance between iteration and long-term sustainability, but in doing so, there's always the potential risk of burning out. So today, we're going to explore strategies on how to maintain creativity over time and how to adapt your development process to evolve projects while fostering innovation and sustainability. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/370
10/15/24 • 52:52
The indie game industry has evolved dramatically in the last few decades. But despite some fundamental challenges that remain, reaching sustainability is still possible to acheive. So today, we're going to dive deep into how one developer has thrived for over 30 years, balancing creativity and business by focusing on shareware games. We'll explore the history, some trends and wrap it all up with some actionable tips to help developers turn their passion into a long-lasting career. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/369
10/8/24 • 63:50
Managing an indie studio requires juggling multiple roles, from creative direction to financial management, all while staying true to a game’s vision. It may not be easy, but it can be done. So today, we're going to dive into the challenges of balancing these responsibilities, and explore how to build up your IP all while learning how to effectively leverage strategies and lessons learned while wearing many hats. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/368
10/1/24 • 57:03
Marketing and community management are often the bridge between game developers and their audience, but navigating this relationship during production can be tricky. So today, we're going to uncover how to align marketing strategies with community needs by discussing effective ways to create authentic connections and drive player engagement, all while you're still making your game! Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/367
9/24/24 • 51:57
Many indie game developers fall into the trap of letting their limitations dictate their creative process, which can affect more than just their games. So today, we're going to challenge this mindset by discussing how studios can apply AAA principles to their projects, and learn how to think big, innovate, and overcome limitations that may stand in the way. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/366
9/17/24 • 38:21
With the gaming industry experiencing significant job cuts over the past several months, developers and professionals are finding it increasingly difficult to secure new opportunities, making articulating your value more critical than ever. In this episode, we're going to discuss how to communicate your worth effectively in such a competitive environment. From strategies that craft compelling narratives that stand out to navigating career transitions, we'll get to the bottom of how you can stand out and better navigate the uncertainties that lie ahead. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/365
9/10/24 • 54:08
AI is revolutionizing data analytics and game development, presenting both opportunities and challenges for developers. Unfortunately, many are unsure how to leverage this information effectively. In this episode, we explore how AI solutions are reshaping the gaming industry by looking into practical applications and future trends in AI-driven game development. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/364
9/3/24 • 41:53
Many great games go unnoticed due to a lot of different factors, but one of the main areas studios and developers struggle with is nailing down discoverbility. So today, we're going to tackle this problem by understanding issues with the current game discovery system and discuss practical solutions to fix it, so you can break down barriers in game discovery and stand out! Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/363
8/27/24 • 46:26
Developers often struggle to clearly communicate their game’s vision to partners, leading to misalignment, potential conflicts and a whole slew of other challenges during development and beyond. In this episode, we explore how to establish and share a strong vision within your team, overcome common articulation challenges, and effectively present your vision to potential publishers. Join us as we uncover practical tips and personal experiences shared by our guest to ensure your game vision is understood and supported by all stakeholders. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/362
8/20/24 • 52:44
Crafting game animation requires more than technical skill, as it's about weaving immersive storytelling into interactive experiences. And while this can enhance gameplay and storytelling, it's a challenge to address...but doesn't always have to be. Today, we're going to dive deep into the craft of game animation, discussing everything from strategies and concepts to the importance of keeping an open mindset, so you can approach game animation with an understanding that will help you level up the experiences you provide for your players. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/361
8/13/24 • 50:29
Navigating the world of media relations can be challenging for indie game developers, often struggling to capture the attention of journalists and influencers especially in the current crowded landscape. However, all it can take to tackle these challenges is a simple approach. Today, we're going to discover actionable strategies for establishing strong media relationships, crafting compelling pitches, and leverage underutilized channels that are effective and help you stand out among the crowd. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/360
8/6/24 • 58:07
Indie game devs and studios often struggle with business development, missing out on everything from potential partners and significant growth opportunities. Whether this is due to fear, lack of time, or limited expertise, getting what you need is still obtainable, and simpler than you may think. Today, we're going to reveal key strategies for tackling your biz dev needs, and how to leverage one platform in particular to help generate leads with partners, grow your business and even expand your studio's reach in this competitive industry. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/359
7/30/24 • 66:36
In an industry dominated by action, and complex graphics, creating immersive experiences with simple mechanics can be a daunting endeavor. However, sometimes there's more potential than meets the eye, especially when looking to stand out. Today, we're going to investigate how simple, niche genres can also provide depth, creating a level of immersion that can rival other genres through thoughtful game design, engaging storytelling, and strong community collaboration. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/358
7/23/24 • 63:07
Crafting an authentic brand is crucial for indie games, especially when trying to stand out in a competitive market, but despite the need, it can be a real struggle for developers to define their positioning and know exactly what will cut through the noise. In this episode, we're going to discuss valuable insights on effective branding strategies, drawing from indie studio and publisher examples, and even explore how branding can be paried with marketing and storytelling, to help carve your niche and resonate with your audience. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/357
7/16/24 • 55:25
Standing out in a crowded market or busy industry is always a challenge, especially as an indie studio. But what if there was to stand out and create impact while shaping your studio's identity? Well, it's all possible as today we'll explore the power of content creation and how that can not only create awareness and engagement but help showcase your studio's brand too. By discussing effective and innovative approaches, we'll share ways that your studio can stand out, in compelling and meaningful ways that create impact. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/356
7/9/24 • 49:29
Any indie studio starting out has to overcome a variety of daunting tasks, but when your working with a micro team, the process can be overwhelming. But, it doesn't have to be. So today, we're going to discover the key to turning small-scale efforts into big-time results, as we delve into navigating the development process, crafting effective marketing strategies, and ways to build communities which can all lead to supporting any studio's long term goals. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/355
7/2/24 • 64:16
In an industry where branding bridges diverse platforms and mediums, navigating its nuances presents a lot of different challenges. But overcoming them, can create lots of new opporutnities. Join us as we delve into different strategies and perspectives that can guide your brand seamlessly across different arenas, regardless of your stance, values or position. Discover how to leverage communication skills and forge authentic partnerships to propel your brand forward in the ever-evolving landscape of content creation in the game industry. Episode 254 Shownotes: https://www.rengenmarketing.com/354
6/25/24 • 53:04
The show producer has not yet provided a description for this episode.
6/18/24 • 59:34
Typically when looking at marketing and development, many see these areas as being completely different, therefor becoming siloed. But in doing so, this can easily lead to lots of missed opportunities, creating more friction and challenges in creating visibility and momentum that projects need. So today, we're going to delve into insights and proven strategies that can align marketing with development seamlessly, from concept and prototypes to just before release, allowing indie studios and devs to be empowered and maixmize their game's full potential. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/352
6/11/24 • 71:48
https://rengenmarketing.com/351
6/4/24 • 58:08
