Indie Game Movement
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.
Episodes
Indie devs often wear too many hats, making it hard to give each area, like production, marketing, and community the attention it deserves. But what happens when you're stretched too thin? How does that affect your game, your message, and the trust you've built with players?
In today’s discussion, we’ll look at the real-world challenges of running indie projects balancing chaos and creativity by explorin...
Many developers dream of going viral, but few understand what it actually takes to get there. While focusing on virality isn’t everything, it can help build momentum.
So today, we’re going to talk about how to identify, shape, and publish games with viral potential, all without chasing trends or sacrificing originality, by learning what early signals to look for and how smart marketing can fuel breakout ...
The publishing model most indie devs face is outdated and often stacked against them. Rigid contracts, hidden expectations, and a lack of real partnership force devs to choose between full independence or giving up too much. But thankfully, a new approach is emerging.
In this episode, we explore what a modern publishing model looks like, one that’s flexible, transparent, and built around developers' long...
Many indie studios feel locked out of traditional PR, feeling like you need an agency and big budget just to get noticed. In this episode, we break down how to earn meaningful media coverage with a story worth telling and how to create a system to share it. Learn how a strategic approach to visibility can build credibility, attract players, and drive momentum, all without gatekeepers or expensive retainers.
Episode Shownotes Link:...
Attribution often feels like a black box for indie devs, but ignoring it can cost you time, money, and momentum.
In this episode, we break down what attribution really is, why it matters, and how small teams can start tracking what counts while learning how to avoid misleading metrics, balance data with creative instincts, and make smarter marketing decisions that actually move the needle.
Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengen...
When it comes to game jams, too many projects get shelved before they reach their full potential. In this episode, we’re going to explore how jams and small projects can become launchpads for long-term opportunity with the right support. From mentorship and incubation to funding access and marketing guidance, learn how structured programs are helping developers turn prototypes into business-ready games and how you can do that too.
From trailers to reward tiers, creators often stress over the wrong things when preparing for a Kickstarter launch. So in this episode, our guest challenges common misconceptions and shares hard-earned insights from analyzing numerous campaigns. We’ll cut through the noise and offer practical, proven strategies that anyone would be confident to back.
Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/400
A lot of developers dream of starting their own studio, but the reality is far from glamorous. In this episode, we dive deep with our guest to unpack the overlooked, gritty, and often emotional process of building a studio from scratch. From pitching to production pipelines, they're going to share what aspiring founders need to prepare for, emotionally and operationally.
The game industry is full of risks, IP disputes, cyberattacks, contract issues, even failed crowdfunding campaigns. And while we never anticipate these things happening to us...sometimes, they surface when we least expect it, inviting all sorts of chaos.
So today, we explore how devs can avoid the hassle of the unknown by understanding how insurance can help developers avoid disaster, stay protected, and keep projects moving, no ma...
Steam’s algorithm is the engine that powers visibility on the platform, but understanding how it works is often a big mystery.
So today, we’re going to bust some of the most common and persistent myths indie developers believe about how the algorithm functions, getting to the bottom of which signals actually matter, so you can stop worrying and focus on what really does.
Traditional marketing methods often struggle to cut through the noise, leaving indie developers searching for better ways to reach their audience. But what if the key isn’t just better tactics or bigger budgets, but a deeper understanding of players themselves? In this episode, we dive into how player-centric design principles can transform marketing efforts, helping developers craft content that feels authentic and resonates emot...
In this episode, I share my GDC recap: a quarter-zip pullover, a virus, and a powerful reminder that change comes from within, not the event itself. I dive into how our intentions shape our relationships, why meaningful connections outshine superficial networking, and how the true impact of any event hinges on the mindset you bring to it.
Designing for mobile and PC might seem like a simple transition, but the reality is very different. Everything from screen sizes to monetization models requires a completely different approach.
So today, for the first time ever on the podcast, we’re talking with a team of four brothers who’ve been through this firsthand. We’ll dive into what makes these platforms so different, the technical and design challenges of making the jump ...
The gaming landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, and it’s indie developers who are leading some of the most exciting innovations.
But what challenges do they still face, and how can small teams carve out success in an increasingly competitive market?
In this episode, we explore how shifts in technology, business models, and industry trends are empowering smaller studios to make a bigger im...
Developing an indie game is never a straight path as it's often a long road filled with challenges and unexpected twists. So today, we're goign to explore one person's journey in how they tackeled all sorts of obstacles and sucesses all while keeping momentum alive and fostering a dedicated community.
Indie studios often focus solely on their game, but what if their world could extend beyond the screen? So in today's epsidoe, our guest shares his expertise on transmedia storytelling—how indie developers can expand their IP across multiple platforms like comics, books, and film to build stronger brands and deeper player engagement.
Game music isn’t just background noise—it’s a storytelling tool that enhances gameplay and player engagement. In this episode, composer and game designer Tyler Mire shares how he crafts soundtracks that complement battle mechanics, amplify emotional moments, and make indie games stand out.
Great games don’t just happen—they’re built on strong branding that resonates with players. But how do you convince a development team that brand matters just as much as gameplay? In this episode, we're going to break down how branding impacts everything from marketing to player engagement, and how developers can integrate branding into their creative process without sacrificing their vision.
Indie game development is a constant balancing act, espeicially when it comes to deciding where to invest our most important resources: time and money.
So today, we'll explore the relationship we have with these resources, find creative ways to increase them and... how we should use them.
But we don't stop there, as we'll discuss the role they play in how we validate concepts, going over everything from...
Great games are built on collaboration, but it's not just between developers and partners, but with players themselves. Between insights and feedback, there's lots we can learn from players as long as we keep an open mind and a clear vision. However, getting that information or learning how to leverage it can be difficult.
So today, we're going to explore how one publisher uses player insights to help in...
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