Best Gamedevelopment Podcasts (2025)

1
E87: Toxic Culture in Game Development: The Real Metrics That Matter with Charlie Sull 48:06

5d ago48:06

48:06

How would you know if your studio’s culture is toxic—before it’s too late? In this exclusive conversation, we talk with Charlie Sull, co-founder of CultureX and researcher with MIT, about how to spot, measure, and fix toxic workplace culture—especially in the high-stakes world of game development. Forget ping pong tables and free snacks. Culture is…

1
Ep 398 - Why Insurance Matters for Game Devs with Phil Wildman 51:01

6d ago51:01

51:01

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 insuranc…

1
Ep 398 - Why Insurance Matters for Game Devs with Phil Wildman 51:01

6d ago51:01

51:01

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 insuranc…

1
Creating the Super Earth of Helldivers 2 with Arrowhead's Johan Pilestedt 3:17:22

6d ago3:17:22

3:17:22

Trent Kusters chats with Johan Pilestedt, the Game Director on Arrowhead Game Studios' smash-hit, HELLDIVERS™ 2. Together they discuss his path in games that led to the founding of Arrowhead alongside his classmates in Sweden; the development and release of their first title, Magicka; the original ideas around that laid the foundation for the Helld…

1
Ep 397 - Debunking Steam Algorithm Myths with Chris Zukowski 43:15

13d ago43:15

43:15

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 foc…

1
Ep 397 - Debunking Steam Algorithm Myths with Chris Zukowski 43:15

13d ago43:15

43:15

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 foc…

1
Becoming Indiana Jones with Troy Baker 1:19:49

12d ago1:19:49

1:19:49

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with actor Troy Baker. Together they discuss his award winning performance as Indiana Jones in MachineGames's Indiana Jones and the Great Circle; his biggest challenges in playing an iconic character; lessons he learned from his past projects that informed his preparation and performance; and the difference between a perform…

1
Standard Library Hardening 58:28

15d ago58:28

58:28

Louis Dionne joins Phil and Timur. Louis talks to us about his role as code owner of libc++ (clang's standard library implementation) and the standard library hardening proposal that was just accepted into C++26, why this is important, and what you can do even today. News GDC 2025: How Build Insights Reduced Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II’s Build …

1
E86: Why User Acquisition Isn't Just For Mobile Anymore with Matej Lančarič 1:09:46

19d ago1:09:46

1:09:46

Building a great game is hard—but getting players to actually discover and play it? That’s often harder. In this episode of Building Better Games, Ben sits down with user acquisition expert Matej Lančarič, whose decade of experience spans mobile, PC, Steam, and cross-platform launches. Together, they dive deep into the realities of user acquisition…

1
Ep 396 - The Power of Player-Centric Marketing with Greg Posner 52:09

20d ago52:09

52:09

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 marketi…

1
Ep 396 - The Power of Player-Centric Marketing with Greg Posner 52:09

20d ago52:09

52:09

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 marketi…

1
Magic, Kevlar, and Conspiracies with Tactical Breach Wizards Dev Tom Francis 2:37:25

20d ago2:37:25

2:37:25

Trent Kusters chats with game designer Tom Francis of Suspicious Developments, developers of hit indie tactical strategy games like Gunpoint, Heat Signature, and Tactical Breach Wizards. Together they discuss how Tom went from games journalism to game development; his ideas around challenge and difficulty; weaving gameplay with narrative; and his t…

1
Ep 395 - It’s Not the Event. It’s You: GDC Takeaways with Andrew Pappas 42:54

27d ago42:54

42:54

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. Episode S…

1
Ep 395 - It’s Not the Event. It’s You: GDC Takeaways with Andrew Pappas 42:54

27d ago42:54

42:54

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. Episode S…

1
From Theater to Video Games with 1000xRESIST Actor, Nhi Do 1:01:00

27d ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Alexa Ray Correia chats with actor Nhi Do, who starred in Sunset Visitor's debut narrative adventure, 1000xRESIST. Together they discuss her background in theater and how she landed her first part in video games; finding the entry point when playing a new character; the catharsis of finishing a project; and the importance of compartmentalization wh…

1
E85: Why Your Game Vision Sucks (And Why You're Not Alone!) with Graham McAllister 1:31:13

1M ago1:31:13

1:31:13

In this episode, we welcome back organizational psychologist Graham McAllister for part 3 of our deep dive into one of the most critical challenges in game development—game vision. If you're a game developer, leader, or aspiring leader, this is an essential conversation that exposes why studios struggle to align on vision and how that misalignment …

1
Ep 394 - Navigating the Transition from Mobile to PC with the Jackson Bros 58:19

1M ago58:19

58:19

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 …

1
Ep 394 - Navigating the Transition from Mobile to PC with the Jackson Bros 58:19

1M ago58:19

58:19

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 …

1
Mysteries of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle with MachineGames 1:12:18

1M ago1:12:18

1:12:18

Adam Orth chats with MachineGames' Jens Andersson and Axel Torvenius about their critically acclaimed title, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Together they discuss why they decided to make an Indiana Jones game in first person; the importance of introducing players to the Indiana Jones world by recreating the iconic opening scene from Raiders of…

1
News and Catch-up 43:07

1M ago43:07

43:07

Timur and Phil return after an extended break with news and updates News Bjarne Stroustrup on How He Sees C++ Evolving Conferences round-up: ACCU Conference 2025 C++ Now 2025 C++ on Sea 2025 C++ North 2025 CppCon New Meetups: Singapore C++ USers Group ACCU Cambridge Links "Contracts and Safety for C++26" - C++ London January event "Not Your Grandpa…

1
Loire Cotler (The Voice of Dune) On Music Therapy, Healing and Hans Zimmer 1:14:07

1M ago1:14:07

1:14:07

🚀 Dive deep into the transformative power of voice with Loire Cotler, the extraordinary vocalist behind the iconic vocals of Dune (Hans Zimmer) 🎶. In this captivating interview 🎙️, Loire shares her insights on music therapy 🧘‍♀️, the spiritual connection between sound and human consciousness 🌌, and the unique vocal language she developed for Dune 🏜…

1
Ep 393 - Why Smaller Devs Are Driving the Next Big Industry Shift with Chris Wood 1:01:52

1M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

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 t…

1
Ep 393 - Why Smaller Devs Are Driving the Next Big Industry Shift with Chris Wood 1:01:52

1M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

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 t…

1
Becoming Yuffie in FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH with Actor Suzie Yeung 45:12

1M ago45:12

45:12

Alexa Ray Correia chats with actor Suzie Yeung. Together they discuss how she got her start acting in games; her performance as Yuffie Kisaragi in the recent reboot of FINAL FANTASY VII; her extensive work in the anime industry; the process and differences in recording for animation versus games; how she prepared for her performance as Yuffie; and …

1
E84: The Real Cost Of Founding A Game Startup with Joseph Kim 1:06:33

2M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

The gaming industry is changing rapidly, and the global landscape is shifting in ways many studios aren’t prepared for. Are Western game studios becoming too complacent? What role will international development play in the future of game creation? In this episode, Joseph Kim, CEO of Lila Games, shares hard-earned lessons about building a game studi…

1
Ep 392 - Lessons from a Decade in Indie Dev with Leonard Stuart 52:11

2M ago52:11

52:11

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. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing…

1
Ep 392 - Lessons from a Decade in Indie Dev with Leonard Stuart 52:11

2M ago52:11

52:11

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. Episode Shownotes Link:…

1
Founder Ted Price Reflects on 30 Years of Insomniac Games and Retirement 1:23:20

2M ago1:23:20

1:23:20

Trent Kusters chats with Insomniac Games' Ted Price. Ted recently announced his retirement from the games industry and received the 2025 AIAS Hall of Fame award at the 28th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. In this conversation, Ted recalls his life in game development as the founder and president of Insomniac Games from key projects and career milestones to…

1
[Sponsored] Chat with Xsolla's Berkley Egenes 36:17

2M ago36:17

36:17

Xsolla is a leading global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the industry. Since its founding in 2005, Xsolla has helped thousands of game developers and publishers of all sizes fund, market, launch, and monetize their games globally and across multiple platforms. To learn mor…

1
Christopher Lennertz on Scoring "The Boys", "Back in Action", and Cancelled "Scalebound" 31:30

2M ago31:30

31:30

Welcome back to Bonfire Conversations! In this episode, I sit down with Christopher Lennertz, the mastermind behind the gritty, high-energy score of The Boys, the thrilling music of Back in Action, and legendary video game soundtracks like Medal of Honor, Mass Effect, and The Godfather.We dive deep into:🎬 The Boys – Crafting the dirty, chaotic soun…

1
Ep 391 - How Indie Studios Can Build Transmedia Worlds with Christopher Mifsud 46:02

2M ago46:02

46:02

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. Episode Showno…

1
Ep 391 - How Indie Studios Can Build Transmedia Worlds with Christopher Mifsud 46:02

2M ago46:02

46:02

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. Episode Showno…

1
Astro Bot Director Nicolas Doucet 1:00:57

2M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Shuhei Yoshida chats with Team ASOBI Studio Director Nicolas Doucet. Together they discuss his journey in game development from his early days in QA to his move to work at Japan Studio; building Team ASOBI to work on the emerging technology within SIE; the origins and development of Astro Bot; and how they worked with publishers around the world to…

1
UI Design in Games: With "Diablo IV", "The Witcher 3" UI Designer 50:06

2M ago50:06

50:06

UI design is one of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of game development. In this episode of Bonfire Conversations, I sit down with Fernando Forero, the legendary UI designer behind The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and Diablo 4. We break down what makes great UI/UX, how it shapes our gaming experience, and the biggest challenges in designing i…

1
E83: 3 Steps To Leading Well In Game Development 42:59

2M ago42:59

42:59

What does it take to lead effectively in the gaming industry? Many leaders in game development step into their roles without formal training—learning through trial and error. In this episode, we break down what real leadership looks like, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to drive meaningful change without falling into the trap of just "managin…

1
Ep 390 - How Game Music Shapes the Player Experience with Tyler Mire 48:25

2M ago48:25

48:25

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. Episode Shownotes Link: https://rengenmarketing.com/390…

1
Ep 390 - How Game Music Shapes the Player Experience with Tyler Mire 48:25

2M ago48:25

48:25

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. Episode Shownotes Link:…

1
Writing the Haunting Narrative of INDIKA with Dmitry Svetlow 49:53

2M ago49:53

49:53

Alexa Ray Corriea chats with Odd Meter Studio Director, Dmitry Svetlow. Together they discuss the development of INDIKA including the origins and inspirations behind the haunting narrative; how they built the team and what it takes to be part of a small indie studio; their use of juxtaposition between dark and playful imagery; and balancing how muc…

1
Deep Dive with Eivør: Exploring Music, Spirituality, and Life 26:42

2M ago26:42

26:42

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with the extraordinary Eivør Pálsdóttir 🎤—a Nordic muse whose captivating voice has enchanted audiences around the globe 🌍. Hailing from the mystical Faroe Islands, Eivør masterfully blends ancient folk traditions with modern cinematic soundscapes 🎶. With award-winning albums, breathtaking live performances, …

1
Ep 389 - The Power of Branding in Game Development with Hilary Goldstein 1:00:26

2M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

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 creat…

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