Best Indiedev Podcasts (2024)

1
#020 - Searching for Brilliant Indie Treasures with Quang and Jupiter Hadley 49:09

7h ago49:09

49:09

Co-host Quang Nguyen returns to Branching Factor as Tommy welcomes long-time friend of the show Jupiter Hadley to come and chat with us. Quang and Jupiter are two of the organisers behind ‘Brilliant Indie Treasures’: a games event running this summer on July 10th during the Develop conference in the British seaside town of Brighton. You can find ou…

1
Pitch, Please - Christopher Nolan: Goes Down 58:22

2h ago58:22

58:22

Dreams are great aren't they... until they aint! We have a pitch from listener Rune who takes us aboard their ship of fleshy spider nightmares. We inevitably discussed Inception, Nessy and the North Sea. They say don't eat cheese before bed otherwise you get nightmares... just sayin'. Follow us on TwitXr: @ptchplspd Learn more about your ad choices…

1
#019 - On the Harvest Hunt with Mark Drew 1:16:44

8d ago1:16:44

1:16:44

In this episode Tommy sits down with Mark Drew, the director of Villainous Game studios. Their next title, Harvest Hunt, launches on Steam on May 22nd. We get into our shared history, my accent, making sure you survive your first indie game, the lessons learned from shipping anything to Steam, building a scalable game with a small team, and the ben…

1
Pitch, Please - Tomblands: Hard Bastards 1:05:29

8d ago1:05:29

1:05:29

It's another audio pitch but this time it's from listener Joe! I cannot stress how much we loved Joe's pitch... and not just because he has an amazing voice! We discuss "If many loot where other adventurers?" and dive deep into Joe's roguelike dungeons. Follow us: @ptchplspd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
#018 Musings on Games Leadership with Melissa Phillips 1:17:50

1M ago1:17:50

1:17:50

In this episode Tommy is joined by longtime friend Melissa Phillips, who is now the director of the Games Leadership Network: a a non-profit organisation that aims to promote and improve leadership skills in the games industry. We dig into what it means to build leadership skills in games, why training is so vital and reflect on the projects we wor…

1
Pitch, Please - Tales From Your Loop 59:42

29d ago59:42

59:42

This week it's another cracking pitch from Alex. Imagine the beautiful works by artist Simon Stålenhag combined with mysteries to solve. Follow us: @ptchplspd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Pickaxe

1
#017 - Tommy & George @GDC2024 31:58

2M ago31:58

31:58

Tommy and George are back for this episode of Branching Factor, recorded on the final day of the 2024 Game Developers Conference (GDC). The team reflect on the week that has passed, and just how valuable a solid nights sleep can be when caught up in all this madness. -- The Branching Factor podcast is sponsored by modl.ai: unleash an army of AI and…

1
Pitch, Please - ASTEROHIOD 1:01:58

1M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

We're back for 2024 with a fresh audio pitch from listener Tom. Thanks Tom! (no not you Tom, other Tom). Tom, Tom, Tom. We discussed NPCs, the Truman Show and colonising an asteroid in the name of... Ohio?? Follow us: @ptchplspd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Pickaxe

1
#016 - Legendary Chat with Will Overgard 1:32:22

2M ago1:32:22

1:32:22

Will Overgard, aka the Viking Blonde joins Tommy for a chat about his career as a Twitch streamer supporting game developers, and the current state of the industry going into GDC 2024. The conversation covers everything from good indie games to monetisation models, surviving as a game developer, being a content creator, generative AI, crypto and We…

1
#015: Screaming Match with Ben Ridge 1:48:46

3M ago1:48:46

1:48:46

For this weeks episode, Ben Ridge of Unfathomable Audio (the guy who does our music) joins us to talk about working in game audio, plus Helldivers II, Elden Ring, Bloodborne, gaming news and more! As mentioned in the news: the early bird registration for the Summer School for AI and Games closes on March 1st. Find out more at: https://school.gameai…

1
Houdini in Action - 80 Level Podcast 25:45

3M ago25:45

25:45

Ian Smith, CG Supervisor at SideFX walks us through Project Pegasus (learning tech demo showcasing Houdini workflows with Unreal Engine 5). Explore non-destructive, procedural content generation in gamedev and how different tools can be used to create detailed open-world environments. Ian talks about software strengths and emphasizes how indie deve…

1
#014 - Sunset Crack Squad 1:13:34

3M ago1:13:34

1:13:34

Tommy's riding solo in this episode, and so he decided to focus on games he's playing, projects he's involved in and the big stories in the news that are going down. -- As mentioned, Tommy will be at the AI and Games Summer School for this year. It's running from June 17th-21st in Valletta in Malta, and early bird registration closes on March 1st. …

1
Cooking Food in 3D - 80 Level Podcast 27:45

3M ago27:45

27:45

Designated digital chef Patrick Foley (PATRICK_4D) takes us to his kitchen. He shares interesting facts about a unique niche in digital art - photorealistic food renders, and delves into the importance of lighting, texture, and why choosing a specialty can supercharge your career. Patrick also discusses how he builds his brand with social media and…

1
#013 - George and Tommy Predict 2024 in Gaming 1:29:39

3M ago1:29:39

1:29:39

Branching Factor is back for 2024. We kickstart the year with George and Tommy sitting down to discuss the current state of the games industry, and where we see things going over the next 12 months. - Use our promo code with NordVPN for an exclusive discount, complete with a 30-day money-back guarantee! http://www.nordvpn.com/aiandgames -- AI and G…

1
Pitch, Please - GOTY 2023 2:13:55

4M ago2:13:55

2:13:55

We recorded this (obviously!) back at the end of 2023, which was an odd year and probably the busiest for all of us in a long time. The reason we managed to keep recording was because YOU guys kept the fires stoked with excellent pitches - thank you to everyone who sent in their ideas. Here's to more of them in '24 <3 Learn more about your ad choic…

1
Time Travel with VFX - 80 Level Podcast 26:50

4M ago26:50

26:50

Trent Claus, VFX supervisor from Lola Visual Effects joined our podcast. Learn about the complex process of creating realistic aging effects for characters in major films: from the challenges of preserving actors' unique features to the intricacies of the facial anatomy. Trent shares fascinating insights into the evolution of VFX and how AI is shap…

1
Pitch, Please with Nilesy - Are Ya Winning, Son? 1:08:11

4M ago1:08:11

1:08:11

Nilesy FINALLY joins us with some mind-blowing ideas! Check out his Twitch: https://m.twitch.tv/nilesy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Pickaxe

1
#012 - AI and Games Wrapped 2023 2:53:19

5M ago2:53:19

2:53:19

In this month's episode, the rest of the team gets a well-earned break for the holiday season. Tommy sits down to reflect on the past year of content published across AI and Games, discusses his favourite games of the year, and answers viewer questions. - Use our promo code with NordVPN for an exclusive discount, complete with a 30-day money-back g…

1
Art vs. Technology? - 80 Level Podcast 30:51

5M ago30:51

30:51

Scott Eaton, multi-disciplinary artist & creative technologist, joins 80 Level Podcast. We discuss machine learning, its impact on human creativity, and the limitations & potentials of AI-generated content in gamedev. Scott shares his thoughts on future changes and possibilities for artists in the gaming world and tries to find a balance between ar…

1
Pitch, Please - Asplashin's Creed 54:08

5M ago54:08

54:08

Assassin's Creed multiplayer but you're all dads. This one is courtesy of Luke - cheers! Follow us: @ptchplspd YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEXTAoHBfQpGC-iuEReSRPQ Ever had a great idea for a game? Us, too. Luckily, we also have a room full of devs to tell us why it wouldn't work. Let's see how this goes. Pitch, Please is a Yogscast Games p…

1
Rules of Open World Game Design - 80 Level Podcast 47:05

5M ago47:05

47:05

Join 80 Level Podcast for a deep dive into game design with Jamie Smith, Principal Game Designer at People Can Fly. We discuss the core principles that make open world games stand out. Jamie shares how to design captivating gameplay mechanics, maintain player engagement, and balance form and function. If you're a game developer or simply fascinated…

1
Pitch, Please - OMGnB 50:16

6M ago50:16

50:16

It's like AirBNB, but OMG! Follow us: @ptchplspd YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEXTAoHBfQpGC-iuEReSRPQ Ever had a great idea for a game? Us, too. Luckily, we also have a room full of devs to tell us why it wouldn't work. Let's see how this goes. Pitch, Please is a Yogscast Games podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices…

1
Mastering Unreal Engine with YouTube Tutorials - 80 Level Podcast 43:19

6M ago43:19

43:19

William Faucher, 3D Generalist & Unreal Engine Mentor joined 80 Level Podcast. We discuss all-things Unreal Engine and the best ways to master it. William talks about his career journey & YouTube experience, and gives valuable advice for aspiring 3D artists on honing skills, choosing the right software, and understanding the evolving gamedev landsc…

1
#011: Unpacking the Unity Debacle 1:16:00

6M ago1:16:00

1:16:00

In this month's episode, Tommy, George and Quang unpack the recent headlines made by game engine creator Unity as it sought to define its monetisation practices, and the reaction by the game development community. Our special guest Matt Gambell from YouTube channel 'Game Dev Guide' gives his perspective both as a content creator focussed on the Uni…

1
Pitch, Please - No Holes Parred 58:40

6M ago58:40

58:40

Man, golf can get a bit slow sometimes. Ever wish you just, you know, had a gun? Follow us: @ptchplspd YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEXTAoHBfQpGC-iuEReSRPQ Ever had a great idea for a game? Us, too. Luckily, we also have a room full of devs to tell us why it wouldn't work. Let's see how this goes. Pitch, Please is a Yogscast Games podcast. …

1
Revolutionizing VFX - 80 Level Podcast 37:05

6M ago37:05

37:05

Nick Seavert, Founder & CEO of JangaFX Software joined 80 Level Podcast. Explore the art and science of visual effects in game development and learn how Nick turned his love for games into building software aimed at empowering game artists and making VFX easier. Stay tuned for an inside look at JangaFX's future plans, where they're venturing into r…

1
#010 - A Seaside Chat at Develop 2023 56:00

7M ago56:00

56:00

George and Tommy hang out at Develop 2023 and discuss their experiences of trying to make a name for themselves in the games industry, and the value of attending an industry event in building networks and fostering communities. -- Use our promo code with NordVPN for an exclusive discount, complete with a 30-day money-back guarantee! http://www.nord…

1
All about Gamedev Outsourcing - 80 Level Podcast 35:27

7M ago35:27

35:27

Join us for another episode of 80 Level Podcast. Anna Kozlova, CEO at Room 8 Group, shares her expertise on why outsourcing can be a game-changer, how to retain top talent, and the potential impact of AI on game development. Find out how studios handle workloads and strike a balance between creativity and efficiency. Room 8 website: https://room8st…

1
Mastering Blender for Epic 3D Modeling - 80 Level Podcast 36:30

7M ago36:30

36:30

Dive into the world of 3D modeling and video game development as we chat with Josh Gambrell from Blender Bros. Discover how he went from a beginner to an expert in Blender and how you can too. Learn how AI is shaking things up in the industry and how to embrace these changes for success. Check out Josh’s tutorials on YouTube: https://www.youtube.co…

1
Pickaxe Week 2023 Special - Pitch, Please 1:23:53

7M ago1:23:53

1:23:53

We're together in person again! In the same room! Reading YOUR pitches! Follow us: @ptchplspd YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEXTAoHBfQpGC-iuEReSRPQ Ever had a great idea for a game? Us, too. Luckily, we also have a room full of devs to tell us why it wouldn't work. Let's see how this goes. Pitch, Please is a Yogscast Games podcast. Learn mor…

1
#009: The Future of AI for Games [A 2023 Summer School Panel] 1:03:07

8M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

A recording from Tommy's visit to the AI and Games Summer School ( @GameAISchool ), which ran in June 2023 at Microsoft Research in Cambridge. Our panel, explores aspects of AI for games and what the future of it might look like. With Tommy as moderator, this panel ran on day 3 of the event with the following panellists: - Katja Hofmann (Microsoft …

1
Developer’s Journey to Japan and Elden Ring - 80 Level Podcast 41:22

8M ago41:22

41:22

Join us for an exciting peek behind the scenes of Japan's gamedev world with Ben Roach, ex-Level Designer at FromSoftware and now Founder of Upsurge Studios. Ben talks about his experience working on the Elden Ring. We also delve into the magic of Japanese game design, discuss the role of cultural influences, and reveal the secrets that make Japane…

1
The Art of Lighting - 80 Level Podcast 39:27

8M ago39:27

39:27

Jasmine Katatikarn, 3D Lighting Artist and CEO of the Academy of Animated Art joined 80 Level. Jasmine talks about learning lighting art, technologies, software, and storytelling through light in movies & games. She delves into the job opportunities for artists: what companies are looking for, and how to overcome the stigmatization of art careers a…

1
#008: Celebrating 10 Years of Dota 2 1:25:50

9M ago1:25:50

1:25:50

In this episode of Branching Factor, Tommy and Mike sit down to celebrate 10 years of Dota 2. A game that Mike has thousands of hours in, and one that Tommy has observed with great interest, but has only played it for 87 minutes according to his Steam profile. So what better excuse than to mash these two people together to talk all about it! We dis…

1
Pitch, Please - Buddy UFO, Human Hunter 57:38

9M ago57:38

57:38

Carl NO Follow us: @ptchplspd YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEXTAoHBfQpGC-iuEReSRPQ Ever had a great idea for a game? Us, too. Luckily, we also have a room full of devs to tell us why it wouldn't work. Let's see how this goes. Pitch, Please is a Yogscast Games podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
The Power of Music in Games. Unlocking the Secrets of Sound Design - 80 Level Podcast 1:07:06

9M ago1:07:06

1:07:06

Elliot Callighan (CEO and Composer at Unlock Audio) and Krzysztof Chodkiewiczd (Sound Designer and Music Producer at TSHASK) joined 80 Level podcast. Discover why sound design is a crucial element in gaming, enhancing immersion and gameplay satisfaction. Gain insights into the process of creating unique sounds, overcoming challenges, and tailoring …

1
Pitch, Please - UnterEats 53:49

9M ago53:49

53:49

CONTROL THE STREETS. Follow us: @ptchplspd YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEXTAoHBfQpGC-iuEReSRPQ Ever had a great idea for a game? Us, too. Luckily, we also have a room full of devs to tell us why it wouldn't work. Let's see how this goes. Pitch, Please is a Yogscast Games podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/a…

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