A few days ago, I posed a question that’s been consuming my thoughts: How do you find the fun in games? It sounds simple, right? Fun is the goal of every game. Yet for anyone who has tried to build something, fun can feel slippery, subjective, and hard to pin down. Is it a survey score? Is it session length? Can you really call your own baby ugly if the loop just isn’t working? What I’ve learned is that finding fun isn’t about chasing magic. It’s a disciplined, practical process of defining, testing, and iterating.
The landscape of game development is a paradox. It’s never been easier to create and release a game, yet it's never been harder to get noticed. With an estimated 25,000 games set to launch this year alone, how can an indie developer possibly stand out? For those who grew up on the loud, unfiltered, arcade energy of Midway and Acclaim, a new chapter is being written with the same DNA. We sat down with two leaders at the forefront of this movement: Ben Kvalo, Founder of Midwest Games, and Alex Joseph, CEO of the revived Play Acclaim. They shared a modern playbook for indie success—one that blends the rebellious spirit of the past with the sharp business acumen required to survive today. Here are the critical lessons for every developer fighting to make their mark.
What happens when you drop Battlefield in the middle of a franchise pileup with Pokémon, EA FC, and Sonic? Greg sat down with Colan Neese from Mind Game Data to break down the release risks, historical trends, and how publishers are either setting themselves up for success… or releasing straight into a buzzsaw. From leaky hype cycles to mobile market saturation, this episode digs into the strategies (and misfires) shaping the Q4 showdown, and why now might be the last generation of Xbox hardware as we know it.
A conversation with forecaster Colan Neese cuts through the noise on GTA VI's generational launch potential, Xbox's self-cannibalizing Game Pass strategy, and why windowing and UGC platforms are the two levers most publishers are still underplaying.
Community is on the rise. Whether you're a seasoned Community Manager or just starting out, fostering a safe, engaging, and compliant online space is more critical than ever. This post dives into key best practices, drawing insights from industry leaders in kids' gaming and online safety.
The Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2025 gave us a glimpse into the future of technology, and the overall sentiment is decidedly upbeat. But what are the key trends driving the industry forward? We sat down with IDC's Gaming, AR/VR analyst Lewis Ward to get his expert insights. While our full video interview has the deep dive, here are the top takeaways you need to know about the future of augmented reality, virtual reality, and AI.
Are you an aspiring indie game developer looking to turn your passion into a thriving studio? The path from creative vision to launched game can be challenging, but with the right mindset and strategic approach, success is within reach. We sat down with Jim Welch, founder and creative director of The Dev House Agency, to uncover his best practices for navigating the exciting, turbulent world of indie game development. Jim's unique journey from composing soundtracks for anime like Dragon Ball Z and Full Metal Alchemist to founding a forward-thinking game studio offers invaluable lessons for every aspiring developer.
In a world where players expect instant answers and unforgettable moments, how do you scale support without sacrificing community?We sat down with Heidi Christine (CMO and Head of Community at Pixels) and Conor McGinley (CS Lead at Twin Harbor Interactive) to find out. Whether you're a live service veteran or just starting your first Discord server, this episode from the Player Driven podcast drops a ton of actionable insights. Let's break them down.
In the world of gaming, developers and studios have never had more data at their fingertips. From in-game analytics to player feedback, data collection has become standard practice. Yet, despite an abundance of raw numbers, charts, and metrics, many studios find themselves struggling to turn this vast ocean of data into actionable insights. Simply put: having data is not enough. The real value lies in understanding what the data is saying and, crucially, what actions to take because of it.
For indie and AA studios, scaling isn't just about hiring more people or increasing production speed. It’s about growing in a way that supports your vision, maintains your culture, and sets your team up for sustainable success. This article breaks down best practices for developers who want to scale with intention while keeping the creative fire alive.
Making a great game is not enough anymore. You can have solid funding, a clean Steam page, and even some buzz, and still get ignored. Not because your game is bad, but because players never saw it. This is the challenge for AA or Triple I studios. You are too big to be considered indie and too small to play the AAA game. You are in the middle, and that space is getting squeezed hard.
If there’s one thing that separates thriving studios from the ones that struggle, it’s communication. Whether you're running an indie project, managing a live-service game, or just trying to build a career in the gaming industry, how you connect with others makes all the difference.
Gaming's post-pandemic hiring whiplash exposed how reactive talent strategies backfire. Recruitment specialist Emily Scahill breaks down what studios get wrong when scaling fast — and what job seekers miss when the market tightens.
It’s no secret that game developers “spin many plates.” These include monetization, retention, and, of course, gameplay. To maximize them all, there’s zero room for guesswork. The only way to truly unlock your title’s full potential is with clear, accurate data. With the right numbers, insights, and tools, you can turn data into your greatest ally. We have highlighted four prime areas to make data-driven decisions for your game.
Old Glory Studios, a veteran-led indie team, is using equity crowdfunding to fund their tactical PvP game — and in doing so, sketching a funding playbook that trades publisher control for player ownership and community skin in the game.
Monetization in gaming has never been more complex. Balancing engagement, retention, and revenue is a challenge every developer faces. Players want immersive experiences, but push too hard on monetization, and they leave. Go too soft, and you’re leaving money on the table. For years, developers relied on instinct and industry trends to guide in-app monetization strategies. But in today’s competitive landscape, guesswork isn’t enough—data is the difference between a game that thrives and one that fades into obscurity.
Player experience isn’t just about answering tickets or troubleshooting issues, it’s about fostering trust, creating connections, and ensuring every player feels valued. At Player Driven, we believe that exceptional player support is the foundation of a thriving gaming community. To help studios create a better player experience, we’re outlining key best practices that drive engagement, satisfaction, and long-term loyalty.
A game’s success isn’t just about its mechanics, visuals, or story, it’s about the community behind it. The best games don’t just have players, they have loyal, engaged communities that support and grow with them. But thriving communities don’t happen by accident. They require structure, clear expectations, and, most importantly, community guidelines.
Over the course of many episodes, the Player Driven podcast has brought together industry experts, thought leaders, and practitioners to discuss key trends and challenges in the gaming world. From fostering inclusive communities to leveraging cutting-edge technology, these conversations have revealed valuable insights for anyone involved in the gaming ecosystem. Whether you are a game developer, community manager, or simply curious about the dynamics of the gaming industry, this blog post unpacks the essential learnings from the podcast.
The Unsung Backbone of Gaming: Server Hosting In the world of online gaming, server hosting is the foundation that makes multiplayer experiences possible. While often overlooked, the complexity and importance of this infrastructure cannot be overstated. Yet, server hosting has long been a daunting challenge for players and developers alike, requiring a level of technical expertise that many simply don’t have. As gaming becomes more inclusive and diverse, the conversation around server hosting is shifting. It’s no longer just about technical efficiency—it’s about accessibility, privacy, and creating safe spaces for players to connect.
Game publishing isn’t just about launching a game; it’s about strategically turning a creative idea into a commercial success. For indie developers, the stakes are especially high—one misstep can mean the difference between breaking into the industry or fading into obscurity. Enter Ben Kvalo, a gaming industry veteran with experience at 2K, Blizzard, Netflix, and now as the founder of Midwest Games. His work bridges the gap between underserved indie talent in the Midwest and the resources they need to thrive. With his insider perspective, we’ll dive into the evolving role of game publishers and what developers need to know to succeed.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, companies are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations and improve customer experiences. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) has emerged as a strategic solution, particularly in industries like gaming and technology, where exceptional customer support can make or break a brand.
Jack Burrows is more than just a level designer – he's a storyteller who crafts immersive worlds through meticulously designed spaces. With an impressive career spanning studios like Treyarch and NetEase, Jack has left his mark on iconic games such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, Warzone, and Marvel Rivals.
Welcome to the exciting world of indie game development—a realm where creativity, passion, and perseverance collide. If you've ever dreamed of creating your own game but felt overwhelmed by the process, you're not alone. The path to becoming an indie game developer is both challenging and incredibly rewarding, and your unique background might be more valuable than you realize.
