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Episode Name:
Using Fulfilling Strategies to Create Long-Term Sustaintainability
Episode Description:
Acheiving commercial success from an initial release is always a challenge for small indie studios, but developing lasting sustainability in a constantly changing landscape is an entirely different feat.
So today, we’re going to explore strategies that promote sustainability by identifying key elements that can contribute to sustainability and how to strike a balance between creativity and commercial viability, so we can discover fulfilling ways that help us reach sustainability.
Q?Box Round Answers
Most influential/inspiring Game?
That’s really tough. Most influential: Granny’s Garden. Most inspiring: Skyrim. Ask about Granny’s Garden if you like!
What’s the most common mistake you see companies make in the industry with their businesses?
maybe growing fast and hiring too many people off the back of one funding round or successful title. Another is jumping at the first deal on the table and not shopping around (although I appreciate it may not seem people have the luxury of that)
What game are you playing now?
I have mainly been testing Regency Solitaire II! I’ve just managed to try out Balatro in the past few days, on PC, which is great. And in the evenings we like to play console games together – at the moment we’re playing Outer Worlds, an RPG set in space.
TIPS and ADVICE
We covered quite a bit today. Could you list 3 suggestions or tips you would recommend to indie devs based on our discussion?
- Start small. Don’t bet the farm on your first commercial (indie) game. (Yes that also means many former AAA employees.)
- Play the long game. We tend to hear most about 1st time or ‘overnight’ successes. The reality is, a lot of small businesses fail, or build up for years before a notable success.
- Meet up with / befriend other indies. They are not the competition. We can all learn from each other. Share as much as you can, you never know when someone will hand you a golden ticket.
RESOURCES and LINKS
How to get in touch with Helen Carmichael
Website: Grey Alien Games
Twitter: @BCHezza
OTHER SOURCES: