395 episodes

Our podcast breaks the mold of don't ask don't tell about the video game industry. We give everyone the real inside look at what its like to be a professional game developer, Every week we'll interview pro and indie developers, we'll talk jobs, studios, salaries and of course crunch horror stories. Tune in!

Hosted by Brandon Pham

Game Dev Unchained Game Dev Unchained

    • Leisure
    • 4.9 • 60 Ratings

Our podcast breaks the mold of don't ask don't tell about the video game industry. We give everyone the real inside look at what its like to be a professional game developer, Every week we'll interview pro and indie developers, we'll talk jobs, studios, salaries and of course crunch horror stories. Tune in!

Hosted by Brandon Pham

    0341: Making a Game in UEFN with Tav Shande

    0341: Making a Game in UEFN with Tav Shande

    Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription.
    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



    About this episode:


    In this episode, I discussed Tav Shande's recent work in his game on project UEFN and his long-standing career in game development. They also talked about the gaming industry, criticizing Epic's management and discussing the importance of adaptability and diversifying income streams. The conversation shifted to Fortnite and the potential for financial investment and starting a studio. We also discussed the growing influence of user-generated content, the challenges of managing it, and the business strategies of gaming companies. Towards the end, we debated the future of gaming, the challenges of finding a unique identifier for content, and the direction Activision/Blizzard after its acquisition by Microsoft.



    fortnite.com/@artbytav
    Welcome to TavShande.com – Story-driven Art meets new, emerging tech & design
    Tav shande (@artbytav) / X (twitter.com)


    Content by Tav - UE Marketplace (unrealengine.com)



    Connect with us:
    • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com
    • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/message

    • 1 hr 26 min
    0340: JangaFX with Nick Seavert

    0340: JangaFX with Nick Seavert

    Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription.
    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



    About this episode:


    In this episode, I had a discussison with Nicholas Seavert (CEO of JangaFX) covering a range of topics about the game industry, including visual effects, software tools, corporate vs indie game companies, entrepreneurship, and the impact of smaller companies on the industry. We also touched on the challenges of managing people, the trend towards leaner, more powerful tools, pricing and consumer appreciation, and the importance of team members' dedication and creativity.



    Connect with us:
    • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com
    • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/message

    • 1 hr 33 min
    0339:Roundtable News | Rough Start to 2024

    0339:Roundtable News | Rough Start to 2024

    https://magicmind.com/janunchained⁠
    75% off subscription. Get 1 month free with a 3 month subscription with my code GAMEDEVUNCHAINED. ENDS JAN 31st.

    Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription.
    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    About this episode:
    In this episode, Brandon and Raymond discuss the recent layoffs in the games industry, speculating on potential causes and implications. They also touch on the challenges faced by individuals in finding jobs in their industry, the increasing use of AI in the gaming industry, the concept of worth in the workplace and capitalism, the impact of AI on their industry, the current state of video game design, the fallout from a hack of Insomniac, the financial performance of games, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the gaming industry, the challenges of managing a team in a remote or hybrid work environment, and the evolving social dynamics within the industry.

    Connect with us:
    • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com
    • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/message

    • 1 hr 37 min
    0338: Roundtable News | Fortnite Lego, Game Awards, and GTA VI

    0338: Roundtable News | Fortnite Lego, Game Awards, and GTA VI

    Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription.
    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    About this episode:

    In this episode, I sit with Ray Graham about the latest news and trends that affects game developers. Fortnite is making a huge comeback, our breakdown of the Game Awards latest announcement, and of course preparing ourselves to GTA VI.



    Connect with us:
    • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com
    • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/message

    • 1 hr 39 min
    0337: Art Boost | Spark and Bibi with Igor Puskaric

    0337: Art Boost | Spark and Bibi with Igor Puskaric

    Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription.
    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    About this episode:

    Igor Puskaric presents his spotlight for a sketchfab project that a team 6 completed during the pandemic. An amazing piece of work that is interactive and showcases a new form of animation storytelling.



    Art Spotlight: Spark & Bibi - Sketchfab Community Blog - Sketchfab Community Blog
    Meet the Masters: Igor Puškarić - Sketchfab Community Blog - Sketchfab Community Blog⁠
    iggy-design - Sketchfab
    IgorPuskaric | Instagram | Linktree
    Igor Puskaric | LinkedIn


    Connect with us:
    • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com
    • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/message

    • 59 min
    0336: Navigating the Storms of Indie Publishing with Pete Bottomley

    0336: Navigating the Storms of Indie Publishing with Pete Bottomley

    Subscribe to Game Dev Unchained! Get access to subscriber-only episodes for a monthly subscription.
    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



    About this episode:

    Dive into the fascinating world of game development with a returning guest Pete Bottomley, co-founder of White Paper Games, unravel the intricacies of crafting narrative-driven titles in the ever-evolving gaming industry. From the impacts of the pandemic on studio operations to the resurgence of single-player games, this episode offers a deep dive into the creative and operational shifts that are shaping the future of gaming. We discuss the delicate balance of bootstrapping versus seeking funding, the importance of retaining IP rights, and the strategic decisions behind scoping and pitching projects. Listen in as we explore how small teams can thrive in a competitive market, the realities of publisher negotiations, and the trends that are signaling a return to indie roots, all while navigating the complexities of game design with passion and precision. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the art and business of making games. Don't miss out on these valuable lessons and heartfelt stories from industry veterans.



    ⁠Peter Bottomley | LinkedIn

    White Paper Games



    Connect with us:
    • 🖥 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://gamedevunchained.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • 🎞️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/GameDevUnch...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ✉️ info@gamedevunchained.com
    • 💰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/gamedevunchained/su...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    •📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/gamedevunchained⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gamedevunchained/message

    • 1 hr 23 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
60 Ratings

60 Ratings

MistahPretzel ,

Unchained and Off the Chain

Brandon Pham is the Raid Boss of game dev podcasters. He's gonna hit you from about 7 different angles with some powerful beams of truth, and he drops that most coveted of craftables, the Lustrous Pearls of Wisdom. Brandon often keeps things light and relatable, but when he needs to, he can go deep with the one-shot kill for heavier topics. His pure piercing damage is unmatched! Whether it's evergreen topics like indie game marketing and genre breakdowns or the news of the day, Game Dev Unchained has you covered. Highly recommended.

mvelasco07 ,

Highly recommend!

No matter the subject, you’re guaranteed to gain something from every episode - can’t recommend Game Dev Unchained enough. 🙌

Ball earth skeptic ,

Thanks Brandon & Larry!

I’m a prospective indie game developer. I know C# & C++ and I’m working in Unity. I’ve always wanted to make my own games but never found the motivation after working 14+ hour shifts in the transportation industry. Thanks to this podcast, I’ve eliminated all excuses to pursue my ambitions. All the interviews of self taught developers and success stories have inspired me to dedicate myself to what makes me happy, programming and developing an actual game I can share with the world one day! I can’t thank LC & BF enough for this great contribution. The podcast is very entertaining and even more informative. A true wealth of content to the community of unchained development everywhere!

Top Podcasts In Leisure

Critical Role
Critical Role
Duck Call Room
Si Robertson & Justin Martin
Tales from the Stinky Dragon
Rooster Teeth
ClutterBug - Organize, Clean and Transform your Home
Clutterbug
Past Gas by Donut Media
Donut
The Big Three by Donut Media
Donut

You Might Also Like

Game Dev Advice: The Game Developer's Podcast
The HP Video Game Podcast Network - John JP Podlasek
Game Dev Field Guide
Zackavelli
Coffee with Butterscotch: A Game Dev Comedy Podcast
Butterscotch Shenanigans
Noclip Crewcast
Noclip
The Indie Game Development Podcast
sasquatchbstudios
Indie Game Movement - The podcast about the business and marketing of indie games.
Andrew Pappas, Game Marketing Strategist and Consultant