Evolution in Rogue-Like Game Design

Marketing powerhouse Genevieve DeVille reveals how to build social strategies that don’t just grow audiences—they create true fandoms. Drawing from her work on Dungeons & Dragons experiences and hit titles like TRANSFORMERS: Tactical Arena and LEGO Brawls, she shares how smart brands stand out, win attention, and turn communities into loyal superfans.Learn more about GenevieveLearn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Guildhall LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

VR industry veterans Waylon Fisher and Brandon Egolf share hard-earned lessons from launching one of the first VR arcades in the U.S., navigating market swings and COVID, and publishing multiple Quest top sellers. They break down whether making a VR game in 2026 is a smart bet—and what developers need to get right to survive and win.Learn more about WaylonLearn more about BrandonLearn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Guildhall LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

This week, Anya Combs joins us to break down what real community building looks like in the games industry. Drawing from her time at AddictingGames, Nickelodeon, and as Director of Games at Kickstarter, Anya shares practical insights on crowdfunding, developer relations, and turning an audience into a lasting community. If you are about sustainable growth—not just launch-day hype—this one’s for you.Learn more about AnyaLearn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Guildhall LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this community episode, Willem and Tim break down portfolio best practices. What to include, what to leave out, and how to present your work with clarity and intention. They share practical insights and real-world examples to help portfolios communicate skill, growth, and focus without unnecessary noise.Learn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Dalio, CEO & Co-Founder of Endless, whose work sets the standard for using game creation as a serious learning tool. Matt breaks down how building games sharpens strategy, teamwork, feedback loops, and storytelling; and why these skills translate directly to the real world. Drawing from years at the intersection of gaming and education, he shows how players can become creators who actively shape technology rather than just consume it.Learn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, Jacob Kuchinsky shares lessons from building his first game, Constellar, after two years of hands-on development. He dives into why backups matter, what can go wrong without them, and practical habits every developer—new or seasoned—should adopt. A grounded, useful listen for anyone making games.Learn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, we sit down with Fernando Dominguez Sarmiento, the creative force behind Super Farming Boy, to unpack how world-class developers use data to sharpen decisions without draining a game of its heart. Drawing on accolades from the Apple App Store Awards and a career spanning games, film, and companies like PepperMelon, Nando shares a rare, practical perspective on balancing instinct with insight. If you want to learn from one of the most versatile minds in indie development today, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Learn more about Fernando SarmientoLearn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

Loren Weng is one of the sharpest minds in modern rogue-like design, known for redefining how systems, mechanics, and progression shape a player’s experience. From leading the spellcasting and combat systems in Harry Potter: Wizards Unite to pushing new boundaries in game design, Loren brings a master-level perspective on what it takes to evolve an entire genre. This episode is a deep dive into how the best designers think, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve.Learn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, indie developer Omar shares why games built from genuine passion resonate more deeply than those made in reaction to industry trends. He reflects on leading Super Buff HD, writing for multiple horror titles, and shaping the upcoming Cairo: Otherscape, a project that raised over $300,000 on Kickstarter. Omar breaks down how creators can stay grounded in what they love, even in a crowded and competitive industry.Learn more about OmarLearn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.

In this episode, Salaar shares lessons from a lifelong journey in game development—from creating games at age 8 to shipping titles at CAGE Studios and contributing to God of War: Ragnarok. We discuss what it really takes to build a sustainable indie studio, balancing creativity, longevity, and the realities of the industry.Learn more abour SalaarLearn more about usJoin the next episode of the Indie Game Lunch Hour LIVE every Wednesday at 12pm EST on our Discord channel to answer your own burning questions and be immortalized in the recordings.