Mike Arnone
@freakingcoolindies.com
🔦Take the FEAR Out of Indie Game Marketing 👻
🎮 Turning Indie Devs to 'Indiepreneurs'
🌟 Step-by-step guides, breakdowns & interviews
🇨🇦 Broadcasting from Toronto
https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/
🎮 Turning Indie Devs to 'Indiepreneurs'
🌟 Step-by-step guides, breakdowns & interviews
🇨🇦 Broadcasting from Toronto
https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/
Reposted by Mike Arnone
New on #RGS 🎮 Bouncing Ball Mayhem: SYDLESS Demo Smashes Onto Steam. Read more on our site:
SYDLESS Demo Now Live on Steam – Fast FPS with Bouncing Ball Combat
SYDLESS demo drops on Steam! Master a deadly bouncing ball, battle warped customers, and survive a reality-bending fast FPS from Opia Games.
f.mtr.cool
November 11, 2025 at 3:31 AM
New on #RGS 🎮 Bouncing Ball Mayhem: SYDLESS Demo Smashes Onto Steam. Read more on our site:
Buzzing right now. Just wrapped recording with @maxinfernogames.bsky.social talking about their incredible cozy hit, 'A Little to the Left.'
Lukas, Annie - you both are absolute rock stars!
Episode will be releasing on Tuesday!
Lukas, Annie - you both are absolute rock stars!
Episode will be releasing on Tuesday!
November 6, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Buzzing right now. Just wrapped recording with @maxinfernogames.bsky.social talking about their incredible cozy hit, 'A Little to the Left.'
Lukas, Annie - you both are absolute rock stars!
Episode will be releasing on Tuesday!
Lukas, Annie - you both are absolute rock stars!
Episode will be releasing on Tuesday!
Reposted by Mike Arnone
It's been a rough January for me between the fire and other stuff. But GDC is around the corner, so here's an update after 7 months (sorry!)
As an anecdote, the list of pubs/investors went from 281 to 254 despite adding a few :-/
Take care everyone♥️
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
As an anecdote, the list of pubs/investors went from 281 to 254 despite adding a few :-/
Take care everyone♥️
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Alan's Gamedev Resources Sheet (Public)
docs.google.com
January 29, 2025 at 9:14 AM
It's been a rough January for me between the fire and other stuff. But GDC is around the corner, so here's an update after 7 months (sorry!)
As an anecdote, the list of pubs/investors went from 281 to 254 despite adding a few :-/
Take care everyone♥️
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
As an anecdote, the list of pubs/investors went from 281 to 254 despite adding a few :-/
Take care everyone♥️
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Reposted by Mike Arnone
🎙️✨ @freakingcoolindies.com is the podcast for indie devs who mean business.
Actionable tips from devs & marketing pros to help your game thrive.
👉 https://f.mtr.cool/rberljyxci
#IndieDev #GameDev #IndieGames #Podcast
Actionable tips from devs & marketing pros to help your game thrive.
👉 https://f.mtr.cool/rberljyxci
#IndieDev #GameDev #IndieGames #Podcast
Freaking Cool Indies – The Podcast Helping Indie Devs Become Indiepreneurs
Freaking Cool Indies is a podcast where indie devs & marketing pros share real strategies to help your game get noticed and succeed.
f.mtr.cool
September 19, 2025 at 9:11 AM
🎙️✨ @freakingcoolindies.com is the podcast for indie devs who mean business.
Actionable tips from devs & marketing pros to help your game thrive.
👉 https://f.mtr.cool/rberljyxci
#IndieDev #GameDev #IndieGames #Podcast
Actionable tips from devs & marketing pros to help your game thrive.
👉 https://f.mtr.cool/rberljyxci
#IndieDev #GameDev #IndieGames #Podcast
🦵NEW EPISODE: Kickstarter Reward Strategy: Lessons from $300K in Successful Campaigns with Sam from Indievelopment!
🎧 Listen now: freakingcoolindies.com/12-2/
🎧 Listen now: freakingcoolindies.com/12-2/
September 18, 2025 at 1:15 AM
🦵NEW EPISODE: Kickstarter Reward Strategy: Lessons from $300K in Successful Campaigns with Sam from Indievelopment!
🎧 Listen now: freakingcoolindies.com/12-2/
🎧 Listen now: freakingcoolindies.com/12-2/
Trobbio has one of the best death animations in all of gaming. What a performer!! (Hated this boss so much, though! 🌪️🌪️)
September 17, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Trobbio has one of the best death animations in all of gaming. What a performer!! (Hated this boss so much, though! 🌪️🌪️)
Fun fact for yeah! 73% of successful Steam games had active communities BEFORE launch (GameDiscoverCo data).
Why it matters: Building an audience isn't post-launch work, it's pre-production work.
Start today: Share your dev journey, not just your finished game.
You got this, friend!
Why it matters: Building an audience isn't post-launch work, it's pre-production work.
Start today: Share your dev journey, not just your finished game.
You got this, friend!
September 15, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Fun fact for yeah! 73% of successful Steam games had active communities BEFORE launch (GameDiscoverCo data).
Why it matters: Building an audience isn't post-launch work, it's pre-production work.
Start today: Share your dev journey, not just your finished game.
You got this, friend!
Why it matters: Building an audience isn't post-launch work, it's pre-production work.
Start today: Share your dev journey, not just your finished game.
You got this, friend!
Show and tell time! 📢
Working on something (freaking) cool?
Drop your:
🎞️ Game trailers
📄 Steam store pages
📸 Dev screenshots
💪 Anything you're proud of!
Best submissions get featured in next week's digest. 🚀
Working on something (freaking) cool?
Drop your:
🎞️ Game trailers
📄 Steam store pages
📸 Dev screenshots
💪 Anything you're proud of!
Best submissions get featured in next week's digest. 🚀
September 15, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Show and tell time! 📢
Working on something (freaking) cool?
Drop your:
🎞️ Game trailers
📄 Steam store pages
📸 Dev screenshots
💪 Anything you're proud of!
Best submissions get featured in next week's digest. 🚀
Working on something (freaking) cool?
Drop your:
🎞️ Game trailers
📄 Steam store pages
📸 Dev screenshots
💪 Anything you're proud of!
Best submissions get featured in next week's digest. 🚀
Happy 24th Birthday, GameCube!
Double Dash, Metroid Prime, RE4, Soul Calibre, the hits go on.
Underrated console IMO
Double Dash, Metroid Prime, RE4, Soul Calibre, the hits go on.
Underrated console IMO
September 14, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Happy 24th Birthday, GameCube!
Double Dash, Metroid Prime, RE4, Soul Calibre, the hits go on.
Underrated console IMO
Double Dash, Metroid Prime, RE4, Soul Calibre, the hits go on.
Underrated console IMO
🌟 INDIE SPOTLIGHT: Star Rift Saga
My guest this week, Jacob Vela didn't just talk legal theory, he walked the walk. His Metroidvania is great, and it features a brilliant Tetris-like skill customization system. Good stuff, Jacob!
Check it out: store.steampowered.com/app/2158690/Star_Rift_Saga/
My guest this week, Jacob Vela didn't just talk legal theory, he walked the walk. His Metroidvania is great, and it features a brilliant Tetris-like skill customization system. Good stuff, Jacob!
Check it out: store.steampowered.com/app/2158690/Star_Rift_Saga/
September 14, 2025 at 4:01 PM
🌟 INDIE SPOTLIGHT: Star Rift Saga
My guest this week, Jacob Vela didn't just talk legal theory, he walked the walk. His Metroidvania is great, and it features a brilliant Tetris-like skill customization system. Good stuff, Jacob!
Check it out: store.steampowered.com/app/2158690/Star_Rift_Saga/
My guest this week, Jacob Vela didn't just talk legal theory, he walked the walk. His Metroidvania is great, and it features a brilliant Tetris-like skill customization system. Good stuff, Jacob!
Check it out: store.steampowered.com/app/2158690/Star_Rift_Saga/
When friends make a game together without formal agreements, who owns the IP by default?
ALL OF THEM. Equally.
Regardless of contribution. This creates a legal nightmare where anyone can sell the game.
Contracts aren't about trust, they're about clarity.
ALL OF THEM. Equally.
Regardless of contribution. This creates a legal nightmare where anyone can sell the game.
Contracts aren't about trust, they're about clarity.
September 13, 2025 at 10:22 PM
When friends make a game together without formal agreements, who owns the IP by default?
ALL OF THEM. Equally.
Regardless of contribution. This creates a legal nightmare where anyone can sell the game.
Contracts aren't about trust, they're about clarity.
ALL OF THEM. Equally.
Regardless of contribution. This creates a legal nightmare where anyone can sell the game.
Contracts aren't about trust, they're about clarity.
This week's newsletter is PACKED 📦
✅ IP protection basics with lawyer Jacob Vela
✅ FREE professional sound effects from GDC
✅ Star Rift Saga indie spotlight
Everything you need to level up your game dev journey in one digest.
Subscribe: freakingcoolindies.com
✅ IP protection basics with lawyer Jacob Vela
✅ FREE professional sound effects from GDC
✅ Star Rift Saga indie spotlight
Everything you need to level up your game dev journey in one digest.
Subscribe: freakingcoolindies.com
Freaking Cool Indies
Become an 'Indiepreneur'
freakingcoolindies.com
September 13, 2025 at 4:01 PM
This week's newsletter is PACKED 📦
✅ IP protection basics with lawyer Jacob Vela
✅ FREE professional sound effects from GDC
✅ Star Rift Saga indie spotlight
Everything you need to level up your game dev journey in one digest.
Subscribe: freakingcoolindies.com
✅ IP protection basics with lawyer Jacob Vela
✅ FREE professional sound effects from GDC
✅ Star Rift Saga indie spotlight
Everything you need to level up your game dev journey in one digest.
Subscribe: freakingcoolindies.com
Friday feelings: What's one small win you had this week in your game development journey? Could be fixing a bug, finishing an asset, or just opening your engine. Celebrate the small victories!
September 12, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Friday feelings: What's one small win you had this week in your game development journey? Could be fixing a bug, finishing an asset, or just opening your engine. Celebrate the small victories!
This week are talking game law! ⚖️ 💼
What's the most confusing legal thing about game development that you've always wondered about?
Drop your questions below and let's help each other learn!
No question is too basic.
What's the most confusing legal thing about game development that you've always wondered about?
Drop your questions below and let's help each other learn!
No question is too basic.
September 12, 2025 at 12:47 AM
This week are talking game law! ⚖️ 💼
What's the most confusing legal thing about game development that you've always wondered about?
Drop your questions below and let's help each other learn!
No question is too basic.
What's the most confusing legal thing about game development that you've always wondered about?
Drop your questions below and let's help each other learn!
No question is too basic.
🚨 NEW EPISODE: From Idea to Trademark: Protecting Your Indie Game the Right Way ⚖️
Story time: Your indie game just hit 100K downloads. Congratulations!! 🎉
But then the legal nightmare begins... 🧵
Story time: Your indie game just hit 100K downloads. Congratulations!! 🎉
But then the legal nightmare begins... 🧵
September 11, 2025 at 1:46 PM
🚨 NEW EPISODE: From Idea to Trademark: Protecting Your Indie Game the Right Way ⚖️
Story time: Your indie game just hit 100K downloads. Congratulations!! 🎉
But then the legal nightmare begins... 🧵
Story time: Your indie game just hit 100K downloads. Congratulations!! 🎉
But then the legal nightmare begins... 🧵
Reposted by Mike Arnone
Congrats on all the incredibly talented devs who made AGDA finalists this year! 🙌
Some amazing representation from Queensland, continuing to prove the sheer talent of our local studios. From what I'm aware, it looks like 6 of the 18 are made in Queensland. That's HUGE!
Some amazing representation from Queensland, continuing to prove the sheer talent of our local studios. From what I'm aware, it looks like 6 of the 18 are made in Queensland. That's HUGE!
🎉BIG NEWS! 🎉
IGEA celebrates the finalists for the 2025 Australian Game Developer Awards. This years finalists feature hit titles from talented teams. We are certain you can find a few favourites in this list.
Read more, and some exciting news about this years hosts: agdas.com.au/2025-finalis...
IGEA celebrates the finalists for the 2025 Australian Game Developer Awards. This years finalists feature hit titles from talented teams. We are certain you can find a few favourites in this list.
Read more, and some exciting news about this years hosts: agdas.com.au/2025-finalis...
September 10, 2025 at 2:31 AM
Congrats on all the incredibly talented devs who made AGDA finalists this year! 🙌
Some amazing representation from Queensland, continuing to prove the sheer talent of our local studios. From what I'm aware, it looks like 6 of the 18 are made in Queensland. That's HUGE!
Some amazing representation from Queensland, continuing to prove the sheer talent of our local studios. From what I'm aware, it looks like 6 of the 18 are made in Queensland. That's HUGE!
Reposted by Mike Arnone
Thanks so much for the mention!
We use "eye trace" to direct focus toward key elements, but also reduce disorientation between cuts- it's supposed to convey "cozy", after all!
For a peak example of this technique, check our trailer for the Cupboards & Drawers DLC:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfm-...
We use "eye trace" to direct focus toward key elements, but also reduce disorientation between cuts- it's supposed to convey "cozy", after all!
For a peak example of this technique, check our trailer for the Cupboards & Drawers DLC:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfm-...
A Little to the Left: Cupboards & Drawers - Wholesome Direct Trailer
YouTube video by Max Inferno Games
www.youtube.com
September 7, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Thanks so much for the mention!
We use "eye trace" to direct focus toward key elements, but also reduce disorientation between cuts- it's supposed to convey "cozy", after all!
For a peak example of this technique, check our trailer for the Cupboards & Drawers DLC:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfm-...
We use "eye trace" to direct focus toward key elements, but also reduce disorientation between cuts- it's supposed to convey "cozy", after all!
For a peak example of this technique, check our trailer for the Cupboards & Drawers DLC:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfm-...
SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT: A Little to the Left 🧩
Derek's pick for cozy marketing done right:
✨ Authentic filming
✨ Perfect "eye trace"
✨ Seamless cursor flow
✨ Invisible detail mastery
Derek's pick for cozy marketing done right:
✨ Authentic filming
✨ Perfect "eye trace"
✨ Seamless cursor flow
✨ Invisible detail mastery
Save 50% on A Little to the Left on Steam
A Little to the Left is a cozy puzzle game that has you sort, stack, and organize household items into pleasing arrangements while you keep an eye out for a mischievous cat with an inclination for…
store.steampowered.com
September 7, 2025 at 1:32 PM
SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT: A Little to the Left 🧩
Derek's pick for cozy marketing done right:
✨ Authentic filming
✨ Perfect "eye trace"
✨ Seamless cursor flow
✨ Invisible detail mastery
Derek's pick for cozy marketing done right:
✨ Authentic filming
✨ Perfect "eye trace"
✨ Seamless cursor flow
✨ Invisible detail mastery
MICRO WIN SATURDAY 🎯
Pick ONE marketing task you've avoided because "it's not perfect yet."
Set 25 minute timer. Make it 80% good. Ship it.
Done > perfect. Always.
What are you shipping today?
freakingcoolindies.com/challenge
Pick ONE marketing task you've avoided because "it's not perfect yet."
Set 25 minute timer. Make it 80% good. Ship it.
Done > perfect. Always.
What are you shipping today?
freakingcoolindies.com/challenge
Launch Your 7-Day Marketing Foundation Challenge Today!
Join our FREE 7-Day Marketing Foundation Challenge and transform your game marketing with daily tasks for quick wins and a strong foundation.
freakingcoolindies.com
September 6, 2025 at 5:37 PM
MICRO WIN SATURDAY 🎯
Pick ONE marketing task you've avoided because "it's not perfect yet."
Set 25 minute timer. Make it 80% good. Ship it.
Done > perfect. Always.
What are you shipping today?
freakingcoolindies.com/challenge
Pick ONE marketing task you've avoided because "it's not perfect yet."
Set 25 minute timer. Make it 80% good. Ship it.
Done > perfect. Always.
What are you shipping today?
freakingcoolindies.com/challenge
Community spotlight time! 📢
Share your game trailers, Steam pages, or WIP clips below
I'll feature our favourites in next week's newsletter + boost on socials.
Free marketing for your marketing 😉
Drop 'em! ⬇️
Share your game trailers, Steam pages, or WIP clips below
I'll feature our favourites in next week's newsletter + boost on socials.
Free marketing for your marketing 😉
Drop 'em! ⬇️
September 5, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Community spotlight time! 📢
Share your game trailers, Steam pages, or WIP clips below
I'll feature our favourites in next week's newsletter + boost on socials.
Free marketing for your marketing 😉
Drop 'em! ⬇️
Share your game trailers, Steam pages, or WIP clips below
I'll feature our favourites in next week's newsletter + boost on socials.
Free marketing for your marketing 😉
Drop 'em! ⬇️
@derek-lieu.com's "eye trace" revelation: Cozy games often have better visual flow than action games 👀
Invisible improvements keep viewers engaged without them realising why.
Watch A Little To The Left's trailer. Notice the flow.
Get more insights: freakingcoolindies.com/subscribe
Invisible improvements keep viewers engaged without them realising why.
Watch A Little To The Left's trailer. Notice the flow.
Get more insights: freakingcoolindies.com/subscribe
September 5, 2025 at 5:56 PM
@derek-lieu.com's "eye trace" revelation: Cozy games often have better visual flow than action games 👀
Invisible improvements keep viewers engaged without them realising why.
Watch A Little To The Left's trailer. Notice the flow.
Get more insights: freakingcoolindies.com/subscribe
Invisible improvements keep viewers engaged without them realising why.
Watch A Little To The Left's trailer. Notice the flow.
Get more insights: freakingcoolindies.com/subscribe
September 4, 2025 at 1:53 PM
🎬 NEW EPISODE: Meet the Man Behind Gaming’s Most Iconic Indie Trailers
Did you love the trailer for Sea of Stars?? Yea, me too.
This week I had the honour to sit down with @derek-lieu.com, the man behind the trailer.
Did you love the trailer for Sea of Stars?? Yea, me too.
This week I had the honour to sit down with @derek-lieu.com, the man behind the trailer.
September 4, 2025 at 1:34 AM
🎬 NEW EPISODE: Meet the Man Behind Gaming’s Most Iconic Indie Trailers
Did you love the trailer for Sea of Stars?? Yea, me too.
This week I had the honour to sit down with @derek-lieu.com, the man behind the trailer.
Did you love the trailer for Sea of Stars?? Yea, me too.
This week I had the honour to sit down with @derek-lieu.com, the man behind the trailer.
Reposted by Mike Arnone
Found the original Reddit post. Here's another comment that has aged like milk.
People on the internet (ESPECIALLY REDDIT) can be incredibly harsh and hostile. It can really stomp you down as an indie devs trying to make your mark.
But the best way to prove them wrong is to keep creating.
People on the internet (ESPECIALLY REDDIT) can be incredibly harsh and hostile. It can really stomp you down as an indie devs trying to make your mark.
But the best way to prove them wrong is to keep creating.
September 3, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Found the original Reddit post. Here's another comment that has aged like milk.
People on the internet (ESPECIALLY REDDIT) can be incredibly harsh and hostile. It can really stomp you down as an indie devs trying to make your mark.
But the best way to prove them wrong is to keep creating.
People on the internet (ESPECIALLY REDDIT) can be incredibly harsh and hostile. It can really stomp you down as an indie devs trying to make your mark.
But the best way to prove them wrong is to keep creating.