Bringing indie dev news for Australia & New Zealand straight to your inbox.

The Indie Dev Digest (est. July '24) is a round-up of information for digital game developers across Australia and New Zealand, primarily in the independent games space. Think of it as a community noticeboard. It’s a starting point for you to find out more information about what’s going on, where, and with who.

Something to share?

This newsletter is built by user submissions.
Below are all the links you need to submit something to the Indie Dev Digest for sharing.

• AN event or deadline
• A MISSED CONNECTION
• A JOB AD
• A Studio/project highlight
• A QUESTION
• A RESOURCE

Got questions about submissions?

Thank you!

You're all signed up!Know an event is coming up? Saw a great resource online?Why not submit something ahead of the next newsletter?

• SUBMIT SOMETHING

About

How does any of this work?

The Indie Dev Digest is generated out of submissions - developers across New Zealand and Australia can submit in a number of different categories. These submissions go directly to their relevant spreadsheets. Once a month, I (Meredith) check the spreadsheets and use that to generate a newsletter directly to your inbox of everything coming up in the next little while across ANZ.Only those that sign up receive the newsletter, and you can read the privacy policy here. I also use the submitted and public information to build databases for more recurring information - like events and in time, grant deadlines. Don't be afraid to submit public information you come across, even if it's not your studio or event etc!

I'd like to receive the Indie Dev Digest!

• SIGN UP

I have something to share!

• SUBMIT SOMETHING

I'm not so sure... any examples of things you've shared?

• RESOURCES ARCHIVE
• Questions archive

I have a question about a submission!

• EVENTS faq
• missed connections faq
• job faq
• studio/project faq
• questions faq
• resources faq

FAQs for Events & Deadlines

How early can I submit an event or deadline?
You can submit as early as you’d like, but it's recommended to submit when there's an action people can take (buy tickets, RSVP, prepare grant materials etc.) All submitted events will be added to the events database which is consistently accessible to users here.Something about my event has changed since I sent it to you! Help!
You can resubmit the event - I will always use the most recent information submitted.The date/time/place of my event is wrong! Why is it wrong?!
Sorry bestie, but I post things verbatim - you may have submitted the info incorrectly, or there’s been a copy paste error.My [huge event] is on soon but it’s not in your newsletter!!! Why?!
This means either you or someone else didn’t submit it via the above forms! I know we all have a lot on our plates, but I can’t go looking for event information - if you’d like it shared, you need to submit it.I went to an event you shared and it SUCKED and I’m MAD about it! Why did you share that?
I share events as submitted - I’m not responsible, liable, or accountable for the event’s quality, quantity, outcomes, duty of care or experience.I missed a deadline you shared - what can I do!?
You’ll need to follow the shared more info link and contact the team handling the event or deadline at the source, I’m afraid. I have no ownership or clout regarding any deadline information!

• submit an event or deadline

FAQs for Missed Connections

What kind of things can I submit for missed connections?
You can submit anything you’d be okay with sharing publicly, say on Twitter or similar. Your enquiry won’t be anonymous due to the contact info, though you could arguably anonymize it if you really wanted.You can submit things like:Does anyone know what the requirement is for game ratings for Switch titles?
Can someone help me with [this technical issue] with Unreal engine?
I’d love a mentor in [this specific space] who I could have a one off support call with, is anyone available?
Can someone sense check my [specific discipline plan] to help me understand if I’m on the right track?If you’re not sure, submit it! I’ll use discretion to share only things that may have an actionable outcome.How do you share my contact information?
I will provide whatever you give me alongside the question - this might be your Discord username, a Twitter handle, an email address, a form you’ve created, or similar. I won’t share anything that looks like you’re trying to drive traffic (e.g. can you join my Discord) as this should go in the resources submission. I will however, provide it as presented, and this is a public newsletter where anyone can sign up, so be warned! The only identifying information however will be whatever your handle is.I don’t want my contact info shared, but I want to ask a question! Can’t they just go through you and get put in touch?
Sorry bestie, but I don’t have the time for that!!Someone reached out to me and was a JERK and I hate them and it’s your fault.
I share questions as submitted - I’m not responsible, liable, or accountable for the follow up quality, quantity, outcomes, duty of care or experience, nor can I promise anyone WILL reach out. However, if you were harassed please do let me know so I can block their access to the newsletter in the future.

• submit a missed connection

Privacy Policy

By signing up, you’re agreeing to the below.Your email is captured ONLY for the purpose of this newsletter, and will never be shared or provided to anyone else without your explicit permission. Any information you submit for the purposes of sharing will be shared, so please advise if there is anything you want withheld at the time of submission. I do not share information in the notes section unless requested or relevant. The one exception is if you provide your personal information as part of the missed connections, it will be assumed as permission and shared publicly for those subscribed - so keep this in mind!Even though I have tried to provide accurate information, I cannot give any representations or warranties, express or implied about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information contained in this newsletter.Any extraneous, unsubmitted information provided by me in the newsletter is based on my personal experiences in the industry, and should not be taken as the right course of action. I retain copyright of any intellectual property I share in the newsletter. Being signed up to this newsletter and engaging with it is not a promise of any kind of result, outcome, or conclusion. I do not claim that this newsletter is perfectly accurate, reliable or suitable in terms of its contents. The questions and answers, along with resources, are shared on this website sometime after the newsletters publication.In some cases, the newsletter may also contain information regarding products and services of third parties not related to me. I do not assume any responsibility for third party material or information and inclusion of such material is not a recommendation or otherwise by myself.I am not responsible for any loss, damage, expense, or liability suffered by you or any third party you access via this newsletter._{TL;DR - I’m doing my best to help and support the community, but I’m not responsible for it!}

FAQs for Job Submissions

What jobs aren’t acceptable to submit?
Your job must be able to be worked by either an Australian, New Zealander, or both. Any job that is not for these regions won’t be shared. I also won’t share any jobs that are unpaid or internships - these can go in events and deadlines if they have a relevant attachment, but this job board is for hiring only.What if I want to share that I’m available for work?
While I’m sharing jobs, I can’t share a recruitment space - it would be unwieldy and so many people would be posting. I want to amplify the jobs available as much as possible, so I’m afraid this isn’t the space for that!The job ad you shared is drastically overblown/underpaid/evil!!!!
I share the ads submitted verbatim - I’m not responsible, liable, or accountable for the follow up quality, quantity, outcomes, duty of care or experience of either applying for or taking that job.The job has been filled! Can you take it down?
I’m afraid you’ll need to update your own sites if you prefer submissions to stop! Once the email goes out, it's out!The link or similar for my job ad is wrong! Why is it wrong?!
I post things verbatim - you may have submitted the info incorrectly, or there’s been a copy paste error. I am unlikely to be able to issue corrections between sends.

• submit a job ad

FAQs for Studio & Project Submissions

What kind of things are acceptable to submit?
Anything that’s a highlight! If your game is launching soon, you just hit a cool milestone, you’re kicking off a studio, you won an award, you’ve gotten a grant to travel to an event, etc etc. If it’s exciting to you and you want to share it, it’s eligible for this space.How do you decide what gets shared?
I’ll try to share in order of submission, unless there’s a pressing time sensitivity to the news in some way, or it’s particularly relevant to that month’s email for some reason.What if I don’t have news, but no one knows about my studio or project?
That’s fine too! I’m happy to spotlight individual new teams to get some visibility when news is quieter.What if I’m a solo developer?
That’s fine too! Your work is just as valid, exciting, and sharable.What if I’m a hobbyist developer?
This is an industry publication, so the intention is to share industry news - if you feel what you’re making is relevant or interesting to the industry, then please do share it.What if I’m an installation developer?
If your installation can be seen by people in Australia or New Zealand, you’re welcome to share information about it.What if I’m a researcher or academic?
If you feel what you’re writing about is relevant to the digital games industry, then please do share it.What if I’m a board game developer?
If you feel what you’re making is relevant to the digital games industry, then please do share it, but this is not a publication for board games. This is not to snub board games (which I love) but because they are an industry of their own and as such, deserve their own dedicated conversations and spaces, and I can’t in good conscience take that on.What if I’m a student?
This is an industry publication, so the intention is to share industry news - if you feel what you’re making is relevant or interesting to the industry, then please do share it, but usually this experience comes post-graduation.My highlight never got shared, or didn’t get shared in time in your newsletter!
It isn’t personal! There’s a few reasons why I might not have shared your news, (there was news shared ahead of you, there was time sensitive news that needed to be shared first) but I’ll endeavor to get through all of them over time. However, I might not share your highlight if:- You didn’t adhere to the above FAQs
- The information wasn’t relevant to the digital games industry
- I couldn’t fully understand what the news was
- There's a huge backlog to the submissions and it is no longer relevant (e.g. attached to an event that has already occurred)

• submit a studio or project highlight

FAQs for Question Submissions

Why have a question space?
I’m lucky to have been doing this for about 8 years now, and I’ve learned a thing or two along the way. The question space is so you can ask me an anonymous question about something in my expertise area, and I can give you some advice or a direction to go in. Sometimes you feel like everyone knows everything and you don’t even know where to start. If you just want a place to begin, hopefully I can give that to you.What sort of questions can I ask?
You can ask anything! I have familiarity with biz dev, production, marketing, and accessibility and can give direct responses on these. Anything else, I'll recommend some resources to start with - I have some knowledge of other spaces like design, programming and similar, but I’m absolutely not the best person to ask, and they might be a better fit for Missed Connections if you're after something specific.What if I ask a question you can’t answer?
Someone will! I’m likely to try and ask someone I know who might be able to respond and share their response if they come to mind, with credit to them of course. Similarly, I might have a place to start to suggest, or a resource worth looking at. Otherwise, it won’t get answered and you may want to submit it as a Missed Connection.I asked a question ages ago, but it hasn’t been shared - why?
It isn’t personal! There’s a few reasons why I might not have shared your question, (there are other questions that have been asked ahead of you, there was a time sensitive question that needed to be answered first) but I’ll endeavor to get through all of them over time. However, I might not share your question or answer it if:- Your question was inappropriate
- I couldn’t fully understand what you were asking
- You asked three questions in one
- Your question was unspecific
- It’s been asked before and will be in the archive
- Your question isn’t relevant to the game developer industry audience

• submit a question

FAQs for Resource Submissions

What resources can I submit?
Whatever you like! All resources should ideally be publicly accessible, from a reputable source.What kinds of resources can I submit?
You can submit resources in any of the below categories, but it’s not limited to these! These are just to give you an idea on the kinds of content.- News Articles
- Developer Blogs
- GDC Talks
- Books to Read
- Market Research Reports
- Spreadsheets or Documentation
- Social Media Best Practice
- Cheat SheetsAll the resources you’re sharing are old/basic/ones I’ve seen before!
I promise you, for someone out there, they’ve never heard of it before.
I shared a resource ages ago, but it hasn’t been shared - why?
It isn’t personal! There’s a few reasons why I might not have shared your resource, but I’ll endeavor to get through all of them over time. However, I might not share your resource if:- The source wasn’t reputable
- The link was broken or spammy
- It’s been shared before
- Your resource isn’t relevant to the game developer industry audience

• submit a resource

I'm curious into finding a mentor that could help with business, production, or marketing - do you have any recommendations on where people can find this?_{A lot of people focus on the how of finding a mentor, but often what causes struggles with mentoring is people reaching out without a plan. Mentorship can take a huge number of forms. If you’re after a mentor, there’s a few questions I’d ask yourself first. (continued above)}

How would you approach marketing support for your game's participation in a Steam festival when you don't have a Steam demo up yet?_{This is a good question! The biggest thing about getting anyone involved with any event or sign up or anything where you are asking them for something is what value you’re giving them. A demo is a great way to provide some value on your side, but it’s a huge outset of dev time, especially early on. So what else can you do? (continued above)}

Why Does This Newsletter Exist?

When I started in the games industry here in Melbourne, Australia, the advice I got from everyone to grow and learn was the same: get a Twitter account, go to events, meet people, ask questions. It worked! I often joke I spent the first year in games in everyone in ANZs’ DMs asking questions, but it helped me drastically, and helped me grow a network globally over time. I learned so much from just observing conversations online.If you’re reading this then you, like myself, probably have noticed things aren’t quite that simple now. Since the pandemic and the absolute downfall of Twitter (RIP) it’s been harder and harder to stay connected and in the loop of what’s going on in ANZ. Knowing what events are happening (and what they even are!) is harder and harder. When we do get to get together, it’s often at things like GDC or Gamescom where we’re racing to meetings or catching up with other people. The casual conversations we used to observe online, and more casual catch ups, are harder to find and find time for. Studios are becoming more siloed because of this, and with all the movement in our industry locally and internationally, knowing who is where and doing what is harder than ever - and it’s tricky to meet the new people that might be really helpful to your project.I don’t position this to pretend I have the answers. I was lucky to work a job that let me meet a lot of people (shout out VicScreen!), and I want you all to know each other, and I want to meet those of you I don’t know! So, I think we need to try something. I know everyone is a lil burned out, and tired, and scared, but for many of us, we’ve been doing this a while. I’ve spoken to so many new devs who’ve never seen the resources we’ve all seen shared, never been told what each event is, don’t know where to start looking for answers or help. We’re losing talent and with that, information, and access to each other.

Is running the IDD expensive?
Can I donate? Can I help?

I so appreciate everyone's kindness when it comes to the Indie Dev Digest. I volunteer my time to the digest. I make the websites, write the newsletters, create the graphics, and manage the hosting.At the moment, running it costs me less than $100AUD, and other than the big overhauls (e.g. website/databases) which can take a day or two, it's usually only a couple of hours once a month to write each newsletter. I love people offering to help, but as anyone who has ran anything knows, working with someone else takes extra time and coordination, so it's just me for now and will likely remain that way.Right now, IDD is affordable for me to run and maintain entirely by myself. If that changes, I might need other kinds of help. While I so appreciate the offer for donations or people giving their time, the absolute best thing you can do for me is to submit things you see as I slowly turn this into something that eventually, can be automated and managed by developers directly.

I have a suggestion/feedback!

Feel free to share any suggestions or feedback either in person or by replying directly to the newsletter - it'll come straight to me! You can also find me on Bluesky, X, and LinkedIn.