Mike Arnone
@freakingcoolindies.com
I help indie devs become Indiepreneurs: sustainable founders, not just developers.
Curator of the best minds in game business & marketing
https://freakingcoolindies.com/FCI_newsletters
Curator of the best minds in game business & marketing
https://freakingcoolindies.com/FCI_newsletters
I'm interviewing @jacobvela.bsky.social, who runs Argo Law (argolawyer.com), a law firm specalizing in game devs (he's even launched his own game on Steam.
We're turning to the community for Q&A, so:
WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR A LAWYER REGARDING YOUR GAME/STUDIO⁉️
Drop them below, thanks! 🙏
We're turning to the community for Q&A, so:
WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR A LAWYER REGARDING YOUR GAME/STUDIO⁉️
Drop them below, thanks! 🙏
September 11, 2026 at 2:01 AM
I'm interviewing @jacobvela.bsky.social, who runs Argo Law (argolawyer.com), a law firm specalizing in game devs (he's even launched his own game on Steam.
We're turning to the community for Q&A, so:
WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR A LAWYER REGARDING YOUR GAME/STUDIO⁉️
Drop them below, thanks! 🙏
We're turning to the community for Q&A, so:
WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR A LAWYER REGARDING YOUR GAME/STUDIO⁉️
Drop them below, thanks! 🙏
Last week I interviewed @bradshankar.bsky.social from Mobile Syrup all about how to reach out to and work with journalists to get your indie game covered.
Now Bluesky only let's me post 4 images, so catch the full episode if you want ALL of the tips!!! youtu.be/DtJfEz7jtDA
Now Bluesky only let's me post 4 images, so catch the full episode if you want ALL of the tips!!! youtu.be/DtJfEz7jtDA
July 17, 2026 at 11:33 PM
Last week I interviewed @bradshankar.bsky.social from Mobile Syrup all about how to reach out to and work with journalists to get your indie game covered.
Now Bluesky only let's me post 4 images, so catch the full episode if you want ALL of the tips!!! youtu.be/DtJfEz7jtDA
Now Bluesky only let's me post 4 images, so catch the full episode if you want ALL of the tips!!! youtu.be/DtJfEz7jtDA
Raising awareness and donations for the Able Gamers Charity means some meaaaaan 7:00 am track runs 😭🥵🥵🥵
gofund.me/d610ff6cc
Toronto Marathon coming quickly, and it's time to kick things into high gear.
gofund.me/d610ff6cc
Toronto Marathon coming quickly, and it's time to kick things into high gear.
July 17, 2026 at 12:02 AM
Raising awareness and donations for the Able Gamers Charity means some meaaaaan 7:00 am track runs 😭🥵🥵🥵
gofund.me/d610ff6cc
Toronto Marathon coming quickly, and it's time to kick things into high gear.
gofund.me/d610ff6cc
Toronto Marathon coming quickly, and it's time to kick things into high gear.
Big shoutout to @studionullgames.bsky.social for the announcement launch of Will O Wing.
I have had the soundtrack of this game on repeat, and it gives me some beautiful Ori vibes! Can't wait to see where this one goes.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F24y...
I have had the soundtrack of this game on repeat, and it gives me some beautiful Ori vibes! Can't wait to see where this one goes.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F24y...
Will O Wing - Announcement Trailer - Wishlist on Steam!!!
⇢ Wishlist Will O Wing on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4342200/Will_O_Wing/
Explore, harness magic, and guide the wayward through harsh and unchecked lands. Atmospheric locations full…
www.youtube.com
July 11, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Big shoutout to @studionullgames.bsky.social for the announcement launch of Will O Wing.
I have had the soundtrack of this game on repeat, and it gives me some beautiful Ori vibes! Can't wait to see where this one goes.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F24y...
I have had the soundtrack of this game on repeat, and it gives me some beautiful Ori vibes! Can't wait to see where this one goes.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F24y...
This is why we do it!!!!!!
My goal with Freaking Cool Indies is to help game devs navigate the business and marketing side of game creation, and when these types of messages come in, it means so much more than I can ever describe.
My goal with Freaking Cool Indies is to help game devs navigate the business and marketing side of game creation, and when these types of messages come in, it means so much more than I can ever describe.
July 11, 2026 at 4:09 AM
This is why we do it!!!!!!
My goal with Freaking Cool Indies is to help game devs navigate the business and marketing side of game creation, and when these types of messages come in, it means so much more than I can ever describe.
My goal with Freaking Cool Indies is to help game devs navigate the business and marketing side of game creation, and when these types of messages come in, it means so much more than I can ever describe.
Reposted by Mike Arnone
I had a great time on @freakingcoolindies.com!
Shoutout to Mike for this show -- it's such a smart focus on the business side for indie devs featuring tons of insightful chats with a variety of industry folks.
A pleasure to come on and talk about the games media side.
Highly recommend subscribing!
Shoutout to Mike for this show -- it's such a smart focus on the business side for indie devs featuring tons of insightful chats with a variety of industry folks.
A pleasure to come on and talk about the games media side.
Highly recommend subscribing!
A Games Journalist Explains Why Most Indie Game Pitches Get Ignored
YouTube video by Freaking Cool Indies
www.youtube.com
July 8, 2026 at 5:13 PM
I had a great time on @freakingcoolindies.com!
Shoutout to Mike for this show -- it's such a smart focus on the business side for indie devs featuring tons of insightful chats with a variety of industry folks.
A pleasure to come on and talk about the games media side.
Highly recommend subscribing!
Shoutout to Mike for this show -- it's such a smart focus on the business side for indie devs featuring tons of insightful chats with a variety of industry folks.
A pleasure to come on and talk about the games media side.
Highly recommend subscribing!
Nintendo Eshop has Persona 3, 4 and 5 bundle is on sale.
1. Do I pull trigger?!?
2. What one do I start with!!
Not a huge JRPG fan, but Persona is a legendary series so there has to be something special behind that love.
I need your help, people!
1. Do I pull trigger?!?
2. What one do I start with!!
Not a huge JRPG fan, but Persona is a legendary series so there has to be something special behind that love.
I need your help, people!
July 3, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Nintendo Eshop has Persona 3, 4 and 5 bundle is on sale.
1. Do I pull trigger?!?
2. What one do I start with!!
Not a huge JRPG fan, but Persona is a legendary series so there has to be something special behind that love.
I need your help, people!
1. Do I pull trigger?!?
2. What one do I start with!!
Not a huge JRPG fan, but Persona is a legendary series so there has to be something special behind that love.
I need your help, people!
NEW EPISODE!! 🎙️
I spoke with Mahdeen Abrar, CEO and co founder of Jestr, about how indie devs can actually win with shorts in 2026.
We cover TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts, hooks, creator campaigns, and why one viral video is not the goal.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MAL...
I spoke with Mahdeen Abrar, CEO and co founder of Jestr, about how indie devs can actually win with shorts in 2026.
We cover TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts, hooks, creator campaigns, and why one viral video is not the goal.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MAL...
June 30, 2026 at 5:27 PM
NEW EPISODE!! 🎙️
I spoke with Mahdeen Abrar, CEO and co founder of Jestr, about how indie devs can actually win with shorts in 2026.
We cover TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts, hooks, creator campaigns, and why one viral video is not the goal.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MAL...
I spoke with Mahdeen Abrar, CEO and co founder of Jestr, about how indie devs can actually win with shorts in 2026.
We cover TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts, hooks, creator campaigns, and why one viral video is not the goal.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MAL...
I just talked to a games recruiter who has made 500+ hires, including 100+ in 18 months.
He sees thousands of CVs. And he says the reason great devs get passed over usually has nothing to do with talent. 🧵
He sees thousands of CVs. And he says the reason great devs get passed over usually has nothing to do with talent. 🧵
June 23, 2026 at 2:31 PM
I just talked to a games recruiter who has made 500+ hires, including 100+ in 18 months.
He sees thousands of CVs. And he says the reason great devs get passed over usually has nothing to do with talent. 🧵
He sees thousands of CVs. And he says the reason great devs get passed over usually has nothing to do with talent. 🧵
When the 2TB+Controller Steam Machine comes in at an eye watering $2,302.94 Canadian (after tax). 😭
This companion cube is gonna have to wait for a few price drops 🧊
This companion cube is gonna have to wait for a few price drops 🧊
June 23, 2026 at 4:00 AM
When the 2TB+Controller Steam Machine comes in at an eye watering $2,302.94 Canadian (after tax). 😭
This companion cube is gonna have to wait for a few price drops 🧊
This companion cube is gonna have to wait for a few price drops 🧊
With the current state of the games industry, I don't need to sit here and let you know that getting noticed and hired is no easy task.
But this weeks episode (launching tomorrow) is here to lend a hand!
Can't wait to get this one out in the wild!
But this weeks episode (launching tomorrow) is here to lend a hand!
Can't wait to get this one out in the wild!
June 22, 2026 at 10:01 PM
With the current state of the games industry, I don't need to sit here and let you know that getting noticed and hired is no easy task.
But this weeks episode (launching tomorrow) is here to lend a hand!
Can't wait to get this one out in the wild!
But this weeks episode (launching tomorrow) is here to lend a hand!
Can't wait to get this one out in the wild!
Mateo Covic (@zoroarts.bsky.social) is a 23 year old solo dev from Germany.
His co-op rage game Paddle Paddle Paddle launched with a moderate 11k wishlists.
It has now sold 200,000+ copies and made over $1,000,000. Here is the wild part. 👇 🧵
His co-op rage game Paddle Paddle Paddle launched with a moderate 11k wishlists.
It has now sold 200,000+ copies and made over $1,000,000. Here is the wild part. 👇 🧵
June 17, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Mateo Covic (@zoroarts.bsky.social) is a 23 year old solo dev from Germany.
His co-op rage game Paddle Paddle Paddle launched with a moderate 11k wishlists.
It has now sold 200,000+ copies and made over $1,000,000. Here is the wild part. 👇 🧵
His co-op rage game Paddle Paddle Paddle launched with a moderate 11k wishlists.
It has now sold 200,000+ copies and made over $1,000,000. Here is the wild part. 👇 🧵
Lots going on with XBOX right now, but chalk this one up in the Win column. 🙌🏻
www.bgr.com/2188470/micr...
#accessiblegaming
www.bgr.com/2188470/micr...
#accessiblegaming
Microsoft Is Giving Away Free 3D Print Files To Adapt Your Xbox Controller's Sticks - BGR
Microsoft's free-to-download files are designed to make it easier for people with disabilities to enjoy Xbox console games, provided you have 3D printer access.
www.bgr.com
June 12, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Lots going on with XBOX right now, but chalk this one up in the Win column. 🙌🏻
www.bgr.com/2188470/micr...
#accessiblegaming
www.bgr.com/2188470/micr...
#accessiblegaming
Reposted by Mike Arnone
Got $10 burning a hole in your pocket? Use it to support @freakingcoolindies.com who will be running in the Toronto Marathon in support of AbleGamers, an amazing charity that helps everyone get a chance to play games gofund.me/bf1b6b3b1 #charity #ablegamers #playitforward #indiegames
Donate to Play It Forward: One Marathon for Every Player, organized by Freaking Cool Indies
On October 18, 2026, I'm running 42.2 kilometres through the stree… Freaking Cool Indies needs your support for Play It Forward: One Marathon for Every Player
gofund.me
June 10, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Got $10 burning a hole in your pocket? Use it to support @freakingcoolindies.com who will be running in the Toronto Marathon in support of AbleGamers, an amazing charity that helps everyone get a chance to play games gofund.me/bf1b6b3b1 #charity #ablegamers #playitforward #indiegames
Well this is a fun way to start the weekend! 🫨 Thank you all for your continued love and support as this mighty community continues to grow! 🫶 🩵
#indiegamedev #gamedev #gamemarketing
#indiegamedev #gamedev #gamemarketing
June 5, 2026 at 10:27 PM
Well this is a fun way to start the weekend! 🫨 Thank you all for your continued love and support as this mighty community continues to grow! 🫶 🩵
#indiegamedev #gamedev #gamemarketing
#indiegamedev #gamedev #gamemarketing
Huge congrats to Scott Christian & the @playhilltop.bsky.social team.
The Curse of Resthaven trailer was featured on The MIX Summer Game Showcase!
Scott's a beacon for Canadian game devs, and seeing it alongside so many greats was a joy. 👏 www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrcU...
The Curse of Resthaven trailer was featured on The MIX Summer Game Showcase!
Scott's a beacon for Canadian game devs, and seeing it alongside so many greats was a joy. 👏 www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrcU...
Curse of Resthaven | MIX Summer Game Showcase Trailer
Trailer premiered as part of the The MIX Summer Games Showcase 2026. CoR is a narrative roguelite coming soon from developer Hilltop Studios, published by Digital Bandidos.
Take command of the…
www.youtube.com
June 4, 2026 at 4:13 AM
Huge congrats to Scott Christian & the @playhilltop.bsky.social team.
The Curse of Resthaven trailer was featured on The MIX Summer Game Showcase!
Scott's a beacon for Canadian game devs, and seeing it alongside so many greats was a joy. 👏 www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrcU...
The Curse of Resthaven trailer was featured on The MIX Summer Game Showcase!
Scott's a beacon for Canadian game devs, and seeing it alongside so many greats was a joy. 👏 www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrcU...
Chris Zukowski built the exact thing we're all chasing with our games.
Super fans. A thriving Discord. A newsletter he owns outright, so he reaches his people anytime. No algorithm permission required.
New FCI episode out now. 🎧
youtu.be/2QzUy4wqk6U
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegame
Super fans. A thriving Discord. A newsletter he owns outright, so he reaches his people anytime. No algorithm permission required.
New FCI episode out now. 🎧
youtu.be/2QzUy4wqk6U
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegame
June 2, 2026 at 1:09 PM
Chris Zukowski built the exact thing we're all chasing with our games.
Super fans. A thriving Discord. A newsletter he owns outright, so he reaches his people anytime. No algorithm permission required.
New FCI episode out now. 🎧
youtu.be/2QzUy4wqk6U
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegame
Super fans. A thriving Discord. A newsletter he owns outright, so he reaches his people anytime. No algorithm permission required.
New FCI episode out now. 🎧
youtu.be/2QzUy4wqk6U
#indiedev #gamedev #indiegame
Experiment hypothesis: How much does colour effect click-through rate
Counting the day that Steam allows indie devs to A/B test capsule art. Would be such a game changer.
Game devs, any guesses before the analytics start rolling in?
P.S. launching an episode with the Chris Z tomorrow. 👀
Counting the day that Steam allows indie devs to A/B test capsule art. Would be such a game changer.
Game devs, any guesses before the analytics start rolling in?
P.S. launching an episode with the Chris Z tomorrow. 👀
June 2, 2026 at 1:18 AM
Experiment hypothesis: How much does colour effect click-through rate
Counting the day that Steam allows indie devs to A/B test capsule art. Would be such a game changer.
Game devs, any guesses before the analytics start rolling in?
P.S. launching an episode with the Chris Z tomorrow. 👀
Counting the day that Steam allows indie devs to A/B test capsule art. Would be such a game changer.
Game devs, any guesses before the analytics start rolling in?
P.S. launching an episode with the Chris Z tomorrow. 👀
Reposted by Mike Arnone
Check out the latest Freaking Cool indies podcast, definitely relevant for the devs I work with youtu.be/9GPasXPLTI0?... #indiedev #indiegames @freakingcoolindies.com
The Framework That Keeps RPGs, Deck Builders, and Narrative Games From Breaking
YouTube video by Freaking Cool Indies
youtu.be
May 29, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Check out the latest Freaking Cool indies podcast, definitely relevant for the devs I work with youtu.be/9GPasXPLTI0?... #indiedev #indiegames @freakingcoolindies.com
NBA playoffs offs + Echo Generation 2 = A quality evening!
#Echogeneration2 #Indiegames #canadiangaming
#Echogeneration2 #Indiegames #canadiangaming
May 29, 2026 at 2:17 AM
NBA playoffs offs + Echo Generation 2 = A quality evening!
#Echogeneration2 #Indiegames #canadiangaming
#Echogeneration2 #Indiegames #canadiangaming
Anyone who says creating content is easy is full of 💩 ! 36 takes later, but we finally nailed the intro! 😂 😭
May 28, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Anyone who says creating content is easy is full of 💩 ! 36 takes later, but we finally nailed the intro! 😂 😭
INDIE GAME DEVS, WHO WANTS A FREE GAME?
To celebrate the launch of Echo Generation 2 I have partnered with @cococucumber.bsky.social to give away a free copy of the game 🎉 🎟️
Winners will be selected on Tuesday, June 2nd
Entry info can be found in the thread!
To celebrate the launch of Echo Generation 2 I have partnered with @cococucumber.bsky.social to give away a free copy of the game 🎉 🎟️
Winners will be selected on Tuesday, June 2nd
Entry info can be found in the thread!
May 28, 2026 at 12:32 AM
INDIE GAME DEVS, WHO WANTS A FREE GAME?
To celebrate the launch of Echo Generation 2 I have partnered with @cococucumber.bsky.social to give away a free copy of the game 🎉 🎟️
Winners will be selected on Tuesday, June 2nd
Entry info can be found in the thread!
To celebrate the launch of Echo Generation 2 I have partnered with @cococucumber.bsky.social to give away a free copy of the game 🎉 🎟️
Winners will be selected on Tuesday, June 2nd
Entry info can be found in the thread!
Nothing makes my heart happier!
Discovered this great #indiegames podcast at @xpgaminginc.bsky.social summit last week youtu.be/PjKKCX0UrVw?... @freakingcoolindies.com
The Shorts Formula That Gets Indie Games Noticed (While You're Still Building)
YouTube video by Freaking Cool Indies
youtu.be
May 25, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Nothing makes my heart happier!
Reposted by Mike Arnone
Huge thanks @freakingcoolindies.com, @bancy.co, @saffronaurora.bsky.social, Dan at @capybaragames.com, @kimchica.bsky.social, @ravinestudios.ca, @cococucumber.bsky.social, Graham at @drinkboxstudios.com, Dave at @mightyyell.bsky.social, @artbygavin.bsky.social, and everyone else (sry if I missed u)
May 23, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Huge thanks @freakingcoolindies.com, @bancy.co, @saffronaurora.bsky.social, Dan at @capybaragames.com, @kimchica.bsky.social, @ravinestudios.ca, @cococucumber.bsky.social, Graham at @drinkboxstudios.com, Dave at @mightyyell.bsky.social, @artbygavin.bsky.social, and everyone else (sry if I missed u)
Reposted by Mike Arnone
We were honoured to be featured during last night’s Canadian Game Awards 💛
Produced by Mike Arnone of @freakingcoolindies.com , the video highlights our work with experimental creators, game arts, and Canada’s indie games community.
Learn more: www.handeyesociety.com
#canadiangameawards #gameart
Produced by Mike Arnone of @freakingcoolindies.com , the video highlights our work with experimental creators, game arts, and Canada’s indie games community.
Learn more: www.handeyesociety.com
#canadiangameawards #gameart
May 22, 2026 at 7:07 PM
We were honoured to be featured during last night’s Canadian Game Awards 💛
Produced by Mike Arnone of @freakingcoolindies.com , the video highlights our work with experimental creators, game arts, and Canada’s indie games community.
Learn more: www.handeyesociety.com
#canadiangameawards #gameart
Produced by Mike Arnone of @freakingcoolindies.com , the video highlights our work with experimental creators, game arts, and Canada’s indie games community.
Learn more: www.handeyesociety.com
#canadiangameawards #gameart