Game Dev Field Guide

The Game Dev Field Guide is a podcast series focused on teaching you how to make and launch your own video games. This podcast is aimed at the beginner to intermediate level of game developer. Learn things like how to make crisp movement controls, making eye catching sprites, and marketing your game for it's big release. Stay awhile and listen!

Recent Episodes
  • Ep. 094 Genre Study: ARPG
    Apr 16, 2025 – 00:47:35
  • Ep. 093 Useful Math Concepts For Game Devs
    Mar 4, 2025 – 00:35:19
  • Ep. 092 Stealth Mechanics Overview
    Feb 4, 2025 – 00:36:56
  • Ep. 091 Managing Motivation For Game Dev
    Jan 7, 2025 – 00:46:05
  • Ep. 090 Game Engine Overview Part 2 (2024 Update)
    Dec 3, 2024 – 00:39:08
  • Ep. 089 Genre Study: Idle Games
    Nov 5, 2024 – 00:42:58
  • Game Dev Game Show || Ep.1 || Guest: Mike Geig
    Oct 4, 2024 – 01:16:58
  • Ep. 088 Negotiating Game Design With Teammates
    Oct 1, 2024 – 00:38:01
  • Ep. 087 Quick Tips X: Reusing Environments, Buff Debuff Extended
    Aug 30, 2024 – 00:46:38
  • Game Dev Game Show || Ep. 0 || Guest: YanniBoi
    Aug 21, 2024 – 01:07:14
  • Ep. 086 Optimizing Content Workflow
    Jul 31, 2024 – 00:40:19
  • Ep. 085 Genre Study: MMO
    Jun 30, 2024 – 01:09:22
  • Ep. 084 Design Trap Identification
    May 29, 2024 – 00:50:03
  • Ep. 083 Little Things That Go A Long Way
    Apr 27, 2024 – 00:37:46
  • Ep. 082 Current Events: State Of The Games Industry
    Mar 21, 2024 – 01:09:44
  • Ep. 081 Escaping Tutorial Hell
    Feb 21, 2024 – 00:40:45
  • Ep. 080 Dialogue And Voice Tips
    Jan 15, 2024 – 00:35:20
  • Bonus Episode 24. Patron Q&A
    Dec 28, 2023 – 02:03:16
  • Ep. 079 Core Skill Tuning
    Nov 15, 2023 – 00:37:17
  • Ep. 078 Current Events: Unity Pricing Changes
    Oct 16, 2023 – 00:53:21
  • Ep. 077 Quick Tips IX: Horde Modes And Rarity Systems
    Sep 5, 2023 – 00:39:25
  • Ep. 076 Genre Study: Survival Games
    Aug 2, 2023 – 00:34:30
  • Ep. 075 The Money Side Of Indie Game Dev
    Jun 26, 2023 – 00:42:58
  • Ep. 074 Tips For Turning A Bad Game Around
    May 22, 2023 – 00:35:59
  • Ep. 073 Finding The Heart And Soul Of A Game
    Apr 10, 2023 – 00:21:27
  • Ep 072. AI Tools For Gamedevs
    Mar 20, 2023 – 00:35:31
  • Ep 071. Cheat Prevention For Indie Games
    Feb 24, 2023 – 00:29:57
  • Bonus Episode 23. Special Guest: Prescott "Lockes" Lawani
    Feb 9, 2023 – 00:30:06
  • Ep. 070 Tips For Making Gamedev Your Career
    Jan 23, 2023 – 00:41:25
  • Ep. 069 Market Research (Game Ideas That Sell)
    Dec 29, 2022 – 00:29:38
  • Bonus Episode 22. Holiday GameDev Shopping List With Yanniboi
    Dec 20, 2022 – 00:45:23
  • Ep. 068 5 Tips For Better VFX
    Dec 12, 2022 – 00:29:32
  • Bonus Episode 21. Special Guest: Longy
    Nov 22, 2022 – 00:32:36
  • Ep. 067 Camera Tips For Video Games
    Nov 14, 2022 – 00:28:37
  • Bonus Episode 20. Special Guest: Carlos Cotão
    Oct 21, 2022 – 00:35:30
  • Ep. 066 Genre Study: JRPG
    Oct 15, 2022 – 00:34:29
  • Ep. 065 Quick Tips VIII Game Definition, Mirroring, And Reusing Level Design
    Oct 6, 2022 – 00:22:25
  • Bonus Episode 19. Special Guest: Ryan Hunt (developRHUNT)
    Sep 27, 2022 – 00:33:55
  • Ep. 064 Card Game Design
    Sep 18, 2022 – 00:25:38
  • Bonus Episode 18. Special Guest: Jaluna Rolik
    Sep 1, 2022 – 00:25:07
  • Ep. 063 Lighting For Video Games
    Aug 30, 2022 – 00:35:19
  • Ep. 062 Quest Design
    Aug 18, 2022 – 00:27:38
  • Ep. 061 Genre Study: Metroidvania
    Aug 4, 2022 – 00:25:08
  • Bonus Episode 17. Special Guest: Malheur Games
    Aug 2, 2022 – 00:33:02
  • Ep. 060 Current Events: Unity x Ironsource
    Jul 19, 2022 – 00:32:40
  • Ep. 059 Art Driven Game Development
    Jul 3, 2022 – 00:24:43
  • Bonus Episode 16. Special Guest: XCompWiz
    Jun 30, 2022 – 00:30:21
  • Ep. 058 Mobile Game Development
    Jun 17, 2022 – 00:25:43
  • Bonus Episode 15. BounceShot Post Mortem
    Jun 3, 2022 – 00:32:52
  • Ep. 057 Quick Tips VII Demos, Execution, and Perfection
    May 21, 2022 – 00:24:21
Recent Reviews
  • 7/7/7.2: EOA LYS
    Amazing 🤩
    I have never needed any other podcast. I’m twelve and already think I’m an intermediate! It’s only been one year. You, Zackavelli, are deemed most bestest, amazingest, and greatestest game dev teacher ever. You really put heart and soul into your podcast. You say little things that go a long way. Thank you for support in my dev years. I use Unreal Engine. Please don’t be angry. I still love Unity. I’ve made two full games and 20+ unfinished games on there. I just fit better with Unreal. I never really like Godot. To me, these are the big three game engines (Just like you! We have so much in common!). Please continue making these. Have you tried Unreal Engine? Please make an episode on easter eggs! With love, me. Edit: I’m fourteen now and have am working on a title that’s called Echoes of Ash. I’m it’s far from done, but it’s shaping up to be a triple A title. It’s going well. This podcast has been just a useful resource. You’re an awesome host. Keep up the good work.
  • GIVE US FRANKIE
    Best Gamedev podcast
    Where is aprils episode?!?!?
  • Fill makes Games
    One problem…
    Love this content. Useful info, but there is no backup for any of the claims this one guy is making. Seems a bit uncredible.
  • TheLiquidJam
    Perfect For Aspiring Devs
    MASSIVE fan of this podcast. The topics, speed, and approachability are perfect for anybody who wants to become a game developer. I take away at least a few things from every single episode. Keep on keeping on! Edit: 2 years later while doing game dev full time, I’m still listening. Still highly educational and on point for every episode.
  • Squirrelthug
    Beginners Start HERE
    As a beginner developer other podcasts were ok and I enjoyed hearing from professionals about how they resolve issues and navigate the industry. But it was entertainment with almost no substance to take home. This podcast changed all of that. I’ve gone through and picked episodes that seemed relevant to what I wanted to learn about and they’ve all been so enjoyable I’m now going back to listen to the rest. The amount of actionable advice in this series is unmatched, especially considering it’s not a step by step tutorial.
  • Zesty Fork
    Fantastic
    Really good podcast. As an indie game dev, this is a goldmine of good advice.
  • no if if J f had go F do go go
    Best podcast ever!!!
    This is the most helpful and fun podcast ever! I have been interested in game dev since I was seven and I'm eleven, but I'm only at beginner level. I was looking for a good podcast on game dev but none of the ones I listened to were very helpful, that is until I stumbled across this one! I love the Game Idea Jam/Game Dev Challenge but I can't participate being not old enough to have Discord or Twitter. I can't say it enough that I love this podcast!!!
  • DOOMseeker56
    Is good
    Is good I don’t no whaat to tell u also u should do an episode on Easter eggs.
  • guy who has a small complaint
    Great
    If I say anything I’ll just end up copying the guy to the right/down of me so what they said ——> | | ¥
  • swabluuu
    So helpful and enjoyable!
    I’ve listened to this show for a few years now, and though I haven’t gotten the courage to start game dev myself yet, I’ve seen the community build around this podcast, and it motivates me to want to start. On top of that, the host is so accessible in the advice he brings, and keeps the content interesting and clear while still being informative. I’m incredibly grateful to have this podcast available for when I need it, and I’ll continue listening for fun until then!
  • ArlieLP
    Level up ⭐️
    Whether you’re a current or aspiring game developer, this show is a must listen! It’s an exceptional resource that’s packed with unparalleled insights on all things game dev. Highly recommend!
  • Preston320
    Very Informative and Interactive Podcast
    I love this podcast and it has been a wealth of knowledge for someone who wants to get into game development as a hobby or even a career. Zack has set up a great community on discord for people to talk about their own projects and help each other out, and has provided inspiration to a lot of us who are learning this art. I know my game will be much better because I have taken use of his advice given on this podcast.
  • hkepley
    Great show
    Love listening to this show on road trips, lots to learn and think about. Zackavelli is a great host and is wonderful at writing the episodes
  • percey jackson for life
    What IThe
    Grandmas boy?????????
  • htsnhsjstnsjtsysky
    Love the structure of the show!
    I really enjoy the consistent format of the show from episode to episode. As a non-tech working in gaming, I learn so much from your explanations and examples - love the accessibility of the content for non-dev audiences!
  • Ommo96
    Just started to listen and find it incredibly helpful.
    I am starting to learn Unity and beginner podcasts like this help out sooo much. Please keep going!
  • GrfxGuru
    wonderful advice and conversation
    Recently came across this podcast and I am enjoying listening to the advice and conversation. Thanks for putting this out there.
  • Ellery_celery
    Amazing podcast
    Super helpful with game dev. Highly recommend!
  • cellopianist28
    Super Helpful
    Hi I’m just getting into game dev and this podcast is very helpful. Could you please recommend some helpful unity tutorials? Thank you so much for helping!
  • 77Slayer
    Great Podcast
    Everything about this podcast is great! Found this a little while ago and already almost out of episodes! Would recommend to any gamedev, from complete beginner to professional.
  • Loading...17%
    What the heck!…
    How have I never heard of this podcast? Listened to the first episode and then blew through the rest. Really helped me creating projects on unreal!!
  • LeftistTechBro
    Very Insightful and Useful for Beginners
    If you looking to start development as a hobby this a great starting point
  • TheRealMrBoo
    Amazing!
    Extremely helpful and fun to listen to!
  • AnthonyJDodd
    Excellent content
    The title says it all.
  • Like231
    Great show
    Great show
  • _brianpm
    Great show for beginners
    Listened to every episode now and can say that it has helped me get a breadth of knowledge about game dev.
  • bodilliam
    Helpful
    I’m a beginner game dev and found this very helpful.
  • Fair rating732
    Very helpful
    I haven’t watched all of them and am picking an choosing what I need to listen too, I’ve used the tips and ideas a ton!! Great show keep it up! -J-dog313
  • cmantheoger
    Love it
    I am a semi ok one man game dev and still learning the ropes for example I have yet to try java or unity two engines I want to use instead I use scratch.mit which has far less resources but this podcast has helped improve my games a lot I am currently working on a platformer 2d shooting puzzle game that I have been making while listening and it is for sure my best game the host of the podcast is good and his advice is great I have one thing I want you to do if you see this please make an episode on storyline/story telling thanks
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.