iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 11/09/2026

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! 🙏

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 18/07/2026

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

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 17/07/2026

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.

me and my friend at the running track to train for the Toronto Marathon where I am raising funds for AbleGamers

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 11/07/2026

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.

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Brad Shankar @bradshankar.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

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!

youtube.com

A Games Journalist Explains Why Most Indie Game Pitches Get Ignored

YouTube video by Freaking Cool Indies

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 03/07/2026

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!

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 30/06/2026

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...

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 23/06/2026

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. 🧵

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 23/06/2026

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 🧊

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 22/06/2026

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!

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 17/06/2026

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. 👇 🧵

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 05/06/2026

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

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 04/06/2026

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...

youtube.com

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…

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 02/06/2026

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

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 02/06/2026

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. 👀

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Micbemac @micbemacgames.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Check out the latest Freaking Cool indies podcast, definitely relevant for the devs I work with youtu.be/9GPasXPLTI0?... #indiedev #indiegames @freakingcoolindies.com

youtu.be

The Framework That Keeps RPGs, Deck Builders, and Narrative Games From Breaking

YouTube video by Freaking Cool Indies

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 29/05/2026

NBA playoffs offs + Echo Generation 2 = A quality evening! #Echogeneration2 #Indiegames #canadiangaming

2 screens. on the left screen is the new indie game Echo Generation 2, on the right screen is the NBA playoffs

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 28/05/2026

Anyone who says creating content is easy is full of 💩 ! 36 takes later, but we finally nailed the intro! 😂 😭

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 28/05/2026

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!

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 25/05/2026

Nothing makes my heart happier!

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Hand Eye Society @thehandeyesociety.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

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

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 12/05/2026

Followers ≠ fans. A follower clicked a button. A fan tells their friends, defends your game in the comments, and shows up on launch day. That's what this week's episode is about. So join me and @MalloryLoar! Freaking Cool Indies the weekly podcast for indie game developers. 🎧 youtu.be/rC9fvhTCX2c

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 13/04/2026

"I can't" doesn't mean "I won't." An amazing quote I heard today that holds and rings so true. If you weren't able to make your dream game in this season of life, it doesn't mean you won't be able to in another. Keep working on your craft so when things align you will be ready

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 01/04/2026

After seeing the reviews come in, a VERY easy day 1 buy. Wish me luck! 🫡🫡 #tombwater

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 19/03/2026

Have never felt more excited to show off what's been cooking over at Freaking Cool Indies. I know I've been MIA, but I'll be back soon! 👨🏻‍🍳👨🏻‍🍳👨🏻‍🍳👨🏻‍🍳

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 09/01/2026

And that's credits, ladies and gentlemen! Ghost of Yōtei, what a journey it has been. 9/10 🤝🙏🏻🎉

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 30/12/2025

The final episode of 2025 is LIVE! Devlogs, Discipline, and No Zero Days with the one and only DevDuck An absolute honour to chat with the legend himself, and what an amazing day to end off the year. Watch Now: youtu.be/w10BNpzgJs0 Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 30/12/2025

My favourite quote from tomorrows episode with DevDuck! "No Zero Days is really important to me. Some days I'll work for an hour and a half, other days, if I'm not feeling it, I will literally add some to do comments in my code. I did my little 1% and I can live with that." — Ben Nowak (DevDuck)

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Jarvs | Indie Insights 🎮♿🏳️‍🌈 @jarvdusa.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Super sad news. Rest in peace icon

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Cornel @cornel3.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Just watched another video with Steam page optimization tips and I wanted to highlight how great host Mike (@freakingcoolindies.com) is. And of course thanks to his guest @jarvdusa.bsky.social for tons of knowledge! (🔗Link in comment if you're interested)

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 16/12/2025

🚨 New episode is live. I'll keep it short and sweet. If you have a steam page, or if you in the process of making one. WATCH THIS EPISODE! 1 hour of your time = A fully optimized steam page. youtu.be/C8c3PRRgv10

youtu.be

How Steam Actually Decides Which Indie Games Get Seen

YouTube video by Freaking Cool Indies

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 15/12/2025

Friendly PSA on this lovely Sunday evening. Your indie games CTR (Click Through Rate) is steam's currency Steam's algorithm prioritizes games based on click through rates. - Below 0.5% gets your game buried - 1-2% keeps you safe - above 3% means Steam actively promotes your game to more users

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 04/12/2025

I have been waiting for this day for MANY years and I couldn't be more excited. Let's do this, Samus! #MetroidPrime4Beyond

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 03/12/2025

What amazing soul want's to help a guys dream come true and be my 700th youtube subscriber! 😭 🙏 🩵 If you are an indie dev struggling with the business and marketing side of game creation, every ounce of my channel is dedicated to helping you. www.youtube.com/@freakingcoo... I appreciate you! 🫶

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 30/11/2025

Newest edition to my indie game vinyl collection 🔥🔥🔥 @maxinfernogames.bsky.social ! It finally came in! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 06/11/2025

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!

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 02/11/2025

Holy, this #bluejays Game!!! 🥵🥵🥵🥵🩵🩵🩵🩵 LET'S GO BLUE JAYS!

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Hey It’s Alan @heylookitsalan.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

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...

docs.google.com

Alan's Gamedev Resources Sheet (Public)

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 18/09/2025

🦵NEW EPISODE: Kickstarter Reward Strategy: Lessons from $300K in Successful Campaigns with Sam from Indievelopment! 🎧 Listen now: freakingcoolindies.com/12-2/

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 18/09/2025

Trobbio has one of the best death animations in all of gaming. What a performer!! (Hated this boss so much, though! 🌪️🌪️)

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 15/09/2025

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!

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 15/09/2025

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. 🚀

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Mike Arnone @freakingcoolindies.com · 14/09/2025

Happy 24th Birthday, GameCube! Double Dash, Metroid Prime, RE4, Soul Calibre, the hits go on. Underrated console IMO

Credit: Courtney Askew
https://dribbble.com/shots/19949871-Gamecube-Figma-Illustration

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