🎙️ Episode Summary:How does a writer become the CEO of a game studio? In this episode of Player Driven, Greg sits down with Zack Howe, co-founder of Nyx Studios, to discuss his journey from storytelling to game design, and ultimately to leading a company. Zack shares insights into the making of Havoc, a competitive deck-building game that blends both physical and digital experiences.They dive deep into:✅ How to transition from writing to game design to running a studio✅ The challenges of designing a unique card game in a crowded market✅ Fundraising strategies—angel investors vs. Kickstarter✅ The importance of building a strong player community✅ Leveraging influencers for game marketingIf you're an indie developer, a deck-builder fan, or just love a good success story, this episode is packed with valuable insights!⏱️ Key Topics & Timestamps: [02:00] Zack’s career shift: From writer to game designer to CEO [08:45] How Havoc was born and the unique mechanics that make it stand out [15:30] The funding journey: How Zack secured angel investors and Kickstarter success [24:10] Why community is the lifeblood of a great game [32:00] The power of influencers in game marketing—and how to get them onboard [41:53] Zack’s biggest lessons from wearing multiple hats in the industry👤 About Zack Howe & Nyx StudiosZack Howe is the co-founder and CEO of Nyx Studios, where he leads the development of Havoc, a competitive deck-building game available in both physical and digital formats. With a background in writing and game design, Zack brings a unique storytelling-first approach to game development.Connect with Zack & Nyx Studios:🎮 Play Havoc on Tabletopia💬 Join the Havoc Discord📢 Follow Zack on Twitter📌 Key Takeaways for Indie Game Developers:🔥 Be adaptable. Zack’s career shift from writer to CEO proves that staying flexible opens doors.🔥 Fundraising is a grind. Whether through angel investors or Kickstarter, securing funding takes strategy and persistence.🔥 Community is king. Players, influencers, and content creators can help your game succeed faster than traditional marketing.🔥 Don’t fear failure. Every misstep is a learning opportunity—whether it’s a pricing mistake on Steam or an underperforming Kickstarter campaign.

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