WHO WE ARE

At Infernozilla, we take great pride in helping over 200 phenomenal games and studios. Some of these include titles such as Escape from Tarkov, Ready or Not, Soulstone Survivors, Deceit, and Walkabout Mini Golf.

Operating out of Dallas, Texas since 2016, we’ve grown into a global team with decades of combined experience. We understand nuance and have worked with all types of games, from FPS to strategy and VR. For solo indie developers to studios of 100+ employees, our team brings the heat, sparks, and passion. Your success is our success! 

As passionate gamers and industry experts, we commit to exceptional service—from building superfan communities for your game or making waves on social media and grassroots marketing.

OUR SERVICES

Community Management

Have a growing community or hoping for that boom to happen? We’ve got you covered! Our team handles the daily management of all community platforms. This includes Discord, Steam, Reddit, and more. We focus on creating and hosting engaging online events. These events can range from closed betas to game festivals, giveaways, and more. They help keep your community excited and involved. In addition, we build dedicated fans into volunteer staff. These volunteers act as a bridge between developers and players. Whether it’s managing crisis situations like negative reviews or keeping the excitement alive with fresh content, we’ve done it all!

Social Media Management

We’ve got you covered for all your social media needs! Our team manages platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and more. We handle everything—from responding on social media to curating and publishing engaging content. Our team also stays on top of the latest trends. This ensures that your social presence remains relevant and dynamic. We create tailored social media calendars. These calendars help us map out consistent and strategic content for maximum engagement. Whether we’re handling fan DMs, organizing social campaigns, or leveraging trending topics, we keep your brand active and visible. Our goal is simple: we connect with your audience, foster a loyal community, and ensure steady growth for your online presence.

Marketing

We get it—marketing can be a real pain. It can be frustrating when it's outside your usual wheelhouse. The choices can feel countless. But, a great game without an audience is no game at all. That's where we come in. We build and customize your marketing plan based on your budget, timeline, and unique qualities. Forget the one-size-fits-all approach! A grassroots marketing approach ensures you attract the right audience for your game. We also promote your game through press, influencer (paid and organic) or through media buying.

Limited or Full Customer Support

Our focus is on elevating your game through community and social media management. So, customer support isn't in our usual lineup. Technical and support issues? Implementing ticket systems? Creating issue-tracking sticky notes through our community management services? We can help! This is, however, on a case-by-case basis. What if you end up with a large audience and lots of tickets? We’ll help you assign and manage trained live or offline support agents. This includes building support structures and appointing center managers.

Crowd Localization

Traditional localization services can work fine, but they tend to get expensive. Plus, they are often handled by non gamers, which can lead to misunderstandings in terminology and culture. Forget non gamers, gamers too. What if your most loyal fans translated your game? At Infernozilla, we use your community to translate your game into your most popular languages.Keep in mind, this approach needs community. It works best with games that have an existing sizable, engaged audience willing to go the extra mile. We know how to do it effectively, and we don’t get paid until you get results.

Publishing

To provide top-quality service, we are selective about clients, especially for publishing agreements. But, we have made exceptions for specific projects, offering full publishing services. Our operations differ from traditional publishing companies. We only take on a few projects each year. If this sounds like what you're looking for, pitch us your game!

Website Design & Development

Our website is proof of our work, and we are proud of it! Love what you see here, and you fancy something of this caliber without breaking the bank? Allow us to exceed your expectations! We do not get paid until you love the design and the development begins. Allow us to bring our web design, development, and marketing expertise to your favor.

Consultation, Coaching, and Miscellaneous

In addition to our standard services, we offer plenty of other options. Sometimes, instead of a "done-for-you" package, you might want a bit of guidance. Don't worry—we've got you covered. We provide regular weekly meetings and training sessions in the areas where we can help you the most. Or, if you're looking for something specific that we haven’t mentioned, reach out! Worst-case scenario, you'll make some new friends in the industry.

Our Clients

Testimonials

"Walkabout Mini Golf started as a solo project back in 2020, and the growth of the game and the growth of the team wouldn't of been possible without that early support of Infernozilla for the first year and a half. They really helped establish and grow the community, and cultivate the vibe as one of the most positive places in VR. Everything from Community Management, Social Media, Special Promotions, Influencer Outreach and graphic design - they handled day in and day out, in being really responsive and really helped teach us a lot on how to cultivate a community."

David Wyatt Head of Communications & Business Strategy - Mighty Coconut, Walkabout Mini Golf

"They have been a total game-changer for our operations…I cannot imagine running this studio without them…I cannot recommend them highly enough to any other studio that is considering bringing them on. Everything from responding to reviews, to troubleshooting support, to marketing and social media ideas - these guys really do everything. It’s absolutely incredible."

Jonathan Cox COO - EEK! Games, House Party

"The team has expanded us to social media platforms that we simply wouldn’t have had the bandwidth to manage without them... It doesn’t feel like we’re outsourcing our community to Infernozilla, it feels like they are part of the team, and they’re working to make the community the best that it can be."

Adam Engels CEO - Crowbar Collective, Black Mesa

"Infernozilla has been absolutely indispensable when it comes to our social media outreach and management. Especially with our Discord, because we are a small team of 6 people. It's always a good thing to have someone to work with you and your team to help build a community around your game."

Mateus Trigueiro Co-Owner - Studio Bravarda, Extremely Powerful Capybaras

"Our Discord went from absolutely not in any way shape or form professional, to very professional immediately. Infernozilla went way above and beyond the call of duty in that regard. Trusting somebody to represent your life’s work is a big deal and what I look for is a very human and personal experience, and that is what I got from Natalino."

Enrique Dryere CEO - Triple.B.Titles, Popup Dungeon
See more testimonials
Awards

Awards

Logo for the NYX Awards. On the left, there is an artistic depiction of a woman draped in cloth, with an eagle perched on her shoulder, symbolizing wisdom and power. To the right of this figure, the text

6 Grand, 8 Gold, 3 Silver

Logo for the MUSE Creative Awards. On the left, there is a stylized triangular illustration of a woman's face with flowing hair, exuding an artistic and classical aesthetic. The right side contains the word

4 Platinum, 12 Gold

Logo for The Communicator Awards. It is presented in white, featuring a stylized

1 Excellence, 8 Distinction

Logo for the VEGA Digital Awards. On the left, there is a stylized shield with a sharp, angular design, featuring a helmeted face, evoking strength and digital innovation. To the right of the shield, the word

11 Platinum, 2 Gold

A logo for the MarCom Awards, featuring the text 'MarCom Awards' next to a stylized figure holding a torch like a trophy.

1 Platinum, 1 Gold, 1 Honorable Mention

Logo for the Hermes Creative Awards. The word

6 Platinum, 6 Gold

Blog

Blogs

Marvel rivals banner

​Marvel Rivals: What Keeps the Marvel Universe Spinning

Publish date: February 14, 2025

When Marvel announced Marvel Rivals, it seemed like just another tie-in—a flashy but forgettable addition to Marvel’s vast gaming history. But instead, it’s shaping up to be one of the most strategic transmedia moves Marvel has ever made. It’s a chess piece in Marvel’s grander strategy of world domination (okay, brand domination). While it entertains fans, it also drives them to binge-watch the MCU, re-read comics, and open their wallets for merch. Apart from creating a great game that allows fans to live and breathe their Marvel fantasy, it’s also about keeping the Marvel brand alive in your head rent-free.

What Marvel Rivals Gets Right: Storytelling That Never Stops

marvel rivals tokyo 2099 shin Shibuya Marvel has a massive advantage from over 85 years of its existence: its characters, stories, and lore are everywhere and instantly recognizable. The game uses its endless content pipeline to tap into decades of fan nostalgia while staying relevant to new audiences, continuing its legacy for years to come.

Consistency Without Exhaustion

The heroes in Rivals serve as triggers for nostalgia. Jump into a match as Captain America, and his signature shield bash instantly recalls Steve Rogers’ fight with Bucky on that rainy runway. See Kang the Conqueror, and you’re thinking about his role in the next MCU film. Marvel doesn’t need to explain these moments—they’ve been ingrained in pop culture for years. Rivals uses that familiarity to create a seamless, immersive experience. The game feels like a natural extension of the Marvel universe instead of a forced Marvel spin-off.

Cross-Promotion Without Feeling Cheap

Plenty of games try to tie into larger franchises, but few do it as elegantly as Rivals, which also hinges on the foundation of it being a great game to begin with. New MCU film coming out? Expect tie-in events and expansions. The Razer Cortex Lunar New Year Bonus Event is a perfect example of a win-win scenario for both Marvel and its gaming partners. By layering in seasonal incentives, Rivals keeps players engaged while utilising external platforms for greater exposure. The Razer Lunar New Year event poster even featured the Fantastic Four, subtly teasing what would eventually become the trailer announcement to kick off MCU Phase 6. This kind of subliminal marketing showcases Marvel’s ability to plant the seeds of anticipation before official reveals, keeping fans engaged without overwhelming them. The synergy feels natural, not forced. Marvel’s marketing operates as a constant feedback loop: the game boosts the films, the films boost the game, and the entire franchise stays with you long after your eyes leave the screen (silver or otherwise).

Player Retention Done Right (Take Notes, Blizzard)

Many live-service games struggle to keep players engaged (Overwatch 2 says hi), but Rivals thrives because Marvel understands a simple truth: players stick around when they feel heard, engaged, and excited.

Constant Updates Keep the Game Fresh

marvel rivals sue storm Balance patches, seasonal expansions, and special events—Marvel keeps Rivals alive with a steady stream of meaningful content. The new Spider-Man skin drop is another example of how Rivals seamlessly integrates with the broader Marvel ecosystem. Just ahead of the PC release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Rivals introduced a new Spider-Man skin modeled directly from Insomniac’s game, bringing the high-detail suit straight into the game. This sync strengthens the Marvel brand across platforms. Players swinging through New York in Spider-Man 2 can now see that same version of Spidey in Rivals, reinforcing their connection to the character across multiple experiences. And it doesn’t stop there. The Fantastic Four content rollout schedule demonstrates Marvel’s ability to create sustained excitement across mediums. With Sue Storm arriving in Rivals earlier this year and The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer recently dropping, Marvel is ensuring that gaming and cinematic releases work in tandem to build long-term anticipation. They’re not reinventing the wheel. They’re just keeping it spinning.

Nostalgia as a Retention Tool

marvel rivals piece Thor and iron man doth mother know you weareth her drapes Beyond competition, hero selection in Rivals is designed to make you feel something. Playing as Iron Man and fighting Thor lets you relive the magic of moments like “Doth mother know you weareth her drapes?”  The game doesn’t have to invent new characters—it pulls from a 80+ year catalog of fan-favorite heroes and villains. That emotional connection keeps players coming back, long after the novelty of a new hero addition set has worn off.

Events That Actually Matter

Some games (cough Love and Deep Space cough) rely on superficial seasonal events—minor reskins, rehashed mechanics, and low-effort rewards. Rivals does the opposite. New hero drops, lore tie-ins, and real stakes make every event feel like an essential part of the game’s evolving universe. Marvel creates FOMO, but it’s fun FOMO, not "grind until your fingers bleed" FOMO. You become part of an IP that spans several generations.

The Bigger Picture: Lessons for Indie Developers

Marvel has the advantage of a billion-dollar budget and one of the most beloved IPs in history, but that doesn’t mean smaller studios can’t learn from their approach. Here’s what Rivals gets right that any developer can apply.

1. Think Beyond the Game—Create a Universe

Marvel doesn’t think about Rivals as a single release. It’s part of a much larger ecosystem that spans movies, shows, merchandise, and comics. Indie teams might not have an MCU to lean on, but they can build interconnected experiences—whether that’s through sequels, expansions, or a well-supported community management model—to keep players invested in their world. But keep in mind, Rome wasn’t built in a day. We’ll be covering Riot’s transmedia masterpiece in another piece soon, stay tuned!

2. Talk to Your Community (and Actually Listen)

Remember Silksong? Of course you don’t—it’s been little but radio silence for six years. This one seems obvious, but even some of the most beloved indie studios (Team Cherry, looking at you) struggle with this. Fans can forgive delays, balance issues, and even missteps if they feel like the developers are listening. Silence kills hype. Regular updates and community engagement aren’t optional in an era where attention spans die in less than 10 seconds. And if you need a role model? Look at Larian Studios—their approach to community-driven development with Baldur’s Gate 3 has set a new standard for transparency and player feedback.

3. Make Players Feel Something

Marvel sells moments. Players want to relive their favorite battles. If your game doesn’t create emotional connections—whether through story, characters, or nostalgia—why would anyone stick around?

Why Marvel Keeps Winning

Marvel isn’t perfect (let’s not talk about you-know-what), but Rivals proves why they remain the gold standard for transmedia storytelling. For developers and marketers, the takeaway is simple. Marvel’s transmedia machine keeps the past alive by ensuring the future never runs dry. Rivals is proof that the next era of gaming won’t be about isolated hits, but about ecosystems that never stop evolving. The real question now? Are you bold enough to follow Marvel’s lead?  

Read More
game engines for game developers in 2025 article banner

Ultimate Guide to Game Engines for Indie Game Developers in 2025

Publish date: January 10, 2025

Welcome to 2025! Time to make your indie game development dreams come true, or at least rage-quit a few times before you get there. The question remains: which game engine should you use to make it happen? Picking game engines is an exciting task. But it’s also intimidating, and feels like a decision that will define your entire journey.

Read More
Collage of video game covers with a central overlay reading '2025 - Press any button to start.' The background features prominent titles like Red Dead Redemption II, Silent Hill 2, Baldur's Gate 3, Black Myth Wukong, and more, emphasizing a gaming-themed design for the year 2025.

Infernozilla’s Gaming Resolutions for 2025

Publish date: January 3, 2025

As the new year approaches, it’s time to do what every gamer loves most: make ambitious goals we’ll probably only half achieve. The Infernozilla team is no exception, and this year, our gaming resolutions are a mix of lofty aspirations, backlog-clearing promises, and that eternal struggle against feature creep—both in games and our lives.

Read More
2024 gaming year in review banner, text says press play?

2024 Gaming Year in Review: Milestones, Games, and 2025

Publish date: December 27, 2024

2024 was a tumultuous year for the gaming industry. It felt like watching a speedrun of Dark Souls. The year hit hard, took names, and at times left everyone gasping for air. Though beyond all the ebb and flow, you could say the bonfire has been restored. There were more unfortunate layoffs in the industry, which is always sad to see. Games punching way above their weight class, esports moments that belonged on ESPN, and technology so futuristic it made our GPUs sweat. Oh, and Bloodborne still doesn’t have a remaster. Naturally.

Read More
The game awards 2024 visual banner

The Game Awards 2024: AAAs, Indies, and The Honorable Mentions

Publish date: December 13, 2024

The Game of the Year (GOTY) award is one of the most coveted titles in the gaming industry, recognizing innovation, storytelling, and unforgettable player experiences. We even covered how the award influences gaming, media, and consumer behavior here. This year marks the 10th anniversary of The Game Awards by Geoff Keighley. The competition is fiercer than ever, and Astrobot beat the heavyweight roster to take the throne!

Read More
image of people sitting in a line wearing gaming headphones staring at their computers hard at work

Essential Project Management Tools for Game Developers

Publish date: December 6, 2024

Want to build the next Astrobot, Neva, or Black Myth Wukong?  Planning your game is a lot like herding cats. Project management for such an endeavor sounds doable in theory, but in practice? Absolute chaos. You’ve got ideas sprinting everywhere, deadlines lurking in the corner like a final boss, and feature creep casually showing up to ruin your life. To top it all off, things can change at the drop of a hat.

Read More

How GOTY Awards Shape Market Trends and Consumer Expectations

Publish date: November 29, 2024

Awards season for 2024 is less than 2 weeks away, and everyone is on edge. Game Of The Year awards—especially heavy-hitters like The Game Awards—are more than accolades for studios. These wins ripple across the entire industry. Studios, players, and even the media turn their attention to see what made its mark on gamers this year. 

Read More
picture of a woman wearing headphones and playing games with her controller

The Ultimate Guide to Indie Game Developer Tools

Publish date: November 13, 2024

Introduction  So you want to build a game—congratulations on taking the first step into game development! If you’ve started researching game developer tools, you’ve likely come across well-known software like Unity, Unreal, and Aseprite. These are fantastic resources, but there’s a whole game development toolkit out there beyond the basics.

Read More
high contrast image of a person spotlight towards a bright light silhouette of a team victory

IZ Spotlight: Celebrating Team Talents

Publish date: October 3, 2024

At Infernozilla, we’re far more than gamers; our team is filled with talented individuals who bring creativity, energy, and a wealth of unique skills to everything they do—both in and outside of work. From music to martial arts, cooking to crocheting, and streaming to sports, here are a couple of the sometimes hidden gifts of our team in this Team Talents Spotlight.

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Smiling woman with red hair working on a laptop, sitting indoors with a warm orange glow overlay effect.

Mastering Your First Interview: Guide for Aspiring Gaming Professionals

Publish date: October 20, 2023

If you've started looking for a job in the gaming industry or feel discouraged after months in limbo, we get it. We've all been through that same morale-crushing process. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common hurdles based on our own experiences. We've also gathered insights from many candidates who have applied to work with Infernozilla. Whether you have professional experience or are starting out, you’ll find something useful to take away.

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A close-up of a young woman wearing glasses and large gaming headphones, looking intently at her screen. She has a nose ring and is speaking into a professional microphone. The scene has warm tones and digital fire and ember effects, giving a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

Is Influencer Marketing still relevant?

Publish date: September 19, 2023

Is influencer marketing dying?  Twitch saw a stark decline from the peak of 6.5 million viewers during the 2020 pandemic. YouTube has also seen a 12.4% drop in viewership since 2020, along with notable losses in total hours streamed and concurrent viewers. Markets always ebb and flow, but there are always naysayers against any industry.  Ten years ago, 'Twitch streamer' wasn't a job.  Now, with falling stats, critics argue that the streaming industry is in steady decline. The claim? Relying on this market isn't beneficial anymore. After all, who can recreate the strange circumstances of the pandemic? Locked in, nowhere to go, and the only place to spend money? Online. In this article, we’ll explore these insights using real-life examples. Let's examine why some may be predicting the end of influencer marketing, and if their claims hold any water.

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Ready or Not officer alongside a Steam Award

Why Pursue the Steam Awards and how it starts with Community

Publish date: May 11, 2023

Conceived in 2016, the Steam Awards have remained a noteworthy event on any PC gamer’s year-end calendar. Often seen as just a way to grow your Steam trading card collection or earn more badges, it’s actually a big opportunity for indie developers. Winning or even becoming a finalist can boost recognition and amplify any marketing efforts you have in place. One of our long-term clients, Ready or Not, recently became a finalist for the “Better with Friends” award. In this article, we’ll share how they achieved it and the value behind the Steam Awards.

Read More
Digital Footprint blog header

What kind of digital footprint do you have?

Publish date: April 21, 2022

Today’s gamers are showing more interest in connecting online with each other than ever before. They're eager to share their thoughts on social media and actively search for similar content. They want to engage with games and media that reflect their interests. Gamers also want to know what others are playing, shared tastes, and what they think about certain games. It’s important to understand the value of your game’s digital footprint, as well as maintaining a strong social media presence in the video games industry.

Read More
Marvel rivals banner

​Marvel Rivals: What Keeps the Marvel Universe Spinning

Publish date: February 14, 2025

When Marvel announced Marvel Rivals, it seemed like just another tie-in—a flashy but forgettable addition to Marvel’s vast gaming history. But instead, it’s shaping up to be one of the most strategic transmedia moves Marvel has ever made. It’s a chess piece in Marvel’s grander strategy of world domination (okay, brand domination). While it entertains fans, it also drives them to binge-watch the MCU, re-read comics, and open their wallets for merch. Apart from creating a great game that allows fans to live and breathe their Marvel fantasy, it’s also about keeping the Marvel brand alive in your head rent-free.

What Marvel Rivals Gets Right: Storytelling That Never Stops

marvel rivals tokyo 2099 shin Shibuya Marvel has a massive advantage from over 85 years of its existence: its characters, stories, and lore are everywhere and instantly recognizable. The game uses its endless content pipeline to tap into decades of fan nostalgia while staying relevant to new audiences, continuing its legacy for years to come.

Consistency Without Exhaustion

The heroes in Rivals serve as triggers for nostalgia. Jump into a match as Captain America, and his signature shield bash instantly recalls Steve Rogers’ fight with Bucky on that rainy runway. See Kang the Conqueror, and you’re thinking about his role in the next MCU film. Marvel doesn’t need to explain these moments—they’ve been ingrained in pop culture for years. Rivals uses that familiarity to create a seamless, immersive experience. The game feels like a natural extension of the Marvel universe instead of a forced Marvel spin-off.

Cross-Promotion Without Feeling Cheap

Plenty of games try to tie into larger franchises, but few do it as elegantly as Rivals, which also hinges on the foundation of it being a great game to begin with. New MCU film coming out? Expect tie-in events and expansions. The Razer Cortex Lunar New Year Bonus Event is a perfect example of a win-win scenario for both Marvel and its gaming partners. By layering in seasonal incentives, Rivals keeps players engaged while utilising external platforms for greater exposure. The Razer Lunar New Year event poster even featured the Fantastic Four, subtly teasing what would eventually become the trailer announcement to kick off MCU Phase 6. This kind of subliminal marketing showcases Marvel’s ability to plant the seeds of anticipation before official reveals, keeping fans engaged without overwhelming them. The synergy feels natural, not forced. Marvel’s marketing operates as a constant feedback loop: the game boosts the films, the films boost the game, and the entire franchise stays with you long after your eyes leave the screen (silver or otherwise).

Player Retention Done Right (Take Notes, Blizzard)

Many live-service games struggle to keep players engaged (Overwatch 2 says hi), but Rivals thrives because Marvel understands a simple truth: players stick around when they feel heard, engaged, and excited.

Constant Updates Keep the Game Fresh

marvel rivals sue storm Balance patches, seasonal expansions, and special events—Marvel keeps Rivals alive with a steady stream of meaningful content. The new Spider-Man skin drop is another example of how Rivals seamlessly integrates with the broader Marvel ecosystem. Just ahead of the PC release of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Rivals introduced a new Spider-Man skin modeled directly from Insomniac’s game, bringing the high-detail suit straight into the game. This sync strengthens the Marvel brand across platforms. Players swinging through New York in Spider-Man 2 can now see that same version of Spidey in Rivals, reinforcing their connection to the character across multiple experiences. And it doesn’t stop there. The Fantastic Four content rollout schedule demonstrates Marvel’s ability to create sustained excitement across mediums. With Sue Storm arriving in Rivals earlier this year and The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer recently dropping, Marvel is ensuring that gaming and cinematic releases work in tandem to build long-term anticipation. They’re not reinventing the wheel. They’re just keeping it spinning.

Nostalgia as a Retention Tool

marvel rivals piece Thor and iron man doth mother know you weareth her drapes Beyond competition, hero selection in Rivals is designed to make you feel something. Playing as Iron Man and fighting Thor lets you relive the magic of moments like “Doth mother know you weareth her drapes?”  The game doesn’t have to invent new characters—it pulls from a 80+ year catalog of fan-favorite heroes and villains. That emotional connection keeps players coming back, long after the novelty of a new hero addition set has worn off.

Events That Actually Matter

Some games (cough Love and Deep Space cough) rely on superficial seasonal events—minor reskins, rehashed mechanics, and low-effort rewards. Rivals does the opposite. New hero drops, lore tie-ins, and real stakes make every event feel like an essential part of the game’s evolving universe. Marvel creates FOMO, but it’s fun FOMO, not "grind until your fingers bleed" FOMO. You become part of an IP that spans several generations.

The Bigger Picture: Lessons for Indie Developers

Marvel has the advantage of a billion-dollar budget and one of the most beloved IPs in history, but that doesn’t mean smaller studios can’t learn from their approach. Here’s what Rivals gets right that any developer can apply.

1. Think Beyond the Game—Create a Universe

Marvel doesn’t think about Rivals as a single release. It’s part of a much larger ecosystem that spans movies, shows, merchandise, and comics. Indie teams might not have an MCU to lean on, but they can build interconnected experiences—whether that’s through sequels, expansions, or a well-supported community management model—to keep players invested in their world. But keep in mind, Rome wasn’t built in a day. We’ll be covering Riot’s transmedia masterpiece in another piece soon, stay tuned!

2. Talk to Your Community (and Actually Listen)

Remember Silksong? Of course you don’t—it’s been little but radio silence for six years. This one seems obvious, but even some of the most beloved indie studios (Team Cherry, looking at you) struggle with this. Fans can forgive delays, balance issues, and even missteps if they feel like the developers are listening. Silence kills hype. Regular updates and community engagement aren’t optional in an era where attention spans die in less than 10 seconds. And if you need a role model? Look at Larian Studios—their approach to community-driven development with Baldur’s Gate 3 has set a new standard for transparency and player feedback.

3. Make Players Feel Something

Marvel sells moments. Players want to relive their favorite battles. If your game doesn’t create emotional connections—whether through story, characters, or nostalgia—why would anyone stick around?

Why Marvel Keeps Winning

Marvel isn’t perfect (let’s not talk about you-know-what), but Rivals proves why they remain the gold standard for transmedia storytelling. For developers and marketers, the takeaway is simple. Marvel’s transmedia machine keeps the past alive by ensuring the future never runs dry. Rivals is proof that the next era of gaming won’t be about isolated hits, but about ecosystems that never stop evolving. The real question now? Are you bold enough to follow Marvel’s lead?  

Read More
game engines for game developers in 2025 article banner

Ultimate Guide to Game Engines for Indie Game Developers in 2025

Publish date: January 10, 2025

Welcome to 2025! Time to make your indie game development dreams come true, or at least rage-quit a few times before you get there. The question remains: which game engine should you use to make it happen? Picking game engines is an exciting task. But it’s also intimidating, and feels like a decision that will define your entire journey.

Read More
Collage of video game covers with a central overlay reading '2025 - Press any button to start.' The background features prominent titles like Red Dead Redemption II, Silent Hill 2, Baldur's Gate 3, Black Myth Wukong, and more, emphasizing a gaming-themed design for the year 2025.

Infernozilla’s Gaming Resolutions for 2025

Publish date: January 3, 2025

As the new year approaches, it’s time to do what every gamer loves most: make ambitious goals we’ll probably only half achieve. The Infernozilla team is no exception, and this year, our gaming resolutions are a mix of lofty aspirations, backlog-clearing promises, and that eternal struggle against feature creep—both in games and our lives.

Read More
2024 gaming year in review banner, text says press play?

2024 Gaming Year in Review: Milestones, Games, and 2025

Publish date: December 27, 2024

2024 was a tumultuous year for the gaming industry. It felt like watching a speedrun of Dark Souls. The year hit hard, took names, and at times left everyone gasping for air. Though beyond all the ebb and flow, you could say the bonfire has been restored. There were more unfortunate layoffs in the industry, which is always sad to see. Games punching way above their weight class, esports moments that belonged on ESPN, and technology so futuristic it made our GPUs sweat. Oh, and Bloodborne still doesn’t have a remaster. Naturally.

Read More
The game awards 2024 visual banner

The Game Awards 2024: AAAs, Indies, and The Honorable Mentions

Publish date: December 13, 2024

The Game of the Year (GOTY) award is one of the most coveted titles in the gaming industry, recognizing innovation, storytelling, and unforgettable player experiences. We even covered how the award influences gaming, media, and consumer behavior here. This year marks the 10th anniversary of The Game Awards by Geoff Keighley. The competition is fiercer than ever, and Astrobot beat the heavyweight roster to take the throne!

Read More
image of people sitting in a line wearing gaming headphones staring at their computers hard at work

Essential Project Management Tools for Game Developers

Publish date: December 6, 2024

Want to build the next Astrobot, Neva, or Black Myth Wukong?  Planning your game is a lot like herding cats. Project management for such an endeavor sounds doable in theory, but in practice? Absolute chaos. You’ve got ideas sprinting everywhere, deadlines lurking in the corner like a final boss, and feature creep casually showing up to ruin your life. To top it all off, things can change at the drop of a hat.

Read More

How GOTY Awards Shape Market Trends and Consumer Expectations

Publish date: November 29, 2024

Awards season for 2024 is less than 2 weeks away, and everyone is on edge. Game Of The Year awards—especially heavy-hitters like The Game Awards—are more than accolades for studios. These wins ripple across the entire industry. Studios, players, and even the media turn their attention to see what made its mark on gamers this year. 

Read More
picture of a woman wearing headphones and playing games with her controller

The Ultimate Guide to Indie Game Developer Tools

Publish date: November 13, 2024

Introduction  So you want to build a game—congratulations on taking the first step into game development! If you’ve started researching game developer tools, you’ve likely come across well-known software like Unity, Unreal, and Aseprite. These are fantastic resources, but there’s a whole game development toolkit out there beyond the basics.

Read More
high contrast image of a person spotlight towards a bright light silhouette of a team victory

IZ Spotlight: Celebrating Team Talents

Publish date: October 3, 2024

At Infernozilla, we’re far more than gamers; our team is filled with talented individuals who bring creativity, energy, and a wealth of unique skills to everything they do—both in and outside of work. From music to martial arts, cooking to crocheting, and streaming to sports, here are a couple of the sometimes hidden gifts of our team in this Team Talents Spotlight.

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Smiling woman with red hair working on a laptop, sitting indoors with a warm orange glow overlay effect.

Mastering Your First Interview: Guide for Aspiring Gaming Professionals

Publish date: October 20, 2023

If you've started looking for a job in the gaming industry or feel discouraged after months in limbo, we get it. We've all been through that same morale-crushing process. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common hurdles based on our own experiences. We've also gathered insights from many candidates who have applied to work with Infernozilla. Whether you have professional experience or are starting out, you’ll find something useful to take away.

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A close-up of a young woman wearing glasses and large gaming headphones, looking intently at her screen. She has a nose ring and is speaking into a professional microphone. The scene has warm tones and digital fire and ember effects, giving a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

Is Influencer Marketing still relevant?

Publish date: September 19, 2023

Is influencer marketing dying?  Twitch saw a stark decline from the peak of 6.5 million viewers during the 2020 pandemic. YouTube has also seen a 12.4% drop in viewership since 2020, along with notable losses in total hours streamed and concurrent viewers. Markets always ebb and flow, but there are always naysayers against any industry.  Ten years ago, 'Twitch streamer' wasn't a job.  Now, with falling stats, critics argue that the streaming industry is in steady decline. The claim? Relying on this market isn't beneficial anymore. After all, who can recreate the strange circumstances of the pandemic? Locked in, nowhere to go, and the only place to spend money? Online. In this article, we’ll explore these insights using real-life examples. Let's examine why some may be predicting the end of influencer marketing, and if their claims hold any water.

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Ready or Not officer alongside a Steam Award

Why Pursue the Steam Awards and how it starts with Community

Publish date: May 11, 2023

Conceived in 2016, the Steam Awards have remained a noteworthy event on any PC gamer’s year-end calendar. Often seen as just a way to grow your Steam trading card collection or earn more badges, it’s actually a big opportunity for indie developers. Winning or even becoming a finalist can boost recognition and amplify any marketing efforts you have in place. One of our long-term clients, Ready or Not, recently became a finalist for the “Better with Friends” award. In this article, we’ll share how they achieved it and the value behind the Steam Awards.

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Digital Footprint blog header

What kind of digital footprint do you have?

Publish date: April 21, 2022

Today’s gamers are showing more interest in connecting online with each other than ever before. They're eager to share their thoughts on social media and actively search for similar content. They want to engage with games and media that reflect their interests. Gamers also want to know what others are playing, shared tastes, and what they think about certain games. It’s important to understand the value of your game’s digital footprint, as well as maintaining a strong social media presence in the video games industry.

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