Organized by the Department of Digital Game Design, the fourteenth meeting of the GameTalks event series was held on Thursday, April 16 at 13:00 in room AK-B1-1, featuring game marketer and multidisciplinary producer Ata Deniz Oktay as the guest speaker.

The event focused on marketing strategies for indie games. Oktay provided in-depth insights into how developers with limited resources can effectively reach their target audiences and build sustainable visibility for their projects.
In the first part of the talk, Ata Deniz Oktay discussed the key elements of indie game marketing. Topics such as brand identity, audience analysis, social media usage, content strategy, and community management were explored through current industry examples and practical approaches.

The event also emphasized the importance of creative and strategic thinking for indie developers competing in a market dominated by high-budget productions. Marketing was presented not merely as a promotional phase, but as an integral process that evolves alongside game development. In this context, participants gained a broader understanding of the strong relationship between game design and marketing.

Drawing from his professional experience, Oktay shared practical methods that students can apply to make their projects stand out. He highlighted the importance of gathering early feedback, building a community, and maintaining visibility on the right platforms.

During the interactive Q&A session at the end of the event, students asked questions about indie marketing strategies, the use of digital platforms, community building, and career opportunities. The session offered valuable insights and created an engaging space for discussion.

Through events such as GameTalks #14, the Department of Digital Game Design continues to connect students with industry professionals, contributing to both their creative and professional growth.