For indie game creators, publishing a game is often a challenging endeavor. Enter Andrew Baillie, also known as Pizzapranks. His publication, Indiepocalypse, provides emerging game developers with a platform to showcase their work to a broader audience. Each month, Indiepocalypse features ten unique games, each a testament to the dedication and passion of indie developers.
So, when Iron Circus founder Spike C. Trottman wanted to get into gaming, the collaboration with Indiepocalypse was a natural conduit. Starting this month, Iron Circus Games and Indiepocalypse will be opening a BackerKit campaign to offer not only some great new games, but also some Iron Circus e-books. You can check out this campaign here.
Recently, we sat down with the aforementioned Andrew Baillie to discuss his beginnings, Indiepocalypse and the partnership with Iron Circus Games. So, let’s welcome Andrew Baillie to GVN Talking Comics.
The Origins of PizzaPranks
GVN: Thank you for sharing a bit of your time Andrew. So as a matter of introduction, tell us what got you started in gaming and inspired the creation of Indiepocalypse. (Also, if you would, the origin of your handle PIZZAPRANKS)
AB: Growing up it felt like gaming was like any other medium so I don’t really have any specific memory of getting into gaming, it’s just sort of something I’ve always done. Indiepocalypse was largely inspired by, incidentally, indie comics (my contract is a adapted from a comic anthology one) and small press publishing in general. I wanted there to be a place where someone could submit a shorter, more alternative game and even get paid for doing so!
The name PIZZPRANKS comes from a sober observation of a drunken/magic trick prank that involved someone going to pick a card with their eyes but instead being tricked into touching a piece of pizza. I don’t know why they did it or why I adopted it as an online moniker but here we are.
Indiepocalypse Beginnings
GVN: You started Indiepocalypse in 2020, right in the heart of the pandemic. Did this prove to be an obstacle for you in your development or perhaps a benefit since so many people were working from home at that time?
AB: I had originally ‘launched’ Indiepocalypse by selling it guerrilla style on the PAX East show floor. The creation of the physical companion zine especially was designed as an in-person event sort of thing. Tabling at events this year (and doing quite well) proved that to be true!
In terms of finding contributors and actually organizing Indiepocalypse, I’m not sure how it impacted it if it did at all.
Submitting Your Game
GVN: The whole concept of Indiepocalypse seems a great way for budding game creators to get their foot in the door without the struggles that getting mainstream gaming companies to notice them might entail. For those creators looking to connect, what do they need to do?
AB: It’s as straightforward as it can get! They just go to indiepocalypse.com/submit and submit their game!
Iron Circus Games and Indiepocalypse
GVN: You are partnering with Spike Trotman and their new Iron Circus games division. How did that collaboration come about and what do you feel are the benefits for both you and Iron Circus?
AB: It was as simple as emailing Spike and pitching the idea of the collaboration! In 2021 I had collaborated with kuš! Comics making games with a similar comic artist/game developer pairing, and I loved the results and I’ve long been a fan of Iron Circus so reaching out to Spike seemed like the natural thing to at least try.
I think artist collaborations are always great, especially across mediums, and I hope this one makes for a strong start for Iron Circus Games!
Coming to BackerKit
GVN: In talking to Iron Circus’s Kel McDonald, they seem to share your enthusiasm for the artist/game dynamic. This collaboration is being supported in a new BackerKit campaign. If there is one thing that Spike and Iron Circus have proven is that their crowdfunding game is STRONG! What will those who visit find to encourage their participation in your combined venture?
AB: People can expect unique collaboration and games that truly embody the independent spirit. No guidance was given to the teams to develop games of certain styles, along certain trends, or to anticipate any sort of audience expectation. The result should be an excited collection of games that only these teams of developers could make!
A Few Years into the Future
GVN: Let’s fast forward a few years and your partnership with Iron Circus has prospered. What would you hope would be the results of that success?
AB: My greatest hope is that Iron Circus Games will be a thriving part of Iron Circus as a whole. Game development can be a perilous field and having a publisher like Iron Circus with Spike’s strong history of creator-focused indie publishing would be a great addition to the medium. Especially as an outsider voice with a history outside of games as a medium!
Visiting the BackerKit Campaign
GVN: Thanks again for your time, Andrew. Before I let you go, please share with our followers your website for Indiepocalypse and where they can go to support the Backerkit campaign?
AB: Of course! My own site is Indiepocalypse.com and you can support the Backerkit campaign at indiepocalypse.com/ironcircus and https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/f525f31f-6452-4506-826e-5446d71fc65e/landing
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
![‘Swiped’ Review – A Sharp Biopic On Whitney Wolfe Herd And Sexism In Tech [TIFF 2025]](https://cdn.geekvibesnation.com/wp-media-folder-geek-vibes-nation/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/g_20cs_swiped_still_1_e58fe01b-300x168.jpeg "‘Swiped’ Review – A Sharp Biopic On Whitney Wolfe Herd And Sexism In Tech [TIFF 2025]")
