Guys I really hope you are encouraged by this video. I want to see you all succeed, and really want all of you to make games full time! Keep up the good work, and pursue that failure! ► Learn how to become a full time game dev, free: www.fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-how-to-make-six-figures ► Enroll in my 3D workshop, free!: www.fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-15-minute-3D-game ► Make your game instantly beautiful with my free workbook: www.fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-instant-beauty-color-workbook ► Get my 2D game kit, free: www.fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-2D-game-kit ► Join my 2D character workshop, free: www.fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-2d-character-art-workshop ► Wishlist Twisted Tower: store.steampowered.com/app/1575990/Twisted_Tower/ ► Learn how to make money as a TH-camr: www.fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-indie-game-income-workshop
Ditto. You clearly have a passion for this. Although I thought failure was more about getting absolutely no feedback at all- period? If you do that, you have nothing to help you improve. At least a negative comment could be constructive. (Though not all negative comments are, obviously.)
I finished my game and it flopped hard. It was like my tester game. The game met all my expectations. I have noticed that I can't seem to get it together to make a second game. I'm almost at the one-year mark since my last game. I've really been trying to commit to a new game since then.
Thomas I'm a middle aged man full of regrets about all the things I HAVEN'T accomplished in my career, and I wish I watched this video 20 years ago. But there is still time. Thank you for this. Thank you Thank you Thank you.
I'm 41 now. I have always played games (going back to playing on my sister's Atari 2600 - haha that's going back now). It has always been a dream to make video games (I'm actually an audio guy - I write music and create sound design for Films - also studying an MFA in videogame music and audio which is what triggered me looking into game dev instead of thinking it would be impossible for people like me) and now with technology the way it is, it is now possible for me to do so. So now I'm trying to learn how to make one. Slowly but progress is being made and I love it. What a time to be alive! What can be achieved now literally couldn't be done 15 years ago unless you were part of a huge studio. Every day I think "I can't believe this is now possible". I made my first very basic video game and launched it on Itch just to experience making a basic game and the process of putting it out in the world and now I'm making my second (a much bigger game compared to the first).
I can hear myself through the things you say here. Feeling so much the same honestly... i also would rather sink my own ship than be on someone else's ship. Really helpful to know i am not alone feeling this way. Thank you.
This exact mindset is something big companies need to foster a healthy team coherence. Everyone goes through ups and downs, not only game developers. What is most important is to keep on chipping at the target goal, every day, even just a little bit. At one point you will notice you actually made a pretty good progress and that comes as a wind in your back.
game dev is not like other industries, it's not even recognized by like unemployment, for example, I lost my job in IT as of July 1st, and I can't pursue Game Dev Full Time and receive unemployment, because it's a business that I'm starting, so I'm just draining my savings to fund myself (my 1st kickstarter failed). And game dev has gone through a lot of transitions since it's inception to get where it's at now (and where it's going, because it's not fully mature yet). That combined with what's happening to the world since COVID-19 and now literally watching Putin try to start World War III... yeah, mental strength is a luxury these days, good on you for actually acknowledging these things and being vulnerable enough to admit it, along with your admitting that your religious views in your heart make it difficult to produce games that can compete in the game dev market today. I'm glad I joined your course, but more than that, I'm glad that I am a part of your community that you share this unique experience with. I'm determined to make it, and thrive, no matter what obstacles come up (or down...rofl).
Thank you for your kind words, really helps to hear someone so successful letting us know that is all right to fail. There's some days which can make you feel like a fraud, to struggle. The reward of giving birth to something you love to do, it's an amazing sensation
I don't reply to these often, but I figured I'd put in my 2 cents - especially to those just starting out. This really applies to anything, not just game design. I'm someone who has failed over and over (including in game design), the hard part is developing a thick enough skin to never give up. Know when to cut your loses sure, but if it keeps you up at night thinking about it, then that's your sign it's probably your calling. Don't give up on it. Nothing worth doing is easy. Everyone starts off at different levels. You'll often find that people are so afraid to look bad and they just want to fit in (no matter your job). What I tell my employees when they start for me is don't be afraid of imposter syndrome. I myself started the same way at my company and after a while you start to realize (to your points Thomas) that everyone feels this way. No one really knows what they are doing. That's the beauty and ugly truth to everything. Embrace that. I like to equate it to your parents growing up. They are our heroes and people that seem to have all the answers. When you get older you realize that's just simply not true. They have just lived through enough to know how to navigate those waters. Fail often. You will learn from that far more than anything else in life. Wish you all the best.
Thanks for this video. I want to share one quote I find very powerful, when you think that you are not good enough or you will never be as good as you want to be. The master has failed more times than the beginner has tried. Like you said, Thomas failure is part of the journey and the more often you fail the better you get, because the more you learn. Keep going with your games. I will too with mine.
I'm 15. I feel what everyone feels when making games but I'm trying not to quit. Idk what I'll do if I fail but it's worth seeing what'll happen than to give up and regret in future. Thanks. Your words really helped alot
Keep going at it bro. I've tried making games since I was 14, and I've always struggled with coding and game engines all the while art has seemed more reasonable. I know I'm on a path to my dreams right now, but I would be closer if I kept at it when I was your age. Never have a 0% day, never stop learning, never give up. I believe in you
Definitely have struggled with self worth and letting failure be what defines and defeats me. It can be crippling. But God is so good and helps me remember what is most important. Great points Thomas, super encouraging!
Wow Thomas, I really appreciate this video. I've been failing for years. I'm this close to actually releasing my game on Steam. So glad I held on to my dream and so glad I'm not the only person who has had mental breakdowns doing indie game dev. Thank you!
Hey Thomas. Thank you so much for making this video. I am an aspiring indie developer and I feel the exact same way that you do. It was almost like looking at my own reflection talking to me. No matter how many people tell me that my artwork is awesome and that I am super talented, I am always my own worst critic. I also have pretty bad ADHD so I have all these projects that I have unfinished because I lost steam halfway through, started disparaging myself, and then gave up and started something new. I really like the idea of "failing big." I get so wrapped up in what people are going to think about my creations, so I don't put anything out. I've just started working on a portfolio and just putting up clips or images of anything I have, whether it's finished or not. I need to start failing more, and maybe then I can truly be successful. I really appreciate this content. Thank you.
Thanks Thomas, I really missed this type of content, I feel that even if we don't know each other we can relate because we all have the same struggles. Cheers!
man everything that you said hit so hard, i really need to hear those things, because i felt this way so many times, and I gave it all up because of fear... fear of failure... even before I finished something, so thank you very much, that gave me the strength to keep chasing my dream
I feel this way all the time however if my profits go up, its hard to feel bad. But when things are stagnant or downhill its hard to look ahead and remind yourself that "its just part of the process"
Thank you Thomas for sharing your thoughts and feelings. Almost every gamedev feels like this in one way or another, it does scare a little bit to think that someone with your success still feels this way, but I guess that's a trait of successful gamedevs, entrepeneurs, etc... being your own boss and having creative freedom does come at a price.
This helped a lot, Thomas. Been going through a big failure recently and am bouncing back, but honestly, your talk on small failures helped me even more. I suck at blender, even though I've used it for years, and these short, biting failures can really get to me. But it's just a small part of the overall dev process and the good news is that it's PART of the PROCESS!
Thomas, thank you for putting this honest and heartfelt reflection about the doldrums of indie game development. Actually of most solo or small entrepreneurs. I am almost 50 and started my journey towards game dev a few years back but only as a hobby. It has not been until recently that I have began diverting more of my free time to really development the skill sets to produce small projects. I truly appreciate you speaking to exactly where I'm at... Thank you for reminding me that I'm not the only one and that I need to keep driving towards the little wins.
Thanks for the motivation, man... I realy appreciate that way how you get in touch with your audience... Thx a lot! For now I want to ensure you and myself that I'll finish that projects that I have and will show it for community. See you in the web!)
Man, just wanted to let you know that your video hit home, real hard. You actually made me cry but, those tears felt good for some reason. I thank you for your words.
Serious 100% born this way as well... certainly caused major mental health issues and left me defeated many times but working on getting help and seeing someone successful talking about it and still working through it sure is a welcomed perspective. Honestly I've normally just figured successful people are made differently and accepted that. I've given up on game dev many times now sadly. Thanks for sharing! Couldn't agree more about the regret part that is exactly me just turned 40 and regret it completely.
3:19 Dude, my small win over demotivation was just getting my computer to allow unity hub to retrieve packages to even open a project template, lol. Keep fighting, praying for you brother.
Hey thomas, your videos helps me to continue to grind building my game , little step consistently. Im not experienced ,20 or so search just for implementing simple function in my game.
Hey Thomas! Gave this video a listen and I resonate with a lot of the topics you brought up about the constant doubts or challenges of being a game dev. I've seen them myself and have participated in two game jams, two month-long game development courses, and have built one of my own games myself to a paper prototype. I haven't yet gotten past those points though. I've proven I have the capacity for game dev in a team or alone but find myself "drowning" between pursuing it and the other investments I want to make for my personal growth and my [Serotonin] intakes to not constantly work to burnout and bounce back again. I took the plunge and signed up for your Game Dev Mastery course and made a new dedication to myself and my game dev journey. No matter what I do in game dev I'll do it for at least an hour a day. If I can do more or if I miss a day I'll pick myself back up and get at it the next. I have so many ideas I've collected in my time in college and even more through the game dev programs I enrolled in. I'll build them all yet, but I'll do so confronting it in a steady way knowing that there are others like me working every "thread in the web" to make it happen. Like building websites to host this content, making content for and posting it to social media, and keeping my online portfolios and profiles updated with my accomplishments and work. Look forward to sharing what I make soon; hopefully "steady as she goes". Take care of yourself bro and know that you're a beacon of hope and dreams for many other rising game devs like me out there.
I really needed to hear this. Thank you so much for making this video Thomas. I think I feel more motivated to release my smaller games from game jams that I know will get bad reviews than sit in fear of making a larger game and doing nothing to move forward.
That's pretty inspiring thank you, Thomas! Listening to you and hearing about your process of dealing with self-doubt is encouraging. I have worked on and off for a few years learning and working on personal projects and never finished one because I felt like my Coding Knowledge was not up to par. Hearing you and others talk about feeling like Imposter is so true. After watching this video I am honestly inspired to work on my game again. Thank you again for being honest and showing this side of game development even if it is hard and discouraging.
Hi. I rarely comment on videos but you really made an impact with this video. I'm a web developer and I've been working on a project of my own most nights in my spare time for more than 2 years now, and I am familiar with this pain you're experiencing. When it comes to coding, sometimes it does feel like you're chewing glass and staring into the abyss. We're in the same boat. Seems we're both too "legit to quit" :D Also... exercise. It boosts oxytocin, serotonin, melatonin and dopamine. I find it helps a lot with my motivation (and depression) when the chemical cocktail in my meat vehicle is in check. Thanks again. I really enjoyed your video.
I started my game company while I was a truck driver by day. I slept on my office floor for a year while working, prototyping. Fast forward to 2022 and one of my games went tiktok viral and I scored a job as a college professor now teaching game dev. I'm also about to release my next game to. It took years of family and friends doubting my decision to be a game dev. Only now it's starting to pay off.
Hey, thank you for making this. I've been total crap about releasing dev updates this past year, and anything encouraging people to just post something is greatly appreciated. Spite was a powerful tool when I was just starting out. Just releasing stuff despite knowing it's not necessarily "good." I really gotta get back in that mindset. Thanks again for this video, and best of luck with everything. And I hope your dog's okay.
so understand you Thomas.. even at 48 years old I still feel this way.. its apparently the double edge sword of being very smart, creative, etc.. list is long. There is no remedy..only control..balance.. balance being the key to work too.
Listening to this really cheered me up. I’m having trouble programming something simple: making my midair dodge maintain/gain elevation instead of “charging” I’ve been getting help from people on forums but my mind can’t wrap around some simple problem that will take about a line to solve. Rant over, I needed to vent.
This is the reason i allot some mini breaks In between the day for Yoga daily. It has an overall motivation boosting, creativity enhancing, relaxing, energy enhancing and healthy effect.
Thank you for this Thomas, I’ve been struggling alot lately with the outcome of my work, and overall lack of energy and motivation. Thank you for the advice, it really helps me to keep on going
Over the years... having struggled with the mindsets you are talking about... have learned to simply LOVE what I do. I may or may not be the best. Heck... I don't want to be the best. I want to be STIVING to be the best. It is the effort that is fun. I say, try to be Portal level games... but don't devaluate yourself if you are not. Try to be the very best but don't forget that simply being published is a HUGE win. I was once told I have a very very high IQ yet I am astonished at how often I am baffled by the intelligence of others. I no longer worry if I am smart... or good or better... I just LOVE learning and developing skills. Last year I could barely install Unity and make a few things hop around. Now I obsess about the exact feel of my controls. In a single year I have learned so much. THAT is FUN!
Thank you Thomas. Talking about topics like that is really important and I think it also really helps many people to get back on the right path and feel good about what they do. I think I speak for many people if I say that videos and words like that are a blessing! Keep it up, I love your work
Thanks for the vid, thomas. It was really uplifting and encouraging. I am always like my art sucks or my code sucks but, then I think I atleast know how to do both...which is really helpful as an indie game dev; when, most people usually focus only on one area. You can let go, if you think this isn't for your or your no 1 dream but, otherwise pain & failure are way better than regret. I am in my late 20's and I could have been on this path way earlier but, didn't, so, I know what regret feels like and it's ugly.
I can only say thank you. I live in a country where failure is common. I see unsuccessful people all the time. But I'm not going to give up. I know I will move forward and I know you will too. God bless you and thank you for sharing such great videos.
Your way of encouraging people to actually push themselves and taking Game Dev as career seriously to make living money out of it is rare, but is really useful. Keep going!
The problem with success and failure is that we believe that's who we are. Placing our identity as game dev or software dev or artist is the problem in our society today. Our core mechanic is still functional even without any of these identities n are independent of the success and failures that comes with it. We need to learn to live our life outside any of these titles we give ourself or try to achieve through hard work and experience this world as just another species that breathes.
Thanks Thomas. I’ve recently been in a rut of demotivation. It really sucks. But hearing from you helps. My process is to beat a FromSoft game and boss after boss reminds me that nothing is impossible, even in real life. Thanks.
Thank you for this video Thomas. Keep your ship, keep your pride and freedom. It is what makes Thomas Brush a great game developer and an inspiration to other pirates like my self. I truly hope you can remain at peace during this period of demotivation. Good luck!
Dang, your pirate analogy is pretty spot on. Having a small business, esp in the indie game market, is VERY much like striking out on your own on a ship against the world. And the marketing and sales aspect itself feels a lot like it, as well. You have to be smart, crafty, savvy, and ballsy to actually get anywhere in the market like that, but the reward can be fantastical if it pays off.
The essence of what you're describing, I think, is that creativity can get dangerously lonely if you don't check in periodically with an audience. Motivation is tied to community.
You are living mine and many others dream. Use that as motivation 😁 amazing game dev neversong and pinstripe are masterpieces and I can't wait for the new game!
Thanks for the encouraging words! Was at a crossroads with something but I've decided to go with with my gut even though it's probably almost certain failure.
Do it for fun & not money, do it part time and lower your expectations.... and you will be way better of than it you didn't do the above things I mentioned 😅😉
man, you're successful and feel like that but i haven't even started yet and feel like talentless. impostor syndrome is not something light. Hope you are able to have good motivation to move forward and i wish the guys here reading this, the same. have a great day!
im the same as you but i've already applied the first advice of releasing (or just showing to ppl) part of your creation/project and i the boost of motivation after someone geniunly enjoying a game made in a game jam or someone who work in the industry telling you this model look great etc and now this is my fuel to keep producing stuff and showing it to anyone because i know i cant trust myself
One strategy I have up my sleeve is that I set myself a goal. The motivation to start it was that I had no job, but I wanted to do game development. Also I want to buy VR set so that is another motivator. Currently I'm working on game and it's my first ever, at first I was constantly deleting Unity and reinstalling but about 2 months ago I started developing my game (around when I finished high school). 2 months ago I wasn't really consistent, but recently I allocated all my time into it. The point is to reach reasonable goal, whatever it is.
I, too, lost motivation in making my game. It just feels like pushing a massive rock up a mountain and an error happens and the rock just falls back again. I guess I'll just embrace these failures and just try to find the little wins. Thanks Thomas, we just keep pusing❤️
Yeah, I feel this Tom. Noticed we speak the same way too. Make a proclamation and end it with "right?" or "okay?". It's a weird kind of self double talk. It's okay though. Because at the end of the day, what matter is we forge ahead... ^_^ right?
I think my biggest problem is when I have something I'm not 100% sure how to code I tend to put it off and put it off because I don't want to fail... sooo I never start and get nothing finish. I know I just need to sit down and try but its hard to do.
Thanks for making this video, I feel the exact same way. I was just thinking about this yesterday. This year has been the most successful year of my life (so far). I've released 3 games (game jam games but still), I've made several devlogs, and I released a piece of software. But, despite all that, I've felt so demotivated to go on with making my game. Thanks for the great advice
Wow- I was not expecting to be resonated with so early in the video. I too 'self-deprecate' despite my successes; I am always called intelligent, mature, pretty, and have self taught myself some very admirable skills- all with something to show for it... but none of it really matters to me because of this looming sense of me not being enough for myself- I'm just never proud; and I can never accept compliments because of it. I'm hoping you can teach me something about it.
I love it man. Keep it up truly. You and amnybither have inspired me to take baby steps into game dev but also helped me push my TH-cam Journey to new heights.
I'm in my 40's and spent so many years procrastinating and making little games that I never realeased out of fear. I'm now working on my first full commercial game with a hope to sell it and finally quit working for other people.
This year I was going hard on learning game development, I was learning different methods of applying ideas I had for mechanics and modes. I would show people close to me my progress and they liked what they saw and were glad to see me working towards my dreams. But life does what it does best and presents us with hurdles and obligations outside of what we wish to do. House projects came up and have been eating away at time and energy, social events that I was dreading on attending but ended up being great in the end, I recently turned 30.... A lot feels like it just piled up ready to slow me down from my dev progress. The hurt and struggle I feel recently almost feels like when you reminisce on the old times with an old friend or family member you no longer get to see and it feels like your heart is sinking or trying to rip out of your chest to find them. Sounds weird and odd, but it's how I feel when I'm demotivated from working on my dream. It's a funk that I'll get out of eventually (hopefully), and once other things get finalized and I can step away from them with more time on my hands then hopefully the fire rekindles itself for developing my game. It helps to come across videos like this one, almost like feeling or hearing the pulse of a heart letting me know the dream isn't dead. Its just been misplaced waiting to be found again.
It’s frustrating feeling demotivated because I compare my work to other games that are AAA quality. Why can’t I get that quality? I’m learning to accept that I need to focus on my own self improvement. Comparison is the thief of joy. I’m learning and getting better, and I have work to show for it.
That was great advice thomas, I think that applies to anything you do in life in whatever field. And all the best on Father I know you're gonna make it a great game however long it takes.
I'm in my 40s and have the dull ache. I spent the first decades of my life surviving, and that was about all I could manage. I try not to beat myself up about that. Now, coming to game dev later in life, I struggle with self-doubt all the time. I think "I'm too old for this new thing" a lot, but I keep going. I'd say to anyone, no matter your age, just do it. Choose an engine and follow some tutorials. Just make a start and your project will soon take on a life of its own. Even if it's just as a new hobby that you do in your spare time. Gamedev has bought me so much joy and I'm only just beginning. Getting absorbed in gamedev gives me a break from my worries and shuts my depression and anxiety up for a few hours. Don't let the fact that you're not 20 years old stop you doing something you're passionate about. Good luck.
Can just reinforce your message at 17:00. I've been working on a flight simulator for the last couple of years. I don't know if it will sell, it's a bit too niche, but having this (even incomplete) on my CV got me a great job working on a commercial aviation simulator. I think most programming jobs understand and respect the work put into a privately developed game, even if its not a commercial hit.
I'm a PhD student as well as a game dev hobbyist, so everything I do is practically self driven and this is a huge problem I struggle with. It's good people are more comfortable opening up, I think if people realise that even those you consider objectively successful feel this way shows its not a rational feeling and you can learn to let yourself ignore it.
These are a few rough ideas of this that de-motivate me: 1 been done before, 2 everyone has tried to do it and failed, meaning there are good reason to believe you can’t do it too for good reasons. 3 people who are more talented than you don’t make it. 4 it’s gonna feel empty and lonely at the end if it takes too much time and do it solo 5 my skills are not as good as I thought and don’t have the ability to create what I want
The only that personally worries me is no 5 the others are whatever happens will happen...I just need to do my part. For no5 all I need to do is practice intensively and consistently.
I was actually going to make a video "I hope Thomas Brush fails" which was exactly what this video is about. When we fail, we learn more than we could ever hope to with what we think of success. The fails will make the wins all the more worth it. Look at all the people you have motivated every time you failed in even the smallest way.
I've worked in IT for ten years and feel completely stupid, like everyone is better than me. It doesn't help that my sector is now being flooded with bootcamp graduates. I am full of regret about all sorts of things and wish things could be different. The clock cannot be turned back either.
![PASULOL รามเกียรติ์ ตอนที่ 4 นนทกพบรัก [Ramakien Ep.4: Nonthok in love]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tMUQgmZzf_A/mqdefault.jpg)
Guys I really hope you are encouraged by this video. I want to see you all succeed, and really want all of you to make games full time! Keep up the good work, and pursue that failure!
► Learn how to become a full time game dev, free: www.fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-how-to-make-six-figures
► Enroll in my 3D workshop, free!: www.fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-15-minute-3D-game
► Make your game instantly beautiful with my free workbook: www.fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-instant-beauty-color-workbook
► Get my 2D game kit, free: www.fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-2D-game-kit
► Join my 2D character workshop, free: www.fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-2d-character-art-workshop
► Wishlist Twisted Tower: store.steampowered.com/app/1575990/Twisted_Tower/
► Learn how to make money as a TH-camr: www.fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-indie-game-income-workshop
You're gonna make it big one day Thomas, don't lose faith. Let me know if you want to collab, I'm looking for something to do for my next project.
"Pursue that failure" put that on a shirt for your supporters :D
Ditto. You clearly have a passion for this. Although I thought failure was more about getting absolutely no feedback at all- period? If you do that, you have nothing to help you improve. At least a negative comment could be constructive. (Though not all negative comments are, obviously.)
Thanks One hundred.. totally 🔥
I finished my game and it flopped hard. It was like my tester game. The game met all my expectations. I have noticed that I can't seem to get it together to make a second game. I'm almost at the one-year mark since my last game. I've really been trying to commit to a new game since then.
Thomas I'm a middle aged man full of regrets about all the things I HAVEN'T accomplished in my career, and I wish I watched this video 20 years ago. But there is still time. Thank you for this. Thank you Thank you Thank you.
good luck brother
@@C3lticlord thank you
Good luck brother....
@@msaleem4875 thank you
JUST DO IT!
I'm 41 now. I have always played games (going back to playing on my sister's Atari 2600 - haha that's going back now). It has always been a dream to make video games (I'm actually an audio guy - I write music and create sound design for Films - also studying an MFA in videogame music and audio which is what triggered me looking into game dev instead of thinking it would be impossible for people like me) and now with technology the way it is, it is now possible for me to do so. So now I'm trying to learn how to make one. Slowly but progress is being made and I love it. What a time to be alive!
What can be achieved now literally couldn't be done 15 years ago unless you were part of a huge studio. Every day I think "I can't believe this is now possible". I made my first very basic video game and launched it on Itch just to experience making a basic game and the process of putting it out in the world and now I'm making my second (a much bigger game compared to the first).
stay strong brother, you have come a long way and at the eyes of those who appreciate you, you are super successful. Cheers
" I'd rather sink my own ship than be on someone else's ship" I felt that
I can hear myself through the things you say here. Feeling so much the same honestly... i also would rather sink my own ship than be on someone else's ship. Really helpful to know i am not alone feeling this way. Thank you.
This exact mindset is something big companies need to foster a healthy team coherence. Everyone goes through ups and downs, not only game developers. What is most important is to keep on chipping at the target goal, every day, even just a little bit. At one point you will notice you actually made a pretty good progress and that comes as a wind in your back.
game dev is not like other industries, it's not even recognized by like unemployment, for example, I lost my job in IT as of July 1st, and I can't pursue Game Dev Full Time and receive unemployment, because it's a business that I'm starting, so I'm just draining my savings to fund myself (my 1st kickstarter failed). And game dev has gone through a lot of transitions since it's inception to get where it's at now (and where it's going, because it's not fully mature yet). That combined with what's happening to the world since COVID-19 and now literally watching Putin try to start World War III... yeah, mental strength is a luxury these days, good on you for actually acknowledging these things and being vulnerable enough to admit it, along with your admitting that your religious views in your heart make it difficult to produce games that can compete in the game dev market today. I'm glad I joined your course, but more than that, I'm glad that I am a part of your community that you share this unique experience with. I'm determined to make it, and thrive, no matter what obstacles come up (or down...rofl).
I actually feel demotivated a lot of times. Thank you for making this video!
Thank you for your kind words, really helps to hear someone so successful letting us know that is all right to fail.
There's some days which can make you feel like a fraud, to struggle. The reward of giving birth to something you love to do, it's an amazing sensation
"If you're not willing to pay the price of failure, wait for the bill of regret."
I needed this. Ive been trying to mix youtube teaching, gamedev, devlogs. Its all so much to be thinking of at the same time.
I don't reply to these often, but I figured I'd put in my 2 cents - especially to those just starting out. This really applies to anything, not just game design. I'm someone who has failed over and over (including in game design), the hard part is developing a thick enough skin to never give up. Know when to cut your loses sure, but if it keeps you up at night thinking about it, then that's your sign it's probably your calling. Don't give up on it. Nothing worth doing is easy. Everyone starts off at different levels. You'll often find that people are so afraid to look bad and they just want to fit in (no matter your job). What I tell my employees when they start for me is don't be afraid of imposter syndrome. I myself started the same way at my company and after a while you start to realize (to your points Thomas) that everyone feels this way. No one really knows what they are doing. That's the beauty and ugly truth to everything. Embrace that. I like to equate it to your parents growing up. They are our heroes and people that seem to have all the answers. When you get older you realize that's just simply not true. They have just lived through enough to know how to navigate those waters. Fail often. You will learn from that far more than anything else in life. Wish you all the best.
Thanks for this video. I want to share one quote I find very powerful, when you think that you are not good enough or you will never be as good as you want to be.
The master has failed more times than the beginner has tried.
Like you said, Thomas failure is part of the journey and the more often you fail the better you get, because the more you learn.
Keep going with your games. I will too with mine.
I'm 15. I feel what everyone feels when making games but I'm trying not to quit. Idk what I'll do if I fail but it's worth seeing what'll happen than to give up and regret in future. Thanks. Your words really helped alot
Keep going at it bro. I've tried making games since I was 14, and I've always struggled with coding and game engines all the while art has seemed more reasonable. I know I'm on a path to my dreams right now, but I would be closer if I kept at it when I was your age. Never have a 0% day, never stop learning, never give up. I believe in you
Definitely have struggled with self worth and letting failure be what defines and defeats me. It can be crippling. But God is so good and helps me remember what is most important. Great points Thomas, super encouraging!
Wow Thomas, I really appreciate this video. I've been failing for years. I'm this close to actually releasing my game on Steam. So glad I held on to my dream and so glad I'm not the only person who has had mental breakdowns doing indie game dev. Thank you!
Hey Thomas. Thank you so much for making this video. I am an aspiring indie developer and I feel the exact same way that you do. It was almost like looking at my own reflection talking to me. No matter how many people tell me that my artwork is awesome and that I am super talented, I am always my own worst critic. I also have pretty bad ADHD so I have all these projects that I have unfinished because I lost steam halfway through, started disparaging myself, and then gave up and started something new. I really like the idea of "failing big." I get so wrapped up in what people are going to think about my creations, so I don't put anything out. I've just started working on a portfolio and just putting up clips or images of anything I have, whether it's finished or not. I need to start failing more, and maybe then I can truly be successful. I really appreciate this content. Thank you.
Great video Thomas! I'm almost 38 and the dull pain of not pursuing a dream is all too real! Thank you for this!
I'm a app developer and this is completely how I feel sometimes.
This applies to a lot of creators out there.
Thank you 🙏
Thanks Thomas, I really missed this type of content, I feel that even if we don't know each other we can relate because we all have the same struggles. Cheers!
man everything that you said hit so hard, i really need to hear those things, because i felt this way so many times, and I gave it all up because of fear... fear of failure... even before I finished something, so thank you very much, that gave me the strength to keep chasing my dream
I feel this way all the time however if my profits go up, its hard to feel bad. But when things are stagnant or downhill its hard to look ahead and remind yourself that "its just part of the process"
Thanks Thomas,I needed to hear this. If I'm not failing, I'm not doing anything. If I'm not doing anything, then I failed myself.
Thank you Thomas for sharing your thoughts and feelings. Almost every gamedev feels like this in one way or another, it does scare a little bit to think that someone with your success still feels this way, but I guess that's a trait of successful gamedevs, entrepeneurs, etc... being your own boss and having creative freedom does come at a price.
This helped a lot, Thomas. Been going through a big failure recently and am bouncing back, but honestly, your talk on small failures helped me even more. I suck at blender, even though I've used it for years, and these short, biting failures can really get to me. But it's just a small part of the overall dev process and the good news is that it's PART of the PROCESS!
Thomas, thank you for putting this honest and heartfelt reflection about the doldrums of indie game development. Actually of most solo or small entrepreneurs. I am almost 50 and started my journey towards game dev a few years back but only as a hobby. It has not been until recently that I have began diverting more of my free time to really development the skill sets to produce small projects. I truly appreciate you speaking to exactly where I'm at...
Thank you for reminding me that I'm not the only one and that I need to keep driving towards the little wins.
This one hit home, Thomas. Thanks for engaging in this type of way, it’s very raw and real.
Thanks for the motivation, man... I realy appreciate that way how you get in touch with your audience... Thx a lot! For now I want to ensure you and myself that I'll finish that projects that I have and will show it for community. See you in the web!)
Man, just wanted to let you know that your video hit home, real hard. You actually made me cry but, those tears felt good for some reason. I thank you for your words.
You gain confidence by doing the exact thing your afraid of
Serious 100% born this way as well... certainly caused major mental health issues and left me defeated many times but working on getting help and seeing someone successful talking about it and still working through it sure is a welcomed perspective. Honestly I've normally just figured successful people are made differently and accepted that. I've given up on game dev many times now sadly. Thanks for sharing! Couldn't agree more about the regret part that is exactly me just turned 40 and regret it completely.
3:19 Dude, my small win over demotivation was just getting my computer to allow unity hub to retrieve packages to even open a project template, lol.
Keep fighting, praying for you brother.
Hey thomas, your videos helps me to continue to grind building my game , little step consistently. Im not experienced ,20 or so search just for implementing simple function in my game.
Hey Thomas!
Gave this video a listen and I resonate with a lot of the topics you brought up about the constant doubts or challenges of being a game dev. I've seen them myself and have participated in two game jams, two month-long game development courses, and have built one of my own games myself to a paper prototype. I haven't yet gotten past those points though.
I've proven I have the capacity for game dev in a team or alone but find myself "drowning" between pursuing it and the other investments I want to make for my personal growth and my [Serotonin] intakes to not constantly work to burnout and bounce back again.
I took the plunge and signed up for your Game Dev Mastery course and made a new dedication to myself and my game dev journey. No matter what I do in game dev I'll do it for at least an hour a day. If I can do more or if I miss a day I'll pick myself back up and get at it the next.
I have so many ideas I've collected in my time in college and even more through the game dev programs I enrolled in. I'll build them all yet, but I'll do so confronting it in a steady way knowing that there are others like me working every "thread in the web" to make it happen. Like building websites to host this content, making content for and posting it to social media, and keeping my online portfolios and profiles updated with my accomplishments and work.
Look forward to sharing what I make soon; hopefully "steady as she goes". Take care of yourself bro and know that you're a beacon of hope and dreams for many other rising game devs like me out there.
Powerfully honest video, Thomas. Deep insights that definitely hit home. Thank you as always!
I really needed to hear this. Thank you so much for making this video Thomas. I think I feel more motivated to release my smaller games from game jams that I know will get bad reviews than sit in fear of making a larger game and doing nothing to move forward.
That's pretty inspiring thank you, Thomas! Listening to you and hearing about your process of dealing with self-doubt is encouraging. I have worked on and off for a few years learning and working on personal projects and never finished one because I felt like my Coding Knowledge was not up to par. Hearing you and others talk about feeling like Imposter is so true. After watching this video I am honestly inspired to work on my game again. Thank you again for being honest and showing this side of game development even if it is hard and discouraging.
"Failure is always an option!" - Adam Savage
Hi. I rarely comment on videos but you really made an impact with this video.
I'm a web developer and I've been working on a project of my own most nights in my spare time for more than 2 years now, and I am familiar with this pain you're experiencing.
When it comes to coding, sometimes it does feel like you're chewing glass and staring into the abyss.
We're in the same boat. Seems we're both too "legit to quit" :D
Also... exercise. It boosts oxytocin, serotonin, melatonin and dopamine.
I find it helps a lot with my motivation (and depression) when the chemical cocktail in my meat vehicle is in check.
Thanks again. I really enjoyed your video.
Sometimes I feel like you're my best and only friend in my journey of gamedev. Thank you for this video, thank you for real.
I started my game company while I was a truck driver by day. I slept on my office floor for a year while working, prototyping. Fast forward to 2022 and one of my games went tiktok viral and I scored a job as a college professor now teaching game dev. I'm also about to release my next game to. It took years of family and friends doubting my decision to be a game dev. Only now it's starting to pay off.
Where's the link?
Hey, thank you for making this. I've been total crap about releasing dev updates this past year, and anything encouraging people to just post something is greatly appreciated.
Spite was a powerful tool when I was just starting out. Just releasing stuff despite knowing it's not necessarily "good." I really gotta get back in that mindset. Thanks again for this video, and best of luck with everything. And I hope your dog's okay.
TBH, this was one of your best videos.
Thanks for the great constants.
Thomas uploaded, time to get motivated bois
so understand you Thomas.. even at 48 years old I still feel this way.. its apparently the double edge sword of being very smart, creative, etc.. list is long. There is no remedy..only control..balance.. balance being the key to work too.
Listening to this really cheered me up.
I’m having trouble programming something simple: making my midair dodge maintain/gain elevation instead of “charging”
I’ve been getting help from people on forums but my mind can’t wrap around some simple problem that will take about a line to solve.
Rant over, I needed to vent.
This is the reason i allot some mini breaks In between the day for Yoga daily. It has an overall motivation boosting, creativity enhancing, relaxing, energy enhancing and healthy effect.
Thank you for this Thomas, I’ve been struggling alot lately with the outcome of my work, and overall lack of energy and motivation. Thank you for the advice, it really helps me to keep on going
Hey Thomas i know its been a while since you posted this video but i just wanted to thank you so much for making me believe in myself
Thanks for sharing your thoughts since I've recently started my game dev journey, hopefully I can apply all that I've learnt from your vids
"I would rather sink my own ship than be on some else's safe ship" this is the phrase of the video!
Over the years... having struggled with the mindsets you are talking about... have learned to simply LOVE what I do. I may or may not be the best. Heck... I don't want to be the best. I want to be STIVING to be the best. It is the effort that is fun.
I say, try to be Portal level games... but don't devaluate yourself if you are not. Try to be the very best but don't forget that simply being published is a HUGE win.
I was once told I have a very very high IQ yet I am astonished at how often I am baffled by the intelligence of others. I no longer worry if I am smart... or good or better... I just LOVE learning and developing skills.
Last year I could barely install Unity and make a few things hop around. Now I obsess about the exact feel of my controls. In a single year I have learned so much. THAT is FUN!
Thank you Thomas. Talking about topics like that is really important and I think it also really helps many people to get back on the right path and feel good about what they do.
I think I speak for many people if I say that videos and words like that are a blessing! Keep it up, I love your work
This video really speaks to me too, there are some things mentioned here, that deep inside me, I already know, but not consciously live yet
Thanks for the vid, thomas. It was really uplifting and encouraging.
I am always like my art sucks or my code sucks but, then I think I atleast know how to do both...which is really helpful as an indie game dev; when, most people usually focus only on one area.
You can let go, if you think this isn't for your or your no 1 dream but, otherwise pain & failure are way better than regret.
I am in my late 20's and I could have been on this path way earlier but, didn't, so, I know what regret feels like and it's ugly.
I can only say thank you.
I live in a country where failure is common. I see unsuccessful people all the time. But I'm not going to give up. I know I will move forward and I know you will too.
God bless you and thank you for sharing such great videos.
Your way of encouraging people to actually push themselves and taking Game Dev as career seriously to make living money out of it is rare, but is really useful. Keep going!
The problem with success and failure is that we believe that's who we are. Placing our identity as game dev or software dev or artist is the problem in our society today. Our core mechanic is still functional even without any of these identities n are independent of the success and failures that comes with it. We need to learn to live our life outside any of these titles we give ourself or try to achieve through hard work and experience this world as just another species that breathes.
Thanks Thomas. I’ve recently been in a rut of demotivation. It really sucks. But hearing from you helps. My process is to beat a FromSoft game and boss after boss reminds me that nothing is impossible, even in real life. Thanks.
Can't tell you how much your videos have encouraged me to keep going bro😁
Thank you for this video Thomas. Keep your ship, keep your pride and freedom. It is what makes Thomas Brush a great game developer and an inspiration to other pirates like my self. I truly hope you can remain at peace during this period of demotivation. Good luck!
Dang, your pirate analogy is pretty spot on. Having a small business, esp in the indie game market, is VERY much like striking out on your own on a ship against the world. And the marketing and sales aspect itself feels a lot like it, as well. You have to be smart, crafty, savvy, and ballsy to actually get anywhere in the market like that, but the reward can be fantastical if it pays off.
You can do it part time & it wouldn't be so risky 😉
The essence of what you're describing, I think, is that creativity can get dangerously lonely if you don't check in periodically with an audience. Motivation is tied to community.
You are living mine and many others dream. Use that as motivation 😁 amazing game dev neversong and pinstripe are masterpieces and I can't wait for the new game!
Thanks for the encouraging words! Was at a crossroads with something but I've decided to go with with my gut even though it's probably almost certain failure.
Do it for fun & not money, do it part time and lower your expectations.... and you will be way better of than it you didn't do the above things I mentioned 😅😉
man, you're successful and feel like that but i haven't even started yet and feel like talentless. impostor syndrome is not something light. Hope you are able to have good motivation to move forward and i wish the guys here reading this, the same. have a great day!
im the same as you but i've already applied the first advice of releasing (or just showing to ppl) part of your creation/project and i the boost of motivation after someone geniunly enjoying a game made in a game jam or someone who work in the industry telling you this model look great etc and now this is my fuel to keep producing stuff and showing it to anyone because i know i cant trust myself
Thanks you Thomas you made me realized i'm not so late. and maybe I can get better at what I do.
One strategy I have up my sleeve is that I set myself a goal. The motivation to start it was that I had no job, but I wanted to do game development. Also I want to buy VR set so that is another motivator. Currently I'm working on game and it's my first ever, at first I was constantly deleting Unity and reinstalling but about 2 months ago I started developing my game (around when I finished high school). 2 months ago I wasn't really consistent, but recently I allocated all my time into it.
The point is to reach reasonable goal, whatever it is.
I, too, lost motivation in making my game. It just feels like pushing a massive rock up a mountain and an error happens and the rock just falls back again. I guess I'll just embrace these failures and just try to find the little wins. Thanks Thomas, we just keep pusing❤️
Yeah, I feel this Tom. Noticed we speak the same way too. Make a proclamation and end it with "right?" or "okay?". It's a weird kind of self double talk. It's okay though. Because at the end of the day, what matter is we forge ahead... ^_^ right?
Thank you for the video :) just came in at the right time!
I think my biggest problem is when I have something I'm not 100% sure how to code I tend to put it off and put it off because I don't want to fail... sooo I never start and get nothing finish. I know I just need to sit down and try but its hard to do.
Thanks for making this video, I feel the exact same way. I was just thinking about this yesterday. This year has been the most successful year of my life (so far). I've released 3 games (game jam games but still), I've made several devlogs, and I released a piece of software. But, despite all that, I've felt so demotivated to go on with making my game. Thanks for the great advice
Wow- I was not expecting to be resonated with so early in the video. I too 'self-deprecate' despite my successes; I am always called intelligent, mature, pretty, and have self taught myself some very admirable skills- all with something to show for it... but none of it really matters to me because of this looming sense of me not being enough for myself- I'm just never proud; and I can never accept compliments because of it. I'm hoping you can teach me something about it.
I love it man. Keep it up truly. You and amnybither have inspired me to take baby steps into game dev but also helped me push my TH-cam Journey to new heights.
I'm in my 40's and spent so many years procrastinating and making little games that I never realeased out of fear. I'm now working on my first full commercial game with a hope to sell it and finally quit working for other people.
This year I was going hard on learning game development, I was learning different methods of applying ideas I had for mechanics and modes. I would show people close to me my progress and they liked what they saw and were glad to see me working towards my dreams. But life does what it does best and presents us with hurdles and obligations outside of what we wish to do. House projects came up and have been eating away at time and energy, social events that I was dreading on attending but ended up being great in the end, I recently turned 30.... A lot feels like it just piled up ready to slow me down from my dev progress. The hurt and struggle I feel recently almost feels like when you reminisce on the old times with an old friend or family member you no longer get to see and it feels like your heart is sinking or trying to rip out of your chest to find them. Sounds weird and odd, but it's how I feel when I'm demotivated from working on my dream. It's a funk that I'll get out of eventually (hopefully), and once other things get finalized and I can step away from them with more time on my hands then hopefully the fire rekindles itself for developing my game. It helps to come across videos like this one, almost like feeling or hearing the pulse of a heart letting me know the dream isn't dead. Its just been misplaced waiting to be found again.
Working on a game for 2 years. Having 21 sells. Is big enough failure?
It’s frustrating feeling demotivated because I compare my work to other games that are AAA quality. Why can’t I get that quality? I’m learning to accept that I need to focus on my own self improvement. Comparison is the thief of joy. I’m learning and getting better, and I have work to show for it.
You got feelings there that you need to reflect on man, big hug man
That was great advice thomas, I think that applies to anything you do in life in whatever field. And all the best on Father I know you're gonna make it a great game however long it takes.
Hi Thomas, this is a great motivational video, not only for game dev! Thank you and keep up! You can do it!
I'm in my 40s and have the dull ache. I spent the first decades of my life surviving, and that was about all I could manage. I try not to beat myself up about that. Now, coming to game dev later in life, I struggle with self-doubt all the time. I think "I'm too old for this new thing" a lot, but I keep going. I'd say to anyone, no matter your age, just do it. Choose an engine and follow some tutorials. Just make a start and your project will soon take on a life of its own. Even if it's just as a new hobby that you do in your spare time. Gamedev has bought me so much joy and I'm only just beginning. Getting absorbed in gamedev gives me a break from my worries and shuts my depression and anxiety up for a few hours. Don't let the fact that you're not 20 years old stop you doing something you're passionate about. Good luck.
Can just reinforce your message at 17:00. I've been working on a flight simulator for the last couple of years. I don't know if it will sell, it's a bit too niche, but having this (even incomplete) on my CV got me a great job working on a commercial aviation simulator. I think most programming jobs understand and respect the work put into a privately developed game, even if its not a commercial hit.
Really loved this video. Hopefully we get more cozy fireside chats.
You should put all these kinds of videos on spotify as a podcast
I am enjoying these daily fireside chats.
I just landed in this feeling after this latest Steam Next Fest. Not the reception I was hoping, but soldier on.
That is when sometimes we have to just take a little break. Take time to reflect on things.
Hey, I just wanted to say that as a newcomer to gamedev, this video helped.
I'm a PhD student as well as a game dev hobbyist, so everything I do is practically self driven and this is a huge problem I struggle with. It's good people are more comfortable opening up, I think if people realise that even those you consider objectively successful feel this way shows its not a rational feeling and you can learn to let yourself ignore it.
These are a few rough ideas of this that de-motivate me:
1 been done before,
2 everyone has tried to do it and failed, meaning there are good reason to believe you can’t do it too for good reasons.
3 people who are more talented than you don’t make it.
4 it’s gonna feel empty and lonely at the end if it takes too much time and do it solo
5 my skills are not as good as I thought and don’t have the ability to create what I want
The only that personally worries me is no 5 the others are whatever happens will happen...I just need to do my part. For no5 all I need to do is practice intensively and consistently.
I was actually going to make a video "I hope Thomas Brush fails" which was exactly what this video is about. When we fail, we learn more than we could ever hope to with what we think of success. The fails will make the wins all the more worth it. Look at all the people you have motivated every time you failed in even the smallest way.
hey thomas! thanks for the video! it really encouraged me! i really love hearing from you and watch ALL of your videos! Thank you so much!
I've worked in IT for ten years and feel completely stupid, like everyone is better than me. It doesn't help that my sector is now being flooded with bootcamp graduates.
I am full of regret about all sorts of things and wish things could be different. The clock cannot be turned back either.
Thank you so much for making these videos Thomas! I really love this type of videos. They remind me why I do what I do. Please keep it up!
Thank you, I really needed to hear this video today.
I like this video, very authentic and inspirational. What a win of a video. Failing often is key, if you put in the work to be proud of.
Thanks for putting this out Thomas