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I think one problem is also that many game devs are either designers, musicians or programmers which makes it really hard to finish a game all alone because you first have to learn about the other parts of game development.
The best thing to do as a solo dev is to get a normal job first and then work on your game on the side. You will sleep without any stress. There's nothing worse than having no income and betting everything on the game you are making. And for anyone saying that there's not enough time for that, that's also bs. Just organize your time better.
Pro gamer move : Start working on your first game while your parents are still supporting you. (but don't expect to be able to sell it unless you've only got a year or two of that left) In other words, there's a sweetspot, where you're old enough to make a decent game, but young enough for your parents to still support you.
Lol that should be priority if you’re out of school or university you don’t want to be homeless 😂 but if you’re in high school and live with your parents you can definitely just worry about school and work on your game part time
If you can find a job that pays well and allows you to sleep without any stress, sure. When I had a job like that I could come home relaxed work in my spare time but those jobs are very hard to find
@@fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu literally any cashier jobs or just stores in general. Sure you gotta work but, no deadlines = no stress. Use that money to live, it should be enough to rent a small appartment with that money, and work on your game. If you don’t like the job, look for something else that has no real deadlines and gets paid well.
I've watched so many of your videos Thomas, and as my game progresses, Its so crazy how much of what you said in this video is the truth. I just won my first award for my game and I was so proud but then things took a weird turn. Winning this award made me feel like I was in a frenzy! I felt I needed to do 5 million things at once, and felt like the supporters of my game were expecting something of me that was bigger and better. BUT the shocker was, when I went crazy, they all said "Crystal, you need to slow down, you're clearly burnt out and need a break. We love your game but we love you too. Take care of yourself, then come back with a clear mind and rejuvenated body". So thank you for posting this, I thought I was alone and being crazy.
01:36 #1 Trust your gut 03:27 #2 Sometimes don't trust your gut 05:43 #3 Don't take funding too early 08:45 #4 Waiting Too Long To Seek Funding (Law of Diminishing Returns) 10:49 #5 You work in a panic
Man, this is all too real. Also a solo dev, the other night, I literally walked away from my laptop and sat at the edge of my driveway and meditated. I had to remove myself from everything for even just a couple minutes. It helped me reset. Great advice, man. Always love your videos.
I don't have a support group, or even a person who knows me. I've been teaching myself to make a game on and off for years now. There have been times when I didn't have the internet, so I would go out in -40C weather with my cell phone to stand outside coffee shops in order to download some information to take it back home. It's been more than a journey. And now, I'm at a point in my life when I need to step on the gas. I have to do a lot of renovation work on my apartment to find someone to replace me. Making games has always been a fantasy of mine. I've taught myself 3D modeling along with coding. I'm no expert, but I'll push myself until the product is what I consider professional looking enough. My first complete game has to be the remake of Super Mario Bros.. I've worked long and hard... even started doing hand drawings at the beginning. I've got my workflow down, and I'm able now to make sprites into 3D meshes then turn them into code. No external files anymore. Just scripts that run to animate characters and objects. I feel like no one ever believed in me. It's been very lonely for sure. People here, in Canaduh, they just have no ambition. No values or culture. They just get tats and piercings, and not because they're part of something bigger than themselves. They're just lost, and they make up some identity as they go. It's sad, and for me I feel alone with my vision of life. I'm hoping very much that making a video game will open doors and have me meet people who are driven and excited to be alive.
I definitely recommend finding discord servers or other similar small communities of game developers. Being able to share progress and see what others are doing is really fun, and helps keep me motivated at times.
Hey Malcom. I just want to say that you should be proud of everything you have done to pursue your dreams. You obviously use your ambition as a driving force to stimulate your desire to keep making games. Please don't stop. I am on a journey myself and have only recently decided to dedicate even more time into it so I can attain skills faster. I will add you because I look foward to seeing your creation and future creations!
Keep going! You are gonna meet a lot of great people who are willing to help share thoughts you can even start a game company its really awesome i did game development a long time ago but i gave up but i always had a nagging voice saying "come on,you know you want to do it" i got back a month its a struggle again since i worked in gms and i switched to unity but i find that i enjoy it a lot more than earlier i just have to say if you really love game making, stick with it!
not gonna lie, i was not going to read your wall of text. but i did, and i agree. I can kinda relate, tbh. but you see, these people you look for exist, theyre just usually working at home on their own stuff. And yes, its lonely. and no, no one will believe in you, just take care of yourself. btw, my second game dev blog is on indiedb , its called Dereliction 2020, so maybe there is hope in learning all this at home and working solo, if I can manage it, pretty sure its possible for anyone driven enough
absolutely agree with the "DON'T TAKE FUNDING TOO EARLY!". I ended up having to return the money (that I've already spent) because I was unable to finish the game on time, due to several personal reasons as well as my lack of skills to finish it solo (had a programmer that quit in the middle of the project).
I'm currently both solo game dev and a freelance anime illustrator, but I have difficulties on finding work. I have been trying to get a job, but it is very hard to get a job here, let alone I have many competitions. And because of that, my morale is slowly decreasing. But anyways, thank you for some tips, that encourages me a bit and I hope I can become as successful as you.
I love that you’re not an ego-maniac! Very balanced approach to giving advice. Are all the game clips in this video your games? They look awesome! I’m new to gamer world…got my NES robbed from me in 2004, haven’t played since, and just started game dev 11 weeks ago…kinda freaking out at the possibilities!
This was such a helpful video! My roommate and I are working on a game now, and your last point about motivating one another is exactly what we do. Thank you Thomas!
When I was a teen, I already knew how to code. I tried to accomplish making a game - the whole stuff by myself - and ended up frustrated because I just couldn't achieve the high standard in my head from the A-titles I was playing. Another good advice would be: If you don't get some part right, get yourself HELP! Get yourself people with the right skill for the desired part. And: If something is not as PERFECT as you maybe want and it takes too much time right now, write it down on a list for later revision, and just go ahead.
This is like the 6000th vid I’ve watched about gamedev tips, desperately trying to start out as a solo gamedev with ADHD. Mention of keeping a schedule always makes me laugh! 😂🤣
The not trusting your gut is a really important thing I needed to hear. I often start to get excited by things such as wanting to get into dev work or buying a new game but then at night I start doubting and getting anxiety about my choices and wasting time/money
Thanks for your advices and insight. It helps a lot to see and hear the experience and learn from it as a solo dev. With the best regards from Germany. Keep up the good work!
For me, the waiting too long for funding thing is more of a stubbornness thing than anything else. Through my whole life, I've approached things from the perspective of "Better to die than sell out". I'd sooner crash and burn than give up even a sliver of control. It has its benefits, but it's a double-edged sword.
Minus seventy years due to inflation. £100.000 would be dumped into a wide portfolio of shares, gold, silver and bitcoin. £120.000 would instead go into two houses in the midlands that I can rent out for semi-passive income
I guess he means that you're game will generate more revenue than 100k. So you'll regret giving 200k every year to the publishers because of that 100k.
Dude just got your video on recomendation and it hit me perfect in the moment, at this point Im trying to make my own game and I work as a web dev ,and I have been in a such problem to develop my game, and your videos are truly helping me a lot. Thank you so much for the content.
I’m not sure if it was in this video because I watched it a couple nights ago, but the theory you’re thinking of is the “10,000 hour theory” by Malcom Gladwell from his (really good book) “Outliers” which is about the world changers of our time (Bill gates, Beatles, etc). Real reason I’m commenting is I’d really like a video about “Dos/Donts” about asset management in Unity. I’d like to see your thought process and how you keep track of large, dense scenes.
To first one, I think it's often the case for many people in industry. As professional programmer myself, I often have problem with "perfect solution" choice. I was struggling with it for over 2 years in my job, and my private projects. I always seek for best way of making things. It's nothing wrong to seek perfection in work, it's what everyone should do, but I had this problem to the extremes, I couldn't choose right way for now, and was droping my private projects. But then I read one of Uncle Bob books (Robert Martin, one of gang of four in programming industry, he's important figure in dev world, if you don't know him, check out his speaches on YT, totally worth it). He wrote one sentence that changed me: "If you struggle how to do something, just pick something and make it work NOW. It don't need to be perfect, as long as it works it's better than nothing. You always can come back later with better solution and fix this ugly nasty code!".
"You're worth way more than you think you are." - Damn... As a Solo RPG game developer, this hits hard. T_T I have completed free RPG games inspired by JRPG games like FF and Grandia since 2016, and I just got to finishing my first ever commercial game this year! And it's released on Steam... And what I found is that I sometimes low-ball myself and feel like "nahh, my game won't be worth much anyway." and I forget that I poured so much love and passion into it, that I should have more faith and believe that it can someday be heard or given a chance by people. :( Thank you so much for making this video, Thomas Brush! I really appreciate your game dev channel and tips for us smaller devs. ^_^ To anyone out there who may feel alone in their game deving journey, realize that it isn't true! There will always be communities that are willing to hear you out! :D From Testers, fellow indie game devs and many more... Sometimes luckily, even fans. xD I'm just really dreaming... That someday, my first commercial RPG shall be played by people who love JRPG's. ^_^ And that they can at least see the love and passion I put into them...
To my fellow solo developers, you might think you are closer to getting a regular software job as your project progresses, and God knows you have the experience and work ethic, but remember: when interviewing you almost have to hide the fact you have a side project or they will develop Consultantitis (fear you will one day leave them).
Trust other peoples' guts when it comes to your game. If you have a good idea, prototype it and let someone play it soon. They will tell you "this is fun" or "I don't get it" or "this takes too long." I'm finally working on a game after prototyping, putting it in an app, gave my phone to three friends and said "play this" and they all said "this is fun!" It feels so good to validate your game idea!
@@marcapouli7805 okay I noticed you twice in the comments wallowing in self pity. You're on the internet, a place that can connect you with millions across the globe. Make friends in the community...
Hey, I'm just a random person who wants to be a game developer one day I clicked on this video not realizing that you made Neversong which is a game that I thought th t was incredible. Thank you so much for making this video and bringing your game into the world
Going solo is very hard and thank you for pointing right things out. At the same time, I believe the points you mentioned can be used by a small indie team. I am excited about my next game and it's going to be 2.5 D on my upcoming short Luke's Escape! Thanks Thomas :D
The real struggle of Game dev is certainly the Emotional aspect. I feel like i'm in this frenzy alot, and sometimes music helps focus. Other times i just need to take a Food break, watch some videos, sleep. Just, taking care of our animal-side, our emotional side.
thanks :) I think the gut things is probably most important for me, followed closely by the funding tips.... I started developing a game and my base idea was to show the difficulties of motherhood combined with a rather idyllic, beautiful world in contrast to that. I swayed off from that path a few times, cause I thought, if people say they like the genetics parts of the game, that I should maybe work more on that...while it IS important part of the game, it was mostly meant as a tool to make players care about their kids. and then I started doubting if this is really the game I wanted to make and feeling guilty about not fulfilling others expectations...wanting to make the game accessable when it is supposed to be hard and unforgiving....when...I need to trust my gut, that the vision I have for the game is MY vision and what made me start it in the first place, it's also likely what's gonna drive me forward. And regarding the funding, I wished I had known/realized that about 2 years ago....when I took funding and it made me even anxious to work, because I was so afraid that I might not do "good enough" work to live up to the fundings value....kind of ironic, because they gave it to me in the first place as a starting business funding, not even related to what exactly I'm making ^^"
thanks for the first one. im pretty young for a game dev, and ive always had a little bit of trouble trying not to discontinue games or switch to another game mid development over and over and never finish a game in a million games, kept telling myself “i know u excited to work on dis game but you have to work on this game first so you dont abandon it” even though i started to like another game much more than the other that i used to really want
The reason that each and every human is invaluable, is because we are all unique in our own way. That's why our time is so important to others who need our skills, because it saves them theirs of having to learn it themselves.
i just experienced panic working and i just said "f it lets jst make this a personal milestone project just to see how far i can make a good game, and also idc if the game doesnt sell well thing is i once made a product i am proud of". it rly changes drastically work wise
Can't express how thankful I am for this video. Your perspectives and advice is so insightful, unique, heartfelt and meaningful, thanks for the incredible video!
Add in that your gut does not know what your limitations are. Your gut does not know you are low on cash flow. Your gut will give you good advice, but it does not know it is out of our price range or time constraints. The gut Plays Make Believe. It can make us believe in things we can do and can also make us believe in things we can not do. Knowing our limits brings balance. I play your videos in family meetings a lot. A LOT!
It's amazing, that you come off like this very wise, and composed and cool dev... and then you left that enormous burp in the video... it took me by surprise, and cracked me up :) well placed comic relief :)
There's no one that I believe, all the time when I'm proud they pull me down. And when I'm down, they make me drying... not everyone that have the good people around you. When I have done something, my mom said I never make anything successful and I will never success in what I wish. And when I do something for too good. Mostly of the player will look for the better quality and now, I can't make any forward. Everything fall apart, dream, family, life. Maybe my mom said the truth... I never make anything success. All the idea and plot I have right now are too much for a solo project. How can you bring yourself back up again in this situation?
One of my mistakes was that I dreamed up a game, how it could be an RPG with sandbox elements and things like that for days, then when I got to the modelling part I was so demotivated I stopped there(partly because of the big project, and cause I didnt know where to start/what to do). Now how I solve this is I dont dream too big, only when I think that what I have done is the closest to good, thats when I move on to the next idea/element of the game
Great video, thanks! Now could you please make another one, on the topic of "how and where to find people who would actually care about you and wish you to succeed/how to be attractive enough of a person so that someone will care about you and wish you to succeed"?
1 & 2 are related to the common development concept called a "manifesto". All projects need a manifesto - an ultimate goal or single idea that drives your project.
"Emotional mistakes are always way more challenging and detrimental than technical mistakes." Barely started the video and life changing TED Talk line already
You never go looking for money AFTER you run out of money. At that point most people become desperate and that's when you are most likely to take that bad deal. You may think you can hide that desperation from the money people-- but you can't.
Passion does not have a price my man. As we make games that would pay off we should expect our passions to pay off only emotionally as something we can always be proud of and something we were born for. I love your passion once upon a coma seems extremely unique and quite an experience no matter whay anyone says
One of the big issues when people make these videos is the perspective. This person is not a game developer, he's an artist who became a game developer to make his art into a game. So while some of his tips are useful, others are simply based on that perspective, while someone who started as a developer, would approach things differently (i.e expecting and planning for long development times, as any good game, takes time to make) Mind you, I highly enjoy his games but i've always kept in mind that he's an artist first and with that, can forgive any short comings. I'm sure these videos are useful for many people, just make sure to make it clear your background and where the perspective you present, originates from.
finally, I did feel something not right, at least I will keep in mind when watch his video, though what do you think about most of his advice in this video, which is legit ?
I am 15; I published my first Google Play game about a month ago. Could you make a video for younger developers for help on the industry and making connections. Thank You so much for all your practical and encouraging advice.
Best video ever honestly. Thank you for the encouraging words you have motivated me. I have been putting it off for years but it has always been there in the back of my mind! The time to create is now! Thanks Thomas your a pretty cool guy.
@Podcast - SørenCast Z Seriously? He begins to say "my wife", does not finish the word "wife" then belches loudly and for a good second. The OP could have used punctuation, fine, but it's quite clear. "my wife", immediately: vomits (belches almost to the point of vomiting) everywhere. Anyways... have a nice day.
I do have a minor criticism on the funding part. Sometimes you probably shouldn't be seeking funding unless you've truly finished a game first. Trying to do your dream project first is a huge risk and will lead to you most likely expending much time and energy and if you don't manage to connect with your audience at all, it will practically release and be forgotten instantly. Having something small with a strong core idea is often the best approach for a new developer, that way, you can take the experience into your dream project when you believe its time to seek a publisher and hiring employees/contractors for larger games. Even if your first project doesn't get much attention, if its priced properly, it may gain you residual income later.
Hi 🙋♂️ I love the tips! Emotional mistakes are the worst. Sometimes it can be hard to take an element out of your game that you love... even if it doesn't work and is the right thing to do!! 👍❤
Should you pitch your game like on kickstarter, or should you make devlogs and start patreon with rewards? Or maybe both? My idea was to let future players help funding in trade for content in game and full access to devlogs. And later once there is a demo and precentable start the kickstarter. What is your opinion on it or your way to go?
In spite of your "mistakes", you still succeeded. Nice. The main hurdle I have to deal with is that, thanks to the economic shutdown last year, I have been forced to live with mom. So, she is my financial supporter, so to speak, even though she would prefer it if I got a real job. (I can't, don't ask me why). The main hurdle here, is the constant nagging to get for me to get a job. The constant negativity towards not only my project, but the fact I get to be at home while she goes out to work. Her negativity causes me to me negative towards myself at times. I wish she would shut the hell up, leave me be, and have faith in what I am doing instead of being jealous. It isn't like being at home doing pixel art, coding, or script writing is all fun and games. It is hard on my back, eyes, and neck just like any "real" job. Sometimes it is boring as all hell. (I don't like doing pixel art trees, lol and sometimes animation is a chore). i simply wish she would understand and stop her jealous negativity. If she was home all the time, she would waste it watching TV. Oh well, I may not even live long enough to for this game to see the light of day. If my mom really cared, she would blow money treating my cancer instead of buying useless crap she doesn't need..... Thanks for the video. Now, I am off to finish this god damned tree. :p
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Thanks for watching! Hope you learned a ton.
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"DON'T TAKE FUNDING TOO EARLY!"
Yeah, I don't think I'll have to worry about being offered funding early, or ever.
lol
This could be interpreted, either, as not be exposed to the external pressure so early.
Hahaha
@@indieprogress7170 hey dude
I offer you $1 for 99% of royalties
I think one problem is also that many game devs are either designers, musicians or programmers which makes it really hard to finish a game all alone because you first have to learn about the other parts of game development.
I'm neither of those so wondering what it'd be like to get started
and also holdiong every component together
That’s where being a programmer and artist comes in handy. Still can’t make good music though 🥲
As a developer 5 years in to a game, frustrated, broken and insecure, thank you.
I WILL finish this thing.
Aurren TV hi have you finished your game ?
hi have you finished your game?
Tell us about it.
hi have you finished your game?
now I want to see that goddamn game so please finish it already
The best thing to do as a solo dev is to get a normal job first and then work on your game on the side. You will sleep without any stress. There's nothing worse than having no income and betting everything on the game you are making. And for anyone saying that there's not enough time for that, that's also bs. Just organize your time better.
Facts
Pro gamer move : Start working on your first game while your parents are still supporting you. (but don't expect to be able to sell it unless you've only got a year or two of that left)
In other words, there's a sweetspot, where you're old enough to make a decent game, but young enough for your parents to still support you.
Lol that should be priority if you’re out of school or university you don’t want to be homeless 😂 but if you’re in high school and live with your parents you can definitely just worry about school and work on your game part time
If you can find a job that pays well and allows you to sleep without any stress, sure. When I had a job like that I could come home relaxed work in my spare time but those jobs are very hard to find
@@fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu literally any cashier jobs or just stores in general. Sure you gotta work but, no deadlines = no stress. Use that money to live, it should be enough to rent a small appartment with that money, and work on your game. If you don’t like the job, look for something else that has no real deadlines and gets paid well.
"Emotional mistakes are way more challenging and detrimental than technical mistakes" This applies to a lot in life
I've watched so many of your videos Thomas, and as my game progresses, Its so crazy how much of what you said in this video is the truth. I just won my first award for my game and I was so proud but then things took a weird turn. Winning this award made me feel like I was in a frenzy! I felt I needed to do 5 million things at once, and felt like the supporters of my game were expecting something of me that was bigger and better. BUT the shocker was, when I went crazy, they all said "Crystal, you need to slow down, you're clearly burnt out and need a break. We love your game but we love you too. Take care of yourself, then come back with a clear mind and rejuvenated body". So thank you for posting this, I thought I was alone and being crazy.
That screensaver was too interesting. I couldn't help but focus on it :-D
Its infinate zoom #2
Hahaha. Me and my adhd go brrrr.
"Screensaver" that continuously burns the full screen with moving graphics... hmmmm
So.... Anybody knows the name of whatever that is? Is it even a screensaver?
fr fr
Instruction unclear made Half Life 3
GalacticHypernova he’s making it solo that’s why it not released
XD
Solo dev here as well , good advice. I’d like to add getting a stand up desk is a great idea. And avoid bundles except for Humble Bundle.
Agreed, Sitting for twelve hours a day at a computer really takes a toll on your back...
@@indieprogress7170 standing for 12 hours is ok?
@@badsanta7356 much better yes
@@indieprogress7170 I hereby declare to hate my back
@@lukelcs8934 lol
01:36 #1 Trust your gut
03:27 #2 Sometimes don't trust your gut
05:43 #3 Don't take funding too early
08:45 #4 Waiting Too Long To Seek Funding (Law of Diminishing Returns)
10:49 #5 You work in a panic
wowaweewa oxymoron
I don’t even create games and I watch these
Thomas is a really cool guy - it's always nice learning from his experiences!
Good video either way!
Why not start ?
Ziyaad don’t know how
@@kingtreedede7303 get unity or unreal. Make a cube move left and right. There you go.
Man, this is all too real. Also a solo dev, the other night, I literally walked away from my laptop and sat at the edge of my driveway and meditated. I had to remove myself from everything for even just a couple minutes. It helped me reset. Great advice, man. Always love your videos.
I don't have a support group, or even a person who knows me. I've been teaching myself to make a game on and off for years now. There have been times when I didn't have the internet, so I would go out in -40C weather with my cell phone to stand outside coffee shops in order to download some information to take it back home. It's been more than a journey. And now, I'm at a point in my life when I need to step on the gas. I have to do a lot of renovation work on my apartment to find someone to replace me. Making games has always been a fantasy of mine. I've taught myself 3D modeling along with coding. I'm no expert, but I'll push myself until the product is what I consider professional looking enough. My first complete game has to be the remake of Super Mario Bros.. I've worked long and hard... even started doing hand drawings at the beginning. I've got my workflow down, and I'm able now to make sprites into 3D meshes then turn them into code. No external files anymore. Just scripts that run to animate characters and objects. I feel like no one ever believed in me. It's been very lonely for sure. People here, in Canaduh, they just have no ambition. No values or culture. They just get tats and piercings, and not because they're part of something bigger than themselves. They're just lost, and they make up some identity as they go. It's sad, and for me I feel alone with my vision of life. I'm hoping very much that making a video game will open doors and have me meet people who are driven and excited to be alive.
I definitely recommend finding discord servers or other similar small communities of game developers. Being able to share progress and see what others are doing is really fun, and helps keep me motivated at times.
Hey Malcom. I just want to say that you should be proud of everything you have done to pursue your dreams. You obviously use your ambition as a driving force to stimulate your desire to keep making games. Please don't stop. I am on a journey myself and have only recently decided to dedicate even more time into it so I can attain skills faster. I will add you because I look foward to seeing your creation and future creations!
Keep going! You are gonna meet a lot of great people who are willing to help share thoughts you can even start a game company its really awesome i did game development a long time ago but i gave up but i always had a nagging voice saying "come on,you know you want to do it" i got back a month its a struggle again since i worked in gms and i switched to unity but i find that i enjoy it a lot more than earlier i just have to say if you really love game making, stick with it!
not gonna lie, i was not going to read your wall of text. but i did, and i agree. I can kinda relate, tbh. but you see, these people you look for exist, theyre just usually working at home on their own stuff. And yes, its lonely. and no, no one will believe in you, just take care of yourself.
btw, my second game dev blog is on indiedb , its called Dereliction 2020, so maybe there is hope in learning all this at home and working solo, if I can manage it, pretty sure its possible for anyone driven enough
Malcolm Nadeau bro can I please interview you for Indie Gamecast? Email me! rwfarran@gmail.com 🙏🏼 I have two more episodes going to release tonight
absolutely agree with the "DON'T TAKE FUNDING TOO EARLY!". I ended up having to return the money (that I've already spent) because I was unable to finish the game on time, due to several personal reasons as well as my lack of skills to finish it solo (had a programmer that quit in the middle of the project).
I'm currently both solo game dev and a freelance anime illustrator, but I have difficulties on finding work. I have been trying to get a job, but it is very hard to get a job here, let alone I have many competitions. And because of that, my morale is slowly decreasing. But anyways, thank you for some tips, that encourages me a bit and I hope I can become as successful as you.
Good luck!
keep moving forward, step by step
Stardew Valley.
Where can I subscribe your artwork?
That computer on the side with the neverending zoom is eating up all my attention!
Now I cant stop looking at it... thanks!
I love that you’re not an ego-maniac!
Very balanced approach to giving advice. Are all the game clips in this video your games? They look awesome! I’m new to gamer world…got my NES robbed from me in 2004, haven’t played since, and just started game dev 11 weeks ago…kinda freaking out at the possibilities!
No, but many of these clips are from games made by one person
This was such a helpful video! My roommate and I are working on a game now, and your last point about motivating one another is exactly what we do. Thank you Thomas!
When I was a teen, I already knew how to code. I tried to accomplish making a game - the whole stuff by myself - and ended up frustrated because I just couldn't achieve the high standard in my head from the A-titles I was playing. Another good advice would be: If you don't get some part right, get yourself HELP! Get yourself people with the right skill for the desired part. And: If something is not as PERFECT as you maybe want and it takes too much time right now, write it down on a list for later revision, and just go ahead.
This is like the 6000th vid I’ve watched about gamedev tips, desperately trying to start out as a solo gamedev with ADHD. Mention of keeping a schedule always makes me laugh! 😂🤣
"Feature creep is often because you're feeling insecure..." ...wow. I never made that connection.
The not trusting your gut is a really important thing I needed to hear. I often start to get excited by things such as wanting to get into dev work or buying a new game but then at night I start doubting and getting anxiety about my choices and wasting time/money
Thanks for your advices and insight. It helps a lot to see and hear the experience and learn from it as a solo dev.
With the best regards from Germany.
Keep up the good work!
finding a group of people to support you is hard man.
For me, the waiting too long for funding thing is more of a stubbornness thing than anything else. Through my whole life, I've approached things from the perspective of "Better to die than sell out". I'd sooner crash and burn than give up even a sliver of control. It has its benefits, but it's a double-edged sword.
"$100000 is not that much money"
Dude, speak for yourself, I could live for a 20-50 years on that lol
Depends where you're from. With 100K I could live for 100 years
So you aren't gonna pay the team that helped you? You POS.
@@andrewvirtue5048 mmm yes not like this video is about ***solo*** devs
Minus seventy years due to inflation.
£100.000 would be dumped into a wide portfolio of shares, gold, silver and bitcoin. £120.000 would instead go into two houses in the midlands that I can rent out for semi-passive income
I guess he means that you're game will generate more revenue than 100k. So you'll regret giving 200k every year to the publishers because of that 100k.
Dude just got your video on recomendation and it hit me perfect in the moment, at this point Im trying to make my own game and I work as a web dev ,and I have been in a such problem to develop my game, and your videos are truly helping me a lot. Thank you so much for the content.
I’m not sure if it was in this video because I watched it a couple nights ago, but the theory you’re thinking of is the “10,000 hour theory” by Malcom Gladwell from his (really good book) “Outliers” which is about the world changers of our time (Bill gates, Beatles, etc).
Real reason I’m commenting is I’d really like a video about “Dos/Donts” about asset management in Unity. I’d like to see your thought process and how you keep track of large, dense scenes.
As a new developer, I was unsure about what I wanted to do. Thanks to your videos I found an interest in game development.
To first one, I think it's often the case for many people in industry. As professional programmer myself, I often have problem with "perfect solution" choice. I was struggling with it for over 2 years in my job, and my private projects. I always seek for best way of making things. It's nothing wrong to seek perfection in work, it's what everyone should do, but I had this problem to the extremes, I couldn't choose right way for now, and was droping my private projects. But then I read one of Uncle Bob books (Robert Martin, one of gang of four in programming industry, he's important figure in dev world, if you don't know him, check out his speaches on YT, totally worth it). He wrote one sentence that changed me: "If you struggle how to do something, just pick something and make it work NOW. It don't need to be perfect, as long as it works it's better than nothing. You always can come back later with better solution and fix this ugly nasty code!".
"You're worth way more than you think you are." - Damn... As a Solo RPG game developer, this hits hard. T_T I have completed free RPG games inspired by JRPG games like FF and Grandia since 2016, and I just got to finishing my first ever commercial game this year! And it's released on Steam... And what I found is that I sometimes low-ball myself and feel like "nahh, my game won't be worth much anyway." and I forget that I poured so much love and passion into it, that I should have more faith and believe that it can someday be heard or given a chance by people. :(
Thank you so much for making this video, Thomas Brush! I really appreciate your game dev channel and tips for us smaller devs. ^_^
To anyone out there who may feel alone in their game deving journey, realize that it isn't true! There will always be communities that are willing to hear you out! :D From Testers, fellow indie game devs and many more... Sometimes luckily, even fans. xD
I'm just really dreaming... That someday, my first commercial RPG shall be played by people who love JRPG's. ^_^ And that they can at least see the love and passion I put into them...
To my fellow solo developers, you might think you are closer to getting a regular software job as your project progresses, and God knows you have the experience and work ethic, but remember: when interviewing you almost have to hide the fact you have a side project or they will develop Consultantitis (fear you will one day leave them).
Trust other peoples' guts when it comes to your game.
If you have a good idea, prototype it and let someone play it soon. They will tell you "this is fun" or "I don't get it" or "this takes too long."
I'm finally working on a game after prototyping, putting it in an app, gave my phone to three friends and said "play this" and they all said "this is fun!"
It feels so good to validate your game idea!
Good when you have friends
@@marcapouli7805 okay I noticed you twice in the comments wallowing in self pity. You're on the internet, a place that can connect you with millions across the globe. Make friends in the community...
Hey, I'm just a random person who wants to be a game developer one day
I clicked on this video not realizing that you made Neversong which is a game that I thought th t was incredible. Thank you so much for making this video and bringing your game into the world
this is the definition of honest and deep pieces of advice.thank you Thomas
Going solo is very hard and thank you for pointing right things out. At the same time, I believe the points you mentioned can be used by a small indie team. I am excited about my next game and it's going to be 2.5 D on my upcoming short Luke's Escape! Thanks Thomas :D
Yo hows Luke's Escape going?
:D?
The real struggle of Game dev is certainly the Emotional aspect.
I feel like i'm in this frenzy alot, and sometimes music helps focus.
Other times i just need to take a Food break, watch some videos, sleep.
Just,
taking care of our animal-side, our emotional side.
Amazing video and I literally think my phone is listening to my conversations because this video popped up at the perfect time.
Probably my favourite theme is "reality is not what it seems"
the first mistake is by wanting to make a huge game, the second mistake is by having too many expectations...
I didn't know you made Coma, I only played the flash game when I was a kid but its been stuck in my mind since then.
If you played it when you were a kid you're probably just a kid still.
thanks :) I think the gut things is probably most important for me, followed closely by the funding tips.... I started developing a game and my base idea was to show the difficulties of motherhood combined with a rather idyllic, beautiful world in contrast to that. I swayed off from that path a few times, cause I thought, if people say they like the genetics parts of the game, that I should maybe work more on that...while it IS important part of the game, it was mostly meant as a tool to make players care about their kids.
and then I started doubting if this is really the game I wanted to make and feeling guilty about not fulfilling others expectations...wanting to make the game accessable when it is supposed to be hard and unforgiving....when...I need to trust my gut, that the vision I have for the game is MY vision and what made me start it in the first place, it's also likely what's gonna drive me forward.
And regarding the funding, I wished I had known/realized that about 2 years ago....when I took funding and it made me even anxious to work, because I was so afraid that I might not do "good enough" work to live up to the fundings value....kind of ironic, because they gave it to me in the first place as a starting business funding, not even related to what exactly I'm making ^^"
thanks for the first one. im pretty young for a game dev, and ive always had a little bit of trouble trying not to discontinue games or switch to another game mid development over and over and never finish a game in a million games, kept telling myself “i know u excited to work on dis game but you have to work on this game first so you dont abandon it” even though i started to like another game much more than the other that i used to really want
About funding, my tip is to try to contact a publisher that has a "fair" business model that won't take the shirt off your back.
Thank you for making this concise and not bloating the video, really appreciated
The reason that each and every human is invaluable, is because we are all unique in our own way. That's why our time is so important to others who need our skills, because it saves them theirs of having to learn it themselves.
tl;dw:
1) be smart, not stupid when necessary
2) be not stupid, be smart when necessary
Top 1 mistake not making backup of your project...
Always make a backup
i just experienced panic working and i just said "f it lets jst make this a personal milestone project just to see how far i can make a good game, and also idc if the game doesnt sell well thing is i once made a product i am proud of". it rly changes drastically work wise
I kickstarted Pinstripe because I had faith in you. Love all of your work, man. I truly wish you the best.
Wow...that was the most romantic way to say "my wife" ever...!
Can't express how thankful I am for this video. Your perspectives and advice is so insightful, unique, heartfelt and meaningful, thanks for the incredible video!
Don't seek funding with just a trailer, wait until you have a solid demo.
That aged well *cough cough* CD Project Red
I just recently watched this, this is so inspiring to me! Thank You!
Add in that your gut does not know what your limitations are. Your gut does not know you are low on cash flow. Your gut will give you good advice, but it does not know it is out of our price range or time constraints. The gut Plays Make Believe. It can make us believe in things we can do and can also make us believe in things we can not do. Knowing our limits brings balance.
I play your videos in family meetings a lot. A LOT!
It's amazing, that you come off like this very wise, and composed and cool dev... and then you left that enormous burp in the video... it took me by surprise, and cracked me up :) well placed comic relief :)
There's no one that I believe, all the time when I'm proud they pull me down. And when I'm down, they make me drying... not everyone that have the good people around you. When I have done something, my mom said I never make anything successful and I will never success in what I wish. And when I do something for too good. Mostly of the player will look for the better quality and now, I can't make any forward. Everything fall apart, dream, family, life. Maybe my mom said the truth... I never make anything success. All the idea and plot I have right now are too much for a solo project. How can you bring yourself back up again in this situation?
One of my mistakes was that I dreamed up a game, how it could be an RPG with sandbox elements and things like that for days, then when I got to the modelling part I was so demotivated I stopped there(partly because of the big project, and cause I didnt know where to start/what to do). Now how I solve this is I dont dream too big, only when I think that what I have done is the closest to good, thats when I move on to the next idea/element of the game
save the parts you find fun for when the parts you dont build up ;)
Great video, thanks! Now could you please make another one, on the topic of "how and where to find people who would actually care about you and wish you to succeed/how to be attractive enough of a person so that someone will care about you and wish you to succeed"?
1 & 2 are related to the common development concept called a "manifesto". All projects need a manifesto - an ultimate goal or single idea that drives your project.
Now this is a guy who has a good therapist.
Thank you! I appreciate that you share it publicly these things, it means a lot :) It helps to hear from someone with experience. Stay cool :)
In terms of not taking funding too early, how does that apply if you’re looking into crowdfunding
Just found out about your channel, I can relate so much about all this stuff! Keep up the good work.
Definitely gives good tips from his experience. Check out game dev underground as well. I've learned a lot.
@@indieprogress7170 Yeah I do follow GDU as well! Tim is such a great guy.
"Emotional mistakes are always way more challenging and detrimental than technical mistakes." Barely started the video and life changing TED Talk line already
You never go looking for money AFTER you run out of money. At that point most people become desperate and that's when you are most likely to take that bad deal. You may think you can hide that desperation from the money people-- but you can't.
Damn you're such a champ. 5 years is a massive project!
Simple tips but I needed to hear them at least from somebody who experienced like what I got to be submitted on my life!
Passion does not have a price my man. As we make games that would pay off we should expect our passions to pay off only emotionally as something we can always be proud of and something we were born for.
I love your passion once upon a coma seems extremely unique and quite an experience no matter whay anyone says
One of the big issues when people make these videos is the perspective. This person is not a game developer, he's an artist who became a game developer to make his art into a game.
So while some of his tips are useful, others are simply based on that perspective, while someone who started as a developer, would approach things differently (i.e expecting and planning for long development times, as any good game, takes time to make)
Mind you, I highly enjoy his games but i've always kept in mind that he's an artist first and with that, can forgive any short comings.
I'm sure these videos are useful for many people, just make sure to make it clear your background and where the perspective you present, originates from.
finally, I did feel something not right, at least I will keep in mind when watch his video, though what do you think about most of his advice in this video, which is legit ?
Great advice. You're a good egg Thomas, wishing all the best success!
Thanks, I needed that!
I am 15; I published my first Google Play game about a month ago. Could you make a video for younger developers for help on the industry and making connections. Thank You so much for all your practical and encouraging advice.
I am making my video game for 5 years now. When you started with that I was in instant like button mode.
Best video ever honestly. Thank you for the encouraging words you have motivated me. I have been putting it off for years but it has always been there in the back of my mind! The time to create is now! Thanks Thomas your a pretty cool guy.
I really love your content men. You give really nice advice. Thank you Thomas!
Wonderful!!! Those things are really necessary
For what it's worth, you made me wholesome cry at 10:11.
So in conclusion,
How to be a solo gamedev:
Have a team
Great video Thomas! thx for the information.
my wife immediately *vomits everywhere*
????? lmao
What have you been giving to your wife ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
@@GroshevNick look at 13:20, you'll understand
@@danylatulippe 💀💀💀💀
@Podcast - SørenCast Z Seriously? He begins to say "my wife", does not finish the word "wife" then belches loudly and for a good second. The OP could have used punctuation, fine, but it's quite clear. "my wife", immediately: vomits (belches almost to the point of vomiting) everywhere. Anyways... have a nice day.
Love you Thomas your videos always snap me out of depression and encourage me to keep on wish you the best
He definitely does a good job of staying positive even through all the challenges of indie game dev. He's come a long way!
Sure he does, just I wish if he would upload daily but of course its hard cause he has got stuff to do 😂😂
advice is much appreciated. thanks!
I loved your content keep it up man
I do have a minor criticism on the funding part.
Sometimes you probably shouldn't be seeking funding unless you've truly finished a game first.
Trying to do your dream project first is a huge risk and will lead to you most likely expending much time and energy and if you don't manage to connect with your audience at all, it will practically release and be forgotten instantly.
Having something small with a strong core idea is often the best approach for a new developer, that way, you can take the experience into your dream project when you believe its time to seek a publisher and hiring employees/contractors for larger games. Even if your first project doesn't get much attention, if its priced properly, it may gain you residual income later.
like the progress bar! Clever
You deserved a thumb up just for the belch at 13:20
Thomas brush, professional gut truster
Petition to thomas to make once upon a coma screensavers
Do you have a list of the equipment you use? Ive seen the "pen and pad" on a few dev videos now what is that called? Great vid by the way!
Do you mean a graphics tablet?
Great tips. thanks!
Hi 🙋♂️ I love the tips! Emotional mistakes are the worst. Sometimes it can be hard to take an element out of your game that you love... even if it doesn't work and is the right thing to do!! 👍❤
Should you pitch your game like on kickstarter, or should you make devlogs and start patreon with rewards? Or maybe both?
My idea was to let future players help funding in trade for content in game and full access to devlogs.
And later once there is a demo and precentable start the kickstarter.
What is your opinion on it or your way to go?
Wow! You're the creator who made Once Upon A Coma! I watched MatPat playing it and I really liked it!
Great stuff! I'm solo dev too and I'm entering 6th year of production :)
Dude thank you so much!
From where I could get publishers for my game?
go in internet search for indie game publishers
Post it on gamejolt or itch.io
In spite of your "mistakes", you still succeeded. Nice. The main hurdle I have to deal with is that, thanks to the economic shutdown last year, I have been forced to live with mom. So, she is my financial supporter, so to speak, even though she would prefer it if I got a real job. (I can't, don't ask me why). The main hurdle here, is the constant nagging to get for me to get a job. The constant negativity towards not only my project, but the fact I get to be at home while she goes out to work. Her negativity causes me to me negative towards myself at times. I wish she would shut the hell up, leave me be, and have faith in what I am doing instead of being jealous. It isn't like being at home doing pixel art, coding, or script writing is all fun and games. It is hard on my back, eyes, and neck just like any "real" job. Sometimes it is boring as all hell. (I don't like doing pixel art trees, lol and sometimes animation is a chore). i simply wish she would understand and stop her jealous negativity. If she was home all the time, she would waste it watching TV.
Oh well, I may not even live long enough to for this game to see the light of day. If my mom really cared, she would blow money treating my cancer instead of buying useless crap she doesn't need.....
Thanks for the video. Now, I am off to finish this god damned tree. :p
What type of game art is your games considered