Thanks for watching! Hope you learned a ton. Check out Gamify and use the discount code ThomasBrush20 to get 20% off! ► 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
Man, the line about "when you were in kindergarten your view of yourself might have been more accurate than when you was in high school" Hit so deep. So accurate - for me at least.
@Amber I think your self conscious about yourself, because you aren't as successful as him, and dont know how to work as hard as him. Sorry to burst your bubble.
Personally, I worked very hard in High School and that has allowed me to go to college starting in the fall almost entirely debt-free. I think there are a lot of ways to get into indie gamedev, and some are simply safer than others. Because I'm going into Computer Science, I can sharpen my programming skills, prepare myself for a stronger career, but also work on gamedev as a hobby, and can turn it into something bigger if it is viable. That being said, I agree with a lot of your points and it can be a risky bet, but for many, that is worth it because they pursued their passion regardless.
I had the same plan. I went to a game programming BSc in uni, with the plan to fall back on programming. In the end I worked at Tt-Games for 5 years and I'm now trying my hand at the indie thing. Learning unity as I've mainly just used in house stuff before, and SDL etc for smaller projects. Got about a years worth of savings so hopefully I'll have something worthwhile in a few months.
@@mejdlocraftci It didn't. I kind of developed tech for a bit but got stuck on what I wanted to make. I didn't have a clear picture of what I wanted to make before quitting, as my contract I was under was quite strict. After a few months I decided to return to professional game-dev, but the company I'm with now allows people to work on their own projects so I've still got the option if inspiration finally strikes. So even though it didn't go the way I wanted I'm still better of than I was before.
I always think: why not both? I'm in college AND doing game dev. I always think of a plan B/C/D... My game might be in slow development, but I'm doing what I like while sticking to a career that may give me stable income. If in future I become too busy to make my game, then I would hire people to help me with the money of the job. Maybe it can work for me because I'm not worried about making a family, it's not a priority in my life. I think people need to think out of the box sometimes.
This!!! What you stated, people need to understand!! Going to college is not a waste of time. Maybe she will learn something that she likes even better!
I couldn't agree with you more! I'm also working on my game as a side passion project all while having a stable financial situation which allows me to have enough free time. Just focusing on passion without a solid financial plan is a bit silly imo. What if the game/s you work on barely sell? How many 'not as successful' games can you sustain yourself with before needing to go back to a more regular job to pay bills?
I work as Software Engineer full time, and making games in my free time. It's possible specially for simple games. I have projects on hold, what I need to finish them?? disciplin, priority, focus..
Whoa I've been thinking of starting game development and I'm in college. Also your point of having plans B/C... I have been thinking and starting to do the same way!
I am a mobile developer full time work and i love programming. I always thought making games was boring, but for some reason, some months ago i just tried it, and now... i love it lol It just gives us so much freedom to express ourselves in any way we want and imagine. It even alleviates the stress. Let's see how it goes. Good video Thomas!
hey, I'm an architect full of game ideas and couldn't create a finished game coz of my programming limitation, so if you're interested maybe we could collaborate!!!
It's so refreshing to see a video like this, thank you!! I resonated so much with whoever sent this email, and with your response (especially about seeing how our younger selves were so much more in touch with who we really are/want to be). I recently graduated with a degree in computer science, but towards the end came to realize that taking the "expected" route of working for a big tech company writing meaningless code doesn't appeal to me at all. I've always loved art, storytelling, and technology and in the last few weeks decided to start making games for kids. The freedom that I've felt incorporating everything I love while creating things that I find purpose in is something I know I'd never feel working a desk job. I feel even more inspired to continue, and I know it'll pay off in the end. Thank you again!
I'm on the same boat as you. I'm a CS grad and I have worked at my current job for 4 years, but really want to be challenged more with complex code and also express myself artistically. I will disagree with his approach for people that want to play it safe. I think it's great you already studied CS. Since you already studied CS, I would recommend working in software development for a while, and maybe try to transition to programming game development at big companies with similar salaries. With how high software development salaries are, If you work for a few years while being really frugal and investing most your income you will have a huge safety net to fully pursue whatever you want in the future and not worry. I personally plan to work salaried longer, while preparing for indie/solo game development, and "retire" early on passive income. By retire I really just mean working on my own games full time.
2 years back, i started making art using blender i enjoyed to do it and other people really liked my work so i start learning other software too, substance painter, making animations, photoshop , gaea and slowly i get into unreal engine. And making my first game because i like it. I like the feeling of creating something and showing it to my friends and family to get there wow reaction.
This video really talked to me. Since my childhood, I knew that I want to be an author. In my early 20's I invested around 2 years in writing, and then take a loan to translate my book into English since in my small home country you can't make a living as an author. I failed to find an agent which apparently is a must if you want to reach publishers. Self-publishing is out-of-the-window considering success is 100% publicity-based. This experience has evolved me, and I realized that things aren't gonna happen just because you believe they are destined to happen. Life is like rolling a dice and hoping for a 6. It probably won't happen on the first roll, so you collect chances where each is a new roll. With It being so risky, I left the writing world and went on a journey, just like Thomas said, that ended up with me becoming a web developer. I'l be honest, I hate my job. I don't care about working for others and doing boring tasks, but investing years in writing and maybe only failing is not an option for me. I am also very excited about game dev, but that is just as risky. With all that being said, just like Thomas, I can't give up on my freedom to pursue what I love. I'm planning to develop tools and websites in the next years that will generate me passive income. With that, I'll be able to quit my job, keep developing these until I feel truly safe, and then pursue what I really want to.
You'll never know what the future holds. I love story-craft also, I find the mechanics of story an excellent field to study - ten years I spent on it, but I think you have to be prolific in your output in terms of prose to make money. I kinda realised, as much as I love it, it wasn't for me. Now, I have a day job, that pays the bills. Currently, in my spare time I develop narrative driven adventure VR games (one published, working on the next). Hopefully, the more I work in this, the more I can make from it and eventually switch and be full-time with developing. It's never too late. work hard, focus, sacrifice and keep shooting for that end goal.
I just have to say that this is amazing advice. I myself am 16 and constantly there's this worry about money but in the end, money shouldn't matter. Money is a bonus to being able to express yourself and share your stories. I hope soon that I can publish my first game soon. thank you for this!
@@damankhaira7952 I'm suffering trying to make my game for a game jam, I meet bugs, I fix it and I always wonder if there are better inbuilt fixes in the engine.
I have completed my Undergraduation in medical field too and decided to not pursue further and work on my interests as ultimately my happiness & interests matter.I'm still 24 so there's still time for myself.After a while our job as doctors is boring and hectic eventhough we save others but without passion we can't sustain in the career for lifetime.
Thanks for sharing this story and these ideas, it was helpful :) I am working a fulltime job in retail and in my free time working on my art and writing. Recently games caught my interest and I will be trying to make a visual novel and recording my process :)
Just so you know, you were a stepping stone for me. I used to want to design games as a kid and even took a class in high school. When they canceled the program I kind of gave up and moved on to different things. I didn’t really know how to code and my digital art didn’t feel good enough. I realize now it was just a harsh self critique. That it’s less about how you do it and more about doing it. Little studios like you and team cherry made me believe and realize; you don’t have to be the best to get started. You just have to be you.
I love how our guy casually placed a "What Worries Japanese Girls about Dating Western Guys" video in the "How to make games playlist". Thomas is a man of culture I see.
This just became my favorite video you have made Thomas. As someone who's spent many, many years following the "safe and stable" path that paid very well but filled me with no joy and no freedom, your words ring true. Living a life where you can pursue your passions and be free is 100x better than a stable corporate one that makes you miserable. Even if you have to survive on 1/10 the income for a little while, it's worth it.
Plus I feel like he is encouraging using your time well, we don't live forever so just doing things that give you joy instead of stress will make your life that much better. This video is gold!
the beauty of this video the silent background, your voice, the tone of the video and everything makes me think that your talking about me directly which feels very calming *considering the current situation of this year* thank you for all of the advice that you shared to us it was very helpful and i hope that right how your having a great day!~ *at the end of the day game developing is not all about the money its about a person's passion, if your not passionate about game developing and just pursuing it for the sake of earning an easy income with a half bake resolve... well goodluck i guess... since that was me at first because i wanted my family to stop forcing to doing something i dont like but i remembers my passion and admiration for making games*
Thomas, I know this video is a year old now but you continue to be an inspiration for me with every video you put out. Your morals and dedication to what you love are motivating for us at square one. You are one of my idols and I’m striving to be as successful as you someday. My only regret is I didn’t find your channel sooner. Keep up the great work!
I had Thomas’s thought process a while back myself! I was a high school math teacher, but just wanted to see if I could chase my dreams of making games for a living, just so I didn’t regret not giving it a shot. A few years later I got a job at a small studio, have been there for 3 years now, and have never looked back!
Thomas, I think a lot of people needs to see and listen to this video. I got goosebumps a couple of times on how accurate you describe the struggle and endeavour of the creative spirit. And such a calm, mature and pleasant way to talk about it. Freedom is the key, and with it, everything flows. Been through this journey myself. Been on both sides. Working for 13 years and busting my ass off for someone else just to get a decent income to pay for a car that I need for work and a home that I'm not living in, because I'm more at work. Now, I'm a entrepreneur and I'm free to do things my own way and working from home and with my wife. But as you said, with the freedom you need discipline. Discipline that I earned by working for 13 years. Besides my entrepreneurship, I'm following my dream of game development on my free time. And by living in this freedom, my creativity is always nearby for anything I want to try or do. And... I just love life more than ever, and I'm just in my mid 30. Keep up the great work. Love your spirit and your energy!
Great vid man. Ive recently subscribed to your channel. I think another important thing to mention in regards to indie game dev is be realistic in what sort of game you want to make. A solo dev building an online multiplayer 3rd person shooter with beautiful environments,awesome characters ,and great mechanics etc etc is going to be a massive undertaking. Even if a person has the skills required to do it, it will be a quite the task . I myself use ue4 and I see so many people trying to build huge games on their own which is great for learning, but realistically that type of game is not what an indie dev should want to pursue to try make money imo.
I don't understand why people need to take such drastic measures as career change. The best thing about game dev is that you can do it in your free time, see if you like it, if you are good at it and than decide to switch careers. I mean you can do it with practically 0$ of you have a pc/laptop. You don't need to be afraid to do it, nothing to lose but everything to gain
I love how positive he is, found him while researching tips on becoming a game dev and he’s inspired some real confidence in me to actual start making games. Keep up the good work :)
I think this is great advice. When I was still in high school my main passions were video games and music, I knew a bit about programming too... Sadly, I never considered learning game development so I went to college and graduated in civil engineering, luckily in my country, public education has the best quality and it's basically free. A couple of years have passed and I just picked game development as a hobbie because all of the free time I've had during quarantine. Now I regret not starting early, I went for the "stable" path but wish I could take it all back and do the things I really liked. It sounds super cheesy, but if you feel like you could be great at something just go for it, money comes and goes but freedom can't be bought.
Hey Thomas!! your videos always bring some sort of discipline and existentialism of life. Thank you for keeping our spirit strong. I was one of Sarah. I studied biology in my high school thinking of getting a medical degrees, graduated from electronics and communication engineering later on just for the sake of degree, got bored, and turned into a web developer. Now I finally released my first game on play store after eight months of dedication and investment in Unity. Thank you for inspiring us and making our souls alive.
I wish I had a passion for something. And yeah saying making decent money doesn't bring happiness or joy may be cliche but it's still true. I have a Camaro and other "nice" things but it doesn't fill the "void".
I know how you feel. Trying to get into game development but I don't feel that spark. Maybe I lack discipline? I don't know but hopefully I can figure this out.
I don't really pursue game dev so much anymore but I still follow you. I think this is great advice for life in general, not just game dev. Keep it up I love your content!
You’ve inspired me to start game development. I’ve always been interested in the different aspects of game development, music production, graphic design, coding, marketing and accounting. I am an avid gamer. Only recently am I combining them. I’m in my senior year of college, majoring in finance, and it doesn’t bring me joy, it’s a safe option. Tbh I am a lot like Sarah, I have tried anything and everything under the sun. My friends think I’m going to give up on this too, but I’m determined to at least make one complete game! Let’s see where I am in a year 😁
You are such a reasonable person. It's a pleasure to follow your talking points where they take you. I'd love to hear your take on "general life advice" if you choose to make such a video.
Great job Thomas! Hats off for both your games, they are pure arts. The fact that there are game developers out there who choose storytelling over non-artistic, procedural designed, aimless-killing oriented games is really make me fall in love with the game industry all over again. A quick question though, you published your first game on steam yourself when nobody knew you, what convince you to choose a publisher for second one? What a publisher bring to table that you can not bring yourself?
Thank you Thomas. I’ve always wanted to create my own worlds but always fell into shiny object syndrome. I realized game development is what I should do since it combines all of my favorite things creatively.
The advise that you give, that fredom is the foundation of joy is true. Two years ago I´ve quit my job and completly focused on my passion, which is creating art and video games. I´ve never regretted the decision, not even for a single moment. Thomas your talks always bring me joy aswell , thank you.
Allow me to say this: I envy you. Nowdays I'm a lawyer, but I've always been passionate about games. Love developing games, even through it's frustrating at times. I'm 31 right now, don't need to feed anyone else but myself, but man...I really love freedom. Thanks a lot for this video, it was what I needed to further pursue my dreams.
Thanks for the "if you are 17 to 29 years old". I'm 28 and always wanted to make games, and I started this life only 6 months ago. Now I feel I am not too old to start something I like from scratch
I've been a one man dev team for the last two years. Thank you for your videos. I started raw. What engine's should I use. How to implement my idea's and forge that into a game. I have stacks of cheap one dollar note books full of notes and idea's. I credit my wife who, after watching me getting frustrated and close to just giving up, walked in with a stack of them and put them on my desk. Basically she believed in me so now I've got several games almost done. Plus game supplement books for Pathfinder. A board game. As well as a family friendly rpg card game being play tested to work out the kinks. If you want to do it. Then charge forward and go for it. Its the greatest decision I ever made .
I tried explaining this to my family and friends but they just don't get it. Their opinions mean nothing to me anyway, I'm not letting anyone get in the way of my dream.
"Their opinions mean nothing to me anyway" I chuckled at this cause I always say this too and it reminds me of me. ALWAYS and I mean always think like that. Never let anyone put doubts in you. You got this
It's fortuitous that I happened on this video today. I've been bashing my head against a wall trying to work out what I want to do, and this video helped me get a grip on what I ACTUALLY WANT to do. And I feel like there's a clearer route to follow
Man, this one hit home. I've never commented on one of your videos, but I've followed you for years. Great work, congrats on the success, and many wishes to you and yours moving forward for more success and growth, Thomas!
Watching this video made me realize how lucky I am to have a supportive group of family and friends. I walked away from Walmart after 8 years of hating my job, and in the last 2-3 months started work on game dev, and all my family and friends have believed in me from the start. I still deal with imposter syndrome, depression, etc etc but I am so much happier now than I was 6 months ago. You’re videos have helped me not only make decisions about what to do ( along with other peoples advice ) but to find confidence in myself to call myself a game developer. I hope to soonishly share my game with you and the world
WOW, just found your channel and I agree with pretty much everything you said here! I'm an independent toy maker, I come up with tons of original characters, I sculpt, mold, cast...I can draw and paint (only those skills are more rusty since I sculpt constantly)..and I love to write. I worked at Wayforward briefly in 2012 as a game tester, but did a little art assistance for them in Photoshop, and then some pixel animation cleanup work for them from home...I have worked in special FX briefly, and worked for a big toy company for a few years, so I've dabbled in a few creative industries and my calling seems to be toys and games, but it's a bit of a learning curb sicne I'm a traditional artist in most ways. And you know what? I dropped out of high school, and never even got my GED. School can dull a person's critical thinking, and boldness...it forces us into boxes, and I think it's a great hindrance to someone's imagination, as the structure of school constantly suppresses that. My success has been patchy, I have not been able to fully support myself living in such an expensive state (California), but I'm learning to get to a place to change that..I am pushing extra hard with my original stuff and hoping to create a video game based on my characters I make toys of, and my storytelling. I have a LITTLE bit of animation experience too so I'll be drawing and animating my characters, and my dad is an incredible song writer and guitar player, so he'll be doing the music :). My fiance and I, and some friends will be doing some minimal voice work (it'll most likely be a retro style game with simple graphics loaded with personality).Thanks for what you're doing with these videos, I just subbed tonight. I could not agree more about the importance of personal freedom, normal jobs are soul crushing when you have an unshakable creative drive and need to express through art!
I have a similar situation Im currently 28 and Ive published 8 mobiles game non of which did great ive only made $7USD from my 5 years of making game. Obviously Im doing 2 jobs I hate right now lol. But as a kid i wanted to be an architect the through high school that changed to an artist which I pursued and completed my degree in BS focused on Graphic design. Here I am now sitting on my debt and degree out of my field and currently only wanting to be a full time game designer for the same reason as you Thomas. I love the idea of making something from nothing, creating worlds but its hard to do while working 2 jobs, which im in no position to just leave.
Thank you, that's what I was doing jumping from a passion to another passion, I sometimes doubted whether I was doing the right thing. Looking at myself now, I have managed to master many different skills but still hasn't been lucky in getting the job I want but let's hope that will happen soon.
I sometimes get annoyed but how much he tries to advertises his video game, but then I realized this is definitely better than watching unrelated youtube ads or a sponsor trying to sell some type of wallet or something (melon?). In the end, what is better than advertising your own game, your own product, or your own piece of art? This is really an honor to advertise "your video game", and I am really happy for Thomas Brush. Keep up the good work!
I'm 3/4 quarter progress on this story. I went to college, got a degree in IT...however, I am not really drawn to my line of study necessarily. After graduation last December, looking for work and the events of Covid have dwindled my options. I have always been an artist at heart, so, recently I decided solo game development is yelling my name. Thanks for the vids!
Just something, you can work to make money to support yourself without having to enjoy it. You can always have hobbies, and they don’t have to be connected to work.
Unfortunately, your freelance income would heavily taxed in my country. If I had enough money to put it in the bank to earn interest, the state would tax it twice... so here in my country you can't be free if you are not rich... And I am not talking about I would like to be rich no... I just would do what I really like but I can't because in my country its more difficult to do such thing like game dev... or freelance stuffs
He looks at me with those blue, deep like ocean, wonderful eyes and says with pinch of wonder, excitement and cheeky smile : "hey...wow...hi..." Oh yes, we melt. :D
Awesome video man, Your perspective aligns with mine and that of a lot of people. It's great too see someone spending time on telling this to people who aren't sure what to do yet!
Kindergarten = I wanna be a doctor! Middle school = I wanna be a race car driver (F1), Somewhere around highschool = I wanna be a game designer.. and stuck through with it but had to change career as IT dev/programmer in my mid 20's......... I still wanna try and be a game dev or indie dev which I started but I dont see much of "survival" from that.... Considering i'm a person with special needs in a wheelchair, I have to get a decent secure jobs. My dream is still out there and I find you as an inspiration Thomas.
The income level is nonexistant for 90% of solo indie dev. Either you are known or nobody will care about your game, especially when the market is so much flooded with cheap stuff.
Thomas I like your point discipline and I like how you support both the Indie developers and those who want to go to the tech colleges. I worked with a small startup game company. However we couldn't reach our goal with Kickstarter, so it's back to the drawing board. I like the idea of being Indie/freelancer, but I'm also thinking of a smaller game studio (as I work better in smaller groups). Perhaps you can offer advice on portfolios?
10.000 a year is a fortune in Argentina, the currency is so devaluated… This same applies for any other country that doesnt use either dollars or euros.
Your other option is to get a normal job (or career?) and do game dev on the side. You would have a steady income to support yourself until you can survive only doing game dev. But you would have to give up your freedom and be tied to a job.
I always get this, especially after leaving college "You haven't made $1 Million yet? So making games isn't a real job?" and ah; it gets me every time. While I've turned down job offers; I also love the freedom that being an indie dev specifically a solo dev with some outside help from time to time give Some people love money, I love to have money to explore life; but money isn't life. If I could have an alright apartment, decent food; and be able to wake up drink some coffee and makes games I'd be in heaven.
@@sloketamang1623 well I don't think anybody knows how game development is going to be in 50+ years and you have talents where you should be able to transfer into other careers of you fail
My life was pure suffering. Last year, I found out that living with my father was a lot safer than my mom and step-father. I have been so thwarted over the years that even though I was always trying my best to work on viable projects, I had very little progress and I have had to rethink so much over the past year. I have a much clearer sense of what is viable for me, but I am already 29. I have to keep hoping there is more time for me.
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Thanks for watching! Hope you learned a ton.
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How come the pinned comment only has 6 likes?
Man, the line about "when you were in kindergarten your view of yourself might have been more accurate than when you was in high school"
Hit so deep. So accurate - for me at least.
I finished my animation 3D degrees.
I'm making my own 2D game in Unity. I'm going wild.
Yeah but I bet you've learnt many interchangeable skills and have developed a great mindset on how tackle difficult tasks.
Hey Thomas! you have such a real way of talking to people. Think theirs a lot of ’Sarah’s’ out there which will get a lot from this video :)
@Amber I think your self conscious about yourself, because you aren't as successful as him, and dont know how to work as hard as him. Sorry to burst your bubble.
@H#X dude, don't be a douche bag
Personally, I worked very hard in High School and that has allowed me to go to college starting in the fall almost entirely debt-free. I think there are a lot of ways to get into indie gamedev, and some are simply safer than others. Because I'm going into Computer Science, I can sharpen my programming skills, prepare myself for a stronger career, but also work on gamedev as a hobby, and can turn it into something bigger if it is viable. That being said, I agree with a lot of your points and it can be a risky bet, but for many, that is worth it because they pursued their passion regardless.
I had the same plan. I went to a game programming BSc in uni, with the plan to fall back on programming. In the end I worked at Tt-Games for 5 years and I'm now trying my hand at the indie thing. Learning unity as I've mainly just used in house stuff before, and SDL etc for smaller projects. Got about a years worth of savings so hopefully I'll have something worthwhile in a few months.
@@Bozemoto hope it worked out
@@mejdlocraftci It didn't. I kind of developed tech for a bit but got stuck on what I wanted to make. I didn't have a clear picture of what I wanted to make before quitting, as my contract I was under was quite strict. After a few months I decided to return to professional game-dev, but the company I'm with now allows people to work on their own projects so I've still got the option if inspiration finally strikes. So even though it didn't go the way I wanted I'm still better of than I was before.
@@Bozemoto lmao so you got a regular computer science job
@@ProdbyHway For a bit, now I'm back in games again. Got freedom to do what I want in my spare time though. So a step up, plus salary is way better.
I always think: why not both? I'm in college AND doing game dev. I always think of a plan B/C/D... My game might be in slow development, but I'm doing what I like while sticking to a career that may give me stable income. If in future I become too busy to make my game, then I would hire people to help me with the money of the job. Maybe it can work for me because I'm not worried about making a family, it's not a priority in my life. I think people need to think out of the box sometimes.
This!!!
What you stated, people need to understand!! Going to college is not a waste of time. Maybe she will learn something that she likes even better!
I couldn't agree with you more! I'm also working on my game as a side passion project all while having a stable financial situation which allows me to have enough free time. Just focusing on passion without a solid financial plan is a bit silly imo. What if the game/s you work on barely sell? How many 'not as successful' games can you sustain yourself with before needing to go back to a more regular job to pay bills?
@@Ric_93 well well well Ric, looks like we meet again
I work as Software Engineer full time, and making games in my free time. It's possible specially for simple games. I have projects on hold, what I need to finish them?? disciplin, priority, focus..
Whoa I've been thinking of starting game development and I'm in college. Also your point of having plans B/C... I have been thinking and starting to do the same way!
"Maybe I'm too old for TikTok" - Yeah, I know the feels.
Im 20 and i think I'm too old too.
@@glassystudio lol it be like that sometimes.
“freedom is the foundation to my joy” - powerful words
Loved Neversong and can't wait to see what You're up to next, bud! Surely that 3D game You were working on will be a blast!
I am a mobile developer full time work and i love programming. I always thought making games was boring, but for some reason, some months ago i just tried it, and now... i love it lol
It just gives us so much freedom to express ourselves in any way we want and imagine. It even alleviates the stress. Let's see how it goes.
Good video Thomas!
hey, I'm an architect full of game ideas and couldn't create a finished game coz of my programming limitation, so if you're interested maybe we could collaborate!!!
It's so refreshing to see a video like this, thank you!! I resonated so much with whoever sent this email, and with your response (especially about seeing how our younger selves were so much more in touch with who we really are/want to be). I recently graduated with a degree in computer science, but towards the end came to realize that taking the "expected" route of working for a big tech company writing meaningless code doesn't appeal to me at all. I've always loved art, storytelling, and technology and in the last few weeks decided to start making games for kids. The freedom that I've felt incorporating everything I love while creating things that I find purpose in is something I know I'd never feel working a desk job. I feel even more inspired to continue, and I know it'll pay off in the end. Thank you again!
I'm on the same boat as you.
I'm a CS grad and I have worked at my current job for 4 years, but really want to be challenged more with complex code and also express myself artistically.
I will disagree with his approach for people that want to play it safe. I think it's great you already studied CS. Since you already studied CS, I would recommend working in software development for a while, and maybe try to transition to programming game development at big companies with similar salaries. With how high software development salaries are, If you work for a few years while being really frugal and investing most your income you will have a huge safety net to fully pursue whatever you want in the future and not worry.
I personally plan to work salaried longer, while preparing for indie/solo game development, and "retire" early on passive income. By retire I really just mean working on my own games full time.
2 years back, i started making art using blender i enjoyed to do it and other people really liked my work so i start learning other software too, substance painter, making animations, photoshop , gaea and slowly i get into unreal engine. And making my first game because i like it. I like the feeling of creating something and showing it to my friends and family to get there wow reaction.
This video really talked to me. Since my childhood, I knew that I want to be an author. In my early 20's I invested around 2 years in writing, and then take a loan to translate my book into English since in my small home country you can't make a living as an author. I failed to find an agent which apparently is a must if you want to reach publishers. Self-publishing is out-of-the-window considering success is 100% publicity-based.
This experience has evolved me, and I realized that things aren't gonna happen just because you believe they are destined to happen. Life is like rolling a dice and hoping for a 6. It probably won't happen on the first roll, so you collect chances where each is a new roll.
With It being so risky, I left the writing world and went on a journey, just like Thomas said, that ended up with me becoming a web developer.
I'l be honest, I hate my job. I don't care about working for others and doing boring tasks, but investing years in writing and maybe only failing is not an option for me. I am also very excited about game dev, but that is just as risky.
With all that being said, just like Thomas, I can't give up on my freedom to pursue what I love. I'm planning to develop tools and websites in the next years that will generate me passive income. With that, I'll be able to quit my job, keep developing these until I feel truly safe, and then pursue what I really want to.
I feel you man...
You'll never know what the future holds. I love story-craft also, I find the mechanics of story an excellent field to study - ten years I spent on it, but I think you have to be prolific in your output in terms of prose to make money. I kinda realised, as much as I love it, it wasn't for me.
Now, I have a day job, that pays the bills. Currently, in my spare time I develop narrative driven adventure VR games (one published, working on the next). Hopefully, the more I work in this, the more I can make from it and eventually switch and be full-time with developing.
It's never too late. work hard, focus, sacrifice and keep shooting for that end goal.
Dont give up on your dream no matter what
I just have to say that this is amazing advice. I myself am 16 and constantly there's this worry about money but in the end, money shouldn't matter. Money is a bonus to being able to express yourself and share your stories. I hope soon that I can publish my first game soon. thank you for this!
I have worked in the medical field for 9yrs now but I love game dev, only if I could do it all over again! lol
Take ur free time to learn and make a game to see if ur good! It'll be slow but maybe you can actually make great games who knows? Trying is never bad
@@damankhaira7952 I'm suffering trying to make my game for a game jam, I meet bugs, I fix it and I always wonder if there are better inbuilt fixes in the engine.
I have completed my Undergraduation in medical field too and decided to not pursue further and work on my interests as ultimately my happiness & interests matter.I'm still 24 so there's still time for myself.After a while our job as doctors is boring and hectic eventhough we save others but without passion we can't sustain in the career for lifetime.
@@damankhaira7952 You should help @K Bii out, he seeks your attention.
@@mryup6100 you cute
It's so easy to be stuck in the mindset of our peers without trying to go further. Thanks for the message!
Thanks for sharing this story and these ideas, it was helpful :) I am working a fulltime job in retail and in my free time working on my art and writing. Recently games caught my interest and I will be trying to make a visual novel and recording my process :)
Me in 1st Grade: I wanna be a game designer
Me at the end of sophomore year: _making a game_
That's wholesome
But you don't need to go to college to male a game...
Necrago, I’m not sure what this reply has to do with my comment but I know that
Just so you know, you were a stepping stone for me. I used to want to design games as a kid and even took a class in high school. When they canceled the program I kind of gave up and moved on to different things. I didn’t really know how to code and my digital art didn’t feel good enough. I realize now it was just a harsh self critique. That it’s less about how you do it and more about doing it. Little studios like you and team cherry made me believe and realize; you don’t have to be the best to get started. You just have to be you.
I never thought I'd hear of another home-schooling game dev. I'm doing year 11 atm, but going to study game design for a year at school
Oh, I'm sure there's a lot of us out there, the social hermits we are :P
Hello friend!
Love the honesty in this vid! The creative industry needs more people like yourself!
Man I learned so much from you. Illustration, animating, and unity. No other tutorials help as much as yours, you deserve more subs.
I love how our guy casually placed a "What Worries Japanese Girls about Dating Western Guys" video in the "How to make games playlist". Thomas is a man of culture I see.
This just became my favorite video you have made Thomas. As someone who's spent many, many years following the "safe and stable" path that paid very well but filled me with no joy and no freedom, your words ring true. Living a life where you can pursue your passions and be free is 100x better than a stable corporate one that makes you miserable. Even if you have to survive on 1/10 the income for a little while, it's worth it.
Plus I feel like he is encouraging using your time well, we don't live forever so just doing things that give you joy instead of stress will make your life that much better. This video is gold!
I'm 21 years old and I never thought of this to try out everything until I find what I like, Thanks for the advice!
This is a great philosophy! I wish I've tried more things after graduating instead of sticking to my job but I still have time.
the beauty of this video the silent background, your voice, the tone of the video and everything makes me think that your talking about me directly which feels very calming *considering the current situation of this year* thank you for all of the advice that you shared to us it was very helpful and i hope that right how your having a great day!~
*at the end of the day game developing is not all about the money its about a person's passion, if your not passionate about game developing and just pursuing it for the sake of earning an easy income with a half bake resolve... well goodluck i guess... since that was me at first because i wanted my family to stop forcing to doing something i dont like but i remembers my passion and admiration for making games*
Pursuing discipline, learning is never enough or superfluous.
Thanks for sharing Thomas.
Thomas, I know this video is a year old now but you continue to be an inspiration for me with every video you put out. Your morals and dedication to what you love are motivating for us at square one. You are one of my idols and I’m striving to be as successful as you someday. My only regret is I didn’t find your channel sooner. Keep up the great work!
I had Thomas’s thought process a while back myself! I was a high school math teacher, but just wanted to see if I could chase my dreams of making games for a living, just so I didn’t regret not giving it a shot. A few years later I got a job at a small studio, have been there for 3 years now, and have never looked back!
Thomas, I think a lot of people needs to see and listen to this video. I got goosebumps a couple of times on how accurate you describe the struggle and endeavour of the creative spirit. And such a calm, mature and pleasant way to talk about it.
Freedom is the key, and with it, everything flows.
Been through this journey myself. Been on both sides. Working for 13 years and busting my ass off for someone else just to get a decent income to pay for a car that I need for work and a home that I'm not living in, because I'm more at work. Now, I'm a entrepreneur and I'm free to do things my own way and working from home and with my wife. But as you said, with the freedom you need discipline. Discipline that I earned by working for 13 years. Besides my entrepreneurship, I'm following my dream of game development on my free time. And by living in this freedom, my creativity is always nearby for anything I want to try or do. And... I just love life more than ever, and I'm just in my mid 30.
Keep up the great work. Love your spirit and your energy!
Great vid man. Ive recently subscribed to your channel.
I think another important thing to mention in regards to indie game dev is be realistic in what sort of game you want to make. A solo dev building an online multiplayer 3rd person shooter with beautiful environments,awesome characters ,and great mechanics etc etc is going to be a massive undertaking. Even if a person has the skills required to do it, it will be a quite the task . I myself use ue4 and I see so many people trying to build huge games on their own which is great for learning, but realistically that type of game is not what an indie dev should want to pursue to try make money imo.
I don't understand why people need to take such drastic measures as career change. The best thing about game dev is that you can do it in your free time, see if you like it, if you are good at it and than decide to switch careers. I mean you can do it with practically 0$ of you have a pc/laptop. You don't need to be afraid to do it, nothing to lose but everything to gain
I love how positive he is, found him while researching tips on becoming a game dev and he’s inspired some real confidence in me to actual start making games. Keep up the good work :)
I think this is great advice. When I was still in high school my main passions were video games and music, I knew a bit about programming too... Sadly, I never considered learning game development so I went to college and graduated in civil engineering, luckily in my country, public education has the best quality and it's basically free. A couple of years have passed and I just picked game development as a hobbie because all of the free time I've had during quarantine. Now I regret not starting early, I went for the "stable" path but wish I could take it all back and do the things I really liked. It sounds super cheesy, but if you feel like you could be great at something just go for it, money comes and goes but freedom can't be bought.
Hey Thomas!! your videos always bring some sort of discipline and existentialism of life. Thank you for keeping our spirit strong. I was one of Sarah. I studied biology in my high school thinking of getting a medical degrees, graduated from electronics and communication engineering later on just for the sake of degree, got bored, and turned into a web developer. Now I finally released my first game on play store after eight months of dedication and investment in Unity. Thank you for inspiring us and making our souls alive.
I wish I had a passion for something. And yeah saying making decent money doesn't bring happiness or joy may be cliche but it's still true. I have a Camaro and other "nice" things but it doesn't fill the "void".
I know how you feel.
Trying to get into game development but I don't feel that spark.
Maybe I lack discipline? I don't know but hopefully I can figure this out.
I don't really pursue game dev so much anymore but I still follow you. I think this is great advice for life in general, not just game dev. Keep it up I love your content!
This video is profoundly honest and introspective - well spoken Thomas! I agree with these points wholeheartedly.
You’ve inspired me to start game development. I’ve always been interested in the different aspects of game development, music production, graphic design, coding, marketing and accounting. I am an avid gamer. Only recently am I combining them. I’m in my senior year of college, majoring in finance, and it doesn’t bring me joy, it’s a safe option.
Tbh I am a lot like Sarah, I have tried anything and everything under the sun. My friends think I’m going to give up on this too, but I’m determined to at least make one complete game! Let’s see where I am in a year 😁
[7:00] "freedom is the foundation of my joy"
You are such a reasonable person. It's a pleasure to follow your talking points where they take you. I'd love to hear your take on "general life advice" if you choose to make such a video.
Great job Thomas! Hats off for both your games, they are pure arts.
The fact that there are game developers out there who choose storytelling over non-artistic, procedural designed, aimless-killing oriented games is really make me fall in love with the game industry all over again.
A quick question though, you published your first game on steam yourself when nobody knew you, what convince you to choose a publisher for second one? What a publisher bring to table that you can not bring yourself?
This is why I love your channel. You don't only talk about game dev but also about life on the side of game dev. It's really uplifting and inspiring.
Thank you Thomas. I’ve always wanted to create my own worlds but always fell into shiny object syndrome. I realized game development is what I should do since it combines all of my favorite things creatively.
The advise that you give, that fredom is the foundation of joy is true.
Two years ago I´ve quit my job and completly focused on my passion, which is creating art and video games.
I´ve never regretted the decision, not even for a single moment.
Thomas your talks always bring me joy aswell , thank you.
Allow me to say this: I envy you. Nowdays I'm a lawyer, but I've always been passionate about games. Love developing games, even through it's frustrating at times. I'm 31 right now, don't need to feed anyone else but myself, but man...I really love freedom. Thanks a lot for this video, it was what I needed to further pursue my dreams.
Thanks for the "if you are 17 to 29 years old". I'm 28 and always wanted to make games, and I started this life only 6 months ago. Now I feel I am not too old to start something I like from scratch
I started game dev seriously in my early forties. You're never too old. :D
@@doghous3 Thanks for the message! I released my first game and I'm not stopping anytime soon :)
@@Videogueimeiro what's the game called? 0:
@@pengukim Thanks for asking! It's called The Ruins of Dungeneon, and it's exclusive on Google Play Store
I've been a one man dev team for the last two years. Thank you for your videos. I started raw. What engine's should I use. How to implement my idea's and forge that into a game. I have stacks of cheap one dollar note books full of notes and idea's. I credit my wife who, after watching me getting frustrated and close to just giving up, walked in with a stack of them and put them on my desk. Basically she believed in me so now I've got several games almost done. Plus game supplement books for Pathfinder. A board game. As well as a family friendly rpg card game being play tested to work out the kinks. If you want to do it. Then charge forward and go for it. Its the greatest decision I ever made .
Last time I was this early, Neversong wasn't out.
Last time you were this early, Neversong hadn't been delayed by 2 years
Last time I was this early, Neversong wasn't called Neversong.
I tried explaining this to my family and friends but they just don't get it. Their opinions mean nothing to me anyway, I'm not letting anyone get in the way of my dream.
"Their opinions mean nothing to me anyway" I chuckled at this cause I always say this too and it reminds me of me. ALWAYS and I mean always think like that. Never let anyone put doubts in you. You got this
Your pfp doesnt make this any more promising
This is so great Thomas, I was an indie dev once. And when I get my skills better by working in the industry longer, I might do it again. :)
He is recovering from the release
College doesn’t even lead to a stable income anymore.
It's fortuitous that I happened on this video today. I've been bashing my head against a wall trying to work out what I want to do, and this video helped me get a grip on what I ACTUALLY WANT to do. And I feel like there's a clearer route to follow
Man, this one hit home. I've never commented on one of your videos, but I've followed you for years. Great work, congrats on the success, and many wishes to you and yours moving forward for more success and growth, Thomas!
Car payments. That's me at the moment. I hate my job but I need money for these car payments.
Watching this video made me realize how lucky I am to have a supportive group of family and friends. I walked away from Walmart after 8 years of hating my job, and in the last 2-3 months started work on game dev, and all my family and friends have believed in me from the start. I still deal with imposter syndrome, depression, etc etc but I am so much happier now than I was 6 months ago. You’re videos have helped me not only make decisions about what to do ( along with other peoples advice ) but to find confidence in myself to call myself a game developer. I hope to soonishly share my game with you and the world
WOW, just found your channel and I agree with pretty much everything you said here! I'm an independent toy maker, I come up with tons of original characters, I sculpt, mold, cast...I can draw and paint (only those skills are more rusty since I sculpt constantly)..and I love to write. I worked at Wayforward briefly in 2012 as a game tester, but did a little art assistance for them in Photoshop, and then some pixel animation cleanup work for them from home...I have worked in special FX briefly, and worked for a big toy company for a few years, so I've dabbled in a few creative industries and my calling seems to be toys and games, but it's a bit of a learning curb sicne I'm a traditional artist in most ways. And you know what? I dropped out of high school, and never even got my GED. School can dull a person's critical thinking, and boldness...it forces us into boxes, and I think it's a great hindrance to someone's imagination, as the structure of school constantly suppresses that. My success has been patchy, I have not been able to fully support myself living in such an expensive state (California), but I'm learning to get to a place to change that..I am pushing extra hard with my original stuff and hoping to create a video game based on my characters I make toys of, and my storytelling. I have a LITTLE bit of animation experience too so I'll be drawing and animating my characters, and my dad is an incredible song writer and guitar player, so he'll be doing the music :). My fiance and I, and some friends will be doing some minimal voice work (it'll most likely be a retro style game with simple graphics loaded with personality).Thanks for what you're doing with these videos, I just subbed tonight. I could not agree more about the importance of personal freedom, normal jobs are soul crushing when you have an unshakable creative drive and need to express through art!
This is the foundation of our business, that freedom, and we are so happy. 😊 But it's such a looooong journey.
And all of you viewers as well, much love from this side
I have a similar situation Im currently 28 and Ive published 8 mobiles game non of which did great ive only made $7USD from my 5 years of making game. Obviously Im doing 2 jobs I hate right now lol. But as a kid i wanted to be an architect the through high school that changed to an artist which I pursued and completed my degree in BS focused on Graphic design. Here I am now sitting on my debt and degree out of my field and currently only wanting to be a full time game designer for the same reason as you Thomas. I love the idea of making something from nothing, creating worlds but its hard to do while working 2 jobs, which im in no position to just leave.
Just bought Neversong. I will see this game as a learning game dev eye. Each and every aspect and try to figure out how you did it. :)
Thank you, that's what I was doing jumping from a passion to another passion, I sometimes doubted whether I was doing the right thing. Looking at myself now, I have managed to master many different skills but still hasn't been lucky in getting the job I want but let's hope that will happen soon.
I sometimes get annoyed but how much he tries to advertises his video game, but then I realized this is definitely better than watching unrelated youtube ads or a sponsor trying to sell some type of wallet or something (melon?). In the end, what is better than advertising your own game, your own product, or your own piece of art? This is really an honor to advertise "your video game", and I am really happy for Thomas Brush. Keep up the good work!
Such a complete and honest answer!!.....Though I kinda knew most of it...:3.....Keep growing Thomas!.....Wish you a brighter future!
I'm 3/4 quarter progress on this story. I went to college, got a degree in IT...however, I am not really drawn to my line of study necessarily. After graduation last December, looking for work and the events of Covid have dwindled my options. I have always been an artist at heart, so, recently I decided solo game development is yelling my name. Thanks for the vids!
Easily one of, if not, the best video. Love it. Advice on school is golden.
Thanks Thomas great video!!! You inspire me too keep going.
Dunno why but your intro makes me happy :)
Waiting on your unity, blender, photoshop total end to end development course which I’d be happy to pay for!!
Just something, you can work to make money to support yourself without having to enjoy it. You can always have hobbies, and they don’t have to be connected to work.
This is exactly what i needed to hear !!!
Thanks Thomas !!
Ps: I am 17 and even I don't understand tiktok..
You know what I like about these videos? You don't just care about game development, you care about the people who care about game development.
Thanks Thomas! love your work!
Unfortunately, your freelance income would heavily taxed in my country. If I had enough money to put it in the bank to earn interest, the state would tax it twice... so here in my country you can't be free if you are not rich...
And I am not talking about I would like to be rich no... I just would do what I really like but I can't because in my country its more difficult to do such thing like game dev... or freelance stuffs
He looks at me with those blue, deep like ocean, wonderful eyes and says with pinch of wonder, excitement and cheeky smile : "hey...wow...hi..." Oh yes, we melt. :D
You are such a good influencer for game devs....
Love from India ,Thomas!!
Thank you so much for this video. Very encouraging and a good reminder of why I started perusing game development.
10k a year as solo indie developer
i will be very happy if i earn just 1k a year from indie games
Awesome video man, Your perspective aligns with mine and that of a lot of people.
It's great too see someone spending time on telling this to people who aren't sure what to do yet!
Kindergarten = I wanna be a doctor! Middle school = I wanna be a race car driver (F1), Somewhere around highschool = I wanna be a game designer.. and stuck through with it but had to change career as IT dev/programmer in my mid 20's......... I still wanna try and be a game dev or indie dev which I started but I dont see much of "survival" from that.... Considering i'm a person with special needs in a wheelchair, I have to get a decent secure jobs. My dream is still out there and I find you as an inspiration Thomas.
great words! very good to know that I am not the only one who values freedom over safety. thanks!
your 6 figure income only from games? or cobining youtube as well?
In India, making $10,000 a year is a golden if you look at currency conversion.
I'm combining your advice and going to a game making college 😎
I always wanted to be a writer but it wasn't till my senior year of highschool that I commited to actually doing it.
The income level is nonexistant for 90% of solo indie dev. Either you are known or nobody will care about your game, especially when the market is so much flooded with cheap stuff.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Beautiful message Thomas. Very well spoken! Keep inspiring thousands!
Thomas I like your point discipline and I like how you support both the Indie developers and those who want to go to the tech colleges. I worked with a small startup game company. However we couldn't reach our goal with Kickstarter, so it's back to the drawing board. I like the idea of being Indie/freelancer, but I'm also thinking of a smaller game studio (as I work better in smaller groups). Perhaps you can offer advice on portfolios?
10.000 a year is a fortune in Argentina, the currency is so devaluated… This same applies for any other country that doesnt use either dollars or euros.
This incredible advice and something I definitely needed to hear.
Your other option is to get a normal job (or career?) and do game dev on the side. You would have a steady income to support yourself until you can survive only doing game dev. But you would have to give up your freedom and be tied to a job.
Congrats on the successful launch Thomas!
I always get this, especially after leaving college "You haven't made $1 Million yet? So making games isn't a real job?" and ah; it gets me every time.
While I've turned down job offers; I also love the freedom that being an indie dev specifically a solo dev with some outside help from time to time give
Some people love money, I love to have money to explore life; but money isn't life. If I could have an alright apartment, decent food; and be able to wake up drink some coffee and makes games I'd be in heaven.
How would you plan to retire?
Or are you planing to make games till you're 80?
@@sloketamang1623 well I don't think anybody knows how game development is going to be in 50+ years and you have talents where you should be able to transfer into other careers of you fail
Really mean it, great great videos here, thank you! :)
Your words are true, freedom is a beautiful thing, but how can I be a free person when I cannot hope for money while I live in a decent life
Your last game is Awesome! Also your videos!! Thansk for making them!
My life was pure suffering. Last year, I found out that living with my father was a lot safer than my mom and step-father. I have been so thwarted over the years that even though I was always trying my best to work on viable projects, I had very little progress and I have had to rethink so much over the past year. I have a much clearer sense of what is viable for me, but I am already 29. I have to keep hoping there is more time for me.
I got so inspired and humbled by this video, thanks!!
it sucks that game developers in india dont have the amount of resources people in america have
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How so? All you need is a pc, a free game engine, patience, time, then upload. I thought all of these were universal.