I QUIT Making Devlogs... Here's What I Learned
Вставка
- Опубліковано 19 тра 2024
- Check out the Podcast! - sasquatchbstudios.podbean.com/
Show your Support & Get Exclusive Benefits on Patreon! - / sasquatchbgames
Join our Discord Community! - / discord
For seven months, I completely stopped making devlogs for my game, Samurado.
They just weren't helping us hit our goals, our views tanked, and they took ages to produce. Frustration took over, and I stopped making them altogether.
But guess what? Those devlogs that I hated soon became my favorite content to create, and they were surprisingly easy this time around.
So.. what changed? How did I go from loathing them to loving them?
And how can you avoid the same hurdle?
If you're new to our channel, we're Brandon & Nikki from Sasquatch B Studios. We sold our house to start our game studio, and work full time on building our business and making our game Samurado.
---
In need of more Unity Assets? Using our affiliate link is a great way to support us. We get a small cut that helps keep us up and running: assetstore.unity.com/?aid=110...
---
Looking for some awesome Gamedev merch? - sasquatchbgames.myspreadshop....
---
Subscribe for NEW game dev videos every Monday & Thursday!
Wishlist our Game:
Wishlist Samurado on Steam! - store.steampowered.com/app/23...
Follow us on Twitter for regular updates!
/ sasquatchbgames
---
#gamedev #indiegame #gamedevelopment - Ігри
I'm so happy you aren't doing those weird green screen skits and terrible Dani jokes anymore like you used to do on your old devlogs. That was a weird experimental phase on your channel.
One thing that young gamedev UA-camrs don't understand is that not everyone can be a Dani. Not everyone should be like Dani. The reason Dani is able to do all those wacky skits and fast paced editing is cause he has the comedic factor and time to do that. Not everyone has that. He got burnt out and now look at him, hasn't posted in 2 years. Whenever I see someone trying to imitate Dani, I just can't help but groan and stop the video cause I can obviously tell that they're just faking it and it isn't the real them. Got that same vibe from you, which is why I unsubscribed a long time ago.
You don't need to be funny and silly to be entertaining. Just present the content you wanna present it and that should be entertaining enough for most people. If people choose to stick around after the changes, then great! You have yourself a real audience. If not, then I guess they didn't really care about you afterall. I'm glad you came to realize what's been happening to you and is able to move on.
i kinda want a link to that phase lowkey
I randomly discovered the channel a while ago, but the thing that got me to stay was how real and down to earth the content was. I used to watch Dani as well, not as a game developer though, but as an entertainer. The reason I'm watching your content, is because I want to do the same thing as you guys did, but I'm too afraid to right now. Touching on the ThinMatrix subject, been a fan of his for a long time too but I feel like he had a better understanding on where he wanted to take his life much earlier than most, and also followed suite - I think he even mentions this topic in one of his devlogs, stating how inexpensive his way of life is. In our case i feel like taking care of the family comes first, our dreams come second.
Well, here I am cheering for your success and hoping to learn a thing or two if I'll ever follow through.
This really hits home for me too. I also started it out with ThinMatrix as a massive inspiration, as well as The Coding Train, and then naturally branched out to other creators as well. For me it was Randy who I was trying to emulate, and it's just not who I am even though I find his content really fun and engaging.
I only made one devlog in that sort of style before realising that it wasn't for me, but think I made the mistake of swinging too far back the other way. My most recent devlogs have been basically been a change log (just recapping all the changes), and missed the whole "vlog" part of the genre.
I've got a new devlog in the works that is much more vloggy in style, it actually follows my progress as I work through something I'm working on, and even just the recording of it feels a lot more "me" and I'm really excited to post it, which is something that's been missing a little bit with my other devlogs.
Thanks for sharing your journey, I'm sure there are many others like myself who can relate to what you're talking about, and it's very helpful knowing you're not alone!
Я смотрю твои блоги с разработкой и мне интересно. Я могу ошибаться, но мне кажется у нас всех похожая проблема. Мы смотрим на успешных ребят, которые удовлетворили свои базовые потребности и просто занимаются тем, что им нравится. Нам тоже так хочется - просто заниматься творчеством, а не думать о том, что есть неоплаченные счета и нужно где-то искать на это деньги. К тому же, когда долго не добиваешься желаемого, начинает усиливаться дизмораль. Я ещё хуже делаю для себя тем, что боюсь узнать мнение о себе, но очень хочу рассказывать и делится тем, что я делаю. Но долгое время для меня было выходом - просто не получать обратный отзыв. Но это не выход - по этому твой канал один из таких, которые помогает мне набраться сил и перестать боятся! Так что, спасибо тебе!
You've made a lot of videos/podcast episodes on mental struggles of being a game dev, and I've seen/heard them all. This is by far the best one on this subject (or at least similar subject). The entire video just emitts self reflection and self growth, and I've seen some of the earlier work you put out as well and most jokes do come off as "cringe" rather than funny. And I remember thinking to myself that you were trying too hard. That is the problem when being someone you're not - it's incredibly hard. It warms me to the core to hear that the style and atmosphere of the videos released in the past 6-7 months or so, is here to stay. They are a lot more to the point, and not too "try hardy". More importantly, they are more "you". And that makes them a whole lot more interesting to watch, at least to me.
What everyone loves about you is how real you are, we are all struggling with game development, whether it be convincing ourselves to start, or press on on our current projects. And it was so nice to see a UA-camr resonate with that. Keep doing what you're doing.
Brandon, I mean this from the bottom of my heart ... YOU are an inspiration and you have my permission to treat yourself from now on as a professional and not an imposter.
I really empathized with your burnout and overcoming process! Hope the road only goes up from here. Wishing you all the best!
Love your channel man!! You keep it real. And touch on a lot of hush subjects. Thank you for what you do, and for your inspiration. It is awesome to see you two work together as a team to achieve y’all’s goal
For me at least I enjoy the transparency of your channel. You deliver meaningful content to those looking to take a similar path without being in your face trying to earn a buck. What you are attempting isn't easy, the odds are stacked against you. Just keep the passion and everything will succeed or it won't. You can only control the things in your control, and you have to give up the worry on the things you can't. Something I've realized over the years is there is a better goal than the rat race of trivial pursues like money. I'll leave it up to you to interpret that as it applies best to your life. Keep putting family high on the list, that is what is important, you are doing great! Keep it up!
Started looking into making games again and watching others do devlogs for their games and it started to inspire me to start my journey into game dev. Loving thw channel so far!
thats a good video. i never felt the need to watch your videos before, but i can see it in this one in particular ; your true self. keep on making videos like this!
Brutally honest! Great video. For me its the value of the content of a video, does this help me is my question. And your material always helps. Clever tricks and visual effects amuse, but hey definitely take second place. Thanks for your excellent advice. Thought: Perhaps you should see what happens when your wife presents a video?
Your channel is so real and honest and it really helps as a game dev and as a creator. I know you probably watch these other creators and think your worlds away but i promise i look at you like you looked at blackthorn at 2k subs lol. Your honesty and passion WILL lead you to success, Good luck guys.
Really great and inspiring video, especially for me, who finds you very much like me myself :) Those shots with you sitting in your car watching someone else's devlog, taking up courage to start up your own game dev business and channel, that's me.
I've started learning 3D art, voxel art in particular, 2 years ago. Now I'm ready to take my art assets into Unity and create prototypes. And I've been thinking about launching a UA-cam channel, but I'm shy about my English, being Russian and living in Russia, not having much practice.
However, you show by your example that everything is possible. Thank you for such a real approach to everything you do. I constantly save your Unity tutorials to my playlist for later watch once I'm ready to apply the knowledge to my project, and I watch all your dev log and mental struggle kind of videos. They are invaluable to me as well as numerous others.
Do continue to be you. Thank you.
Thank you for your honesty, I'm happy you could reconnect with your inspiration!
Excellent video and really cool to see this retrospective on your channel!
Great video. Really appreciate the transparency and insight
Thank you. I watch a lot of game dev videos, but I don't think I've ever run across Dani. If I did, then I probably quickly moved on. I'm a crotchety middle-aged guy and I've never liked slapstick content. I just found your channel and immediately subscribed - no stupid bs while just providing good, clean content. Keep it up!
Beautifully said. You have a talent for wording what is genuine.
I love the vid such a good insight. But the weird thing is, is that this is exactly the conclusion I just realized this weekend after getting burned out aswell.
I remember Thinmatrix, the game he made was great too. Second monitor a chill kind of game it was.
Love the content! Keep it up!
You are doing great. At least you tried, and keep finding your direction along the way.
I like your style. UA-cam doesn't have enough content for tired parents like me. Everyone is trying to be flashy and energetic, it's just impossible to relate to! Your channel is a hope for all suburban parent game devs out there. Seriously got me thinking about moving to New Brunswick
Great Video! I can relate your thoughts on being to "unfunny" and "not enoyable". That the most thing I struggled with on my channel. But also the question comes "Who I am?". At the moment I don't have an answer to it. I just will keep trying to do things and find myself by delivering content to my audience I want to reach 🙂
Great talk,be honest to who you are.Not only in game developing or being a youtuber,but try to do that in our lives.
Great video! This is something I've also grappled with as a game dev making youtube videos. There was a point that a lot of Dani like videos appeared, even though it got stale, it was hard to avoid wanting to change. That said I think a lot of game devs start off copying people like Thin Matrix and that has also gotten a little stale. Finding your own style is hard, but one you settle into if you follow your advice of being true to yourself. I suppose the next question is, how do you find your true self?
Great vid. Keep it up!
When you are yourself and make what really interests you the most, you can definitely feel it throughout the videos. Be yourself, because everyone has their uniqueness - some just haven't realized it yet 😉
Dont make Devlogs, just teach us stuff if u like....
You absolutely nailed this one!
Thank you for this video
As someone who is still just aspiring to become a game developer myself, I always found it very, very weird there is many people that are ready to quit their job to start making their video game.
Now, again, I haven't released anything yet, so I'm not exactly experienced. But to me it doesn't make sense to quit your job to make videogames. I think you should make videogames to quit your job instead.
Especially since, and maybe that's a me thing, but when I have a day off, I end up being far less productive than I am on a work day.
And if for any reason you can't work your dayjob and work on a video game, at very least find a publisher interested in your game before you quit - is what I think about it ^^
If you don't quit your job, you will never be able to finish a game. A game usually takes between 1-4 years to finish, and that's being FULL-TIME job, putting 8 hours to it, now imagine just putting 1 hour per day and working on it on weekends when you have a wife and kids... It's just not possible (unless you're lucky enough to make a VIRAL short minigame, which if you feel lucky enough, just play the lottery, because you have the same chances...).
@@JohanDark02 If your first game is taking 4 years of working full time to finish - make a different first game.
There is no guarantee your game is going to be good, in fact it's almost guaranteed that your first game is going to suck. If you quit your job and spend 4 years making a game that made no money - what are you going to do? You basically are betting everything on your game going viral at that point.
You should not bet everything on something as rare as winning a lottery. You must make your game in a sustainable way that guarantees that even if you sell 5 copies of your game total you are still going to be okay.
While working a day job, you can still spend 2 - 5 hours a day working on your video game. And you get a salary that allows you to hire help if necessary. And guarantees you will not be homeless after releasing your game.
Unless you make enough money from your games to afford to quit your job, you should not do it. Also, again, while I am not a fan of working under a publisher - a cool-looking tech demo is all you need to find a publisher that will give you any amount of money you name to make that tech demo into a game. Or you can make your games then apply for a job in game dev somewhere, all of these are options that will not force you to make a hit or go bankrupt
@@RancorSnp That may have worked 10 years ago, not today. Market is completely different and publishers doesn't look for tech demos like they were long before. Nowdays market is so full of crappy games done in a short time that you may be just losing money and time. I agree, first games usually are crap and you must not expect to earn a single penny from your first game, but again, there's a point where you have to decide when this work is a Hobby or a Work. But I agree with you on one thing, before leaving your job, you better had done at least several short games or at least have participated in some jams. But what's sure is, if you don't leave your job, this work will never cease to be a hobby. Not nowdays at least.
Making devlogs seems like the best way of marketing your game but it is trully a unknown ground for me. It is time consuming, VERY hard to make something interesting and original, plus I am aware that my content is far from perfect... also, mentioned by you, waking up and checking views and/or comments on a published video is basically my reality.
Maybe with time and experience I will master YT art but seems like it is not a piece of cake
Hey. UA-cam recommended me your video "I have something to say... Harsh truths and Honesty" and after that i searched for your game on your channel. While not my cup of tea, I'd like to point a few things that might help your game.
I don't know if you changed the things i'm going to say because I didn't find any recent video about the veil of maia. I don't even know if you are still working on it.
When I saw a scene where you character jumped, I felt like something was wrong, it didn't look right. I opened some games to take a look and I think it's the animation, or the lack of it. When you jump, it looks like the player floats from the floor. While he is midair, it also looks like he's floating, looks a bit flat. Not sure if it's the physics you're using too, but the animation could improve. If you take a look at the celeste game, for example, her hair moves. If she's going up, the hair moves down, if she's going down, her hair goes up. (You can see the animation here: ua-cam.com/video/yorTG9at90g/v-deo.htmlsi=zqmBlUpRqVXaNjww&t=281)
I saw one clip that you had some movement on the scarf or something, but the rest of the player was static.
One clip where you used a grappling hook, when the player was bouncing around, it had zero animation. He was moving, but the sprite was static. Maybe if you added a tiny bit of movement to the clothing it would make it more alive and give a better sense of movement.
I don't know if the game is like it is because that's your artistic choice, but I just wanted to let you know, maybe you can experiment and see if it makes the game better.
Im sure you One of the Fastest Growing Content creator❤
Creators make content they are knowledgeable and passionate about and share with the world.
Influencers use gimmicks to capture audience attention and try to influence them to promote products.
This video is a great reflection of your perspective on UA-cam videos. From what this video explains, you started making devlogs of your game, mimicking the style of other successful UA-camrs but quickly fell into quicksand that ate away at your soul to the point of you being obsessed or exhausted from it. Don't try to be someone else, be yourself is really the keypoint here. Also, the question is this: do you want your revenue generated from the games you create or do you want your primary revenue to come from UA-cam? If the latter, then focusing on UA-cam and becoming efficient and more skilled at camera work/editing/marketing would be beneficial. If you want your primary revenue to come from your games, then focusing more time/effort into the game development than UA-cam/social media marketing would be beneficial. For example, I won't say names, but there is a game developer UA-camr, that sells a game development course and he uses UA-cam/social media to market his course. He has created and marketed games in the past and he may be currently involved in developing a game, but he focuses his effort and energy mostly on selling his course and so his platform to market is UA-cam but his product is not his game, it's his course. Every game dev UA-camr should ask themselves: Am I selling my game? Am I selling my lifestyle? Am I selling myself (advertising)? Am I selling a service/non-game product? That will help you figure out what's most important for you to focus on. As for me, I don't like messy videos with constant 3-5 second jokes thrown here and there. I like the 4-20 min videos that share problems and solutions about game dev. I'm not a fan of the constant attention-chasing things that make editing such a nightmare. I think that gravitates more towards the younger audience but as a middle-aged game dev, I prefer calmer videos--jokes unnecessary. Authenticity is probably the biggest factor of what I like in videos. I can watch Markiplier play games and rage through situations that I can relate to and I enjoy those videos, but if he was a game developer and his devlogs were like his gameplay videos, I wouldn't be able to watch them for long.
Overall, I think you found out what sutis you best. You can't get there without falling and continuing to get up and try harder until you reach it. And that's a very encouraging thought. I wish you and your family a successful journey, and I appreciate you sharing your experiences and knowledge on the internet.
Yes, I really feel like sh*t when trying to modify my game to accommodate some trends or whatever... I totally get lost blocked and burned out...
You said it yourself. Devlogs don't drive wishlists. People watching Devlogs are developers or developer-wannabes, not game players. If you love making devlog content, then it's your second job. If you don't love making devlog content, it's a double drain. Make the games. Make *market* content to get non developers to see your game.
Can you go into more detail about how you came up with a way to make the devlogs without taking so long?
As a full time game dev at a company, and a parent, and an Indy Dev, I really want to make devlogs, but can't justify the time investment. It feels like I can either do UA-cam or do game dev. Not both :(
Appreciate it 👍
I like this. Thanks
This guy is more interested in being a UA-camr than actually making games..... unsubscribed.....
you really inspired me. :)
god bless you
Glad you discovered being yourself.
I think with youtube right now there's no just one winning formula, you need to experiment and do whatever works the best for you personally.
Stick to your strengths. If sober, clean content is your forté, focus on that. I prefer that type of content myself (though I don't mind a good meme-fever-induced vid from time to time).
I appreciate a guy just talking to the camera and going through his thought process and not trying to be funny. Haven't heard of Dani but the clips you showed feel impossible for me to watch. Some folks just want someone to slow down and talk from the heart, with edits only used if there's some visual you need to show. I don't need to see a cutaway to a joke every 5 seconds to enjoy content like this.
I personally don't try to imetid soman else.
And I never tried to imetid.
Yes it may have inspection some time's for other creator's and it may try to make fan one time on the past that I ended up changing the game theme on the in the order to avoid copyright ©️ 😅
But even wean use franchise and stuff that I don't have promion
I still trying to make it because I want to
The only imetion I do is that I hide my real data on social media because I don't want to advertise company to know everything about myself.
A lot of Dani's success was it was early Pandemic, I don't think you can replicate that
Just. Make. Games.
Just kidding. We all are struggling the same.
I don’t feel like you’re nearly as interested in game dev as you are in making a UA-cam channel about game dev.
I didnt like the cringy stuff you did before.
This is much more my style of gamedev video. Something I can put on my second monitor while I work on my game and I dont have to pay 100% attention to I can just listen while I work
no easy XD
min maxing means nothing. doing things just because they are the "right" thing to do doesn't (always) work. getting anywhere with a youtube channel (or whatever similar thing) is simply a matter of getting attention. that's it. it's that simple and that impossible
😢😢😮😢
In this video for the first time I've seen your previous style imitating Dani, and if I had discovered your channel back then, I definitely wouldn't have subscribed to your channel. :) Dani's age, charm and goofy videos appeal to a young, "tiktok" type of audience looking for silly entertainment and to see in him their own unfulfilled, or future version. I watched a few clips of him when he was active, but the stupid burlesque and games he does are just not my type and I stopped watching him. But I'm a developer and probably most of the others also watch you for game development content, and I'm not sure if we're the right audience for the success of your future games. So, do what you think is right for you, I have no problem with that. The life is the same like a gamedev - testing and realizing what works best for us.
I want a best tutorial or course to learn about unity and csharp completely pls help
forced does not benefit anyone, taking advice from people stops you, and if you have to, then even worse
First
Yeah i was in this weird devlogs era , sry to say that but if not UA-cam kept pushing your videos to me i would have stopped watching you , it's was cringe not goffy or funny , dani knew the culture you didn't that's it .
I've always found Danni cringy and his clones even more cringy, his demographic is a young audience, someone, your age would come across as a Dad trying to be hip(young dad ;) ) 90% of Dani viewers are not interested in the game dev. Pontypants is more adult and can make an entertaining dev blog without the need to be Dani like. Brackeys is the true king of game Dev content pity he stopped(I say that as a non-user of Unity).
I’ve really enjoyed ThinMatrix’s style recently- a lot more chilled and plenty of silence/music segments rather than just the constant talking that I used to do in my earlier devlogs. I made one more in his style and enjoyed creating it a lot - but it’s so hard to get anyone to actually watch a devlog!
ua-cam.com/video/DLG4ujpQbSI/v-deo.html