How To Make A Game Alone

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  • Опубліковано 8 тра 2024
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    ► Edited by: / @atymtima
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    Chapters:
    Intro 00:00
    I Made Constant Changes 00:30
    Free Goodies 01:43
    Too Many Tasks 02:13
    Constant Disappointment 3:03
    It Doesn't Have To Be This Hard 4:00
    What "Solo" Really Means 4:59
    Going Full Time Indie 6:00
    Conclusion 7:20
  • Ігри

КОМЕНТАРІ • 994

  • @thomasbrush
    @thomasbrush  Рік тому +210

    I hope my journey is helping you! Tell me about your solo journey below!
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    • @zalansari6454
      @zalansari6454 Рік тому +2

      Hey Thomas! I would love to purchase your course, but I am an Unreal Engine User, I have not touched Unity. I see value in your course for all the other aspects, especially on Marketing and Securing funding/Investments, but for game dev, is there anything you offer for UE? Do you partner with any UE guys or just Unity folks? Thanks much in advance!!

    • @default-writer
      @default-writer Рік тому +2

      That is why i left my dream to be a solo developer, seriously, i understood too early, that SINGLE person NEVER could be THE BEST MUSICIAN, THE BEST STORYTELLER, THE BEST DESIGNER, all at the same time, cause it will took several lives, seriously, if you have ANYTHING from this list (wife, kids, non scientific/programming/developing hobby - jsut hobby, i.e. fishing, hiking, climbing, biking, yes that's simple) - you will NEVER will GET enought TIME for COMPLETION of all of THIS LIVE TASKS and GOALS to ACHIEVE higher stakes. So, you can either do as I did: forget for 30 years about games, and did some highly monetized hateful job and burn yourself on a profession of software development, OR there is ANOTHER way, the way THOMAS SHOWS YOU who you ARE NOT, WHO YOU ARE NOT NEED TO BE OR DO SOME OF THIS STUFF CAUSE YOU WILL FALL ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS 99.9999999% NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY. Thomas just have so CLEAR VISON of what WE SHOULD NOT BECAME that i am a little bit frustrated that i didn't managed the same obvious things before... I'm SO stupid to just EARN money and not to fall into the trap which falls like all stars on the universe into the greater attractor... You just keeping me with HOPE, that things CAN change. It is so INSPIRING!!! No one need to burn the paths and jump into the unknown void if there is a better path, to just learn from someone else how to improve your vision of yourself in the game development industry.

    • @SudhirKumar-st2ne
      @SudhirKumar-st2ne Рік тому

      Hey thomas i am a indie game developer i have story for a 3d game for android

    • @TheUltimateSolitude
      @TheUltimateSolitude Рік тому

      You don't need to be the best anything, though
      That's just perfectionism talking. And who is the best at what is subjective anyways.

    • @BadBanana
      @BadBanana Рік тому

      Thanks Tom

  • @dmedeiros1974
    @dmedeiros1974 Рік тому +4840

    I had a dream to becoming a Game Dev when I was 16 years old (im 48 now) learning and went to college and got my c++ developper diploma and next 25 years ended up a IT manager and now getting close to retirement I feel the time is coming for me to now go back to my first love.. you have been inspiring me big time Indie Game Dev is were I want to be.. thank you for inspiring me so much

    • @absolutewisp
      @absolutewisp Рік тому +128

      Go for it! You have lots of experience and soon you'll have all the time you'll ever need to develop it!

    • @rutgervd
      @rutgervd Рік тому +135

      I had exactly the same brother. At 40 I decided to quit my well paying IT job and build my own game. I launched it last week on Steam. Super proud! And one thing off the bucket list.. just go for it!

    • @bedsheets1867
      @bedsheets1867 Рік тому +16

      @@rutgervd what's your game called?

    • @rutgervd
      @rutgervd Рік тому +79

      @@bedsheets1867 Oakenfold - took me a little over 2 years with no Unity experience and 20+ years programming experience

    • @SKstudiosfin
      @SKstudiosfin Рік тому +21

      @@rutgervd Just checked it out. It looks really nice

  • @melamoris6728
    @melamoris6728 Рік тому +2101

    Been working on my game alone for the past two years. This video came at the perfect time.

    • @Amiro05
      @Amiro05 Рік тому +25

      Goodluck! Cant wait to play it :)

    • @findingmosey6447
      @findingmosey6447 Рік тому +9

      Same here, for about a year now. Good luck to you!

    • @cocacai8833
      @cocacai8833 Рік тому +50

      You should start making devlogs. It helps you to create an audience early on and the community might be able to help you with design decisions.

    • @GameOver-ou1ge
      @GameOver-ou1ge Рік тому +3

      Make a Vlog or something if you want it helps alot

    • @ThatOneGuyYouSawAMonthAgo9576
      @ThatOneGuyYouSawAMonthAgo9576 Рік тому +3

      @@cocacai8833 Devlogs?

  • @arifasyraf3535
    @arifasyraf3535 Рік тому +1793

    Listing out the suggested assets for future review:
    1. Unity Store
    2. Turbosquid
    3. Epidemic Sound
    4. Pond5
    5. Noun Project
    6. Craftpix

    • @arcanep
      @arcanep Рік тому +3

      thanks :D

    • @maxdashen
      @maxdashen Рік тому +3

      Try using a music generating Ai?

    • @maxdashen
      @maxdashen Рік тому +19

      @@Just1Dev UnrealDev saying unreal is better.... Totally not biased at all

    • @Samuel-bd1ms
      @Samuel-bd1ms Рік тому +2

      @@Just1Dev Downside, you'll probably need to code in C++ at some point while making your game, and you can't build to Web.

    • @Viltzu-hk5wh
      @Viltzu-hk5wh Рік тому +6

      @@maxdashen get out

  • @Spacemarine658
    @Spacemarine658 Рік тому +600

    I'm working solo, working a full time 50 hour a week job, and raising my son it's crazy overwhelming at times but extremely fulfilling too

    • @jimmyrose7843
      @jimmyrose7843 Рік тому +23

      That's pretty inspiring

    • @Mirror-of-Darkness
      @Mirror-of-Darkness 9 місяців тому +2

      You can do it. Keep chipping away at it. I am in similar circumstances.

    • @Spacemarine658
      @Spacemarine658 9 місяців тому +1

      @@Mirror-of-Darkness thanks 🙏 you too man

    • @Mirror-of-Darkness
      @Mirror-of-Darkness 9 місяців тому +2

      @@Spacemarine658 it's a passion. The very embarking on this crazy tough journey is a testament. To those whom persist.

  • @blindkatstudios
    @blindkatstudios Рік тому +666

    A quick background about me, I have been teaching Game Development for about 16 years, college level at first and now at the high school level. When I was in college, a group of us tried to build a game studio but the support then was non-existent, 2003-04. Fast forward to the point where Unity switched to PC from being Apple only and Unreal became free, being an independent developer became much easier to get into. However, knowing the amount of work it takes to create a game, the idea of finding the time was scary in of itself. Being a teacher at any level is demanding, coming up with new lesson plans, grading, constant training, changing requirements, etc. your schedule is always filled, then having a family on top of that, its very easy for you to go, "later". Finally a couple of years ago, I figured I have led teams of students in making games for years so I decided it was my turn to do it. I shared the idea for a game with a friend and they thought it was a good idea. We got a team of about 8 at first, but as time progressed those, including my friend, fell off, leaving the team down to myself and 2 others. We have been through the doubt(imposter syndrome), the close points of throwing everything away, feature creeping, etc. We struggle with all of this but we also keep each other involved and focused, that helps a ton in keeping any momentum. We are still progressing, just very slowly, as we all work full time and have families we spend maybe a few hours a week. We meet every Saturday to discuss what we did or anything that needs to be tackled. Making it a constant meet helps keep that interest and determination going. We do hope to have a demo soon but we are WAY behind in marketing, which is deflating in itself but we continue to push through and we are determine to finish this game and create a strong marketing plan even if it is late. -
    PS sorry for the long post.

    • @joelstolarski2244
      @joelstolarski2244 Рік тому +17

      Don't be sorry, it's a good read. Have no coding experience, except a Unix class I took 20 years ago. Had game idea way back. Designer on cgtrader made a great character from a really crappy sketch I made. He's phenom Blender artist. Started thinking about a game for the character. So many setbacks, multiple Covids have tired me out. Still pushing, but get these periods of mind crushing burn out that just seem to last longer and longer now. Started Fusion 360 something like 12 months ago, to print some stuff for my wife's dolls. Then started Blender about 8 months ago, and Unity two. He says a lot in the tutorial that are so painful to think about. Doing so much is just maybe a pathway to failure.

    • @OdinWright
      @OdinWright Рік тому +4

      I believe in you man. You're further along than a lot of people get and I'm sure that your project has plenty of potential to make the effort worth it.

    • @codocoderson
      @codocoderson Рік тому +6

      Man, if you're looking for a short, effective and sweet marketing for indie video games training, try FGGS: Finishing Good Games that Sell. That was the course that made the Blasphemous video game explode 👍

    • @mra-firm
      @mra-firm Рік тому +1

      All the best bro!

    • @Paincakeness
      @Paincakeness 5 місяців тому +1

      Can't just post and ghost! What's the name of the game so we can keep an eye out for it!

  • @simponcode
    @simponcode Рік тому +477

    I just want to say that thanks for everything. You gave me the much needed motivation to finally open unity and restart on old projects

    • @thomasbrush
      @thomasbrush  Рік тому +41

      You bet! Thank you for your kind words!

  • @jeffreyhersh908
    @jeffreyhersh908 Рік тому +144

    Started working on making my first game solo full time after I got laid off back in 2020. Trying to keep myself disciplined so I don't go down shiny rabbit holes is a never ending challenge.

  • @thesilentobserver93
    @thesilentobserver93 Рік тому +75

    As someone working on his first game, I'm absolutely thrilled that you mentioned the idea of getting assets, music, etc from outside sources. I'm not an artist or a musician, so it's super helpful being able to go online and find pre-made stuff that I can buy and use in my game. Even then, it's still difficult. Lots of trial and error. But it's super rewarding every time I get something to work. Every little victory gets me excited.

    • @Grumbledookvid
      @Grumbledookvid Рік тому +12

      I'm the opposite... an artist who can create game assets but not code lol

    • @yaboyboris7607
      @yaboyboris7607 11 місяців тому +3

      ​@@Grumbledookvid Same! I can do the music and story but I cannot code at all lmao.

    • @omanipadmehum39
      @omanipadmehum39 9 місяців тому

      as a musician or so-called producer and composer, i would say that we rely on tons of online sources too.... sometimes our professions is know how to pinpoint pick the best one to fit the project rather than we actually "create" something. the only thing we create is just the synchronization. therefore, dont feel evil to use the assests insanely.
      sometimes this happens: after tons of trying for a week in order to record a perfect sound effect, i ask: hey, why this online sample is much more satisfying to fit the action.....What the fuXk i hv done in this week?

    • @LiberalEntrepreneur
      @LiberalEntrepreneur 8 місяців тому

      ​@@Grumbledookvidwhat kind of art style do you work with?

  • @TorQueMoD
    @TorQueMoD Рік тому +59

    Both. I've got one project where I'm working with a couple of volunteers and I've got another that I'm doing solo. I really like both scenarios. The team is great because you can get more done that way, but working alone, you don't have to try to explain your vision to anyone, you can just work.

    • @faobi
      @faobi Рік тому +2

      Dude, you've been here on yt since 2006? that's crazy

    • @Mrcgplay
      @Mrcgplay 10 місяців тому

      Hey, can I join with the team? I'll be very happy

  • @arctiformgames
    @arctiformgames Рік тому +6

    Man, I really appreciate videos like this one. The honesty and reminder that I'm not alone doing this, and that others, like your Thomas have felt or are feeling the same things I do at times. very motivating and encouraging! Thanks!

  • @AshandFox
    @AshandFox Рік тому +180

    I've been a solo developer until recently and found someone that really wanted to learn game development, so we're now a small team of two. It makes a huge difference in keeping the motivation and morale up. As you know, it can be frustrating spending a substantial amount of your time and money in getting part way through a project and finding out it isn't what you thought it would be.
    But we are taking a more measured and structured approach to our current title; a story-rich 'walking simulator'. We are keeping ourselves structured and within scope using Codecks (Agile stories) and borrowing techniques that both you and David W. teach in your game development courses - such as tweaking assets from the store. Doing that has allowed me to spend time mentoring my teammate while not having to worry about building every single system.
    Thanks for continuing to share your journey and experiences! We are on the road to becoming indie developers and hope to also share our experiences along the way.

    • @GameCreatorOfGod
      @GameCreatorOfGod Рік тому +11

      Just remember, no matter what you game is, it will never be popular unless you advertise, I can never stress this to to many people.

    • @AlejandroRamirez-ep3wo
      @AlejandroRamirez-ep3wo Рік тому +4

      @@GameCreatorOfGod Man I'm a (for now) solo developer with a medium-scope project and I really can't get how people forget about something as imporant as advertise. I naturally prioritize it as I assume that for a work of art to have audience it must be promoted, to the extent you want or can, but I know other aspiring devs that just don't realise it lol

    • @GameCreatorOfGod
      @GameCreatorOfGod Рік тому +8

      @@AlejandroRamirez-ep3wo They do not understand this. And now we see many tv commercial's for Candy crush that was nothing till they advertised, now there making millions. And they still advertise. And a lot of them do and there the only ones who are seceding. Pass the truth around.

    • @ff4810official
      @ff4810official Рік тому

      Do you need someone to make music for your game? I'd like to make some for free

    • @epickzalpha8273
      @epickzalpha8273 10 місяців тому

      ​@@ff4810officialI need. 😂.

  • @nsgames24
    @nsgames24 Рік тому +17

    This is inspiring to hear that you overcame the struggles of being a solo developer. I'm pretty sure you wish that the whole process wouldn't of been as much of a headache to go through, but still. Thank you for making this video.

  • @SuPeRNinJaRed
    @SuPeRNinJaRed Рік тому +52

    I completely agree, Thomas you are a game dev treasure! Revealing all the emotions, stresses, unexpected obstacles you run into throughout game development... especially solo you have no one to bounce ideas off of (or better yet keep you on track ;P ) It's interesting because so many people talk about "writer's block" but I swear I have the opposite ("developer's flood" lol) so many new ideas/changes constantly bombarding me and you would think that's a good thing/problem to have but honestly it's distracting and often debilitating... I know this is a term for toddler lol but I call it the "terrible twos" I have a great game mechanic/idea/concept (and start working on it) then suddenly it will be in the same vein of that concept but a different theme or just different enough that I can't decide between the two and it truly drives you mad (I usually just really let the ideas fight it out in my mind, give it time and one of them emerges victorious) but seriously it never fails, I always know when I have something great, I think... ok when's the "evil twin" going to rear its head and ruin this idea lol. If you don't mind me saying I feel like you might've had a little bit of that in regards to the Happy Hotel/Father situation and I will add one last thing, you never know when your idea will work out but seriously like a lightbulb the moment it does, your like EUREKA that's it!

  • @Shadowstorm5400
    @Shadowstorm5400 Рік тому +9

    Thank you for this video! This one really hits home for me, I am a husband and father of 3 kids. I end up spending most of my free time when I'm not taking care of them thinking about making games and working on my own games. I started out trying to make games solo but after doing some game jams I decided to try and build a team and of course I started by asking my friends to work with me. It lasted about a year before slowly one by one they all would skip out on meet ups and it ended up just being me working on the games alone again. So I decided that a team wasn't the way to go for me yet and now I'm making the game I want to make in my own style and to be honest my passion has only burned brighter for it. Cheers!

  • @valniox
    @valniox Рік тому +6

    I’ve been wanting to do stuff like this since I was a kid. I’ve been very down and depressed due to it and then I happened to come across your video. I’m crying from knowing that I beat myself up about not trying to ask for help and you gave me the motivation to push forward. Thank you. ❤

  • @jackstewart2844
    @jackstewart2844 Рік тому +4

    I'm working alone mostly, but recently did a couple of Game Jams and found them to be an awesome way to get team experience.No better motivation than actually finishing a project with a group of motivated individuals. Now I feel that much more prepared to tackle my own projects.

  • @ssjcosty
    @ssjcosty Рік тому +51

    Honestly, that email from IGF is incredibly positive, and the frustrating precision jump issue is good feedback, something that can be solved. They only had one complaint about an issue that can be corrected, and they described the rest as "just lovely" and "ideal platformer".

  • @nanomantube
    @nanomantube Рік тому +17

    I am often stretching myself thin trying to balance a full time job, being a husband, father and spending every free moment working on my game. I'm very passionate about it but I sometimes really hate it. The burnout is real when you try to do things all on your own. I've been working on this game demo for over a year now (I got started around the time you released your online course). Thanks for sharing your journey. It has helped me a lot to stay on course and not let my dream die.

  • @ListonJiu
    @ListonJiu Рік тому

    Been working on a game from past year while working at a desk job, this video felt so connected. Thank you for the much needed motivation you gave.

  • @AssasinZorro
    @AssasinZorro Рік тому

    You're talking about so much in such a short time. I'm impressed and amazed, this video was recommended to me and you blew my expectations out of the water!

  • @CrossCoderDev
    @CrossCoderDev Рік тому +5

    I've always worked alone. I've been working on my current project since August after making crappy stuff for 2 years. I'm in my senior year and I already have plans to go full time after I graduate. I could not have done it without your help and inspiration Thomas. Thank you.

  • @jonathansantiago5327
    @jonathansantiago5327 Рік тому +7

    This has been incredibly helpful, my friend. I jad just recently decided to venture in this field because it has taken me years of procastination to realize that this combines all of my skills: Art, Writing and Music. Right now, I have a few music tracks with the idea of what the story will be. I have the basic storyline panned out. I know what style of game it will be, but I am still researching which game creator I will end up using.

  • @faldruid8412
    @faldruid8412 Рік тому +1

    Needed this today. The last 2 weeks I have felt defeated and hopeless. Thanks for your time in making this video.

  • @Lazzarus7
    @Lazzarus7 Рік тому +2

    Thank you Thomas, your videos are always very inspiring, after years of dreaming about making my own game and learning many things on unity, I finally decided to go for it. Learning about your experience and having some good advice is from a true indie dev is very inspiring. Keep it up! And also thank you for the free and great quality content you provide

  • @CGSky
    @CGSky Рік тому +13

    Been working on my game for around 5 years as a side project now. Went fulltime this year relying on savings. So far no luck finding a publisher, but might look into a kickstarter campaign. Pretty much agree with everything you mention in this video. Going to small events is great to meet new people.

  • @911nat
    @911nat Рік тому +13

    I've always known I've wanted to work within game design, though I was always intimidated by the thought of making a game all by myself without any pro knowledge of C# code. But after watching your videos I've finally pushed myself to overcome a big obstacle and actually find motivation to act, start learning. I don't know how far I'll be able to go, but I'm just proud that I'm at least trying. Thank you so much for sharing your story and your work, you are a huge inspiration.

    • @quissy5641
      @quissy5641 Рік тому +1

      I think the main thing is finding somewhere to start, for me I started learning some pixel art through some Udemy course, which was a lot of fun.
      But I still had to push myself so hard just to try something.
      For years I thought making games really wasn't what I wanted any more, or that it was too far out of reach, like a 50ft brick wall in between.
      But if you can find somewhere to start, just doing something that's fun like some game art you can chip away at that wall in no time.

  • @ItsMeLuke69
    @ItsMeLuke69 Рік тому +1

    My dude I feel that into so hard. I hate my job and the loop of the changing story and gameplay seems never ending. Taking on all these jobs is overwhelming. Everything you said hits my heart HARD

  • @adar9236
    @adar9236 11 місяців тому +1

    I'm interested in starting a solo project myself, and I just wanted to thank you for this video! It really gave me a good perspective. I know that I'm going to have an incredibly difficult road ahead of me, but this video, and a few others of yours I've watched, have really inspired me. So thank you!

  • @miksdickinson
    @miksdickinson Рік тому +10

    // I had been working at a church on a creative team for 8 years. After two years of planning and prepping, this past year has been my first year of being fully freelance (illustration and motion graphics) thanks to my amazing wife and kids for letting me give it a shot. I have a dream to make an awesome top-down Zelda-esque game called Wakewood Forest, BUT...thanks to you, Thomas, I'm taking it slow and strategic. Trying to build an audience. Making small crappy games to build up to the big one. And although I'm doing this all "alone" for now, I'm not really alone. Thank you and your community for all you do!

  • @mischiefmotorsgame
    @mischiefmotorsgame Рік тому +11

    As a solo developer that decide to start to do games without having any prior experience, this makes me feel much better about using the assets store building my game. Kind of helps to with the imposter syndrome weighing in. Glad I found this channel!

  • @rocketfoxgames
    @rocketfoxgames Рік тому

    I just discovered your page and really enjoy your content! My passion has always been to create and I'm very happy to say that I am finally getting ready to launch an early demo of my game! As you know, I'm feeling all kinds of emotions!

  • @mimino_codingbee4313
    @mimino_codingbee4313 Рік тому +4

    I have been following your channel since 2020 pinstripe, once upon a coma and after that you have been making more and more games ik that and hell I admire this dedication a lot!! I was just discovering different development niches in 2020 when I discovered your channel and I even tried to learn blender and unity but eventually it ended up SWE being my niche. Moral of the story is I’m freaking happy seeing you succeed man!!

  • @fuemanshu
    @fuemanshu Рік тому +8

    I just took a promotion at work and the anxiety and pressure of the position made me realize i don't want to be there anymore. I started developing again a few weeks afterwards. I can't believe I let the last year just go by without continuing to make video games. Thanks for being an inspiration and all the insight Thomas.

  • @custodiogamestudio4696
    @custodiogamestudio4696 Рік тому +6

    Thomas, thanks a lot! I got into gamedev in 2020 (in the Dominican Republic) and now I'm on my way to create my own Videogame Studio in a country where there's not a local videogame industry while i still studying software development at college.
    Thank you for all the inspiration, God bless you!!!

  • @vrworld_games4158
    @vrworld_games4158 Рік тому +1

    Such a great and honest reflection on your journey and so glad it worked out for you. Currently developing my dream game and you're so right about using assets to speed the process along. I've been at this for about 2 years with no previous development knowledge so it has been a steep learning curve but videos like yours keep me focused and so looking forward to release next year. Anyway thanks for the video.

  • @florencenzenwefi419
    @florencenzenwefi419 Рік тому

    This couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you for your humility, assistance and general warmth! I'll hit you up once mine is complete.

  • @ytwithlove
    @ytwithlove Рік тому +50

    I’ve been working on a game since 2013 and have lost confidence in myself, my skills, and any faith in me getting it done. This video came at the right time and gave me my confidence back. Thank you so much for this.

    • @TYNEPUNK
      @TYNEPUNK Рік тому +8

      keep chipping away, it seems impossible, no light at the end of the tunnel, but it does appear eventually. KEEP GOING MY FRIEND, im in the same boat.

    • @thefinegameofnil7158
      @thefinegameofnil7158 Рік тому +1

      I promise this is a normal valley to encounter on the way.
      Don't give up but also don't be afraid to take a step back and evaluate your current situation in the project and realign yourself with an achievable short-term goal that will take you one step closer. Small achievements on the way are key to keeping your motivation and belief in yourself alive.
      Also I believe in you.

    • @josephpurdy8390
      @josephpurdy8390 9 місяців тому +2

      Building a solid foundation of mechanics is a challenge. They need to be intuitive, interchangeable, and balanced. My recent development on a card game took until the third rewrite. Before, I was able to get a foundation that held all the concepts together.
      Once you get to that point. A bunch of ideas will flood into your mind. You have more then you need and can cut out what doesn't. The foundation in which all your mechanics work from permit it.

    • @bosthebozo5273
      @bosthebozo5273 2 місяці тому +1

      I'll be a game tester if you need one. Id love to see what you've been working on from another dev. Im in a similar situation myself.

  • @GVBRIELLE__
    @GVBRIELLE__ Рік тому +3

    I've been working solo for quite some time, even though the game I'm working on would be easier with a team and all. I believe the amount of time spend on this project helped me a lot. I started my first game with no knowledge about game design and I'm now able to create amazing 3D worlds and characters from scratch and personally I've learned to just work with what I have, regardless of how little it is.

  • @testingchannel6522
    @testingchannel6522 Рік тому +1

    I just wanted to say thank you, you saved my indie game. Have fun, and never give up making these content. Half a year was wasted, but better than whole year.

  • @takacao8373
    @takacao8373 Рік тому +2

    Dude you are so inspirational, even the content is so helpful. Thank you for the effort you put in this bro. You rlly inspire me to keep doing this

  • @eteriumgames6723
    @eteriumgames6723 Рік тому +30

    I'm also a solo indie game developer and looking to your work i can only admire you Thomas. I'm working on my first game while i have a family and my work...so it's very hard to keep going but i understand very well what you say. In the beginning i felt very stressed but i learned to take it easy and let it all the time is needed instead of running like a crazy one. Thank you for your support!

  • @CrissyMoss
    @CrissyMoss Рік тому +47

    I love making art, and idea planning, but I think if I go any farther with game dev I would have to find help with programming. I struggle with the programming.

    • @Sputterbugz
      @Sputterbugz Рік тому +5

      me too I'm awful at programming. I'm lucky to have people who will be willing to help me

    • @wufflespuffs3744
      @wufflespuffs3744 Рік тому +6

      That's where templates might be useful for you. Unity assets has a lot of those like he listed. 2d styles, platformers and top down etc. They basically do most of the code, and you just learn/utilize what they created. It's what I'm using for my game and then over time you may even learn to edit the scripts yourself or start tweaking things more than you initially realized you even could.

  • @gameswithfredi
    @gameswithfredi Рік тому +1

    Dude, I have watched you for years and you should know that you are one of the biggest inspirational and motivational sources for me and many other developers

  • @joefiorini
    @joefiorini Рік тому +2

    Thanks for sharing this and letting us learn from your difficulties! I once spent a year working on a side project, it was a Mac app. Very similar story. I had a couple major pivots but eventually did get it accepted to the App Store. First bug report came in and I could not reproduce it. At that point I was so burnt out I gave up. That was 10 years ago now and it’s still affecting me to this day.

  • @NorthGameStudio
    @NorthGameStudio Рік тому +4

    Hey Hey! Thanks for sharing your journey, I too am experiencing the very same thing. I work on my game during breaks, after hours, early at 5 am. Its tough with a full time job and a family, but I am pushing through and trying to push something out. Even if my game is simple, uninspiring or lacking, I need to finish it. I need to move onto the next thing and get over the first release jitters. I am way to hung up on the little details.

  • @DJDeon0
    @DJDeon0 Рік тому +4

    Thanks for sharing, bro! To answer your mailing list question - I'm currently working on a game solo to practice UE5 skills and eventually shipping skills whilst making a larger game with a 5 member indie team. It's super difficult some days to keep myself motivated but I'll keep pushing bit by bit, step by step. Thanks for the motivation man. All the best with your career and fam.❤‍🔥

  • @dreamisover9813
    @dreamisover9813 Рік тому

    Thanks for sharing your story in more detail. I saw some of the Q&A videos where you desribed it in some sense as well. The editing in this one is superb too!

  • @BRUH-sm6do
    @BRUH-sm6do Рік тому +1

    This video hit a nerve. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. All this burden that I've put on myself willingly, it hurts my soul. I've cried multiple times in this video with multiple emotions emerging at the same time and I honestly hadn't realized how much I've pressured myself. Thank you. Best wishes.

  • @YangoIsBetter67
    @YangoIsBetter67 Рік тому +4

    im a kid who wants to make a game by myself, i feel confident in my (growing) art, coding and story skills but im still a little nervous
    this video made me feel a little bit better and i appreciate the pointers. thank you

    • @jenkathefridge3933
      @jenkathefridge3933 10 місяців тому

      Your a kid so you have so much time, learn how to do game development because it could be fun

    • @epickzalpha8273
      @epickzalpha8273 10 місяців тому

      ​@@jenkathefridge3933better learn to pass exams until its not too late.

  • @be2inas
    @be2inas Рік тому +8

    Wow. It felt almost as inspiring as "Indie game: the movie". Give us more meat about your gamedev journey.

  • @mobb5749
    @mobb5749 6 місяців тому

    I remember playing your game called Coma back in 2013. I was a teenager then. I loved the little piano tune and the graphics and I everything about it. I'd go to the dock and set after you talk to the bird and go to sleep with with guitar tune and the water. Its so awesome that you made another game and when i have the chance im going to play it. I decided to start learning to code and eventually make my own game, possibly with the help of my brother. Thank you so much for this video!

  • @coalescence
    @coalescence Рік тому +1

    One of your best videos yet, thanks for sharing !

  • @MariJadeWrites
    @MariJadeWrites Рік тому +20

    I am a multi-passionate creative and love both drawing and writing, among a few other things. A friend of mine suggested I could make games, so toyed with the idea and now am in the process of making a Visual Novel Game (perfect type for me as a storyteller and artist). But I have drawing background artwork. So, I decided I'll delegate that and order some artwork to be made for me when the time rolls around to be at that stage of the process. I am now working on concept artwork for the characters, and I have the story written (but it needs a slight rework which I will get to soon). :) Thanks for the inspiring video!

    • @crnqwe
      @crnqwe 4 місяці тому +1

      are you still working on it? I'd love to play it once it's out

  • @versatile7713
    @versatile7713 Рік тому +4

    Ur videos motivates many indie developers ❤

  • @_pyre_
    @_pyre_ Рік тому +2

    I've always wanted to make my own pixel games but always felt a bit weary about it, all I gotta say is this helped a whole lot, thank you

  • @DodaGarcia
    @DodaGarcia Рік тому +2

    That's incredibly inspiring to me, and I'm not even a game developer but I'm a recording artist with a focus on audiovisual production so those pitfalls (tunnel vision, doing it all ourselves, underestimating the workload) are pretty much the same.
    I've been on that treadmill a few times with exactly those results you mentioned: projects delayed, or released and then having to be re-released months later as the "proper" version, or, in one particularly embarrassing occasion, canceled at the last minute after hyping up my fanbase for weeks because the work was so far from finished that even delaying it wasn't an option as it would get in the way of other upcoming releases.
    So I really appreciate this video! Especially the idea of an accountability partner, which sounds scary but also like it could be really effective for my situation as it was for yours.

  • @ampgamedev6245
    @ampgamedev6245 Рік тому +4

    Hi Thomas, I want to thank you for inspiring me to start developing my solo dev game. I fully agree with you, my project is 70% made up of assets taken from the stores and the remaining 30% created by me with a lot of effort and time that I could have also spent elsewhere. Honestly the game reflects my idea despite the assets were not designed by me. But obviously I had to search a lot to find the ones that were true to my story, and at an good price for my wallet of course. So thank you. Anthony

  • @TheRealCzechmark
    @TheRealCzechmark Рік тому

    Love this balance of educational videos and devlogs!

  • @FluffyTheKami
    @FluffyTheKami Рік тому

    I needed this man. Thank you.

  • @Erwjable
    @Erwjable Рік тому +7

    Thanks for keeping me and many others motivated. You confirm a lot of what I'm thinking to do and how to build my game.
    - A random stranger.

  • @BeepBeepNurseryRhymes
    @BeepBeepNurseryRhymes 7 місяців тому +11

    Great information bro

  • @ericphelps8116
    @ericphelps8116 Рік тому +1

    You sir have given me the hope to keep pushing on learning game dev again.

  • @danielwalley6554
    @danielwalley6554 Рік тому

    Great video mate. I'm on this journey myself, and the most daunting part is how I'm going to reach people and get the game out there. Making it's one thing - exposing it's another beast entirely! There were quite a few great ideas you mentioned in this video which I'll be keeping in mind.

  • @suryakamalnd9888
    @suryakamalnd9888 Рік тому +3

    Amazing video bro

  • @DJaycerOfficial
    @DJaycerOfficial Рік тому +11

    The best thing you could do as a solo game dev is to work on one thing at a time. Work it until you burn out of it, then work on another aspect. For example, if you don’t feel like coding for a week, try making the music. The first part of the indie game process should be coming up with a story that you can cling to.

  • @myinvinciblecompass
    @myinvinciblecompass 10 місяців тому +1

    This is the video I needed rigth now. Thank you for making this.

  • @radicalempire6599
    @radicalempire6599 Рік тому

    I needed this! Thank you!

  • @specterent
    @specterent Рік тому +6

    My path was a pain because I found all the wrong people that told me my ideas weren't possible, being a solo dev wasn't possible, every hurdle was a means to give up. Because of them, my childhood dream of making games turned into a life of depression and nightmares. It didn't help that I also had an antiquated view that to be a game dev you had to know C++ as well as SDL and do everything yourself. It wasn't till I found Jason Weimann's video about him changing from Unreal to Unity last week that I decided to try again, installing Unity just two days ago. It got to the point where I couldn't even describe my dream game because it pulled ideas from AAA RPGs to where all people saw was the AAA titles and thought I had the delusion I'd make a game of that quality and size. All they saw was Suikoden, Shining Force, and Final Fantasy and slammed me with "Just give up now."
    I'm married to a wife with Muscular Dystrophy so that I don't work, I'm a fulltime caregiver to her. We had a son who loved video games, but sadly back on July 1, 2020 he passed in his sleep due to his muscular dystrophy, he was fifteen years old. So I have a unique set of hurdles and challenges while also having unique freedoms that most don't have.

    • @Mrcgplay
      @Mrcgplay 10 місяців тому

      Brother, a similiar situation happened to me, a lot of people that appears in our lifes just to make us give up. But, I believe we can find a light at the end of the tunnel. If you still have interest in dev games we can try to be a partner and work together

  • @sminchan3732
    @sminchan3732 10 місяців тому +4

    I completely disagree with your approach. It's much more respectable to make everything yourself, or in a team. You are looking to make money or success. Fine, but clearly when you make everything to your own whim/spec it's the most artistically honest and valuable thing. I think you are spreading a very sad message where you're focusing on the outcome rather than the journey. Very sad.

    • @peacefusion
      @peacefusion 8 місяців тому +2

      doing it yourself also builds you as a game dev. unless your goal is quick cash marketing shiny dingy games.

    • @sminchan3732
      @sminchan3732 8 місяців тому

      Yes! @@peacefusion

    • @rency1803
      @rency1803 2 місяці тому +1

      I mean as a first game result is usually the ultimate motivation. After that you can kinda go with your own pace but I think having set goals to deliver result at least for your first project will help you both mentally and financially in the long run. That said I do agree that this is not the only way to solo dev, this is more of a "how to get out of a lump and be productive" video in my opinion.

    • @sminchan3732
      @sminchan3732 2 місяці тому

      @@peacefusion @rency1803 I'm glad we agree. Honestly I thought my comment would have a huge braindead backlash, but it hasn't

  • @johannes1791
    @johannes1791 Рік тому +1

    Huge respects to you! I started using unity engine like a week ago and been making my first game for over 6hours a day. You helped me to get even more motivation for doing this. Thank you : )

  • @iLusioNGamer
    @iLusioNGamer Рік тому

    One of the most inspiring videos about game dev i've ever seen.

  • @cryingwatercolours8127
    @cryingwatercolours8127 Рік тому

    the message of this video also translates well into big art projects like comics or animations
    and i appreciate that

  • @Alpatrixx
    @Alpatrixx Рік тому

    Thanks so much for this man, i needed this.

  • @amrsaber5457
    @amrsaber5457 Рік тому

    This video right here. That's Gold!
    Thank you for sharing your experience. It's very insightful and inspiring.

  • @tweezy2041
    @tweezy2041 Рік тому

    ACTUALLY ONE OF THE BEST VIDEOS I HAVE SEEN, REALLY INSPIRING!! MUCH LOVE

  • @NachitenRemix
    @NachitenRemix Рік тому

    This video is really motivational, but not with empty phrases like "you can do it, just do it", but with actual FACTS that really do help to stay motivated and productive. Thanks!!

  • @shadowdragoon5
    @shadowdragoon5 Рік тому

    Thanks for this message. I needed to hear this.

  • @fhy-jack
    @fhy-jack Рік тому

    You spoke from my heart. I have given up so many ideas half-way through the pass few years...

  • @TheRealEyeSpy
    @TheRealEyeSpy 4 місяці тому

    The thumbnail for this video is seriously one of the best on all of UA-cam - excellent!

  • @miniman6441
    @miniman6441 Рік тому +1

    I am a new game developer and I really really appreciate your work and words you have helped me alot thank you so much for all the talks and tutorials keep up making amazing content and thank you for the spark I needed to make my games

  • @hazeedevs3880
    @hazeedevs3880 Рік тому

    Wonderful video and much needed for beginners or solo game developers. I really appreciate your content full of empathy for Game Developer / Solo Entrepreneurs. ❤❤❤

  • @paspharo
    @paspharo Рік тому

    Thank you for this. It's what I needed to hear and is motivational.

  • @BubkisLord
    @BubkisLord Рік тому

    This actually resonates with me so much. I feel like I always have to use a new idea, and then don't have the time to do it. I also feel burnout, and 90% of the projects I made I completely scrapped half-way. Even though I have spent countless hours coding and developing games and other software, I only have a couple of actually finished projects to my name.
    Thanks for this video, it has helped me a lot.

  • @SaltGrassStudios
    @SaltGrassStudios Рік тому

    Thank you for this. Starting the Journey.

  • @lizodex9415
    @lizodex9415 Рік тому

    Thank You!!! The motivation I needed 😌

  • @user-si1rz7wb8s
    @user-si1rz7wb8s Рік тому +1

    Just wanna say thank you for all the videos you've made. It helps a lot and I am pretty sure I am not the only one how thinks the same

  • @naturestudioz9738
    @naturestudioz9738 Рік тому

    I'm going to make sure i keep these tips in mind for any project i create.

  • @alexgram4345
    @alexgram4345 Рік тому +1

    Great video - really loved it. Sincere, straight from the heart, lessons learned - try not to make my mistakes ! And I am doing them, reinveting everything, being a "rebel", changing everything on the fly.... Planning crucial ! Stick too it ! Complete it! No BS!

  • @cokebottlesteve9067
    @cokebottlesteve9067 Рік тому

    I’m only just seeing this video and I really needed it. Thank you

  • @bobonthenet
    @bobonthenet Рік тому

    Wow I feel like I really needed to hear this! Thank you so much for this real talk. I currently have a game that has been going nowhere since day one for all the reasons you describe.

  • @TGameDev
    @TGameDev Рік тому +2

    Relatable! Dropped quite a few projects in the past before ever really getting anywhere. Currently though I found a mentor, won a game jam, and have been consistently working on the project. I am a solo developer but am definitely not alone this time.

  • @iambecomejeff
    @iambecomejeff Рік тому

    Wow! The resources in the "What SOLO really means" section are SO HELPFUL!

  • @farhanjazli2780
    @farhanjazli2780 6 місяців тому

    Thank you for this video, to support you, I will buy one of your game. Keep it up man. This helped

  • @Auticusx
    @Auticusx Рік тому

    Thanks for sharing your experience Thomas. You are spot on 100%.

  • @DaunteFalck
    @DaunteFalck Рік тому

    Currently planning on making my first game and this video is really helpful for showing me the process

  • @denforstabrorsan
    @denforstabrorsan 11 місяців тому

    Thank you.
    This is the help and motivation i need to start my dream of becoming a solo game dev.
    I just want to say, thank you so much.

  • @pat17681
    @pat17681 Рік тому

    Thank you, simply thank you! You really do inspire a lot of us, thanks a lot.

  • @nighttsshade
    @nighttsshade Рік тому

    Well this really opened my mindset, im working by myself on an open world RPG and trying to create all the assets on my own. This has been helpful, thanks you.

  • @jestahjava4255
    @jestahjava4255 Рік тому

    This is great advice that is applicable outside of game development too - anything passion project related. Thanks Thomas