How I Make Games While Working Full-Time

Summary

This video shares a personal journey of indie game development, balancing work, burnout, and life challenges. The creator reflects on making progress despite exhaustion, using time off to recharge, and even taking risks to focus on game creation. They discuss the non-linear nature of progress, staying motivated despite setbacks, and the importance of believing in one's idea, regardless of criticism. The creator encourages others to chase their passions, even when energy is low, and reminds viewers that they already have what it takes to succeed in game development.

Takeaways

• 😀 Taking time off work to recharge can lead to significant progress in your game development, even if it's a week of unpaid leave.
• 😀 Progress in game development isn't linear. There will be times when you feel stuck, but persistence adds up over time.
• 😀 Even small daily efforts can build momentum and lead to big achievements in the long run.
• 😀 Sometimes, taking a risk and leaving a stable job can give you the time and focus needed to make significant headway on your game.
• 😀 Financial struggles are real, but sacrificing for your passion can lead to valuable experiences and progress, even if it’s not financially ideal.
• 😀 The fear of failure or criticism is normal, but it's important to believe in your ideas and create something that you love, regardless of outside opinions.
• 😀 Burnout can be a serious obstacle, but giving yourself mental breaks and switching up your routine can help you stay productive.
• 😀 Game development can be a solitary journey, but it's possible to succeed even if you're on your own without external support.
• 😀 Not everyone will believe in your project, but staying committed to your vision and ignoring naysayers is essential for success.
• 😀 Success in indie game development isn't just about making money—it's about pursuing your passion and creating something that fulfills you.

Q & A

What was the initial challenge the speaker faced when starting game development while working a full-time job?

The speaker faced extreme exhaustion after work, making it difficult to find the energy to engage in any activities, including gaming or game development. Despite this, they managed to release their first indie game and nearly complete their second within a year.

How did the speaker manage to find time for game development despite their job's demands?

The speaker took time off from work, using paid time off (PTO) and, later, unpaid time to recover from burnout and focus on game development. This time off was crucial to making significant progress on their projects.

What was the impact of the speaker's decision to leave their job and rely on DoorDash income?

While it was a financially risky decision, leaving the credit union job to rely on DoorDash allowed the speaker to have more control over their schedule and dedicate more time to game development. This helped them release 'Boss Resolve' and start working on their next project.

Why did the speaker regret leaving their credit union job for DoorDash income?

The speaker eventually ran out of financial resources, leading to a stressful period. They had to find another job, but the experience, while financially tough, gave them the time needed to complete key milestones in their game development journey.

What advice does the speaker give to those who are stuck in a demanding job and unable to take time off?

The speaker encourages people to understand that progress in game development is not linear. There will be both good and bad days, and some days will feel unproductive, but consistency over time adds up, and inspiration can strike at any moment.

How does the speaker describe the process of making progress in game development?

Progress in game development is described as non-linear. Some weeks may feel unproductive, but reflecting on longer periods often reveals that many small steps have been taken, such as implementing a list of features or improving the game incrementally.

What example does the speaker give of a particularly difficult week, and how did they manage to still make progress?

The speaker mentions a challenging week where they felt unproductive but managed to make progress by creating a list of cards to implement in their game. Despite chronic fatigue, they still pushed forward, implementing each card and achieving their goals.

What is the speaker’s advice regarding external criticism of a game project?

The speaker advises to trust in your own vision for your game, regardless of others' opinions. Criticism, whether about the genre, originality, or technical aspects, should not deter you if you are passionate about the project. The heart of the game matters more than external validation.

How does the speaker view their own journey in game development, despite the challenges faced?

The speaker reflects on their journey as one that, although filled with hardships, was worth pursuing. They express a deep belief in following their passions and creating something meaningful, even if it doesn’t always lead to immediate financial success.

What does the speaker suggest for people who are passionate about game development but feel discouraged by setbacks?

The speaker encourages those passionate about game development to keep going, no matter the challenges or setbacks. The key is to believe in the idea and to continue creating, even if progress seems slow. The journey itself has intrinsic value.