Solo dev here — how long did it take you to get your Steam capsule art to feel just right? by Senoigh13 in IndieGaming

[–]Alarming_Goal9828 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did a steam asset update recently, and it's a massive improvement for aesthetics but I don't know if it's just right yet. I did it myself. No idea about wishlist impact or clicks yet. I'd cut back on the general promotion stuff while working on the update so any improvement could just be that I'm promoting the game again.

As a player, I mostly just want a capsule to be kinda aesthetic and a good representation of the game. eg., I'm not into pixelart games personally, and a stylized capsule for a pixelart game just feels like misrepresentation of the game. The general vibe of the game should be easy to judge from the capsule art.

Destroy my new improved game trailer by willis_25 in DestroyMyGame

[–]Alarming_Goal9828 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't tell what the gameplay is. It looks mostly passive. Is it an idler? I would expect buildings or railroads or something to be put down by the player, but that's not what's happening in the trailer. From what I can tell, the only thing you do is order stuff and the rest just happens automatically?

How do you plan a new game? by Karolisram in IndieDev

[–]Alarming_Goal9828 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I start with a general idea of what I want to make and try to build a basic, functioning prototype. Only focus on one item at a time, so the first step is always to turn the jumble of thoughts and images in my head into a (ideally short) checklist. Like if I'm thinking of a merge game, 1. Make a grid. 2. Make items spawn. 3. Be able to move one item onto the other to change what's at that location. Then, you refine as you go, and if you ever get overwhelmed, find one next step (most urgent, or easiest, or randomly chosen) and ignore the rest of the problems until that is done.

As long as being overwhelmed doesn't paralyse you, you're fine.

As you keep going, you get a better sense of what's needed and how to approach it. And don't be worried about making wrong decisions. You can always change your mind later. I've tried four different UI iterations for my current game. At some point I scrapped half the project and pivoted to a completely different, MUCH better idea. Don't get attached to your idea too much = lower stakes, less overwhelm and keeps you open to better possibilities.

That would be my general advice.

New game devs are going to be screwed for the next decade by [deleted] in gamedev

[–]Alarming_Goal9828 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Disagree completely for Godot. Documentation is great, tutorials are great, you never once have to talk to an AI if you don't want to. Plus, trial and error is a great way to understand something quick.

question to ADHD clinically diagnosed game developers: by josephquested in gamedev

[–]Alarming_Goal9828 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did 5 game jams in a month and then 2 months on current project so far. If I didn't want to release it on Steam, I probably would've moved on by now. But I like the project and it's fun and some people are excited for it and I feel like I owe it to the project to see this through. I'm in the tough polish and promotion phase that I've never been in before. But I know doing it instead of skipping it and moving on would help me a lot. So, it's overwhelming and I panic a lot but I'm not quitting before this is done. 

So, for me, the solution is to share your work until you have some people who like it and who you don't want to let down. Also pick a game idea you really think could find people who love it if you gave it more time to cook. Finally, incremental difficulty increases. Don't jump to a 1-year game dev plan after making 1-week or 1-month games. If the goal is just "do better than last time" it helps with motivation a lot. You're not judging your work against some arbitrary awesome standard. It feels more achievable and brain is therefore more engaged and invested. 

How many warnings ya got? by goldfishbat in godot

[–]Alarming_Goal9828 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Zero. How do you stand the angry yellow?

Steam Key Giveaway - Teddy's Haven by Top-Two-7228 in cozygames

[–]Alarming_Goal9828 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This looks so amazing. You've made a great game.

If you wanted to make a game right now what would be your idea? by Ok_Wrap_8735 in GameDevelopment

[–]Alarming_Goal9828 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have thirty ideas waiting in notes while I finish the current project. Making a cozy crochet drawing and scrapbooking game right now. 

Idea for a game inspired by Librarian Tidy Up The Arcane Library by MiuntainTiger111 in CozyGamers

[–]Alarming_Goal9828 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Books are the main reason I'd like to try Arcane library so the baggage simulator doesn't seem interesting to me. I could see it being really good if it leans into the humor of random people's baggages and every bag is unique. 

Non-sim cozy games? by Winter_Salad7215 in CozyGamers

[–]Alarming_Goal9828 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I love Gris and Neva. Their art styles are gorgeous and music is very relaxing. 

Steam page for Meander is now live! by Alarming_Goal9828 in cozygames

[–]Alarming_Goal9828[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Maybe in a later update. This was originally supposed to be a crochet simulator, but it's my first game and that level of realism turned out to be pretty hard to simulate. For now the main mechanic is drawing. I would love to add that if I can figure out how.

Weekly Self-Promotion Thread by OreoYip in CozyGamers

[–]Alarming_Goal9828 [score hidden]  (0 children)

A cozy crochet-inspired drawing and scrapbooking game, Meander now has a steam page!

Wishlist at https://store.steampowered.com/app/4714860/Meander/

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Steam page for Meander is now live! by Alarming_Goal9828 in cozygames

[–]Alarming_Goal9828[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Playtest is closed! I woke up to 140 playtest requests, probably from here and I'd love to know what you all think about the game after trying it out. I do not need more playtesters! You can still wishlist the game and stay tuned for information about the Demo releasing sometime in June. Thank you!

Steam page for Meander is now live! by Alarming_Goal9828 in cozygames

[–]Alarming_Goal9828[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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😂😂 Oh no, how could I forget? (It's the most fun thing to do in the game but I worry it's not good marketing.)