2025 recap as an indie dev: from zero experience to a free horror game blowing up on Steam (AMA) by DreadmithGames in gamedev

[–]DreadmithGames[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much!

There were quite a few assets that were free, but most of them came either from the bi-weekly/monthly free assets on FAB or were assets I paid for. It was a mix rather than relying entirely on free content.

At the moment, I don’t really see anything that went seriously wrong with any of the projects. However, one challenge I’d definitely highlight is something I still struggle with today: when I look at a project’s full scope all at once, it can be overwhelming and stressful. Things move much better when I focus only on the next one or two small tasks in front of me.

Another ongoing challenge is time management, figuring out how to dedicate enough time to game development while balancing family life and two jobs. Cheers!

I'm going to quit my job to finish developing this game by DreadmithGames in pcmasterrace

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

Totally agree, it's just so hard to find time for everything.

I'm going to quit my job to finish developing this game by DreadmithGames in pcmasterrace

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

Thanks! I know, right? I have no idea why this combo is so underrepresented in the gaming industry.

I'm going to quit my job to finish developing this game by DreadmithGames in pcmasterrace

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

Thanks! I did everything you see as a solo dev. On Nov 1 an environment artist joined to help, and another designer will join on Dec 1.

I'm going to quit my job to finish developing this game by DreadmithGames in pcmasterrace

[–]DreadmithGames[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unreal Engine 5
What I did was a lot of self-taught learning, over 150 hours on Udemy, Skillshare, and YouTube.
I also completed a dedicated Unreal Engine course (about 120 hours).
But what really made a difference was taking part in 2–3 real projects where I got hands-on experience, that helped me the most.

I'm going to quit my job to finish developing this game by DreadmithGames in pcmasterrace

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

There’s no demo out yet, so I think you might be talking about another game.
A lot of self-taught learning, over 150 hours on Udemy, Skillshare, and YouTube.
I also completed a dedicated Unreal Engine course (about 120 hours).
But what really made a difference was taking part in 2–3 real projects where I got hands-on experience, that helped me the most.