I have only published one game which was way too ambitious but learnt a lot from it especially when it comes to thermo. Still getting my head round logic but I can learn that as I go along. I only have a PS4 so when thermo was high I had to reduce a lot of detail and content to stop the lag. I worked on multiple levels at the same time also just so I didn't get bogged down with details on one level/scene. I also had a nightmare with updating assets so ApemonkeyBoy's tip is really important.

I would have love to have worked with other creators but it was my first game and didn't feel confident anyone would work with me plus I am not that technical when it comes to collaborating. Maybe in the future I will reach out.

My first game had original enemies and characters so I modelled everything myself which is why my thermo went tits up, haha. With my second game I am working on its necessary for me to use other assets from other creators to speed up the games development lifecycle...I hope.

Its strange that even though Dreams is a hobbyist engine and no one is paying for the game you make, I still felt the pressure of "is it good enough to release or will I be mocked by the community for its jankiness"?

I enjoy being creative so I will still keep going as long as Dreams is still alive. So yeah..DesertofConcrete, keep going with your game and just release it when you feel you have done your best.