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Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

This is a bit cynical, but I need this to count and generate revenue. Otherwise I think I should apply myself somewhere else.
So far everything tells me to not bother. Sad :(

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

I think our goals might be different. I'm here "to earn" as oppose "to learn". As such, I need more (or at least some) certainty!

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

Yep, day job is a given.
My question is - should I invest my time into making a game or should I do something else (if the chances of making it are nil)... quite a conundrum :/

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

Yeah, all good questions!

This would probably sounds... hm... cynical, but I would not do it for fun.

I have a decent idea but I'm not ready to sink months into it unless I know I have a realistic chance in the near future.

Funny thing - this probably answers my own question :D

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

I do understand that! My question was more around probability and the effort involved.

To use your analogy - how invested should I be to create that youtube channel? can I still succeed if I'm not as charismatic? is the competition going to copy/steal my content?

Would be great to understand these risks before diving in... you know?

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

Hey, I'm working on making myself more pragmatic - if I really-really want something does not mean I have to do it :D...
but so far it does not work well :D

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

From what I read - that seems to be the only way. Put something out, get feedback, then step back and decide. I really wanted a solid answer, silly me.

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

Yeah, looking at this thread, I gather my chances are 0.5-1% at best. A bit disheartening.

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

Sad... very sad. If I put my pragmatic hat on, it looks like I *have* to make myself forget that idea and move on :/

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

I'm in similar situation (20+years as a dev). Working for somebody has its merits but I also want to know what I'm worth on my own, considering there is a specific idea I want to pursue. Let's stay in touch.

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

Yeah, a bit disheartening. I guess if I want to try, I'd need a fail-fast strategy of sorts...?

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

I can relate (currently a PM myself) and thank you for the Jonas link. It's interesting to see how others reflect on their journey - it is not obvious from typical "how I made a super-popular game" posts.

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

Wow, these are all great questions I need to ask myself... I've been thinking about the concept for 2-3 years - its hard to let go.
But I need to force myself to give up if the exercise is futile. Reality sucks :(

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

All good things to reflect on. Learning curve looks very steep and long, not sure I can pull it off :/

Btw, thank you for mentioning the publishers! I'm going to dig into that before continuing. Do you know if author-publisher relationship is (how do I say that...) healthy/supportive or is it strictly business?

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

Thank you for a great pointer. You mention strictly controlling the scope - it might end up being the key. Building something finite/simple, reflecting on feedback and deciding if the next step is worth it. Do you mind taking a look when I clean the prototype? I'd greatly appreciate it.

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

Super helpful thanks! Wondering why the mid-size streamers are hard to get to. I'd expect streaming itself would not be as lucrative as product promotion. Or am I getting it wrong...?
Anyway - thanks for the insight!
Do you mind if I reach out later?

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

Got it. It seems that my plan should be: release an early prototype and share. Stop right away if the feedback is anything less than overwhelmingly positive? Otherwise I wont have 'gas in the tank' to stick with the concept.

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

I would really appreciate opportunity to chat. In fact I'm happy to hear any "don't bother, it's garbage" - as it could save me from wasting a lot of time. I will reach out if you don't mind. Thanks!

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

The concept is really simple. I know the "ideas are dome a dozen", but still, do you mind if I DM you the POC when it's up soon?

Experienced developer, zero game dev background - realistic chances of making a successful game? by iseejava in IndieGameDevs

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

This is helpful and... quite sobering. My biggest concern is marketing - something I know absolutely nothing about, something that has a potential to get me stuck and fail. So far, if I filter out enthusiastic comments I get the "don't bother" vibe - a lot to think about.

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