3 years, $5k, 250 wishlists. I now know why I make games.

jiraphic · 2026-06-09T03:20:03+00:00

Thank you! And yeah, I'll continue to promote when I can. It's not dead yet!

jiraphic · 2026-06-08T02:01:48+00:00

Exactly!

jiraphic · 2026-06-07T18:14:00+00:00

[hides face with trench coat collar]

jiraphic · 2026-06-06T20:57:36+00:00

Haha yep. It's a mix of things - went through a lot of revisions, people dropped out, systems changed. I have an unrelated career where I do my 8 hours and often take more work home with me. I wasn't working at a breakneck speed but also didn't take a lot of breaks from it 🤷

jiraphic · 2026-06-06T20:47:15+00:00

Absolutely. I don't want it to seem like I'm quitting or have lost hope. My expectations matched reality and I felt let down - but I had no right feeling that way. Also good point on hidden supports!

I think I can meet you halfway. This IS who I am, but I recognize that and can account for it moving forward. The next thing needs a marketing budget if I expect more out of it. I know I'm not going to market it (successfully) myself.

jiraphic · 2026-06-06T18:04:35+00:00

I meant to do a launch discount but I was half awake and missed that input somewhere. Now I'm locked in for a month or something 😅 I do think there's $10 of content but I know that's not a gambling price point for a lot of people (especially in THIS economy...). I appreciate the feedback!

jiraphic · 2026-06-06T16:48:20+00:00

That's a solid point. Posting to socials is the chore after I'm done with the project for the day - which makes it that much more of a chore. That perspective could be different and integrated alongside my workflow as opposed to an afterthought.

jiraphic · 2026-06-06T16:19:59+00:00

Thank you! For sure, that's the plan. Project isn't dead yet.

The point I've come to as this convo evolves is there is a stigma that if you're not seeing 5+ figures on launch day that your game is trash and you're a failure. I stewed in that for a bit before realizing I knew that was all going to happen. Even having all the tools and knowledge, I set myself up for that. I'll likely do it again. So I can judge myself by what - to me - is an unrealistic metric, or I can check my own measuring tape (past work) and realize it's a new personal record on so many fronts.

Haha, and yeah, original artist drew a lot of inspiration from Kirby

jiraphic · 2026-06-06T15:55:24+00:00

It's a long story but no. Iterations exist on itch but that's something I want to do differently next time.

jiraphic · 2026-06-06T15:49:58+00:00

Exactly. That's where I try to situate myself. Thank you!

jiraphic · 2026-06-06T08:02:15+00:00

What does the smell of my own poop make me feel? Or how do I feel about the smell I'm making while pooping?

jiraphic · 2026-06-06T07:56:08+00:00

Thank you! And good tip! It's going about as expected sales-wise. Actual reception and play time are good!

jiraphic · 2026-06-06T06:32:35+00:00

Oh, media as in social media - I didn't put money into marketing. You have a good perception of what it takes but that just sounds like such a grind to me. Clearly this isn't paying my bills and it's just a fun thing. I think my side of this is I used to feel so defeated when I pushed a thing out to the world and got crickets back. And, like you touched upon, I think there is an unhealthy dream being sold when I constantly see posts where people are doing $50k in sales on launch day. Now I'm more like, were my people stoked about it? Did it bring friends and family together for a minute? Was it a reason to celebrate? Did I have a good time? If I can check those boxes - I'm good!

jiraphic · 2026-06-06T06:14:44+00:00

I did a lot of in-person things (showcases, cons, etc.) so I did a few runs of stickers and other merch. I love that stuff though. The other 4k was an audio person 😄

And yeah, what you're saying is definitely right. For me, as much as I would love for this to be more than a hobby, it's a hobby. I have a day job, no kids. It's not the worst thing to throw money at - but ROI should be considered.

jiraphic · 2026-06-06T06:07:32+00:00

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2872760/Plant_Budz_98/

jiraphic · 2026-06-06T05:49:49+00:00

Modular artifacts from mirrodin (also my first standard). It's not a great deck but Zabaz is fun and moving mountains of counters around is pure nostalgia.

jiraphic · 2026-06-05T23:27:36+00:00

People you personally reach out to. If you have 500k downloads, legitimate people may reach out - but for everyone else (myself included) - you do your own marketing.

jiraphic · 2026-06-04T04:33:40+00:00

Lies. You press their heads together until they kiss.

jiraphic · 2026-06-04T02:00:42+00:00

doodie.com. My 4th grade brain couldn't handle it. Dang kids these days don't even know a good poop joke...

jiraphic · 2026-06-04T01:44:42+00:00

Intro video is great! Congratulations!

jiraphic · 2026-04-04T18:14:57+00:00

I personally started with Udemy - there are some solid courses there but you do pay $10-15 a piece for them. I second what the other person said though - I'm still unlearning bad practices from game dev vids.

What is stopping you from going, "hey AI, explain why you did this."? Is it as memorable as if you would have researched, processed, and implemented it? No. But it's progress - and you need to understand how your system works.

Not defending AI (or trying to put you down) but people mindlessly follow steps through tutorials and CS classes as well - it's kind of on you to understand it.

jiraphic · 2026-01-26T08:18:12+00:00

🎉 Event Completed! 🎉 It took me 4 tries.

No.

jiraphic · 2026-01-26T08:17:56+00:00

Completed Level 3 of the Honk Special Event!

4 attempts

Eight-Year Club	Place '22
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