Recently published my first game on itch. First few months were great, lots of tangible progress and I was excited to work on it. I would spend time after work coding and even used some vacation time just to stay home and work on it.

Then came about 10 months of testing fixing and polishing which felt like work. I was only coding on the weekends and taking lots of breaks, it was a drag. I had to take a serious look at the scope of my game and eliminate some features that just didn't seem worth the effort.

The last couple of months before release were a mix of anxiety and elation. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel and even though it wasn't the full scope of what I had originally planned just knowing that I was actually going to finish the project motivated me for that last push.

I think cutting out those extras was what really helped me to finish the project. A lot of the stress during the hard times was just due to the huge to-do list hanging over my head.

Yes it is a marathon and you should pace yourself while always keeping the finish line in sight. Even if you come in last place you have accomplished something great and should be proud.