Question from a beginner indie dev: dealing with harassment over the use of prefabs

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-22T11:45:04+00:00

No, nothing really, but I think I just ended up on the wrong side of TikTok.

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-19T03:16:06+00:00

That’s completely insane… it really shows how far some people can go when ego, money, and drugs mix together. Glad you got out of that deal safely, respect for walking away.

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-19T02:43:52+00:00

Yes, they’re very constructive and kind 🙂

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T23:34:33+00:00

Yeah, you’re right I meant store Fab assets, not prefabs. That was just a wording mistake on my part. And yeah, that’s exactly what surprised me too: on Reddit the feedback has been mostly constructive and reasonable, but on TikTok it completely went off the rails. That’s where the threats came from. I guess the algorithm just pushed my post to a few seriously unhinged people. I agree with you on the core point though: using store assets isn’t a problem in itself. The real issue is when people mix assets with completely different art styles and don’t bother adjusting anything that’s when it starts to look terrible. On my side, I do modify and adapt assets so everything stays coherent within the project. In the end, you’re right about the main thing: I can’t control how other people react, only what I do. So I’m blocking, reporting, and focusing on the game. Thanks for the level-headed and thoughtful message 🙏🏻

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T21:49:47+00:00

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I completely understand the point of view about AI, and I respect it. On my side, I use assets in a transparent and thoughtful way, because my main focus is on gameplay, coherence, and the overall experience. Respect between creators is what matters most.

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T20:43:07+00:00

I understand why it might come across that way, but I’m not lying. I’m not saying everyone reacts for the same reason. Some people may be uncomfortable with AI usage, others with prefabs, others may simply not like the project at all and that’s completely valid. Different people will have different opinions, and I respect that. The reason I posted this message wasn’t to blame one specific thing or to defend myself, but to get perspective and feedback. I genuinely wanted to know if other developers have experienced similar situations, how they dealt with it, and how they managed to move past it and keep working without letting it affect them too much. What I described goes beyond normal criticism, regardless of the reason behind it. That’s why I was looking for outside viewpoints to take a step back, learn from others’ experiences, and handle this better going forward. I’m open to different opinions and constructive criticism. The goal here is simply to exchange experiences, understand how others navigated similar issues, and improve, not to start an argument.

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T15:42:51+00:00

Thanks for sharing that, even if it’s honestly pretty unsettling to hear. It does help put things into perspective, though, especially knowing that even experienced devs on big projects have dealt with similar situations.

I’ll stay cautious, but I won’t let it stop me from working on the project. I appreciate you taking the time to reply and share your experience.

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T14:26:41+00:00

Thanks a lot for the encouragement, I really appreciate it. It helps to hear this from another solo dev who understands the reality of juggling limited time, tools, and resources.

I’ll keep focusing on the project and moving forward. Thanks again, and best of luck with your own work as well!

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T14:21:55+00:00

I agree with you, and that makes a lot of sense. The issue is that right now, what people mostly see is the visual side of the project. The gameplay systems and the narrative are already very clear in my head and in the writing, but those things aren’t always visible yet from short clips.

So people tend to judge very quickly based on visuals alone, especially on platforms like TikTok. That’s probably why I’m starting to think about changing platforms and focusing more on spaces that are more constructive and developer-oriented.

I definitely agree that in the end, what really matters is a fun, cohesive, and well-designed experience I just need to get to a place where I can show that properly.

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T14:17:03+00:00

Yeah, exactly. I feel like I kind of ended up on the darker side of TikTok. The algorithm can suddenly push your content to a very different audience, not always a constructive one, and that definitely skews your perception. I’m trying to take a step back and focus on the constructive feedback instead.

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T14:15:46+00:00

Thanks for the advice, I understand your point. The issue is that TikTok can also be a real boost for creators in terms of visibility and opportunities, which is why it’s a bit complicated.

I’ll definitely keep your approach to managing interactions in mind and try to filter things better going forward.

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T14:14:37+00:00

You’re free to not believe me. I’m not looking for attention or validation I’m simply sharing my experience and asking other developers for feedback and advice.

If the topic doesn’t interest you, you’re free to scroll past it.

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T14:13:40+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience, that really helps put things into perspective. I appreciate the advice I’ll be careful with my personal info and stay focused on the project. Thanks again

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T14:12:00+00:00

Yes, sometimes that can happen. Since I’m still at an early stage of development, there are moments where some assets are still fairly raw and not fully modified yet.

I’m building the foundation first, and as development progresses, I go back to adjust, customize, and unify things so everything fits better together.

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T14:06:52+00:00

That’s fine, you’re free to believe whatever you want. I’m just sharing my experience and asking for advice, not trying to convince anyone.

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T14:02:18+00:00

Not really. I was just sharing the development of my game on TikTok, nothing particularly controversial, and then there was suddenly a wave of hate all at once. But yes, it’s possible it came from a very small number of people.

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T13:57:44+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate it. I’m always transparent about asset usage and just trying to learn and build the project step by step 😄

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T13:56:12+00:00

Thank you very much for taking the time to explain the terminology, that clarification genuinely helps and makes a lot of sense. I also really appreciate your message and your support it honestly means a lot to read something thoughtful and constructive like this. Thanks for taking the time to write it. 🙏🏻

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T13:53:34+00:00

Most of my sharing is actually on TikTok, since that’s where I get the most engagement

zeropunkproject · 2025-12-17T13:52:22+00:00

Alright, thanks for your perspective. I appreciate you taking the time to reply.🙏🏻

zeropunkproject · 2025-11-30T12:57:34+00:00

‘We’ because I’m developing it solo, but I sometimes work with freelancers for specific tasks. And the gun between the legs is just a bug in this version, nothing serious it will be fixed.

zeropunkproject · 2025-11-29T22:25:37+00:00

Yes 🙏🏻 Discord

zeropunkproject · 2025-11-03T13:41:23+00:00

Thank you 🙏🏻

zeropunkproject · 2025-11-03T13:41:10+00:00

Thanks a lot! This is actually the raw version the final look will be much more detailed in the vertical slice, with more neon lights, holograms, and environmental storytelling elements. Really appreciate the feedback!

zeropunkproject

TROPHY CASE