Hey, everyone! 👋

I've been deep into game development for a while now, and I thought I'd share some of the most valuable lessons I've learned so far. Whether you're just starting out or have been in the game for a while, these tips might help you avoid some of the pitfalls I've faced. Let’s dive in!

1. Planning is Everything 

I used to dive into projects headfirst, thinking I could figure things out as I went. Big mistake! Proper planning and outlining your game's mechanics, story, and goals can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Trust me—having a clear roadmap will keep you on track and prevent burnout.

2. Scope Creep is Real (And Dangerous)

When you’re passionate about a project, it’s easy to keep adding features. Before you know it, the game you planned to finish in 3 months is taking over a year. My advice? Stick to your core ideas and execute them well. Fancy features can always come in updates, DLCs, or future projects!

3. Don’t Obsess Over Perfection

I can’t tell you how much time I’ve wasted trying to make everything perfect, from pixel-perfect art to flawless mechanics. Here’s the thing: your game doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be fun. Focus on what makes your game enjoyable, and don’t sweat the small stuff too much.

4. Community Feedback is Gold

One of the biggest game-changers for me has been getting feedback early. The itch.io community has been amazing for this. Posting devlogs and playable demos helped me see what was working and what wasn’t. It’s scary at first, but it’s one of the best ways to improve your game before launch.

5. Marketing is Just as Important as Development

You can create the best game in the world, but if no one knows about it, it won’t go anywhere. Start building your audience early, share your progress, and be active on platforms like itch.io, Twitter, and Reddit. The more you engage, the more people will be interested in what you’re creating.

These are just a few things I've picked up along the way. I hope they can help someone else out there who's in the trenches of game dev! Feel free to share your own experiences or ask questions below—I'm always happy to help or hear what you guys are working on.

Happy developing! 🎮