Hey, fam! 👋

I want to talk about something that hit me hard recently, and I think it’s something we don’t talk about enough in the game dev world. Spoiler alert: It’s NOT all about code, art, or fancy mechanics. It’s about something much bigger—and when I figured this out, it changed everything for me.

1. It’s About How You Feel When You Create

We’re all here because we love games, right? But somewhere along the way, I realized that making games isn’t just about building something cool for others to play. It’s about how you feel while creating it. The emotions you go through—the highs, the frustrations, the tiny wins—they’re what really matter.If you’re constantly stressed out, pushing for perfection, or doubting yourself, you're losing the joy of creation. So here's my advice: Find joy in the journey, not just the destination. It’s OK if something isn’t perfect. Focus on enjoying each little step. Trust me—when you’re having fun, the game shows it.

2. Your Unique Voice is Your Superpower

Here’s a truth bomb: No one can make the exact game that you can. It took me years to realize that. I used to compare myself to other devs, trying to be like them, thinking I had to follow the same path. But what I’ve learned is that the thing that makes your game stand out is YOU—your quirks, your style, your unique ideas.So, embrace your weirdness. The world doesn’t need another copy-paste game; it needs your voice, your passion. The moment you stop trying to be like someone else and start embracing what makes you, you, is when people will start to take notice.

3. Stop Trying to Please Everyone (Spoiler: It’s Impossible!)

I used to think I had to make games that everyone would love. I’d overthink every little detail, wondering, “Will players like this? Will they hate that?” But here’s the thing: No matter how hard you try, not everyone’s going to vibe with your game—and that’s totally OK.The moment I stopped trying to please everyone and started focusing on making games I would love to play, everything got easier. Your ideal players will find you, but only if you’re true to yourself. Don’t water down your vision to fit a mold—be bold, be different.

4. The Power of Consistency Over Perfection

You don’t have to be the best coder, the best artist, or the best at anything to succeed in game development. What really makes a difference is showing up consistently. Even if you can only work on your game for an hour a day, that adds up. It’s the small, steady progress that builds great things over time.So, stop worrying about making everything perfect. Just show up, do your best, and keep moving forward. The magic happens when you’re patient with the process.

5. People Love Authenticity More Than You Think

This one blew my mind. We spend so much time trying to create something perfect that we forget the power of being real and raw. When I started sharing my struggles, my messy process, and even my failures, people connected with me on a whole new level.Your community doesn’t want a picture-perfect, flawless dev—they want to connect with the real you. Be open, be vulnerable, and watch how much stronger your connection with your audience becomes. It’s crazy how much people appreciate honesty in a world full of polished, fake personas.

6. Your Game is a Reflection of You

This might sound deep, but every game you create is a reflection of who you are at that moment in time. It carries a piece of your soul—your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. That’s why making games is so personal. When you pour your heart into your work, people can feel that. It’s what makes your game special, even if it’s rough around the edges.So don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through your game. Whether it’s a quirky sense of humor, a love for nostalgia, or a passion for storytelling—infuse that into your work. That’s what makes your game yours, and no one can replicate that.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, game development isn’t just about creating something people will play—it’s about creating something that matters to you. It’s about finding joy in the process, embracing your uniqueness, and connecting with people through your work.I hope this resonates with someone out there. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember: You’ve got this. Keep creating, keep pushing forward, and most importantly—enjoy the ride.

Much love,  

David