This is my first one of these! I've never released a game before!
I remember when the first one of these was announced, I was in my mid-20s and a very smart technology professional. I thought, "wow, you must need to be a very skilled and experienced software developer to create a game from start to finish in seven days, even a simple one."
Today, I am in my mid-40s and a complete idiot. I think "Lol, I'm gonna make a game." I have no experience, but going to try.
Over the last two decades I've seen a lot of impressive games being made for the 7DRL challenge, and there are real luminaries who are participating in this. I know there are no real qualifications for showing up, but I'm still thrilled just to be here. We are all going to make some great stuff.