Here are a few tips I can give you along the way:
- Do not try to build the next AAA title. Keep the scope small, especially if you are still a beginner. Your game already shows that you have good skills and that you are capable of implementing complex systems. Using pre-made assets is completely fine.
- Do not hold on to gameplay mechanics that you do not enjoy yourself.
- Try not to recreate real-world mechanics 1:1. Cheating is allowed. Focus on the core idea of the mechanic you want to implement. What always helps me is breaking mechanics down into their individual parts and then deciding: “How deeply do I actually want to simulate this mechanic?”
I do not know how you work or what tools you use. I recently started using ChatGPT to discuss my ideas in detail during the concept phase. When using GPT, it is important to assign it the right roles, move it away from being just a “yes-man” model, and never give GPT or AI the final decision-making authority.
About your project:
Fill the world with a bit more life. Most of the time, a few animated objects are already enough. They do not even have to be interactable; they can simply stand or move somewhere in the scene. Add more variety to your scene and include different types of buildings, streets, plants, trees.
Give your characters walking animations. This immediately makes the world feel much more dynamic. For example, let them walk up and down the street, and when you talk to them, have them stop and look at you. Try to improve the world you already have. Do not immediately add new features; instead, expand and improve the things that already exist. You will see for yourself what a big difference this makes.
About your point “no sound / no music”:
Here, I would also suggest looking for an atmospheric background sound from youtube or a sound website you prefer, something that plays in the background but does not become annoying. For ambient sounds, you can use different moods depending on the area the player is in, such as urban, nature, or something calmer. Choose something that you personally like. If you like it, most players will probably like it as well.
My game: https://itch.io/jam/gamedevtv-jam-2026/rate/4612954