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Wasabi2 years ago (1 edit)

Hey. I feel you.

Your situation resonates with me. I want my game to soar to new heights and reach popularity when it fully releases, but I'm still very new to everything and I don't know how to get attention from users on itch. It's really hard... You have to put lots of effort into getting your work noticed around here...

But that's just par for the course, right?

The thing about monster tamer games is that they are immediately seen as Pokémon clones, even though most of them are MUCH more than that (look up "Cassette Beasts"). Just like how indie RPGs nowadays are immediately compared to Undertale, for instance. It's up to the creator to come up with a way that can make their project stand out, and that's really hard...

If you asked me, I'd say that your work is quite good! The pixel art is expressive and shows personality, the designs are charming, and you do seem passionate about what you do (the most important part). 

I don't have an issue with this, but your main problem could be how close to Pokémon your assets look. I've seen this happen before; If your work looks too much like a successful and renowned title, people will write it off 90% of the time. This combined with low interest in monster-taming games, could be the popularity issue.

Anyway. I'm gonna look at some of your work now, it looks cool!

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yano2 years ago

Yeah, I can see that. But, isn't that the same for all these zelda-like and stardew-valley like sets? Or is the sentiment different? I know there's a lot of negative energy around making monster tamer games, but I didn't think it was so bad that devs swear away from it..

Thanks for your take on it and the kind words, I certainly AM passionate about it! I just know my assets have the potential to excel, but as I said, I really like it itch, and don't think fondly of taking my assets elsewhere.. (is there even anywhere else?). Maybe I should move my focus towards curating to gamers, instead of game makers, not sure.

I don't feel like my assets look too close to Pokémon any more than a lot of these asset packs I see that are obviously closely referencing zelda or stardew. I've never copied Pokémon stuff, or even looked at them while drawing (as I've heard in doing so, it's impossible to be original), so if anything, you saying my stuff is similar to Pokémon makes me feel confident in my quality. Though, I do see how that can be an issue, as concern comes from buyers.

I'll probably update this set a few more times, maybe try something more generic or stylized, and if I still can't perform well, maybe I'll make that step towards selling to gamers instead of game devs.

It's just unfortunate, because I love (and am so passionate) about making games, and I want to provide a good, clear cut way for more people to find their ways into this field. But, maybe it's a fools mission, the serious developers will make original art for their games anyway^^

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Wasabi2 years ago (1 edit) (+1)

I want to say it's the same sentiment as the Zelda and Stardew sets, but I'm just not sure. I wish I new more about asset packs... I never really buy/download them because I'm adamant on making my own art. I am a growing pixel artist/animator, so maybe I'll think about making some one day...

Also, I just remembered how similar my game looks to Pokémon... I guess we're in the same boat!

I'm glad I was able to give you some extra confidence, but maybe I'm thinking too much like a game dev lol. Audiences for asset packs are probably different from audiences for games; Maybe it is just the audience, like you said. Perhaps selling to gamers, or both gamers and game devs, will give your skills the attention they deserve! 

Going more generic or stylized is a good idea... Making generic monster/trainer designs with your quality skills can help a lot of people, and likely draw more interest.

I admire your goal of helping other people get into the field! They'll come around :)

If you know that your work has potential to be great, then it's already great. It's your faith in your work that will bring you success! While it's true that other devs will want to make their own work, it's never a bad idea to offer others a hand (especially if the art is as good as yours)

And please don't leave itch... then what would I use as inspiration??? T-T

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yano2 years ago

Thank you again for such kind words XD I won't leave itch, these assets will always be here, and be updated, I rather meant I'd focus shift my focus elsewhere. For example, to selling games instead, or something.. Glad to hear I can be an inspiration to you though :)

I try to avoid making generic things, to avoid that trend. But maybe it's a trend for a reason, I'll have to null over it longer. Thanks for the great brainstorming session, I think we both learned some things here :)

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