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Well said. From discussions I've had about video games (and the same can be applied to most media), the big studios seem to lack heart most of the time, made for the sake of "what the chart says". Not sure about the AI tools, but I would imagine they'd have problems of their own.

I don't imagine video games would go away, especially since there's a lot of potential for what can be done right.  I think video games have potential as a good medium for storytelling.

Thanks for the insight, definitely agree with making art one is passionate about!

Thanks for the advice! Blender's probably the best option but I feel like I'm a bit slow to learn it because my brain is so set to Maya, haha. I've gone on Bluesky and Tumblr, though I've found I get the most engagement from Reddit, but there's still room to explore, of course. Thanks again!

Thanks for the advice and reassurance. Yup, I went with blueprints when using Unreal, and I found it quite intuitive. I suppose the problem was that I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted at that time, so I got intimidated by the idea of handling a project on my own. I think your suggestion is right: to consider what kind of game I'm aiming for exactly, and start simple (I have a better idea now).

Thank you for the advice! I'll consider looking through the tools section here, and maybe check out the furry community as well. Maybe I'll find some inspiration and a new perspective.

Thanks for the advice, it resonates with me.

Yup, I've only tried Unreal and Unity because of the popularity, and didn't really look into anything else. I did consider looking for another tool but was doubtful. However, I'll take your advice and do some exploring. I think that's a fair path to look into. Never know if you don't try.

I definitely do feel like it is a 'self-marketing' problem that's part of the issue, as well as the oversaturation. I've been given similar advice when sharing on Reddit, that I continue developing what I've got because it's a niche that people might look for eventually.

I agree that it's not necessarily a game I have to start with, and those suggestions are fair. Part of the reason I'm looking for a following is to show local gatekeepers there's interest in a certain style or theme.

Again, thanks for the advice. You're right. Remembering to breathe is just as important!

Thanks for the response, the insight is helpful! I definitely see the same struggle with many artists, with gaining a following. I think you've got a good point about that, and I'll change my perspective to focus on sharing the growth of the project instead.

Hi, I'm an artist with a background in 3D art. Originally, I had planned to help a family member develop games but it didn't work out. I worked in a big studio for some time, but I had to leave because the industry wasn't healthy. Furthermore, I felt like a small cog in a big machine. During the time, I saw the writing on the wall, that things weren't going to work out, so I tried playing around with software like Unreal Engine, but I didn't have the skill to get anything done. My brain doesn't really like numbers, as I lean more towards creativity and art.

Now, I'm feeling a bit lost, and honestly, pretty depressed.

I do have an idea for a worldbuilding project, inspired by one of the game ideas, but with my own spin on it. It's a worldbuilding project featuring anthro animals, a focus on fictional firearms, and plenty of lore tied up in a story. This is a project I have a lot of passion for. I'm mainly sharing art here-and-there and writing on Substack, but gaining a following is pretty slow. 3D software is too expensive for personal projects, so I'm teaching myself to do digital 2D art.

Does anyone have any advice for me?

Thanks in advance.