Sharing WIPs

Development of the roguelike deck building game is underway. It’s been a really rewarding experience the last two weeks having learned a lot about managing logic, working with lists and for loops, and my favorite part: solving problems. This is something that each project I do, and what I love so much about game development, that continues to keep me excited. I hit a roadblock and the answer seems impossible. How can I possibly make this idea work? And without fail, maybe with some compromise here or there, I inevitably come to a solution. It’s the micro-victories that really make the programming side of all this so rewarding.

And then when I post the result on Instagram, we see cards being dealt to hand…

Not really all that exciting.

Sharing these steps fills me with anxiety. When I show a video of the first week of development, it is not indicative of the final product. This is not the vision! Don’t judge this stage of the project! Don’t write this game off! This is mock art with no sound and barely functioning!

I should put my best foot forward, right?

It’s this feeling that can cause me to hesitate. It causes me not to act. But I think action is the goal. Not the result.

I recently burned through one of my favorite pieces of media: PsychOdyssey.

It’s a 32 part documentary from 2 Player Productions about Double Fine’s Psychonauts 2 development. It spans years and years of development and hardship and fun and nuance. It is an absolute gem of insight into long-term creative pursuit.

And not everyone or everything comes out looking great.

So why would Double Fine okay this? As PR, it’s an absolute nightmare. It’s raw and unflinching.

The answer is transparency.

In MinnMax’s interview with Double Fine’s CEO Tim Shaefer, he explains that transparency in game development fosters a stronger connection between developers and players. It allows players to feel involved and invested in the game's creation, enhancing their overall experience. Schafer has stated that by providing transparency, developers can build trust and credibility with their audience, leading to a more supportive and engaged community.

And I think if I really want to connect with folks that like what I’m doing, then I need to take the risk. I need to act.

Thanks as always for reading and following me on this journey.

Andrew