Your First Game: Ship It, Don't Polish It Forever
Launching your first game is about proving you can finish a project, not about perfection. Many aspiring developers get stuck in a cycle of endless polishing, never releasing anything. This article will guide you on how to avoid that trap.
Start with a small, achievable idea. Resist the urge to build an open-world RPG as your debut title. Focus on a single core mechanic and expand from there.
Define your game’s essential features early on. Anything not critical to the core gameplay loop should be cut, or saved for a potential post-launch update.
Documenting your game’s design is crucial, even for solo projects. A clear Game Design Document (GDD) helps maintain focus and prevents feature creep. Blueprint can help you outline your vision quickly and professionally.
Timebox your development phases. Allocate specific periods for prototyping, alpha, beta, and release. Sticking to these deadlines builds discipline.
Don’t aim for AAA quality assets on your first project. Placeholder art is acceptable during early development; focus on gameplay first. Leverage existing asset libraries to save time and resources. Strafekit offers a wide range of royalty-free assets that can accelerate your development.
Prioritize gameplay over graphics initially. A fun game with simple visuals will always outperform a beautiful but boring one. Get your core loop feeling good before investing heavily in visual polish.
Playtest frequently, even with unfinished builds. Gather feedback from friends, family, or online communities. Early feedback helps identify critical flaws before they become deeply ingrained.
Marketing starts before launch. Build a small community around your development process. Share screenshots, GIFs, and devlogs to generate interest.
Choose a realistic launch platform. Steam and itch.io are popular choices for indie developers. Understand their submission processes and requirements well in advance.
Prepare for post-launch. Even if your game isn’t a massive hit, learn from the experience. Analyze player feedback and sales data to inform your next project.
Remember, the goal of your first game is to complete and release it. This achievement builds confidence, teaches invaluable lessons, and provides a tangible portfolio piece. Don’t let the pursuit of perfection prevent you from shipping.