Solo Dev Survival Guide: Building Games That Actually Ship

Solo game development is a marathon, not a sprint. Many aspiring creators get lost in the initial excitement, only to abandon projects halfway through. Shipping a game requires discipline, smart planning, and a realistic approach to your resources.

The biggest pitfall for solo developers is often scope creep. An ambitious idea, while exciting, can quickly become an insurmountable mountain of work. Start small, focus on a core mechanic, and build outwards only after that core is solid.

Before writing a single line of code, define your game’s essential elements. What is the player’s primary goal? What are the core mechanics? How will the game end? Answering these questions early on prevents endless feature additions.

Consider using a structured approach to document your vision. Tools like Wayline’s Blueprint can help you create a lean Game Design Document, ensuring your ideas are clear and concise without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail. A well-defined GDD acts as your project’s compass.

Asset management is another critical area. As a solo developer, you cannot create everything from scratch. Leverage existing high-quality assets where possible, focusing your limited time on unique elements that define your game. Wayline’s Strafekit offers a wide range of royalty-free assets, from 2D sprites to 3D models and audio, which can significantly accelerate your development.

Prioritize features ruthlessly. For your first few projects, identify the absolute minimum viable product (MVP) that still delivers a complete, enjoyable experience. Anything beyond the MVP is a ‘nice-to-have’ that can be added in post-launch updates.

Time management is paramount. Dedicate specific blocks of time to development and stick to them. Avoid multitasking. Focus on one task until it is complete or you reach a natural stopping point.

Regularly test your game. Don’t wait until the end to get feedback. Early and frequent playtesting helps identify flaws and areas for improvement before they become too ingrained. Even friends and family can offer valuable initial impressions.

Learn to say no to new ideas during active development. Keep a ‘parking lot’ document for future features or new game concepts. This allows you to acknowledge exciting ideas without derailing your current project.

Don’t neglect the marketing aspect, even as a solo developer. Start building a presence early. Share your progress on social media, developer forums, and consider creating a devlog. Transparency builds community and anticipation.

Showcasing your work is crucial for visibility and future opportunities. Your Devpage provides a centralized place to display all your projects, whether released or in progress, across various platforms. This helps consolidate your portfolio and makes it easy for others to see your journey.

Feedback is a gift, but learn to filter it. Not all suggestions will align with your vision. Listen, consider, and then make informed decisions that serve your game’s core identity.

Burnout is a real threat. Schedule breaks, pursue hobbies outside of game development, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. A fresh mind is a productive mind.

Celebrate small victories. Completing a challenging feature, fixing a stubborn bug, or getting positive feedback are all moments to acknowledge. These small successes fuel motivation for the long haul.

Remember, shipping a game, even a small one, teaches invaluable lessons. Each completed project builds your skills, confidence, and portfolio. Focus on completion over perfection, and the experience will be your greatest reward.