Solo Dev Survival: Practical Tips for Finishing Your First Game

Starting a game development journey solo or as a student presents unique challenges.

Many aspiring developers jump straight into coding without a clear plan, leading to wasted effort.

This often results in abandoned projects and burnout, a common cycle in indie development.

First, define your game’s core loop immediately, before writing a single line of code.

What is the single, most engaging activity players will repeat?

Keep this loop minimal and focused, avoiding feature creep from the outset.

For example, if your game is a platformer, the core loop is ‘jump, move, avoid obstacles, collect items.’

Resist the urge to add combat, crafting, or complex narratives until this core is polished.

Another common pitfall is over-scoping, trying to build an AAA game with indie resources.

Solo developers especially must embrace small, achievable goals.

Your first game should not be an open-world RPG, but rather a concise experience.

Think about what you can realistically complete in three to six months, not three years.

Many successful indie games started as small, focused projects that expanded later.

Consider the example of ‘Stardew Valley,’ which started as a solo project but focused on core farming mechanics before adding depth.

Documentation is often overlooked by solo developers, yet it’s crucial for clarity and progress.

A simple Game Design Document (GDD) helps maintain focus and track changes.

It doesn’t need to be a massive corporate-style document, just a clear outline of your vision.

Even a basic GDD prevents scope creep and helps you remember why you started the project.

Tools like Blueprint can simplify GDD creation, making it fast and stress-free for solo developers.

This ensures your ideas are structured and accessible, even if you’re the only one reading them.

Art and asset creation can consume an enormous amount of time for solo developers.

Don’t attempt to create every asset from scratch unless it’s your specific expertise.

Leverage existing asset libraries, even for prototyping, to save valuable development time.

Royalty-free assets are readily available and can significantly speed up your workflow.

Focus your unique creative energy on the elements that truly differentiate your game.

Marketing is not an afterthought; it starts on day one.

Build a presence early, even if it’s just a simple Devpage showcasing your progress.

Share screenshots, GIFs, and short development updates regularly on social media.

Engage with other developers and potential players to build a small community.

This early engagement generates interest and valuable feedback, which is essential.

Don’t wait until launch to think about how people will discover your game.

Finally, maintain a consistent development schedule and avoid burnout.

Treat game development like a marathon, not a sprint.

Set realistic daily or weekly goals and stick to them.

Take breaks, celebrate small victories, and learn from setbacks without dwelling on them.

Journaling your progress and feelings can also help maintain motivation and perspective.

Your passion brought you here; discipline will see you through to release.