Top 7 Questions About Solo Game Dev Burnout Answered
I’m SO Burned Out! Is Game Dev Even Worth It Anymore?! (Top 7 Questions Answered)
Okay, I need to vent. I’m a solo game dev, and I’m completely fried. I started this project full of passion, but now? I dread opening Unity. I’m behind schedule, I’m constantly stressed, and I’m starting to think this whole “indie game dev dream” is just a giant lie. Someone, please tell me I’m not alone! And more importantly, how the heck do I get out of this mess? I’m posting here because Google just gives me generic “take a break” advice that doesn’t actually help.
Alright, fellow burned-out game devs, I hear you. That feeling of dread is all too familiar. Let’s tackle this head-on. Here are some common questions/rants I see (and have experienced myself), along with actionable steps to help you claw your way back to sanity.
1. “I don’t even KNOW what’s stressing me out anymore! It’s just…everything!”
Okay, so you’re feeling overwhelmed. First step: identify your specific burnout triggers.
Step 1: The Burnout Journal Blitz. Grab a notebook (or use a digital document) and for the next 7 days, jot down everything that stresses you out during game dev. Be specific. “Coding the AI” is too vague. “Coding the AI’s pathfinding between 6 PM and 8 PM after a full day at my day job” is better. Note the time, the specific task, and how it makes you feel.
Step 2: Pattern Recognition. After 7 days, review your entries. Are there recurring themes? Certain times of day that are worse? Specific tasks that consistently trigger anxiety or frustration?
Step 3: Ruthless Prioritization. Now that you know your triggers, attack them. Can you eliminate any entirely? Can you delegate (more on that later)? Can you change the time you work on them? The goal is to directly address the sources of your stress, not just the symptoms.
2. “My game is too big! I’ll never finish it!”
Scope creep is the silent killer of indie games. Let’s re-evaluate.
Step 1: The Core Loop Audit. What’s the absolute minimum viable product? Identify the core gameplay loop that defines your game. Everything else is extra.
Step 2: The “Kill List.” Seriously. Make a list of features, mechanics, and content that aren’t essential to the core loop. Be brutal. Ask yourself: “Does this absolutely need to be in the game for it to be fun and functional?” If the answer is no, it goes on the kill list.
Step 3: Focus on FUN. Implement the core loop. Polish it. Make it addictive. Get feedback. Once you have a solid foundation, then consider adding back features from the kill list… but only if they genuinely enhance the core experience. Remember: a smaller, polished game is better than a sprawling, unfinished mess.
3. “I’m working 16-hour days and still not making progress!”
Long hours don’t equal productivity. It’s time for a realistic schedule.
Step 1: The Time Audit. Track your time for a week. Be honest. How much time are you actually spending coding, designing, and creating? How much time are you wasting on social media, procrastination, or inefficient workflows?
Step 2: The Productivity Blocks. Identify your most productive times of day. Schedule your most challenging tasks for those periods. Protect those blocks of time fiercely.
Step 3: The Rest Imperative. Schedule regular breaks, meals, and actual rest. No, “checking Twitter” doesn’t count as rest. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Your brain needs time to recharge. A rested brain is a more productive brain.
4. “I can’t afford to outsource anything! I’m broke!”
Outsourcing doesn’t have to break the bank. Get creative.
Step 1: The Value Assessment. What tasks are you spending the most time on that you least enjoy or that you’re not particularly good at? These are prime candidates for outsourcing.
Step 2: The Budget Reality Check. How much can you realistically afford to spend per month? Be honest.
Step 3: The Frugal Outsourcing Strategy. Explore affordable options: freelance platforms, student rates, asset stores. Consider bartering with other indie devs (e.g., you create music for their game, they do art for yours). Even small amounts of outsourcing can free up significant time and energy.
5. “I’m completely isolated! Nobody understands what I’m going through!”
Game dev is hard. Don’t go it alone. Build a supportive community.
Step 1: The Online Oasis. Find online communities (forums, Discord servers, Reddit) focused on solo game development or your specific genre/engine. Engage in conversations, ask questions, share your progress, and offer support to others.
Step 2: The Local Connection. Look for local game dev meetups or events. Networking in person can provide valuable feedback, collaboration opportunities, and a sense of belonging.
Step 3: The Accountability Partner. Find another indie dev who’s willing to be your accountability partner. Check in with each other regularly, share your goals, and hold each other accountable.
6. “If my game fails, I’m a failure!”
Your worth is not tied to your game’s success. Separate your identity from your project.
Step 1: The Values Inventory. What are your core values as a person? Are they tied to game development? Probably not. Focus on cultivating your values outside of your project. What makes you happy? What’s important to you?
Step 2: The Success Redefinition. What does “success” mean to you personally? Is it fame and fortune? Or is it learning new skills, pushing your creative boundaries, and connecting with other people? Redefine success in terms of your personal growth, not just your game’s sales figures.
Step 3: The “What If” Exercise. Imagine your game does fail. What then? Will your world end? Of course not. Remind yourself that failure is a learning opportunity. It doesn’t define you as a person.
7. “How can I track my progress without just staring at a blank screen?”
Consistent tracking isn’t about perfection; it’s about momentum.
- Step 1: Decide on a Devlog Cadence: How often will you commit to posting a devlog? Weekly is a good starting point. Don’t overcommit.
- Step 2: Content Buckets: Brainstorm the types of content you can include in your devlogs. Technical challenges, art process, level design decisions, marketing experiments - variety keeps it interesting for both you and your audience.
- Step 3: Embrace Imperfection: Devlogs aren’t showcases. They’re raw, honest updates. Don’t be afraid to show the struggles, the mistakes, and the lessons learned.
So, how do I put it all together?
All of this self-reflection can seem daunting, but the key is consistency. Just a few minutes each day can make a huge difference in your mindset and productivity. That’s why I started using a game dev journal. It’s helped me identify my triggers, track my progress (both big and small), and stay motivated even when things get tough.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Reflect and Re-center with our Game Dev Journaling Tool! topical seo-friendly link text