Your First Game: Ship It or Sink It

Starting your first game project as a solo developer or student is exhilarating, but it’s also fraught with common pitfalls. The biggest challenge isn’t coding or art, it’s often project management and self-discipline. This guide will help you navigate those early waters and increase your chances of actually shipping something.

First, relentlessly scope down your game idea. Your initial vision is almost certainly too ambitious for a first project. Focus on a single core mechanic and build around that.

Think of games like Flappy Bird or Pong; they have one simple mechanic executed well. This approach allows you to complete a project, which is invaluable experience.

Avoid the ‘feature creep’ trap. Every new idea, no matter how small, adds significant development time. Stick to your core concept and resist the urge to add more until the base game is fully functional.

Documenting your design is crucial, even for small projects. A clear Game Design Document (GDD) keeps you focused and prevents scope drift. Consider using a tool like Blueprint to quickly organize your ideas and create a structured GDD.

Don’t aim for perfection on your first attempt. Your goal is to finish and learn, not to create a masterpiece. Many developers get stuck endlessly polishing an early prototype, never moving on.

Embrace iterative development. Build a minimal viable product (MVP) quickly, then test it, get feedback, and refine it. This cycle is more effective than trying to build everything perfectly from the start.

Art and assets can be a major time sink. For your first project, consider using placeholder assets or readily available royalty-free assets. Focus on gameplay first, visuals can be improved later.

Sound design is often overlooked but can dramatically enhance a game. Even simple sound effects and background music can elevate the player experience without requiring extensive effort.

Marketing starts before launch, not after. Even for a small project, consider how you’ll share your game with others. Building a small following early can make a big difference.

Playtesting is non-negotiable. Get your game into the hands of others as early and as often as possible. Fresh eyes will spot issues you’ve become blind to.

Listen to feedback, but learn to filter it. Not all suggestions will align with your core vision or project scope. Prioritize feedback that addresses critical bugs or major gameplay issues.

Set realistic deadlines for yourself. Break your project into small, manageable tasks and track your progress. This helps maintain momentum and provides a sense of accomplishment.

Burnout is a real threat for solo developers. Schedule regular breaks, maintain a work-life balance, and don’t be afraid to step away for a day or two when you feel overwhelmed.

Learn to recognize when a feature isn’t working or is taking too long. Be prepared to cut it, even if you’ve invested time in it. This is a tough but necessary skill.

Leverage online communities and resources. There’s a wealth of knowledge and support available from other indie developers. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel for every problem.

Finishing your first game, no matter how small, provides an incredible sense of achievement and a foundation of practical experience. Many developers never reach this point.

Seeing what others have created using available tools and assets can be incredibly inspiring. Check out projects showcased on Made with Wayline for examples of what’s possible.

Your first game is a learning experience. It’s okay for it not to be perfect. The most important thing is to complete it, learn from it, and apply those lessons to your next project.